Task 1

177 words, 25 minute (after self corrections)

The first chart below illustrates the amount of people who visited the UK from other countries and who travelled overseas from the UK during a couple of decades (between 1979 to 1999). While the bar graphs indicates the favorites countries visited by UK residents in 1999.

In the first stage of the period, less than 15 million people from the UK went to foreign countries; this proportion increased in low level till 1984 when started rising greatly to reach a top of more than 50 million in 1999. At the same time, in 1974 ten million people travelled to the UK; it remained steady for around 16 years, after that it increased quickly to finish at more than twice at the end of period.

Otherwise, the most visited place in 1999 by UK residents was France, more than 10 million people chose that place to travel; followed nearly by Spain (around 9 million). In a different way, only around 4 million went to the US, fewer went to Greece, and almost 2 million people travelled to Turkey.

Task 2

Creative artist should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restrictions on what they do.

To what extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

265 words, 33 minutes (after self corrections)

In some countries, governments are used to making decisions related to some regulation about what kind of art is allowed to exist or not. While, some people believe that artist should be free as they want to. Those groups support the idea that the only limit for artists ought to be their creativity. It is a complicated issue which needs a deep down evaluation before offering an opinion.

Many people around the history have described art as a mirror of the culture. They have said that every society develops some specific types of artistry manifestations to illustrate that particular reality.

Consequently, it is common that governments do not want to permit showing everything which is happening in some historical moments. Most of people think that it is the only reason to censors art, and they could not accept that idea.

On the other hand, presently some artists get used to express their opinions and creativity in disrespectful ways, for instance on private walls or public structures. It is becoming usual that some people modify those things in name of the art. From my point of view, it is a wrong practice because the right of someone to express his/her artistic skills is not a reason to break the others rights.

In conclusion, art is an essential way to show situations and historical events, so it must be free; however, any kind of creative actions should affect either private or public structures or walls; because those forms of manifestations are in the limit between art and vandalism; then government need to take care and restrict them.

Task 1

150 words, 22 minutes (after self corrections)

The bards graph below illustrates how proportion of women and men studied in different levels of post-school qualifications in Australia and received their degrees in 1999.

The majority of people who were certificated as Skilled vocational diplomas were men (90%); while the most popular qualifications in women were Undergraduate diplomas (over 70%) and Bachelor’s degrees (over 50%).

People who studied Postgraduate diplomas were 70% men and 30% women. Otherwise, those who received Master’ degrees were 60% men and 40% women.

After this information, it is easy to understand that in Australia at the end of the last century men tended to study longer time than women. Meanwhile, female population looked for basic skills in order to achieve some qualification.

Moreover, there only 10% of women got the highest study level in 1999. Nevertheless, in any other qualification, the difference between women and men was too long as Skilled vocational diploma.

Task 2

Happiness is considered very important in life.

Why is it difficult to define?

What factors are important in achieving happiness?

258 words, 30 minutes (after self corrections)

Some people believe that reach happiness should be the aim of the life, others that it is a fast emotion that people only feel in few moments, or that it is a way to see and experience the life. However, it is a hard point to define because it is an issue which involves lots of elements. That is why I think that it is essential to evaluate deeply this point before offering an opinion.

Every person has an individual idea about what happiness mean; it is a very personal concept because each one attributes specific value to it, for instance that it is a feeling which people live after important moments such as graduations or awards. People who support this opinion say that happiness is short and quick.

On the other hand, there are people in favor that happiness is not just a feeling; they tell others that it is a form to live and it is not necessarily related to have good mood, because a happy person is someone who face the life with an inner satisfaction and optimism.

Furthermore, they say that when this kind of person is living a bad moment the internal idea about life and herself/himself ways to cross it are from happy elements which are strong inside him/her.

In conclusion, all those factors are linked to happiness definition and become it complicated to find a clear idea without leave out fundamental elements. From my point of view, happiness should continue being a personal concept even if dictionaries give a general idea.

Task 1

176 words, 29 minutes (after self corrections)

The couple of charts below are related to the use of electricity in England; the first one shows the amount of electric power used in winter and summer. Meanwhile, the pie graph informs about the percentage of electricity used in different needs into British houses.

People there spend around twice more electric power on winter than summer. The day’s hours when people use more electricity during cold days are between 9:00 p.m. to 10:00p.m., but it tends to have fluctuation; in the afternoon and around 2:00 a.m. there spend high electricity level. While, in warm time, people use more electric power between 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; at night, it has a reach again at 10:00 p.m.

