Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BY NGOCBACH
Task 1:
Report:
Overall, there are ten stages in how chocolate is produced, beginning with the collection of
pods from cacao trees and ending with the production of liquid chocolate.
First, cacao trees, which are grown in South America, Africa and Indonesia, bear ripe red
pods, and these are then harvested and the white cocoa beans inside them are collected. Next,
the beans are fermented before being spread to dry in the sun.
At the fifth stage, the dried beans are put into sacks, ready for the next step which is
transportation by train, lorry or ship. The sacks are taken to the factory, where the beans are
roasted at a very high temperature of 350 degrees. After roasting, the beans are then crushed
and the outer shells are removed, Finally, the inner part of the beans is pressed to produce
liquid chocolate, and the process is complete.
156 words
Task 2: Some people think that hosting an international sports event is good for the
country, while some people think it is bad. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
Essay Plan:
Essay:
It is true that there are conflicting views about the benefits of hosting major international
sports events. While some argue that such events are advantageous for the host nation, I
agree with those who believe that they are a waste of money which could be better spent.
On the one hand, advocates of hosting international sports events focus on the stimulus
which they give to promoting health and economic prosperity. Health is promoted through
wide public interest in these events, in which new world records may be set, and a fierce
competitive spirit is fostered. Extensive sports coverage on TV fires the imagination of the
youth of the host country, all keen to take up sport and emulate their national heroes. In
terms of the economy, hospitality and tourism benefit from the influx of sports fans from all
over the world. An event such as the Olympic Games, for example, provides a kind of shop
window for the host nation to advertise its attractions for tourists.
On the other hand, I support the argument that too much value is placed on sport. Firstly,
such international events are simply an opportunity to make money for hotels, restaurants,
and businesses involved in sports merchandising. The vast majority of local people
experience no improvement in their standard of living. Secondly, if the government of the
host nation provides funding for these events, then it must curb public spending on hospitals,
schools and a welfare state to help the poor. For instance, the Brazilian government spent
money on building stadiums for the 2014 World Cup, and now it lacks money to deal with
the corona virus pandemic.
In conclusion, only a few benefit when a country hosts an international sports event,
whereas life simply becomes harder for most of its citizens.
297 words.
to set a record
Meaning: to achieve the best result ever achieved in a sport
Example: Real Madrid have set a record for the number of goals scored in a match.
to take up sport
Meaning: to start doing a sport, to start doing exercise
Example: Governments should provide sports facilities to encourage more people to
take up sport.
a sports fan
Meaning: a person who takes a keen interest in sport
Example: While I think that it is healthy to be a sports fan, people should remember
that for most people, sport is just entertainment, not a matter of life and death.
sports merchandising
Meaning: the activity of selling products connected with a sport or sportsperson
Example: Sports merchandising is a multi-billion dollar business worldwide, in the
form of t-shirts and sports equipment.
a welfare state
Meaning: a taxation system which allows governments to provide for the economic and
social well-being of its citizens
Example: In order to eradicate poverty, I believe that a welfare state should be
established in all developing countries.
conflicting [adjective]:
Meaning: unable to exist together, because they cannot both be true
Example: We have received conflicting reports on the number of people who died in
the earthquake.
advantageous [adjective]:
Meaning: of benefit, or useful in a particular situation
Example: It is advantageous to travel after the peak hour on public transport – the
fares are cheaper.
advocate [noun]:
Meaning: a person who supports or speaks in favour of somebody or some public
policy
Example: Since she entered politics, she has been an advocate for more spending on
health services.
stimulus [noun]:
Meaning: something which helps somebody or something to develop better or
more quickly
Example: The recent crisis has provided a stimulus for research into the
development of new vaccines to combat the corona virus.
to emulate [verb]:
Meaning: to try to copy somebody because you admire them
Example: His ambition is to emulate his hero, Lionel Messi, and to play football for
Barcelona.
influx [noun]:
Meaning: the fact of a lot of money, people or things arriving at a place
Example: London received a large influx of visitors during the Olympic Games.
Report Plan:
Paraphrase paragraph: illustrate>show; design>layout; study area>room
with study facilities
Summary/overview paragraph: (1) double room is more expensive (2) it has
windows, more cupboards, desks and beds.
Paragraph 3: compare the cost and size of the rooms
Paragraph 4: compare the kitchens, beds and windows
Paragraph 5: compare the centre of the rooms and location of the desks
and TV.
