Writing Task 2: Essay 8

All high or secondary school students should be taught how to manage money, because it is an important life skill. Do you agree or disagree?

It is irrefutable that in today’s complex life, monetary skills are essential for people of all ages. However, whether school-aged children should have such knowledge or not is often a debated topic. It is agreed that money management is a vital life skill and hence should be taught to secondary school students. This will be analysed by showing how this can help teenagers to grow into more responsible adults as well as help them to handle their finances in efficient manner.

For one, teaching monetary skills at school level helps young students to understand the value of money at an early age. For instance, youngsters who are taught to be money savvy since teen life become more accountable in their later life as a grown-up.  Moreover, this encourages them to wisely spend their funds, while making them realize the worth of all the facilities provided to them by their parents. Thus, it is understandable how knowledge about money can cater students towards an erudite adult life.

In addition to this, wealth management competencies acquired during young age can prove to be an asset of great magnitude throughout the lifetime. For example, individuals who start a business or even a family require certain level of financial know-how to function efficiently. In the meanwhile, such proficiencies learned in school make young adults acquainted with superior budget planning strategies, thus increasing the chances of success by taking judicious decisions. Therefore, it is clear why awareness about money matters instilled during high school is extremely profitable for one’s personal and professional life.

Following this analysis, it is felt that idea of educating students with monetary information definitely has enormous merits, therefore, leading them to an enriched future life. It is thus hoped that in foreseeable future, more pupils will be imparted skills regarding the benefits and risks associated with wealth.

Writing Task 2: Essay 7

Traffic jams are becoming a problem in big towns and cities nowadays. As a solution some people are suggesting widening the roads. Do you agree or disagree?

Today, majority of the highly populated cities around the globe experience enormous traffic congestion. According to few individuals, broadening the roads is the ultimate solution for this problem. However, it is argued that there are other steps which are probably more effective than widening the roads. This will be proven by looking at how building better public transportation services and maintaining proper roads helps reduce traffic significantly.

For one, improving the public transit services of a city encourages more people to choose this mode of transport against using personal vehicles. For example, in Melbourne, the trains, buses and trams offer services in even the most remote regions of the city at an affordable fee. Because of the availability of such convenient and affordable facility, more and more residents prefer commuting by public transport, which in turn reduces the number of personal cars on roads. Hence, it is clear how better public transport system can solve the issue of congested traffic.

In addition to this, regular maintenance of roadways assists in keeping the traffic flow moving. Take Mumbai, as an illustration. There are regular instances of road blockages due to repair work being done on damaged roads in Mumbai, thus blocking the traffic at several places around the city. As a result, cars are jammed at one place and it makes the already severe traffic congestion even worse. Thus, maintaining city’s roads can prove to be very helpful in avoiding huge traffic jams.

Following this look, it is felt that providing citizens with superior quality roads and excellent  public transportation are better solutions as compared to widening the roads. It is therefore hoped that in the foreseeable future, governments will focus on such methods to solve the traffic problems.

Vocabulary Chapter 2: Describing Things

1. Dimensions (noun > adjective)

• breadth > broad
• width > wide
• depth > deep
• height > high
• length > long
• weight > heavy

2. Shapes (noun > adjective)

• circle > circular
• oval > oval
• rectangle > rectangular
• square > square
• triangle > triangular
• pyramid > pyramidal

3. Size

• bulky
• compact 
• enormous
• huge
• tiny
• narrow
• small
• large

4. Patterns

• plain
• checked
• stripy
• flowery

5. Age

• modern
• antique
• used
• new
• six months old
• second-hand

Vocabulary Chapter 1: Describing People

A. Physical

1. Age: 

• baby                                           
• toddler
• school age
• school-aged
• teen
• teenager
• middle age
• middle-aged
• adult
• pensioner
• old age
• old-aged

2. Body shape:

• figure/shape
• pear-shaped
• apple-shaped
• ruler
• hourglass (figure)
• slim
• overweight
• skinny
• curvy

3. Face:

• round
• oval
• heart-shaped
• square

4. Hair:

• straight
• curly
• wavy
• blond(e)
• brunette
• bald

B. Character

• amusing
• arrogant
• brainy
• creepy
• easy-going
• enthusiastic
• funny
• fussy
• generous
• gifted
• grumpy
• hard-working
• idle
• mean
• nervous
• punctual
• (self-)confident
• strange
• strict
• sulky
• thoughtful
• unenthusiastic

Writing Task 2: Essay 6

Some people believe that travelling is a valuable experience; others say it is a waste of time and money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

It is undeniable fact that travelling has become one of the most preferred leisure activities. A large number of people hold the opinion that travel experiences bring with it significant benefits. Others, however, feel that it is merely a waste of time and monetary resources. Both sides of this argument will be discussed in this essay before a reasoned conclusion is drawn.

