Writing practice posts 08.

05
Model answers
Task 1

The line chart displays data concerning robberies, car thefts, and burglaries from 2003
to 2012 in New Port city center.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that burglaries declined
dramatically and were replaced as the most common crime by car thefts, which fell slightly
overall. Robberies were least common throughout yet also rose marginally.
In 2003, burglaries were prevalent at a rate of nearly 3,500 per year. This number
then peaked at 3,750 the next year before dropping considerably to a nadir of 1,100 in 2008
and remaining generally around this level until the end of the period. In contrast, car thefts
began the period lower (2,800), dipped to 2000 in 2006 and rose with minor fluctuations to
2,750 by 2012.
The least common crime was robbery. Statistics indicated just over 500 robberies in
2003 and incidences remained under 1000 the entire time surveyed, finishing at 750 in
2012.
Task 2
Pollution and other environmental problems are resulting from the way that many countries
are developing and becoming richer. Some think this cannot be avoided. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

Economic growth has led to environmental issues, which, according to some, cannot be
avoided. Even though the current extensive growth is by nature tied to environmental
degradation, in my opinion, intensification of production can decouple economic
development from unsustainable resource consumption and pollution.

If economic growth strategy remains based on the expansion of inputs, it will inevitably
continue straining the environment. The current extensive growth is based on
quantitative increases in consumed natural resources. This means that the more goods
and services are produced, the more means of production, such as energy and raw
materials, are required. Unless such growth strategy is changed, the environmental cost of
each percent of current GDP growth and per capita income will remain high

A shift from extensive to intensive growth can make economic development more
sustainable. In contrast to extensive growth, intensive growth is derived from gains in
overall productivity - using more efficient or smarter ways of production for a better
utilization of consumed natural resources. As a result of such optimization, less energy
and materials are used to achieve the same or better result. For example, corporations may
swap out older production equipment with new which is less energy consuming, although,
can provide increased output.

In conclusion, I believe that the current extensive path of wealth accumulation is bound
to cause environmental problems, while a shift from to intensive economic growth can help
alleviate them.