Report:
Note:
I am unable to edit the diagram. Please delete 2 mistakes in the diagram. The words
‘small scope about the production of smoking fish’ and ‘smudging’ are incorrect in this
context. You can simply delete them.
In the process of smoking in the vat, the fish are hung on wires to ‘smoke’. This is not
clear in the diagram, but this is the process that is carried out. If it is possible to label
these wires, it will help students.
Report Plan:
Paraphrase paragraph: diagram>flow-chart; production of smoked
fish>process of smoking fish
Summary/Overview paragraph: (1) there are 8 stages (2) name the first
stage and the last stage
Paragraph 3 (before smoking) – cleaning, placing in salt water, cooking for
5 minutes
Report:
The flow-chart illustrates the different stages in the small-scale process of smoking fish.
Overall, it is clear that the process has 8 stages, beginning with the preparation of the
fish and ending with the delivery of the finished product.
First, the fish are cleaned with a knife and prepared ready for the production process,
before being placed in a container of salt water for 30 minutes. Next, they are cooked
for 5 minutes in hot salted water, and the fish are then removed.
The process of smoking is now ready to start. In a vat, the fish are hung by wires on
top of some material which burns and produces smoke. The vat is covered with wood,
so that the smoke cannot escape. After 30 minutes, the fish are smoked and ready for
the next stage, which is the addition of yellow colouring. The smoked fish are then
packed in closed containers and, finally, transported in trucks to where they will be sold.
163 words.
Task 2: Nowadays, many people cannot read or write. What problems does this
cause? What measures can governments take to solve these problems?
Essay Plan:
Introduction: refer to the statement in the question. There are serious
problems, but governments can take measures to solve them.
Paragraph 2: problems (1) individuals cannot understand important
information , such as official documents. They may lose rights
Essay:
It is true that even today, illiteracy is widespread. While this presents serious
difficulties for individuals and society, there are steps that governments should take to
deal with the problem.
When people can neither read nor write, they are disadvantaged in important ways. In
terms of the individual consequences of illiteracy, dealing with bureaucracy is a
nightmare. Reading and writing – or even adding a signature to – an official document
is often necessary, for example when people have to apply for social welfare benefits.
From the perspective of society in general, it is difficult to integrate economic migrants
into society who are perhaps illiterate in their home countries, or are unable to read and
write in the language of the host country. This makes the task of constructing a
multicultural society difficult if minority groups are forced to do sweated labour, simply
because they are illiterate and excluded from better-paid jobs.
There are, however, policies which national and local authorities can adopt to improve
matters. Firstly, resources should be allocated to provide basic literacy classes in local
colleges or social and community centres to help people to learn to read and write.
Secondly, government departments must employ staff who have specific responsibility
for helping illiterate people to cope with the confusing mass of official paperwork. In
this way, they will not be discriminated against, for instance by losing welfare rights
to which they are entitled. Finally, governments even in developing countries must
ensure that everyone has the right to a basic education which enables them to read and
write.
282 words
economic migrants
Meaning: people who move from their own countries to a new country in order
to find work or to have a better standard of living
Example: As a result of global inequalities of wealth, many economic migrants
have fled to developed countries.
a multicultural society
Meaning: a society which includes people of different origins, traditions and
languages
Example: Immigration has led to the development of multicultural societies in
the US, Europe and Australia.
minority groups
Meaning: small groups within a community that are different because of their
origin, religion, language or traditions
sweated labour
Meaning: hard work that is done for low wages in poor conditions; the people
who do this work
Example: Conditions of sweated labour still exist in many developing countries.
to discriminate
Meaning: to treat one person or group worse/better than another in an unfair way
Example: It is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of race, sex or religion.
to adopt policies
Meaning: to start to use particular policies
Example: In order to deal with traffic congestion, the government must adopt
policies to restrict the use of private cars.
to allocate resources to
Meaning: to make money and materials available to do something
Example: If governments allocate more resources to improving public
transport, this will reduce the problem of traffic congestion in cities.