According to many, one can acquire substantial knowledge and wisdom along with great fun and entertainment, by pursuing journey to various places. Many artists for example, are inspired by different locations around the world and thus, use the creative and innovative ideas gained during travelling. In this way, the awareness about different culture and traditions is spread to wider range of people. As such, the concept of one world and globalization can be considered as a fruit of such exploration. Moreover, most tourists would agree that travel provides immense amount of relaxation, while reinvigorating our body, mind and soul at the same time. Therefore, it is understandable why this point of view has garnered support.

On the other hand, many people contest the above and argue that the increasing costs of conveyance and the time spent for it makes travelling an activity of little value/worth. A good example of this is today’s young generation, who prefer to take a gap year during their studies and go on an excursion. This not only interrupts with their academic continuity, but can be seen as a noteworthy loss of their precious time. Also, as most of these youngsters are not financially well-versed, it is not wrong to say that money spent during their journey could have been used for other essential activities. When seen in this light, it is clear why many feel touring to be a worthless endeavour.

Following this debate, although both sides of this discussion contain indisputable virtues, it is felt that travelling helps to broaden our horizon and has tremendous merits. It is hence, expected that more people will engage in voyaging in the foreseeable future.

Writing Task 2: Essay 5

In many countries recently young single people have been living far from their parents, from the time they began studies or work and until they married. Do you think there are more advantages or disadvantages to this trend?

Today, the concept of youth freedom has tempted more and more modern youngsters to move out of their parent’s home at a younger age, either for studies or for work purposes. Although, this trend brings with it a number of positive ramifications, negative aspects are also quite numerous. Both the advantages and disadvantages of this topic will be discussed in this essay before a reasoned conclusion is drawn.

On the one hand, the independency resulting from living on their own, prepares the young single people to be more self-reliant. In other words, being independent teaches them to face the life’s challenges and adversities with great courage and self-confidence. Youngsters in Western countries, for example, feel it necessary to move out of the family home once they turn 18. In the meantime, during their life away from the parents, they learn to handle their personal issues regarding every aspect of life including emotional as well as financial stress.  As a result, it is seen that youngsters from nations like these, tend to be more successful at an early age. From this perspective, living independently for education or employment can be seen as a positive thing.

On the other hand, however, it is also true that many youngsters living away from home may choose a wrong path for their life. Diverting to harmful habits such as drugs and alcohol is easy in absence of the guidance and monitoring of elders. For instance, today there are frequent news of cases appearing in media, showing increasing number of young adults getting involved with drug abuse, youth crime and alcoholism. Hence, instead of being responsible towards their life and career, there are many young people who exploit the freedom given to them and damage their whole future prospects to live a better life. Thus, this is an obvious disadvantage of people moving away from their parents at a very young age.

Following this analysis, it is felt that the benefits of living away from parents for academic and professional reasons clearly outweigh the drawbacks. It is therefore hoped that more youngsters will use this opportunity to build a solid foundation for their entire future life. 

Writing Task 2: Essay 4

Advertisement makes our society harmful, and for that reason people need to ban advertisements from use. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain your position.

Option 1: Disagree

One of the main stimulants of consumerism in any country is advertising. As such, advertising can be seen as a necessary practice within any healthy economy. Although many people counter this by saying that too much exposure to commercial promotions can cause societal problems and advertisements should be banned, I completely disagree with this thought. I shall put forth my arguments to support my views in the following paragraphs.

Firstly, advertising stimulates healthy spending, which can grow economies and create jobs.  Take Coca-Cola, for example.  Coca-Cola is a company that spends massive amounts on marketing every year.  Because of this, it has become a brand that is recognized in the most remote corners of the earth.  This level of recognition allows even the smallest of vendors anywhere in the world to create wealth through providing an attractive product with a powerful brand to potential customers. When seen in this light, it is clear that advertisements are extremely necessary for our society.