Otherwise, the main uses of this resource there are heat rooms and water (over 50%), followed by activities related to cook such as the use of oven, kettles and washing machines. People spend 15% of their electricity at home in leisure activities like watching TV or listening to radio (and lighting house); and the same proportion as other devices. 

Task 2

279 words, 31 minutes (after self correction)

Around the world, there are happening lots of important events every second, people need to know about those in order to develop opinions and have the opportunity to take care about some important issues to them. Nowadays, media is the main way to run information, but there are many different types of it; it is essential to evaluate which of those are better and why.

Television is maybe the most popular resource of convey news in these days; some obvious benefits of TV are that it is easy to use; people do not need to make any effort to utilize it. They just turn on and watch it; moreover, in general, information on TV is clear and with wide range of opinions. The downside is that TV’s news are about global information and people do not have a chance to find news related to their community.

On the other hand, radio has the same good points, but everybody can locate local information there. However, anything is perfect, and in this case, this kind of media face a big problem, because sometimes the signal works bad and it does not sound as well as people would like to listen to it.

Finally, comics are very interesting tool to offer news, because they tend to be very critic with events; they help people to think deeply in some trouble and encourage them to read more in order to build a clear opinion.

In brief, all forms of media give to people different types to have information and develop opinion over them; from my point of view, any of them is better than other, they are just distinct and for diverse situations.

Task 1

154 words, 26 minutes (after self corrections)

The chart below is about the percentage of different types of families which lived in poor conditions in Australia in 1999.

Elderly people had the fewest amount of poverty, in both cases, single and couple. Only between 4% to 6% f them lived below the poverty line.

Otherwise, single people in all cases (senior citizens, no children and children families) were who showed the highest levels of poorness there n that year; moreover, those who had children alone were the poorest ones (21%) in comparison with the rest categories.

Couples with children or without them were poorer than old people in general, but significantly less poor than those who lived alone.

Summarizing, in Australia 11% of population had low standard of living in 1999, and most of them are single with children or without them; elderly people were who reached better living condition in this study followed by couples without children and with them.

Task 2

“Prevention is better than cure”

Out of country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventative measure.

To what extend do you agree or disagree with this statements?

33 minutes (after self corrections, 251 words.

There are interesting discussions whether countries should spend more money in education to prevent some disease or in treatment of these. It has been a large issue around the world, and now it is essential to evaluate this point deeply before offering an opinion n order to achieve a clear idea about it.

Some problems such as childhood obesity, high insulin levels and heart illness have become in global  epidemic which affect people lifestyle; consequently their work productivity tend to decrease and government need to spend bigger amount of money in people health improvements.

Moreover, the largest percentage of these problems are related to basic elements in people daily life like high levels intake of fat and sugar, poor physical exercises and low fruit and vegetable consumption with tend to deteriorate people’ bodies.

From my point of view, government main aim should be reach better living conditions for their people; that is why, they must look for teaching them better habit to encourage people to find a live with more healthy opportunities than they have at the moment. Furthermore, it is cheaper to invest in education programs than treatment for sick people.

In conclusion, leaders ought focus on helping people to aware about better routines brings long-term benefits to them, because more healthy people are less expensive and more productive for a nation; what is more, it is a good way to have high standard of living in both personal and global situation with a stronger workforce and more happy people.

Task 2

Fatherhood ought to be emphasized as much as motherhood. The idea that women are solely responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies leads on to the idea that they are also responsible for bringing the children up.

To what extend do you agree or disagree?

283 words, 30 minutes (after self corrections)

It is common in most of societies that the father role in breeding is not as clear and important as the mother one. Some people believe that it must change and men should have a stronger participation in family life. I think that it is an important point which needs a deep analyze before offering an opinion.

Women are genetically able to deliver babies ad feed them in the very beginning. However, human lives need lot of factors to be healthy; the majority of them are related to social relationships and love exchanged. Some researchers have demonstrated that a child who receive good feeding but lack of love get sick in short time.

Therefore, in these days, many psychologist tend to say that fatherhood is essential in people and it is fundamental to encourage men in the developing process of their children; what is more, they have the idea that pivotal behaviors are learned from fathers and children without this figure in their lives or with distant dads are used to carrying more problems in their adulthood times.