Other vocabulary:
illiteracy [noun]:
Meaning: the fact of not knowing how to read or write
Example: Illiteracy is a serious problem in Brazil, where over 10% of the
population cannot read or write.
disadvantaged [adjective]:
Meaning: not having things, such as education or enough money, that people
need in order to have a good life
Example: He lives in a disadvantaged area of the city, where there are no
schools and everyone is poor.
bureaucracy [noun]:
Meaning: the system of complicated official rules or ways of doing things
organised by a government
Example: One of the problems of moving to another country is having to deal
with the bureaucracy.
nightmare [noun]:
Meaning: a dream, or an experience, that is very frightening or unpleasant
Example: When she became sick, her holiday turned into a nightmare.
paperwork [noun]:
Meaning: the written work that is part of a job, such as filling in forms or writing
reports or letters
Example: Many government departments are trying to reduce the amount of
paperwork in order to cut their costs.
welfare [noun]:
Meaning: practical or financial help provided by the government to help people
in need
Example: The government is introducing a new welfare programme to help poor
people.
ANSWER
The diagram illustrates the various stages in the recycling of waste glass
bottles.
Essay Plan:
Introduction: (1) refer to the statement (2) my opinion – the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages
Paragraph 2: disadvantages: (1) financial costs – poor families (2)
some teenagers may be too immature for such an experience
Paragraph 3: advantages: (1) students studying a foreign language
(2) other students – new cultural experience, new friendships
Conclusion: the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Essay:
Vocabulary:
potential [adjective]:
Meaning: that can develop into something or be developed in the future
Example: There are potential problems, such as road safety, if driverless
cars are introduced.
to spare [verb]:
to incur [verb]:
Meaning: if you incur costs or expenses, this means that you have to pay
for them
Example: You will incur bank charges if you don’t pay your credit card
bills.
to manage [verb]:
Meaning: to succeed in doing something, especially something difficult
Example: Despite the busy roads, we managed to arrive at the airport on
time.
immature [adjective]:
Meaning: not developed, behaving in a way that is typical of people who
are much younger
Example: His behaviour is very immature for a boy of 16, running around
the classroom and shouting.
expose [verb]:
Meaning: to let somebody discover something by giving them experience
of it
Example: Our teacher takes us to art galleries and museums to expose us
to the culture of our country and other countries, too.
lifelong [adjective]:
Meaning: lasting or existing all through your life
Example: John is a lifelong supporter of Real Madrid football club.
Report Plan:
Paraphrase paragraph: plan>diagram; shows>compares
Overview/summary paragraph: (1) Japanese office – the Department
Manager is in the centre (2) American office – conference rooms are part of
the plan
Paragraph 3: compare where the Department Managers and Section
Managers sit
Paragraph 4: compare where the workers sit and mention the conference
and other rooms in the American office.
Report:
The diagram compares the layout of a typical office in Japan and America.
Overall, it is clear that the Department Manager occupies a central position in the
Japanese office. In the American office, conference rooms are included in the plan.
Task 2: Some people believe that all wild animals should be protected. Others
say that only a few wild animals should be protected. Discuss both views and
give your opinion.
Essay Plan:
Introduction: refer to the question statement. My opinion: some wild
animals, but not all, should be protected
Paragraph 2: moral argument for protecting all wild animals from
exploitation or slaughter – examples, elephants, whales
Paragraph 3: practical argument for only protecting animals in danger of
extinction. Need to regulate numbers of many species – example, rats.
Conclusion: impossible to save all wild animals, so give priority to
endangered species.
Essay:
It is true that people hold different opinions about the extent to which wild animals
should be protected. While it is difficult to justify the protection of every wild animal,
I believe that some wild animals ought to be protected.
On the one hand, some people put forward the moral argument that humans have no
right to kill any animal in the wild. They argue that it is a violation of animal rights.
They believe that it is necessary for everyone to treat animals humanely, and they
animal exploitation
Meaning: the use of animals in order to get an advantage from them
Example: Animal exploitation can take various forms, including the testing of
new drugs and cosmetic products on animals.
animal suffering
Meaning: physical or mental pain that an animal is feeling
animal slaughter
Meaning: the killing of animals for meat
Example: Some vegetarians are opposed to eating meat because they do not agree
with the slaughter of animals.
animal lovers
Meaning: people who like animals very much, and feel love for them
Example: Many people who claim to be animal lovers nevertheless eat meat.
to eliminate poaching
Meaning: to stop all illegal hunting of wild animals
Example: In wildlife reserves, guards should be employed to eliminate
poaching and protect endangered species of animals.
wildlife reserves
Meaning: protected areas for wild animals
Example: The creation of wildlife reserves is essential to save animals such as
tigers from extinction.
ethical dilemmas
Meaning: a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two
different things, relating to beliefs about what is morally right and wrong
Example: Governments are facing ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of
laboratory animals in experiments.