Secondly, advertisements are very crucial given the fast pace of life today. The advertisements open our eyes to all the latest facilities and trends and with that give us the chance and opportunity of choosing from the wide range of products available, for we have little time to make discoveries about what is required. Advertising links producers and consumers by providing relevant information of the latest products and services. Thanks to advertising, we know that there are so many nice things available. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of consumers are sensible enough to consider their options before they decide on a particular item. Thus, it is understandable why adverts should not be banned.

Following this look, it can be concluded that banning advertisements will not have any substantial ramifications.  Advertising is a powerful and persuasive medium and it has the backbone of many economies of the world. In fact, without adverts we would lose a valuable source of revenue which is used for the benefit of majority. It is thus expected that the role of marketing within modern economies will not change much into the foreseeable future.

Option 2: Agree (Body Paragraphs)

On the other hand, it is purported by many that advertising has negative ramifications on societies.  For example, at Christmas time, American children are often the target of very elaborate marketing schemes hatched by large companies looking for holiday sales.  As these sorts of campaigns can induce children to become overly concerned with commercial matters, many people worry this may interrupt their development as moral people.  When seen in this light, it is clear why many people feel there are more drawbacks than benefits to advertising.

Because of advertisements, sometimes we buy what tempts us without the insight of what we need actually. Impressive images, videos, or captions are bound to leave an imprint on us. For example, media is flooded with the advertisements of beauty products and they all claim to make you fair in a few days. Women, and these days, even men are crazy about these things and buy these things even without consulting their dermatologist.

General Writing Task 1: Letter 1

Write a complaint letter about a taxi service that you have used recently. Please say

- When did you use the service?
- What was wrong with the service provided?
- What actions for improvement do you suggest?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to complain about a recent experience I had with your taxi service. (Allow me to elaborate.)

On 22^nd Oct 2012, last Friday, I hired a taxi from Flinders Station to 151 Punt Rd, at 5 p.m. First of all, the taxi driver took a longer route thinking that I am new to the city and would not realize it, and hence planned to charge me more. When I clarified things with him about me being a local, he started being rude to me and suddenly stopped the taxi in the middle of the road. At that time, I had no choice but to leave as he was not ready to listen anything. Apart from that, it was raining heavily, and in that bad weather I had to walk a long way further to hire another taxi. As a result, it took me about 2 hours to reach my home, unlike the usual 20 mins.

I would recommend you to also train your drivers in customer service and proper etiquettes, not only just in driving. In addition to that, monitoring the activities of your drivers through systems such as built-in cameras in the vehicle will make your customers fell more comfortable and secure. This will definitely help you get more loyal/happy customers.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Samuel Jones.

Writing Task 2: Essay 3

Many old cities around the world are going through a major process of modernization.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of modernization?

A new wave of industrialization has taken the developing world by storm.  Among many of these countries, a policy of fast-tracking has been adopted, often producing mixed results.  The advantages and disadvantages of the rapid modernizing of many old cities around the world will be analyzed in this essay.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of this process is the raising of living standards.  For example, many second tier cities in India have seen a boom in the quality of life found there.  Thus, the collective effort being made in India to modernize is also having a positive impact on the lives of Indian people.  From this perspective, modernization can be seen as a positive thing.

However, despite this advantage, there are also notable disadvantages to fast-tracking development.  For one, rapid modernization often involves the destruction of historical relics, buildings and roads.  This has been unfortunately true in areas like Anhui, China, where the demolishing of many culturally significant buildings is occurring at a degree akin to that of the Cultural Revolution.  Thus, it is clear that there are many disadvantages to this wave of modernization as well.

After analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of bringing the cities of the developing world up to speed with those of the developed world, it is felt modernization causes more good than harm.  However, it is hoped that caution is employed in the efforts made to renew the old cities of the world.

(Courtesy: Ryan)

Writing Task 2: Essay 2

The costs of international travel are decreasing and tourism is growing. What are the advantages and disadvantages of increasing tourism activity in different countries?

Tourism is often touted as an industry that will never shrink in size. In other words, as the world develops, more and more people will be able to travel.  Although, many may see this as a positive phenomenon, it is not a trend without drawbacks. Both the advantages and the disadvantages of this topic will be analysed before a reasoned conclusion is reached.

On the one hand, the reduction in travel fares and the increasing of the global tourism can be seen as a positive event as it promotes intercultural understanding and global harmony. For example, many Middle Eastern nations have opened their doors and embraced tourism over the last twenty years and this has helped shed prejudiced views internationally that all Middle Eastern states are dangerous. This development clearly shows the benefits of an increasing international tourism industry.

