ESL 3100 Writing

Write a 400 words survey summary based on the reasons why students do not bicycle to the campus and give some
recommendations on how to increase the number of students bicycling to school. The percentage is expressed as "This is
a big concern for me", "this is a small concern for me", "this is not at all problem for me", respectively. "Don't own a
bicycle": 35%, 15%, 50%. " No safe bicycle parking on campus": 55%, 27%, 18%. "Weather": 60%, 20%, 20%. "Traffic":
32%, 18%, 40%. "Too many hills in town": 30%, 8%, 62%. "I don't know how to cycle": 23%, 18%, 56%.

Bicycling to the campus is a popular mode of transportation for students, as it is environmentally friendly, cost-effective,
and good for one's physical health. However, many students still choose not to cycle to school, and there are several
reasons why. In this survey, we investigated the reasons why students do not bicycle to campus, and how these reasons
could be addressed to increase the number of students who cycle.

According to the survey, the main reasons why students do not cycle to the campus are: not owning a bicycle, lack of safe
bicycle parking on campus, weather conditions, traffic, too many hills in town, and not knowing how to cycle. 35% of
students cited that they don't own a bicycle as a big concern, while 55% of students stated that there is a lack of safe
bicycle parking on campus, making this the most significant issue. Weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme
heat, were also a big concern for 60% of students. Meanwhile, traffic and too many hills in town were moderate concerns
for 32% and 30% of students, respectively. Finally, 23% of students reported not knowing how to cycle as a big concern.

To increase the number of students who cycle to the campus, there are several recommendations that can be made. Firstly,
the university should invest in creating safe and secure bicycle parking on campus, as this was the most significant concern
for students. This could be achieved by providing covered or sheltered parking areas and installing bicycle lockers. Secondly,
the university should consider providing bicycles for rent or loan to students who do not own a bicycle. This could be
especially beneficial for students who are not familiar with cycling or who are not able to purchase their own bicycle.

Thirdly, the university should work with local government to improve traffic conditions and make the roads safer for cyclists.
This could include the creation of dedicated bicycle lanes, the installation of traffic-calming measures, and the
implementation of educational programs to raise awareness among drivers of the importance of sharing the road with
cyclists. Fourthly, the university should offer cycling lessons and workshops to students who are not familiar with cycling, to
help them build confidence and become more comfortable on a bicycle.

Finally, the university could work with local businesses to offer incentives to students who cycle to the campus, such as
discounts on bike-related products or services, or special promotions at local cafes and restaurants. These incentives could
encourage more students to cycle to school and help to create a supportive and cycling-friendly environment.

In conclusion, the survey results indicate that there are several reasons why students do not bicycle to the campus,
including lack of safe bicycle parking, weather conditions, traffic, too many hills in town, and not knowing how to cycle. By
addressing these concerns and implementing the recommendations outlined above, the university can work to increase the
number of students who cycle to the campus, and create a more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and health-
promoting mode of transportation for students.
Eating habits are an essential aspect of our daily lives. It refers to the patterns and practices of food consumption that
individuals or societies follow. A person's eating habits can have significant impacts on their overall health and well-being.
Developing healthy eating habits can contribute to a balanced diet, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and improved physical
and mental performance.

One of the most important aspects of eating habits is the type of food consumed. A balanced diet should consist of all the
essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals in appropriate proportions. Inadequate
intake of any of these nutrients can lead to malnutrition and a host of health problems. A diet that is high in fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is generally considered to be healthy.

Another aspect of eating habits is the quantity of food consumed. Eating large portions of food can lead to overeating,
which can cause weight gain and obesity. The recommended daily calorie intake varies depending on factors such as age,
sex, and activity level. Maintaining a healthy weight requires balancing calorie intake with physical activity.

Timing is also an essential aspect of eating habits. Eating at regular intervals helps to regulate metabolism and maintain
energy levels throughout the day. Skipping meals or irregular eating patterns can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels,
which can cause mood swings, lethargy, and even diabetes in the long term.

In addition to these basic principles, there are cultural and social factors that can influence eating habits. Different cultures
have different culinary traditions and preferences, which can influence food choices. For example, some cultures favor spicy
foods, while others prefer bland foods. Social factors such as peer pressure and advertising can also influence food choices,
especially among young people.

The fast-paced modern lifestyle has contributed to changes in eating habits. Many people rely on fast food, processed
snacks, and sugary drinks, which are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. These foods can lead to
weight gain, obesity, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. In contrast, traditional diets that are high in
plant-based foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been associated with lower rates of chronic diseases.

