Both Melbourne and Brisbane have a good annual rainfall.

Both Melbourne and Brisbane have a good annual rainfall. Brisbane, however, receives almost twice as much rain as Melbourne, while it has fewer wet days. The wettest months in both cities are January and October, (Brisbane), and October, (Melbourne), although neither city has a totally dry season, according to the data.

There are three basic stages to the process.

The diagram illustrates how an electronic tracking device can be fitted to someone’s clothing or hidden in a bag, in order to allow that person to be tracked and located. There are three basic stages to the process.

The first stage in the tracking process is to hide the device, (the tracker), in an appropriate place such as a bag or on the person’s clothing. The location of the device is monitored by satellite.

A message is sent from the device to a transmission tower. It is received and then re-transmitted as a text message to a mobile phone indicating exactly where the person is. His or her location can also be picked up on a computer. The device is able to provide details such as the name of the street or pinpoint a specific place on a map.

A device of this nature could be very effective as a means of tracking and locating someone such as a school child.

Holidays are important because they provide a break from our normal daily routine and from the world of work.

Holidays are important because they provide a break from our normal daily routine and from the world of work. Traditionally, holidays have been seen as a time for relaxation and as an opportunity to visit another country in order to find out about its geography and customs. Nowadays, however, it seems that other types of holiday are becoming popular.

Some people want their holiday to be a kind of adventure, and find this more exciting than going to the beach or visiting museums. On an adventure holiday, you may stay in quite basic accommodation rather than a luxurious hotel. Activities may involve things such as bush walking or cycling, or may form part of an aid project designed to help communities in remote areas. Holidays such as these are popular with people of all ages and can often help to promote tourism in rural environments.

The increasing popularity of dangerous sports has also boosted the number of adventure holidays; for example, water sports, mountain climbing or paragliding. These holidays are more popular with the younger generation, as they can be both physically and mentally demanding. Participants are often seeking the sort of thrills that they cannot get in ordinary life.

There is now greater awareness of the damaging effects of mass tourism and this may be one reason for the changing nature of holidays. This can only be a good thing. But perhaps people are also discovering that it is just as refreshing to take an active holiday, as it is to lie on a beach – though that is still a question of personal preference.

(265 words)


Para 1 – introduces the idea of holidays and repeats the idea in the question, in the writer’s own words.

Para 2 – introduces the main idea of ‘adventure holiday’ with explanation and further support.

Para 3 – further explores the topic of adventure holidays.

Para 4 – sums up reasons for the changing nature of holidays.

As far as I can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the development of moon holidays for the tourist.

As far as I can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the development of moon holidays for the tourist. On the one hand, a moon holiday might seem attractive in that it would offer not only a unique holiday opportunity but also an unforgettable life experience. As films have repeatedly shown, our view of life on earth is likely to be permanently affected by a trip to the moon.

On the other hand, there are various drawbacks to consider. For those who are concerned about access to important facilities such as hospitals or who rely on our telecommunications systems, the moon is unlikely to be an attractive tourist destination. Ultimately, is not the moon just too far away? Some people are still reluctant to travel across the world; so they are extremely unlikely to want to hop onto a space shuttle and venture into zero-gravity.


I would question whether so-called ‘moon holidays’ are ever likely to be possible. Although the media frequently reports on things like the building of moon hotels and provides images of a typical moon holiday resort, I doubt whether these are anything more than speculative. Even if it is possible to construct and encapsulate an atmosphere on the moon that can sustain human life, how practical is it going to be to maintain this? Are those involved in the development of moon holidays ever likely to find people willing to work on the moon? That apart, there is also the problem of attracting sufficient numbers of tourists in order to make such a business financially viable. All in all, I think the obstacles to this type of project are simply too great for moon holidays ever to be a realistic option.

Water is essential to life.

Those countries where fresh water has always been in scarce supply have long known the importance of conserving it. However, people in different parts of the world where water is in plentiful supply are also starting to realise the importance of water conservation.

Water is essential to life. Our bodies consist of 70% water and there are not many living creatures that can go for more than a couple of days without requiring fresh water. We also use it to wash ourselves, to grow crops, for disposal of waste and for recreational purposes like swimming and sport.

