02/02/2023

Task 1: The table describes the changes of people who went for international
travel in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005.

The given table demonstrates the number of international travelers in 5 distinct

regions in 4 different years.

Overall, the total number of overseas travelers increased consistently over the
period. In addition, Europe was the most popular destination compared to the other
four areas.

According to the data, initially, there were roughly 449 million international tourists,
gradually growing to around 690 million after 15 years. During the same time frame,
Europe dominated with the highest figure throughout all recorded years, comprising
more than half the total number of international travelers worldwide. Specifically, in
1990, Europe’s number was 280.2 million, and it kept rising to over 400 million in
2005.

Regarding the other regions, the numbers of America, Asia, and the Pacific were
relatively similar, around 80 and 60 million, respectively. However, these two regions
had different trends; while America peaked in 2000 (118.2 million) before declining,
Asia and the Pacific consistently went up and overtook America in 2015 at around
136 million. Finally, Africa and the Middle East were the least popular destinations,
starting with just 18.2 and 8.2 million, respectively. These two regions had the same
trends, gradually increasing by almost 1.5 times.
(193 words)
Task 2: While many people go to university for academic study, more people
should be encouraged to do vocational training because there is a lack of qualified
workers such as electricians and plumbers. Do you agree or disagree?

Despite the popularity of universities, some argue that vocational education should
be promoted to help alleviate the increasing scarcity of competent workers across
many labor sectors. I agree with this viewpoint because skills training offers greater
practical knowledge and is more likely to result in a successful job search.

Vocational education is primarily beneficial because it teaches pupils the particular

tasks and procedures of a specific occupation. Therefore, its typical training
component often involves real-world and hands-on experience. By participating in
these practical experiences, students may apply their theoretical classroom
knowledge in actual scenarios. For instance, training to become an electrician or
plumber must include practical application. They only become proficient when using
specialized tools, interpreting technical manuals, and identifying common problems.
This practical aspect of vocational training allows learners to get a comprehensive
knowledge of the abilities required for success in their chosen sector.

Furthermore, vocational training can also be an effective way to prepare for a

successful job search. The reason is that not only does vocational training programs
are more practical it also often teaches skills in high demand in the job market. For
example, programs in healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades like
plumbing and electrical work are consistently in high demand. Consequently,
graduates of these programs can find work more quickly. In addition, many
vocational training programs have strong connections with local employers in their
respective industries. This can give students valuable networking opportunities and
access to job leads that may not be advertised publicly. As demonstrated, graduates
of vocational training programs often have practical experience, in-demand skills,
and industry connections, all of which can help them stand out in a competitive job
market.

In conclusion, personally, more individuals should be encouraged to pursue

vocational training since it provides more relevant, hands-on experience and
increases the likelihood of securing employment.
(305 words)
04/02/2023
Task 1: The first chart below shows the percentages of women and men in a
country involved in some kinds of home tasks (cooking, cleaning, pet caring and
repairing the house. The second chart shows the amount of time each gender
spent on each task per day.

The first column chart illustrates the proportion of men and women who do
housework. In contrast, the second column chart indicates the average time each
group spends on those jobs.

Overall, both charts show that women do the most cooking and cleaning. In addition,
the pet care statistics for men and women are roughly identical.

The first graph shows that most women and men cook for their families (86% and
60%, respectively). In addition, compared to males, women are around 20% more
likely to take on the cleaning chore (40% and approximately 60%, respectively).
Moreover, the percentage of men who care for pets exceeds 20%, but the number
for the other group is precisely 20%. Finally, although 19% of males do home repairs,
just 8% of women do so.

According to the second graph, the average woman spends 90 minutes preparing
meals, whereas men spend around 90 minutes. Furthermore, the average time
women spend cleaning their homes is slightly more than 60 minutes, whereas the
average time males spend cleaning their homes is around 15 minutes less. Lastly,
home maintenance is least focused on by both genders, but males devote around 15
more minutes than women.
(196 words)
Task 2: Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while
others think people should have freedom to do any sports or activity. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.