Other vocabulary:
to condemn [verb]:
Meaning: to express very strong disapproval of something, especially for moral
reasons
Example: The government issued a statement condemning the killings.
to contaminate [verb]:
Meaning: to make a substance or place dirty
Example: The drinking water of the city was contaminated by chemicals from
a factory.
priority [noun]:
Meaning: something that you think is more important than other things, and
therefore should be dealt with first
Example: The priority of the new government is to improve the health service.
Report:
The pictures show the different steps involved in constructing an igloo.
Overall, there are 13 stages, from finding hard-packed snow to cutting ventilation holes
in the wall and roof of the finished igloo.
Using a snow saw, blocks are cut in hard-packed snow. Large blocks are used for the
base. Next, the edges of the blocks are smoothed and placed to form a circle. Then, an
entrance is made by digging a hole under the circular wall. The last opening on the top
is filled by a large block, carefully cut to the exact size.
After that, snow is thrown on the igloo and packed into all the crevices or gaps. Inside
the igloo, the walls are smoothed by hand. Next, the entrance is built and the hole is
covered with snow blocks. Finally, ventilation holes which allow air to enter are cut in
the walls and roof, and the igloo is finished.
153 words.
Task 2: The world of work is changing rapidly and people cannot depend on the
same job or the same conditions of work for life. Discuss the possible causes for
these changes and give your suggestions on how people should prepare for work
in the future.
Essay Plan:
Introduction: agree that work is changing, and say that there are ways to
prepare for these changes.
Paragraph 2: cause for changes: new technology (1) manufacturing
industries – mechanisation (example: product design) (2) service industries
– online shopping/self-service checkouts (example: order pickers in
warehouses replace shop staff)
Essay:
It is true that in the modern workplace, employees can no longer rely on keeping the
same job, or even the same working conditions, for life. While there are some important
reasons for this, there are also ways in which people might prepare for work in the
future.
The most important cause for such changes is the introduction of new technology. In
terms of manufacturing, few workers can expect to have a steady job. This is an
inevitable consequence of mechanisation and, while this increases labour productivity,
it also reduces the need for workers. In product design, for instance, advances in
technology, using computer software packages, have resulted in the loss of conventional
skills of creative drawing. In service industries, online shopping and self-service
supermarket checkouts result in fewer staff. Order pickers, working alongside robots,
in vast warehouses like Amazon mean fewer assistants in stores to provide personal
service to customers.
However, people must prepare for the future world of work. One suggestion is that
workers should be prepared to welcome change by accepting the need for flexible
working hours, or even moving to another area or country to find employment.
Another suggestion is that employers ought to play their part by providing vocational
courses and training at work, so that their employees can learn new skills. For example,
a person serving customers in a store would also be able to tackle administrative work
requiring them to be computer literate.
In conclusion, although leading-edge technology has changed how people work,
employers and employees must find ways to adapt to such changes.
261 words
Vocabulary from work:
to have a steady job
Meaning: to have a job which you are unlikely to lose, but which is usually the
same routine
Example: Although some people prefer to change jobs, others prefer to have a
steady job and a set daily routine at work.
conventional skills
Meaning: traditional and common skills
Example: Technology can contribute positively to keeping alive conventional
skills and ways of life.
to welcome change
Meaning: to accept change with enthusiasm
Example: While it is important to welcome change, the public must try to
preserve all that is worthwhile from the past.
online shopping
Meaning: shopping while connected to the internet
Example: For people who are physically disabled, or even for people who are
simply very busy, online shopping is convenient and may also be cheaper.
supermarket checkouts
to be computer literate
Meaning: able to use computers well
Example: In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to be computer-
literate.
leading-edge technology
Meaning: the most advanced position in technology
Example: Manufacturers of electronic devices always advertise their products as
having the latest leading-edge/cutting-edge technology.
vocational courses
Meaning: courses which provide students with the skills and knowledge that
they need to do a particular job
Example: Governments should extend the provision of vocational courses for
those who want to learn a trade, for example as electricians, plumbers or
mechanics.
Other vocabulary:
mechanisation/mechanization [noun]:
Meaning: changes made to a process, so that the work is done by machines, not
people
Example: For many years, we have seen the increasing mechanisation of farm
work.
to tackle [verb]:
50
(
t
r u 40
i n petroleum
l i 30
l coal
t
i s 20 natural gas
)
o
n 10
0
1981 1986 1991 1996 2001
Report Plan:
Paraphrase paragraph: shows>compares; the amount of fossil fuel energy
generated in Europe> European energy production according to 3 fossil
fuel sources; between 1981 and 2001> from 1981 to 2001
Overview/summary paragraph: (1) petroleum was the most important
energy source (2) the figures for energy production from natural gas
overtook the figures for coal
Paragraph 3: report trend and select figures for petroleum
Paragraph 4: contrast trends and select figures for coal and natural gas
Report:
The line graph compares European energy production according to three fossil fuel
sources from 1981 to 2001.