From my point of view, it is necessary to foster men to be close to their children in order to ensure better people in future and consequently a better society. Moreover, every family has positive aspects and downside, but those one that have obvious and firm definition of father roles and then to give support to their members have better basis to offer good tools for future.

In conclusion, children whom father are more involved in their daily lives may be stronger adults with fewer problems than those who did not have the same opportunities. Fathers are as important as mothers are in people lives.

Task 1

178 words, 26 minutes (after self corrections)

The chart below is about the percentage spent by British people in 6 listed items (central heating, television, video, vacuum cleaner, refrigerator, washing machine, dishwashers and telephone) in a period between 1972 to 1983.

The amount of use of them showed in all those cases a rise during this time; but the main difference is in how many hey increased.

Central heating and telephone had the biggest contrast in the last stage with a growth of 34% in both, they were followed by refrigerator (20%) which was the second element more bought in this time, it was steady in comparison to others but the favorite devise for people there.

Otherwise, information about other items is not complete and the table only allows to know that the consumption of video was 18% in q983, vacuum cleaner had a slight increase in a decade (1972-1982) to close in 9% more than in the very beginning, and dishwashed started in 3% and rose a small gain of 2 percentage points between 1978 to 1983, this was the most unpopular of them.

Task 2

In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility.

What are your opinions on this?

                                                   

264 words, 26 minutes (after self corrections)

Around the world, there are some countries in which it is common that children have a job for different reasons. Some people think that it is an unacceptable idea, while others believe that early work has obvious benefits. I am not sure if it is an easy issue, that is why, it is essential to analyze this point before offering an opinion.

People who are in favor of young workers support arguments such as early these early experiences help children to become stronger and more responsible; at the same time when they are earning money to improve their lifestyle and support their families. Moreover, they say that a man in his 20s with 10 work experience years is more valuable for a company than another without it.

On the other hand, childhood is a short period of life, and it is the moment to learn important things in order to develop the brain and reach more skills for future. For this reason, it is normal that children spend their time at school and playing, because these are safe ways to foster their future abilities.

Furthermore, early ages are a time when people need that older taking them under their wings, and teaching them every pivotal element about the life in both school things and manner to face life situations and troubles.

In conclusion, from my point of view, working during young stages has more downside than good points; then, it is only adult responsibility to work and encourage children learning as much as they can. It is the way to achieve better living conditions.

Task 1

171 words, 26 minutes (after self corrections)

These three bard graphs are about a comparison between developing and industrialized countries in the amount (on average) of study years, scientists and technicians people and how much those group of nations spent on researches and developments; all these information in years 1980 and 1990.

Developing countries show an average of more than 6 years less to study in people than population from industrialized nations. Additionally, in year 1980 only around 10 people were either scientist or technicians of each 1000 in developing countries, while there were over 40 in industrialized one. After a decade this sums increased a few in developing world (around 17), meantime, in the other group, it rose greatly (more and less 70).

Otherwise, developing countries invested around 50 billion dollars on researches and developments in 1980; meanwhile, developed nations tripled that quantity. To make things worse, for drawback countries, they spent less than the middle in the next decade; and at the same time, industrialized nations reached a peak on those investment (over 300 billion dollars).

Task 2

Popular events like the football World cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tension and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

265 words. 34 minutes (after self corrections)

Some international sport events such as Olympic Games and World Cup (of football or rugby for instance) are an opportunity to encourage nationalist loves and distend some difficulties among countries. However, it all depends on the way that it is driven and the sense which every person give to that.

Around the world, there have had lots of wars and troubles between countries which have carried many rivalries that have produced tension and some hates in people toward some forests. It is why, some leisure activities like global sports might help people to face their bad feelings in an adaptive way.

On the other hand, sometimes sports awake strong fanaticism and a high proportion of fanatics can become violent with other after a game; what is more, on several occasions a group of people who follow a team have assaulted this one when either the score was not pro or the team did not play as well as people who support them expected.

Nevertheless, I could not agree more with the idea that these world sport event are a wonderful time in both, to deal with bad emotions and promote some patriotic feelings. Nonetheless, it is essential to create an educational campaign in order to avoid violence in general during these occasions.

In conclusion, from my point of view, I hardly ever find an objection to foster activities such as World Cups, because I think that it is a great way to solve old international problems, but there is fundamental to look for a way to prevent fanatic aggression.