Although some argue that governments should outright outlaw dangerous sports,
others insist that individuals should be free to participate in any activities they
desire. Both views have valid points, but I believe the latter opinion is more
convincing as a total banning of such sports would violate individual's rights and
liberties.

Those who advocate for banning dangerous sports argue that these activities put
individuals and others at risk of severe injury or even death. For instance, extreme
sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and base jumping involve a significant risk,
where accidents often occur. In some cases, the injuries sustained from such
accidents can be life-threatening to both participants and bystanders. The
government would be considered unreliable if it allowed complete freedom
concerning any danger for these activities. For this reason, governments should be
granted the authority to prohibit these activities to a certain degree, both for the
public's safety and as a demonstration of their competence.

On the other hand, proponents of total freedom regarding dangerous activities

argue that individuals should have the right to engage in sports they enjoy. Many
people find participating in extreme sports an exhilarating experience that gives
them a sense of accomplishment and pushes them to their limits. Banning these
activities would deprive individuals of the opportunity to engage in activities they are
passionate about. Therefore, I believe there should be only mild regulations in
extreme cases where the activity may also affect bystanders, such as prohibiting
spectators from standing too close to racing tracks.

In conclusion, although governments must safeguard their citizens, people also have
the right to pursue their interests without interference from the state. Thus,
moderate restrictions are appropriate, but a complete prohibition on extreme sports
is unreasonable.
(287 words)
11/02/2023

The bar graph given demonstrates how many British men and women, in 2006, met
the World Health Organization's guideline of eating five servings of fruit and
vegetables daily.

Overall, females outperformed males across all age groups among those who
followed the World Health Organization's "green" dietary guidelines. In addition, for
both genders, the percentage was most significant between the ages of 55 and 64.

In 2006, approximately one-third of males aged between 55 and 64 consumed

enough fruit and vegetables daily. This was followed by men and women aged 65-74,
at around 5% less. Meanwhile, precisely a quarter of those aged 75 and above
consumed the WHO's recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

Regarding the other age groups, as the ages were decreasing, there was a declining
trend of people following WHO's recommendation. From the age group 45-54 to 25-
34, their proportions fell from roughly 27%(females) and 22%(males) to 22%
(females) and 20%(males), respectively. Ultimately, as the figure reached the 19-24-
year-old group, the percentage of men and women became lowest, at just
approximately 15% each.
Task 2 : Some experts believe that when a country is already rich, any additional
increase in economic wealth does not make its citizens any more satisfied. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?

Experts have argued that a country's affluence only satisfies its population to a
certain degree, and further economic growth offers no additional satisfaction among
citizens. I completely agree with this statement, as education and healthcare
contribute more to citizen satisfaction.

As a country becomes more prosperous, people may become more focused on

academic status and knowledge rather than absolute levels of wealth. This is
because an already-wealthy country may have more resources to invest in education
and research, increasing the emphasis on knowledge and intellectual pursuits.
Additionally, in more affluent societies, there may be a cultural shift towards valuing
academic achievements to gain social status and prestige. These countries may also
face new challenges and opportunities requiring higher education and knowledge.
For example, as technology advances and new industries emerge, such as interstellar
travel, there may be greater demand for skilled astronauts and innovators who
possess specialized knowledge and expertise from higher education investment
rather than purely funds.

Furthermore, in affluent societies, additional increases in wealth do not equate to

happiness; instead, people's sense of well-being is determined mainly by the quality
of their healthcare services. When people's basic needs for food, water, and shelter
are met, they may focus on other areas of their lives, most prominently their health
and well-being. People also feel more secure when they know their government is
providing them with quality healthcare needed to maintain good health. As access to
healthcare is improved, citizens can better care for their health and the health of
their families, leading to a healthier and happier population.

In conclusion, when a nation is already financially secure, more money does not
bring its residents fulfillment. However, investments in education and healthcare
may have a more significant impact.
(288 words)