Overall, petroleum was the most important source of energy generated in Europe over
the period. Natural gas overtook coal as a source of energy production.
In 1981, 35 trillion units of energy were generated from petroleum. There was a
gradual increase to 40 trillion units in 1986. The figures then rose significantly from
39 trillion units in 1991 to 45 and 50 trillion units in 1996 and 2001 respectively.
Essay Plan:
Introduction: refer to the task question. My own opinion – children
should continue to learn handwriting
Paragraph 2: learning touch-typing is a useful skill (1) children use their
computers for social networking sites (2) it is useful for many jobs when
they leave school – e.g. corresponding by business e-mails
Paragraph 3: reasons to continue to learn handwriing skills
Conclusion: handwriting should still be taught as a basic skill
Essay:
It is true that many people believe that it is only important for children to be computer
literate and that handwriting skills have become obsolete. While the digital revolution
has reduced dependence on handwriting, I believe that it is still necessary for children
to learn to write legibly and accurately by hand.
On the one hand, I admit that teaching children to touch-type, instead of writing by
hand, would be a very useful skill in today’s world. For example, young people
commonly communicate via social networking sites, such as Facebook, Instagram or
Twitter. Typing skills are equally relevant for preparing youngsters for work,
improving their job prospects when they leave school. Many jobs require such skills.
Business e-mails, for instance, are part of the efficient functioning of most
organisations.
On the other hand, there are compelling reasons why children should continue to
learn handwriting skills as part of the primary school curriculum. Firstly, many
children and even adults have to sit exams in which they have to present handwritten
answers. This has not yet been superseded by computer versions of exams, such as
IELTS. Therefore, students must not become over-reliant on their computers in all
to become obsolete
Meaning: to be no longer used because something new has been invented
Example: Technological innovation is now so rapid, that even the latest electronic
devices soon become obsolete.
to be superseded by
Meaning: to be replaced by something which is better
Example: The latest technological innovations are usually soon superseded by
new and more advanced devices.
to become over-reliant on
Meaning: to need something so that your survival or success depends too much on
it
Example: Businesses have become over-reliant on complicated computer systems,
so that if these systems fail the results will be disastrous.
job prospects
Meaning: the chances of being successful and having more opportunities at work
Example: People with qualifications and experience usually have the best job
prospects.
to sit an exam
Meaning: to take an exam
Example: Some students claim that they feel more motivated to study when they
have to sit an exam at the end of their course.
a virtual classroom
Meaning: an online classroom in which participants can communicate and interact
with other students, view videos and actively engage with the study materials
Example: Many people argue that the virtual classroom will replace traditional
teaching methods, eliminating the need for teachers.
legibly [adverb]:
Meaning: in a way that is clear enough to read easily
Example: The examiner will give you a higher score if you write legibly.
to touch-type [verb]:
Meaning: to type without looking at the keys of a computer or typewriter
Example: When she studied office skills at college, she learned to touch-type.
compelling [adjective]:
Meaning: so strong that you must do something about it/them
Example: She feels a compelling desire to drink coffee when she wakes up.
to dismiss [verb]:
Meaning: to decide that somebody/something is not important and not worth
thinking or talking about
Example: Vegetarians are no longer dismissed as strange or weird people.
Task 1: The bar chart shows the percentage of total world production in Asia,
Europe and the rest of the world between 1840 and 2000.
60
(
p
50
e
r 40
c Asia
e e 30 Europe
)
n
20 Rest of the world
t
a 10
g
0
1840 1880 1920 1960 2000
Report Plan:
Paraphrase paragraph: shows>illustrates; percentage>proportion;
world>global; between 1840 and 2000>in the period 1840-2000
Overview/summary paragraph: (1) the total of global production in the
rest of the world increased, despite fluctuations (2) in Europe, this figure
declined
Paragraph 3: select and contrast figures for 1840 and 1880
Task 2: Many people are now spending more and more time travelling to work
or school. Some people believe that this is a negative development while others
think there are some benefits. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Essay Plan:
Introduction: refer to the task question. My opinion: it is a negative
development.