Despite this, there is a tendency to forget that water must be collected, cleaned and piped to our homes. This is an expensive and time-consuming business. In addition, in hot climates where water evaporates easily, it is doubtful whether storing it in open dams is at all efficient.

As individuals, there are various things that we can do to help us save water; for example, by not running the tap unnecessarily when we brush our teeth or wash the dishes. Recycling is another answer. For instance, some people collect rain water from the roof and use it to water the garden. In this way, you not only reduce your consumption of water but also use it more efficiently.

Above all, we should not forget the importance of water or waste it unnecessarily. Any kind of drought is always a reminder that we should never take our water for granted and that every drop counts.

(251 words)

Para 1 – introduces the idea of water conservation by comparing views in different parts of the world.

Para 2 – The main idea is stated boldly and is supported by examples.

Para 3 – The main idea of storage is developed and a question is indirectly posed.

Para 4 – focuses on the main idea: individual responsibility, with examples to support.

Para 5 – The conclusion reinforces the main argument and ends with an appropriate expression.

The idea that a marriage should be arranged by the parents of the couple

The idea that a marriage should be arranged by the parents of the couple, or by other members of the family, is quite acceptable in some societies, yet completely out of the question for others. It all depends on your cultural expectations.

In so-called western societies, it is very unusual for marriages to be arranged. Most young people would not welcome the idea that their parents have the right to choose their partner for life. They feel that arranged marriages deny them their fundamental right to choose, even if they make a bad decision.

However, if we are honest about it, we might acknowledge that some parents organise their children’s lives in such a way that they are likely to meet and marry partners the parents approve of. It could be said that this is, to some extent, similar to an arranged marriage. It is always better when families support the relationship and welcome the grandchildren.

People for whom arranged marriages are the custom, often argue that the likelihood of the marriage lasting is greater when it is set up in this manner. Parents can be assured that their children are joining a family of similar standing and cultural background, and this, in the long run, makes for a more stable society. If your parents’ marriage was arranged, and has worked well, then why should you question the custom?

The important thing to ensure is that people are never forced into a marriage which will make them unhappy or lead to an unequal relationship where one partner is exploited by the other. This applies in all societies and situations.

(269 words)




Comments (not part of the essay)

The first paragraph introduces both systems.

The second paragraph gives views against arranged marriages, supported by reasons.

The third paragraph concedes that some western marriages compare to arranged marriages.

The fourth paragraph argues in favour of arranged marriages and supports this view.

The final paragraph concludes that both systems should result in happy marriages.

Friends play an important role in my life and I would have difficulty living without them.

Friends play an important role in my life and I would have difficulty living without them. First they support me in a number of ways: by providing advice when I need it and good company when I want to go out and enjoy myself. These are the aspects of friendship that are easy to define. Other aspects are less easy to explain but there is often a bond between friends that keeps them together. It results in some of the very strong features of friendship such as the ability to accept each other’s faults and forgive certain behaviour that might otherwise be considered irritating.

The Eiffel Tower is situated close to the Seine River in Paris

The Eiffel Tower is situated close to the Seine River in Paris. It is a metal structure that is 324 metres high and weighs 10,100 tonnes. The tower has been a tourist attraction since 1889, when it was built, and there are 1,665 steps that can be climbed in order to reach the two viewing platforms.

There are now plans to build below the foundations of the tower. These plans include the development of five underground levels that will incorporate the tower’s ticket office, shopping facilities, a cinema and museum and two floors of underground parking.

Although details have yet to be finalised, the principle is that the five floors will be connected by two vertical passenger lifts on either side of the tower. In addition, the floor immediately below the tower, which is planned to house the ticket office, will also consist of a large room with a glass ceiling so that visitors can look directly up at the tower itself.

(162 words)



Para 1 – describes the tower and what it is used for.

Para 2 – outlines the planned future levels and what they will be used for.

Para 3 – gives further details of the proposed construction.

The Hawaiian island chain is located in the Pacific Ocean

The Hawaiian island chain is located in the Pacific Ocean. It is formed of volcanoes and the active ones are at the south-east tip of the archipelago, where Hawaii itself is located.