To develop healthy eating habits, it is essential to start with small changes. Gradually replacing unhealthy foods with
healthier options can lead to long-term improvements in health. For example, replacing sugary drinks with water, snacking
on fruits and nuts instead of chips, and choosing lean proteins over high-fat meats can make a significant difference.

Another effective strategy is to plan meals ahead of time. This can help to avoid impulse purchases and ensure that meals
are balanced and nutritious. Meal planning can also save time and money by reducing food waste and minimizing the need
for take-out or fast food.

In conclusion, eating habits are a crucial aspect of our overall health and well-being. A balanced diet that is rich in essential
nutrients, consumed in appropriate portions, and timed regularly can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Developing healthy
eating habits can be challenging, but small changes can lead to significant improvements in health over time. It is essential
to seek professional advice from a qualified nutritionist or healthcare provider to ensure that dietary changes are safe and
appropriate.
ESL 3100 Speaking:

First, I must admit that this is not my area of expertise, so the opinions I am about to give may not be accurate. However, I
will try to express my opinions/ personal thoughts to the best of my knowledge.

Answer

1. The two sides of the topic discussed in the reading are the focus on harm reduction strategies and the focus on
stopping drug abuse through zero-tolerance drug laws and stiffer penalties. One side believes that preventing
economic, social, and physical harm caused by drug abuse should be the focus, while the other side believes that
the ultimate goal should be to stop drug abuse entirely through stricter laws and penalties.

2. The table below the reading shows the national commitment to harm reduction policies in different countries and
the percentage of drug users (injecting) who are living with HIV. The table specifically relates to the harm reduction
strategy mentioned in the first viewpoint, as it shows how different levels of commitment to harm reduction
policies in different countries affect the spread of HIV among drug users.

3. I believe that the harm reduction strategy is more beneficial for society. While stopping drug abuse entirely may
seem like an ideal solution, it is not a realistic one. Harm reduction strategies such as methadone clinics and needle
exchange programs have been proven to reduce the spread of diseases among drug users and help them reduce
their drug consumption. Additionally, social programs can help families cope with the problem and prevent
economic and social harm caused by drug abuse.
 4. Personality and genetic predisposition likely play the biggest role in becoming addicted to drugs. While societal
problems and lack of parental guidance can contribute to drug abuse, studies have shown that genetic factors
account for approximately 40-60% of a person's risk for addiction.

5. Firstly, it is important to recognize that drug addiction is a serious issue that requires professional help and ignoring
the problem or keeping it a secret can make the situation worse. Therefore, the best course of action would be to
encourage your friend to seek professional help and support them through the recovery process.

However, betraying your friend's confidence and sharing their personal information without their consent can
damage the trust in your friendship and may not be the most effective way to address the problem. It may also
make your friend feel isolated and alone, which can make it harder for them to seek help.

In this situation, it may be helpful to talk to your friend and express your concern about their drug use and
encourage them to seek professional help. You could also offer to accompany your friend to a support group or
rehab center and help them find resources to address their addiction.

If your friend refuses to seek help, it may be necessary to involve a trusted adult, such as a school counselor or a
healthcare provider, who can provide guidance and support in addressing the issue. However, it is important to
respect your friend's privacy and autonomy throughout the process and to maintain a supportive and non-
judgmental attitude towards them.

6. Young people often take bigger risks of drug abuse than adults do for several reasons. Firstly, the brain is not fully
developed until the mid-20s, and the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and risk
assessment, is not fully developed in adolescents. This can lead to young people taking risks without fully
considering the consequences. Additionally, young people are often more susceptible to peer pressure and may
engage in drug use to fit in with their social groups. They may also feel invincible and believe that nothing bad can
happen to them. Furthermore, young people may be more likely to experiment with drugs due to curiosity or
boredom and may not fully understand the risks and potential consequences of drug use. Finally, young people may
be facing a variety of environmental and societal stresses, such as academic pressure, family problems, and social
media pressures, which can contribute to a desire to escape or seek relief through drug use.

7. The challenges faced by young people today are often different from those faced by their parents or grandparents.
In the past, young people may have faced more economic challenges, such as finding employment and providing
for their families. Today, young people may face more societal and environmental challenges, such as social media
pressures and climate change. Additionally, technological advancements have changed the way young people
communicate and access information, which can both have positive and negative effects on their lives.

For the official speaking test, you will have a face-to-face discussion with an interviewer. As a warm up, the
interviewer will first ask you some general questions about your studies, your background, and your interests.
Then you will read about a topic. After you’ve read about the topic, you will be asked questions about the
topic. The whole interview will last about 15 or 20 minutes.