Paragraph 2: long journey times have forced the introduction of some
beneficial changes – flexible working hours, distance learning.
Paragraph 3: long commuting journeys are a waste of time – (1) stress
about arriving late – personal example (classmates) (2) these journeys are
exhausting – people are too tired to enjoy their leisure
Conclusion – this trend is a negative development
Essay:
It is true that commuting times to work or school are generally longer today than in
the past. While this trend may be beneficial from one point of view, I agree with
those who consider this a negative development.
to be punctual
Meaning: to arrive at the correct time
Example: In order to attract more people to use public transport, it is essential
that it is clean, reliable, safe and punctual.
working mothers
Meaning: Mothers who have to go out to work as well as to look after children
Example: Workplace practices such as job-sharing and flexible working hours
have made life easier for working mothers.
a virtual classroom
Meaning: an online classroom in which participants can communicate and
interact with other students, view videos and actively engage with the study
materials
Example: Many people argue that the virtual classroom will replace
traditional teaching methods, eliminating the need for teachers.
Other vocabulary:
to prompt [verb]:
Meaning: to make somebody decide to do something/ to make something
happen
Example: The discovery of the bomb prompted an increase in security.
anxiety [noun]:
worn-out [adjective]:
Meaning: looking or feeling very tired, especially as a result of hard work or
physical exercise
Example: Can we sit down, please? I’m worn-out.
fatigue [noun]:
Meaning: a feeling of being very tired
Example: I was falling asleep with fatigue, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
Report Plan:
Paraphrase paragraph: shows>illustrates; layout>designed;
position>location; exits>escapes
Overview/summary paragraph: (1) 2 stairs provide access to the fire exits
(2) a corridor gives access to the stairs
Paragraph 3: Bedrooms 1-3 – people use Fire Exit A. Report the position
of the stairs
Paragraph 4: Bedrooms 4-7 – people use Fire Exit B. Report the position
of the lift and the stairs
Report:
The diagram illustrates how part of a building is designed, including the location of
the fire escapes.
Overall, it is clear that two stairways provide access to the fire exits. A corridor
enables people in the bedrooms to reach the stairs.
The layout of this part of the building is rectangular. People who occupy bedrooms 1,
2 and 3 enter the central corridor and can then use the stairs which are marked in the
bottom left corner of the diagram. These stairs lead to Fire Exit A.
To the right of Bedroom 3 on the plan, there is a lift. However, in the event of a fire,
it is clear that this does not give access to Fire Exit B. The arrow indicates that people
should use the stairs next to the lift to reach that fire escape. The occupants of
Bedrooms 4, 5, 6 and 7 enter the corridor and then use the stairway which provides
access to Fire Exit B.
162 words
Essay Plan:
Essay:
It is true that different patterns of behaviour can be observed when people move to
another country for work purposes. While some prefer to do this on their own and
remit part of their salary to their family back home, many prefer to take their family
with them. I believe that the benefits of taking the family outweigh the drawbacks.
On the one hand, moving alone to another country may have negative influences on
individual families. If the man goes on his own to another country to find work, to
earn more money to support a family, this leaves the woman to cope with the task of
bringing up their offspring. It is very stressful to take on all the responsibilities of a
single-parent household, even if there are members of the extended family who can
help. The man himself, in the new country, may find himself lonely and isolated.
Despite having supportive work colleagues, he may still spend part of his wages on
drinking or gambling.
On the other hand, moving to another country as a family may benefit the children,
in particular. Firstly, although they may at first be out of their depth in school,
children very quickly pick up a new language. In the new country, there may be
opportunities to qualify for entrance to top-tier institutions, which may have been
denied them at home. They may be able to make the most of new educational
opportunities. Secondly, when the family stays together, the children receive the
emotional support that they need during their formative years.
to support a family
Meaning: to have enough money to be able to look after a family
Example: Young people often delay marriage because they do not earn enough
money to support a family.
an extended family
Meaning: a family group with many members, including parents, children,
grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins etc
Example: In the past, the extended family was a form of support when any
members were ill or suffered some misfortune.
formative years
top-tier institutions
Meaning: leading or prestigious educational institutions
Example: The government has pumped huge amounts of money into a select
group of top-tier institutions in recent years.
Other vocabulary:
to remit [verb]:
Meaning: to send money to a place or person
Example: He remitted half of his salary to support his family back home in
Indonesia.