It is believed that the chain began to form nearly 80 million years ago. Each island started to evolve after an eruption on the sea floor. First, a ‘hot spot’ existed on the ocean bed, which let out a plume of material called magma. This magma may originate as deep as 2,883 kilometres below the ocean bed. Next, further eruptions took place, which built up the volcano. Eventually it emerged above the surface of the ocean.

Since that time, the spume of magma has remained static as the Pacific tectonic plate moves in a north-west direction across it at a speed of 7-9 centimetres per year. As it moves, a volcano forms as it passes over the hotspot and then becomes inactive when it has passed it.

(159 words)

Para 1 – describes the subject or topic of the question.

Para 2 – describes how a volcano is formed in the sea.

Para 3 – explains why a chain of active and inactive volcanoes has formed.

The table shows two sets of related information

The table shows two sets of related information: the relative cost, in pounds, of renting a property with one, two or three bedrooms in three different suburbs of London and an indication of the kind of annual salary you would need to be earning to rent in these areas.

Of the three areas mentioned, Notting Hill is the most expensive with weekly rents starting at 375 pounds, (salary approximately 100,000 pounds), and rising to 738 pounds per week for a three-bedroom property. To afford this, you would require a salary in the region of 200,000 pounds per annum. Alternatively, Fulham is the cheapest area shown with rents ranging from 215 pounds per week for a one bedroom property to 600 pounds per week for a three-bedroom property. To rent in this area, salaries need to be somewhere between 57,000 and 157,000 pounds, approximately, depending on the number of bedrooms required. For those able to pay in the middle price range for accommodation, Regents Park might be a more suitable district.

(171 words)




Para 1 – tells the reader what they will learn from the table.

Para 2 – provides some details which illustrate the main thrust of the data but avoids quoting every detail.

A total of 1510 people said they watched the soap opera

A total of 1510 people said they watched the soap opera. Just over half these people were in the 21-25 age-group which comprised a total of 758 viewers. This was the largest age-group. Seventeen per cent of the viewers were in the second-largest age-group, (26-30), which had a total of 258 people. There was a similar number of viewers aged below 20. After the age of 30, the numbers fell significantly. The 31-35 age-group made up just under 10 per cent of the viewers and there were 76 people in the 36-40 age-group who said that they watched the programme. Only just under per cent of the viewers were over 40. Obviously the programme appeals to young people the most.

(only 120 words – but there was no 150 word limit in this exercise)

Sample Answer

(The first sentence introduces the topic of the pie chart and graph.)

The pie chart shows the worldwide distribution of sales of Coca-Cola in the year 2000 and the graph shows the change in share prices between 1996 and 2001.

(The second paragraph describes the pie chart. As there is not a lot of data in the pie chart, it is possible to mention it all.)

In the year 2000, Coca-Cola sold a total of 17.1 billion cases of their fizzy drink product worldwide. The largest consumer was North America, where 30.4 per cent of the total volume was purchased. The second largest consumer was Latin America. Europe and Asia purchased 20.5 and 16.4 per cent of the total volume respectively, while Africa and the Middle East remained fairly small consumers at 7 per cent of the total volume of sales.

(The third paragraph describes the graph and outlines the trend over the five-year period. Note that not all the data is mentioned. No obvious conclusion can be drawn from the data.)

Since 1996, share prices for Coca-Cola have fluctuated. In that year, shares were valued at approximately $35. Between 1996 and 1997, however, prices rose significantly to $70 per share. They dipped a little in mid-1997 and then peaked at $80 per share in mid-98. From then until 2000 their value fell consistently but there was a slight rise in mid.2000.

(166 words)

This is a full answer.

(The first two sentences form the opening paragraph that states what the chart shows and describes the main trends.)

The chart shows the changes in the sales of video material/DVDs, games software and CDs around the world in billions of dollars over a three-year period. It can be seen that the sales of videos/DVDs and games software have increased, while the sales of CDs have gone down slightly.

(The next two paragraphs describe the trends in more detail and highlight them with data from the chart.)

Between 2000 and 2003, the sales of videos and DVDs rose by approximately 13 billion dollars. In 2000, just under 20 billion dollars worth of these items were sold, but in 2003, this figure had risen to a little over 30 billion dollars.