Below you will find an example of a speaking test task. Take a few minutes to read about the topic and to
look at the graph. Then, practice answering the questions.
 EXPOSING CHILDREN TO SECOND-HAND SMOKE

CONTEXT: Because second-hand smoke exposure is known to cause disease in non-smokers, smoking has been banned
in workplaces and public spaces throughout North America. However, hundreds of thousands of Canadian children are
exposed to second hand smoke in private homes. Some groups are calling for legislation that would limit parents’ rights
to smoke in the presence of their children.

ONE VIEW:

 Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke because their organs are smaller
and more immature.
 Second hand smoke contributes to higher rates of sudden infant death syndrome, slower lung development and
greater risk of lower respiratory infections in children.
 There are many laws protecting children from physical harm or abuse; a ban on smoking in a home where young
children are present would be a logical extension of these protections.

ANOTHER VIEW:

 The government already regulates too much behavior; they have no right telling people what to do in the
privacy of their own homes.
 It would be a great waste of taxpayers’ money to try to enforce a smoking ban in private homes. There are far
more important laws to enforce.
 If smoking in the home is regulated, then other behaviors that are not good for children, such as eating junk
food, will also need to be regulated.
 Questions about the reading and graph

1. What is the main issue discussed in the reading?

2. Why do some people think smoking should be restricted in the home?
3. What are the arguments against restricting smoking?
4. Describe the graph and explain how it relates to the issue.

Follow-up questions about the topic

1. What is your personal opinion about the topic?

2. Do you think there are other areas of children’s protection and safety that should be
regulated, for example, junk food?
3. Almost 9% of the health care budget is spent on illness caused by smoking. Should smokers
have to pay for their own smoking-related health problems?
4. Do you think that people respond better to incentives or to punishment to change their
behaviour? (free nicotine patches versus ‘sin taxes’ on things like tobacco and alcohol)
5. We know smoking is bad for our health, so why won’t the government simply ban the product?
6. Describe how you or someone you know succeeded or failed at overcoming a bad
habit. (e.g., smoking, eating, nail biting)

ANSWERS:

1. The main issue discussed in the reading is whether smoking should be restricted in homes
where young children are present, due to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke on
children's health.

2. Some people think smoking should be restricted in the home because children are more
vulnerable to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, which can lead to various health
problems.

3. The arguments against restricting smoking include the belief that the government should not
interfere with people's private lives, the difficulty of enforcing such a ban, and concerns about
where the line would be drawn for regulating other behaviors that are not good for children.

4. This graph provides information on the percentage of non-smokers who are regularly exposed
to second-hand smoke at home, broken down by age group and sex. The percentages indicate
the proportion of non-smokers in each age group who are regularly exposed to second-hand
smoke in their home environment.

The data shows that exposure to second-hand smoke at home is highest among adolescents and
young adults aged 12 to 19, with 12% of non-smokers in this age group regularly exposed to
second-hand smoke. The percentage decreases significantly as the age group increases, with the
lowest exposure rates observed among adults aged 35 to 64.

This information is significant for children's second-hand smoke exposure because it suggests
that young children may be particularly vulnerable to second-hand smoke exposure in their
home environment, especially if they live with smokers or in households where smoking is
allowed indoors. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at increased risk of
respiratory illnesses, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and other health problems.
 Therefore, it is essential to take steps to reduce children's exposure to second-hand smoke,
including encouraging smoking cessation and implementing smoke-free policies in homes and
public places.

Follow-up questions:

1. Based on available information and research, it is clear that second-hand smoke is harmful to
children's health, and as such, it may be necessary to restrict smoking in homes where young
children are present to protect their health.

2. Yes, there are other areas of children's protection and safety that could be regulated, such as
regulating the advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods to children and providing healthy
food options in schools.

3. This is a complex issue that could be debated from different perspectives. However, in general,
it could be argued that individuals who engage in risky health behaviors, such as smoking, should
bear the cost of their own health care.

4. Both incentives and punishment can be effective in changing behavior, depending on the
individual and the behavior being targeted. Free nicotine patches could be an effective incentive
for smokers to quit, while 'sin taxes' on tobacco and alcohol could be a form of punishment that
could discourage people from engaging in these behaviors.

5. While smoking is harmful to health, a complete ban on the product may not be feasible or
effective, as it would be difficult to enforce and could lead to unintended consequences, such as
increased demand for black market tobacco products.