Task 1

178 words, 25 minutes (after selfcorrections)

The couple of graph below are about the amount of Japanese tourist who travelled out of their country in the decade between 1985 to 1995, and what percentage of them visited Australia.

In the first stage, around 5 million of people from Japan went to journey abroad; however, this number was rising quickly and with few fluctuations. At the end of the period (in1995) almost 16 million of Japanese tourist visited other countries.

Otherwise, in the year 1985 jut 2% of those tourists went to Australia. Nevertheless, it rose greatly the next 3 years, and in 1988 nearly 5% of them visited Australia; it was followed by a small down in 1989, but after that the percentage of Japanese tourist who travelled to Australia increased significantly. In the last stage, around 6% of them went to that country.

Summarizing, in a time of 10 years, the number of Japanese who visited forest countries increased in more than 10 million. On the other hand, the percentage of them who went to Australia was three times bigger at the end. 

Task 2

Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the development of poorer nations. However, the government of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this point?

277 words, 33 minutes (after self corrections)

Around the world are big difference between developed world and poor countries; however the essential keys of improve the last once are working in health, education and trade. It is possible that with help from richer nations, developing countries could reach better life conditions; but I am not sure there is an easy answer, and it is necessary to think deeply about it before giving an opinion.

Countries with high standard of living could have a chance to offer some tools and support to countries which are below the poverty line in order to encourage better health facilities, higher literacy rates and good wages for people. This kind of help would be a great input for the whole world.

On the other hand, it is common that the poverty in countries is not related to lake of resources or help; on the contrary, most of developing nations have lots of natural richness and they tend to make bad decisions at the moment to manage them. To make things worse, they are used to feeling the government of wealthy nations as nemesis of them.

From my point of view, every case is different and even if countries with better standard of living have more opportunities to help others nations, it is not their obligation. I am not expert, but I believe that it depends on each specific country and its interests.

In conclusion, though the world conduction is a responsibility of all (rich and poor) each country should be able to look for better ways to improve their people lifestyle, and only in some case when nations have a clear intention, the developed world have to help others.

Task 1

173 words, 26 minutes (after self correction)

          

The chart below is about the group of people who did not have a job during a period of seven years (between March 1993 and March 1999) in the United State and Japan.

In the first stage, the rates of unemployment were dramatically different in the US from Japan; there has 4% more people without any kind of work in the US than in Japan (7% in the US and 3% in Japan).

Nevertheless, the amount of unemployed people in the United State was decreasing slowly and with some fluctuation; at the same time, in Japan happened exactly the contrary. Consequently, in the last period, both of countries had the same proportion as people who were not working; it was around 5% of the workforce unemployed in March 1999 for those nations.

Summarizing, those countries began with a high level of difference in the percentage of people who had not a job (4%), but after 7 years this rate was changing and they finished the term with similar proportion of people without work.

Task 2

Most students choose to work part time during university studies. Do you think its a good or a bad idea? Give your opinion and support it with an explanation and examples.

276 words, 31 minutes (after self corrections)

Nowadays, it is often that university students are used to having an employ in order to get money. It has obvious benefits and negative effects; so it is essential to analyze deep down this point before giving an opinion, because it is a serious issue which need an important reflection.

Working during high study time (such as college and university) is a great opportunity for young people to earn experience and prepare themselves for the future as part of the workforce in their community and society. Moreover, they have a chance to discover what kind of work they really want to do, at the same time they are gaining money for their expenses.

On the other hand, parents are worried about that students have bad scores in their matter because they are focusing on the job and forgetting their academic business. Additionally, another worry is that students could leave the university or college because they only want to have money.

Nevertheless, the attitude toward both studying and working depend on each person and her/his goals. Then, from my point of view, if a student is not clear or is feeling confused, their parents should help to he/she supporting in both economic and personal needs, and avoiding that she/he works while is at the university. However, when a student is focus on his/her career, it is fundamental to encourage to he/she to work at the same time.

In conclusion, I think that in general, it is a wonderful idea that university students find a job, but it is pivotal to be careful about specific features of each student to offer better options related to his/her needs and interests. 

Task 2

In the modern world, the image (photograph or film) is becoming a more powerful way of communicating than the written words.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

29 minutes (after self correction), 266 words.