In addition to this, tourism creates new opportunities for trade. For example, many Chinese tourists are bringing back products from foreign countries that are currently unavailable in China. These new trade ties are great for the health of the entire global economy and can be seen as yet another positive ramification resulting from increased tourism.

On the other hand, the international tourism does pose some disadvantages. For one, money travelling into countries can lead to the establishment of some morally questionable activity. To name a few, tourist hotspots in developing countries are often rife with theft problems, maimed beggars and prostitution. The inflaming of these issues as a result of increased tourism is an obvious disadvantage to the growing global travel industry.

Following this analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of tourism and the falling travel prices that are making it more possible, it is felt tourism has more benefits than drawbacks. It is hoped the growth in global intercultural understanding continues uninterrupted as tourism increases.

(Courtesy: Ryan)

Writing Task 2: Essay 1

To what extent do you think governments should be held responsible when problems of homelessness and unemployment arise?

The role that a government plays in the social status and the financial strength of its citizens is a topic which is often debated. It is felt that although a country’s government does impact the level of unemployment and homelessness, these problems are most heavily influenced by external factors. This will be shown by looking at the influence international economic conditions and personal family relations have on countries and their people.

For one, certain international economic developments, outside the government’s sphere of influence can cause horrific problems for a nation’s rate of unemployment and homelessness. For example, during the global economic crisis of 2008, disposable income dropped worldwide leading to a reduced demand of many products manufactured in South East Asia. The negative ramifications this had on the jobs in many of these South East Asian countries occurred independent of decisions made by their respective governments. Thus, it is clear that a nation’s level of unemployment and homelessness can be affected regardless of its political policies.

Secondly, unhealthy social relationships are responsible for the increased instances of illegal and anti-social behaviours among youngsters, keeping them deprived of proper education and social status which contributes to the growing unemployment and homelessness. For example, in the last decade, Western countries have witnessed more social unrest among the young generation than ever before. The people responsible for these conditions give more priority to alcohol, drugs and gangs instead of family and education and hence a higher percentage of people are now unemployed and homeless. As this shows, the number of people without jobs or homes can be affected by developments outside of a government’s control.

Following this look, it seems difficult to support the idea that governments should be held completely responsible for the job loss and homelessness of their citizens. However, it is hoped political authorities everywhere take measures to support their people in curbing such complications.

Speaking Part 1: 'Colours'

1. What was your favourite colour when you were a child?

When I was a child, my favourite colour was red. As a child I was very active and energetic and somehow red colour always attracted me. 

2. Is that still your favourite colour now?

Not really. I love black colour now. I think black is very mysterious and sophisticated at the same time.

3. Do you think colours are important?

Yes, I think colours are an important part of our everyday lives. This whole world is made up of different colours and each of them have their unique meaning. It's hard to imagine our life without colours.

4. Is colour very important to you when you are buying clothes?

Oh definitely yes! I usually select clothes based on their colours. I believe that there are certain colours that look good on me and can enhance my look. Black, for example, gives me a feeling that I look more slim and perhaps more elegant.

5. If you were to paint the walls of your room, what colour would you choose?

Well, I would love to have the walls of my room white because white colour makes the room look spacious and clean. In addition to that, I can play with the colours of my decor and furnishing as every colour goes well with white.

Speaking Part 1: 'Food'

1. Which do you prefer to eat, lunch or dinner? (Why?)

Well, I like to eat dinner. This is mainly because my university/job is during the day and I hardly get any time to eat proper lunch. At night I can have my dinner peacefully.

2. Which do you prefer – to eat one big meal or to eat several small snacks?

I enjoy eating healthy snacks like fruits or nuts every two to three hours. It gives me good energy and allows my body to function properly throughout the day. 

3. Do you think there are any benefits from eating breakfast?

Definitely. I think having healthy breakfast has numerous/several benefits. Not only does it gives you energy to start a new day but it is also linked with many health benefits like better metabolism and improved performance.

4. In the past few years, have there been any changes to people's eating habits in your country?

Yes. I believe at present in India people are consuming more amount of fast foods as compared to many/few/several years ago and hence many fast food outlets are becoming more popular today. The intake of processed and packaged foods also have increased dramatically.

5. What do you consider to be a healthy diet?

My idea of a healthy diet is to eat variety of foods in moderation because a balanced diet is extremely necessary for getting proper nutrition. For example, eating lots of different fruits and vegetables with foods that contain protein, fibre and carbohydrates can be very healthy.