The sales of games software also rose during this period, but less sharply. Sales increased from about 13 billion dollars in 2000 to just under 20 billion dollars three years later. By contrast, during the same time period, the sale of CDs fell from 35 billion dollars in 2000 to about 32.5 billion dollars in 2003.

(152 words)

Sample Answer 1

Note: This answer is less than 150 words because this first task is not a full exam question.

(The opening paragraph states what the graph shows and describes the main trend.)

The graph is about the number of people in China who own vehicles. It provides figures between 1987 and 1999 and it shows that the number of privately owned vehicles increased significantly over this period.

(The next two paragraphs describe the trend in more detail and highlight it with data from the graph.)

Between 1987 and 1991, this rise was gradual. For example there were just under 500 vehicles per million of the population in 1987 and this figure rose to 1,000 in 1992.

However, over the next eight years the increase was much greater and between 1992 and 1999, there was a sharp rise in vehicle ownership. By the end of 1999, there were just over 4,000 vehicles per million of the population.

(The final sentence draws a simple conclusion from the data.)

Judging from the data in this graph, the trend is likely to continue in the future.

(122 words)

Sample answer

Students can be assessed in a number of ways but I think the fairest form of assessment is testing. If students have to take examinations, they cannot easily cheat, whereas continuous assessment is difficult to mark and monitor fairly. Generally, examinations give more reliable results than other forms of assessment.

Some education systems emphasise discovery learning, while others tend to spoon feed their students. In my view, it is better to learn things yourself, through your own experiences, because you are more likely to remember what you have learnt. Also, discovery learning is less passive than rote learning and, therefore, more enjoyable.

Sample paragraph

The way teachers dress and the clothes they wear have also changed a lot. Teachers used to be very smart. Male teachers often wore a suit and a tie and female teachers liked to wear suits sometimes, too. But trends have changed and many teachers seem to dress quite casually. They even wear jeans sometimes, although many people still do not like this.

Writing Task 2

The issue of children doing paid work is a complex and sensitive one. It is difficult to say who has the right to judge whether children working is ‘wrong’ or ‘valuable’. Opinions will also differ as to ‘learning’ benefits: no doubt teachers and factory owners, for example, would have varying concerns.

An important consideration is the kind of work undertaken. Young children doing arduous and repetitive tasks on a factory production line, for example, are less likely to be ‘learning’ than older children helping in an old people’s home. There are health and safety issues to be considered as well. It is an unfortunate fact that many employers may prefer to use the services of children simply to save money by paying them less than adults and it is this type of exploitation that should be discouraged.

However, in many countries children work because their families need the additional income, no matter how small. This was certainly the case in the past in many industrialized countries, and it is very difficult to judge that it is wrong for children today to contribute to the family income in this way.

Nevertheless, in better economic circumstances, few parents would choose to send their children out to full-time paid work. If learning responsibilities and work experience are considered to be important, then children can acquire these by having light, part-time jobs or even doing tasks such as helping their parents around the family home, which are unpaid, but undoubtedly of value in children’s development. (257 words)

Notes

These Part 2 questions normally would fit into four paragraphs.

Note that this is just one example out of many possible approaches.

Writing Task 1

The data shows the differences between developing and industrialised countries’ participation in education and science.

In terms of the number of years of schooling received, we see that the length of time people spend at school in industrialised countries was much greater at 8.5 years in 1980, compared to 2.5 years in developing countries. The gap was increased further in 1990 when the figures rose to 10.5 years and 3.5 years respectively.

We can see a similar pattern in the second graph, which shows that the number of people working as scientists and technicians in industrialised countries increased from 43 to 70 per 1,000 people between 1980 and 1990, while the number in developing countries went from 11 to 17.

Finally the figures for spending on research and development show that industrialised countries more than doubled their spending, from $160bn to $350bn, whereas developing countries actually decreased theirs, from $50bn down to $20bn.

Overall we can see that not only are there very large differences between the two economies but that these gaps are widening. (175 words)

Notes

This task naturally lends itself to five paragraphs. (Namely: Introduction, the three graphs and a brief conclusion).

Note the expression ‘we can see a similar pattern in the second graph’. This is useful to avoid repetition.