These days, people tend to prefer imagines than written to communicate their ideas and news; it is frequently that the majority choose to watch a movie or picture instead of reading an article. It is an expression of how people are changing as well as their interests and way to show them.

In the past, all important information and opinion were written; when someone wanted to know about anything important they were used to reading newspapers or books. This communication way has been essential for the humanity life, because it is a method to keep our history and understand how people have changed.

On the other hand, technological developments have carried lots of new ways to do all things. In this case, it has altered people communication habits. Nowadays, it is usual that people prefer using a photograph to show and summarize something important. Then, theses new types of communication are mirror of human changes in general.

It is hard to say that one or another costume to express both ideas and news is better. From my point of view new and old-fashioned forms to communication are important and offer fundamental tools to people. Each one has obvious benefit and downside, but they have place and aim in our lives which are pivotal.

In conclusion, the most important thing is find the position of each innovation, and rich our lives using it as an opportunity to improve our standard of living and education ranges. Any of those communication ways is better or worse than other, but they may be a team to improve people global touch.

Task 2

Some people think that genetically modified (GM) crops are a positive development. Others, however, argue that they are potentially dangerous.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

286 words. 30 minutes.

Genetically modification crops are becoming more and more popular each day, because it is a solution for high rate of food that humans need to feed. However, it is a controversial point, because some people believe that this kind of crops might be hazardous, while others do not mind about that.

It is usual that each new development wakes up lots of dreads; moreover, talking about food people tend to be worried because health and food are directly related each to other. So, genetically modification crops bring many concerned such as they are not natural and may be dangerous to our bodies, as well as they could generate pollution or environmental problems in general.

On the other hand, scientists have developed these types of crop in order to solve a social problem, because people need more food that they can find from nature. Then, an obvious effect of them is more people can receive food around the world. Additionally, companies which produce genetically modification crops are obligated to investigate if their products are hazardous, and when they may put in risk people health, they are eliminated and it is prohibit selling.

 Nevertheless, it is essential to offer a solution to people who are worried about this situation. From my point of view, it should be well known all experiments to prove that they are safe, and allow people asking about their doubts.

In conclusion, it is natural that people are apprehensive about modified crops, but it is a solution of a world trouble. People need to receive more information about these crops, and companies should start an education campaign encouraging people to know deeply about it and feeling quiet when they buy and eat their food.  

Task 1

 150 words. 19 minutes (after self corrections)

The couple of illustrations below show the process used to produce electricity from wave power.

There is a cliff over the ocean floor which has a structure in a diagonal position. It is compounded by three elements: a chamber (it is the biggest part), turbine (into the column) and vertical long column.

First, waves arrive into the chamber and the air pushed it in the rest of the structure; then the water in the process to raise meet with the turbine that produces electricity while water is reaching the peak of the column.

After that, water starts the process to come back to the ocean, but when it faces the turbine again, more electricity is generated. Finally, air sucked out water to the seas. It is a cycle.

Summarizing, it looks as an easy process to produce electricity in an environmental way without make an important disturbs into the ambient.

Task 2

Most people prefer shopping in supermarkets to small shops or local markets. Is this a positive or a negative development?

287 words, 30 minutes (after self corrections)

Nowadays people use to go shopping in big places as supermarkets which are open most of hours and have many kind of product. Citizens have changed their shopping habit and they avoid visit local markets. It is a result of the new people lifestyle, and it is essential to analyse this point with its drawback and positive aspects before giving an opinion.

Small shops have lots of obvious benefit such as they are near people homes, and shopkeepers become acquaintances of their clients offering better products and attention. However, those places tend to be more expensive because they buy products in small amount; moreover, they are open less time than bigger shops.

On the other hand, supermarkets tend to have more products from different brands, and what is more, bigger shops can offer cheaper stuffs. A person, who needs an onion, ream of paper and a couple of sandals, may go to the supermarkets to find all of those. It is possible that nobody knows who is him or her but in short time this person solved his/her needs in a single place.

Bigger and smaller shops have common criticism and good points, but they have different roles from people lives; and changes in our lifestyle affect what kind of place we prefer to buy. Though generally people go shopping to supermarket they still find some arguments in favour of smaller shops, and it is not bad or good situation, it is just a natural effect of our needs.

In conclusion, from my point of view, it is not good or bad change; it is a natural transformation as a consequence of the new fast lifestyle. Anyway, both local market and supermarkets have important function to people.