Band 9 Task 1

The graph shows changes in the gap between US energy consumption and production since 1950. It also
estimates trends up to 2025. Between 1950 and 1970 both production and consumption increased from
just over 30 units to about 65, and although consumption was consistently higher, the difference was
marginal during this period. However, production grew only gradually over the next 30 years to reach 70
units in 2000. In contrast, growth in consumption was steeper and more fluctuating, reaching 95 units
by 2000. Energy imports needed to bridge this gap therefore increased from very little in 1970 to a
substantial 25 units in 2000.Projections up to 2025 indicate that this trend is likely to continue, with the
gap between production and consumption widening. By 2025 it is expected that consumption will reach
140 units, while production will reach only 90, so more than 30% of energy consumed (50 units) will
have to be imported. Overall, the graph indicated that energy production in the US is not keeping up
with consumption, so imports will continue to increase
As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for
teachers in the classroom.
There is no doubt that education and the learning process has changed since the introduction of
computers: The search for information has become easier and amusing, and connectivity has
expedited the data availability. Though experts systems have made computers more intelligent, they
have not yet become a substitute of the human interaction in the learning process. In my opinion
what can be expected is a change of the teachers role, but not their disappearance from the
classroom.
Nobody can argue that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier with computers. The mere
activity of touching and exploring this device constitutes an enjoyable task for a child. This,
accompanied by the relaxing attitude and software interactivity, usually contributes to a better
grasping of new knowledge. At a higher educational level the availability of digital books, simulators
and other academic materials provide the student with an ever accessible source of information, that
otherwise would not be at hand.
But, besides the increasing complexity and behavior of intelligent software, which is usually embedded
in the academic digital material, the need for human interaction in the learning process will always be
present, at least in the foreseeable future. There is the necessity for a human being to be able to
determine what thespecifics needs of each individual are. The expertise of a teacher in how to explain
and adapt complex concepts to different individuals can hardly be mimicked by a computer, no matter
how sophisticated its software is.
As computers are becoming a common tool for teaching, teachers should be more aware of their role
as guides in the acquisition of knowledge rather than transmitters of facts. They have to be open
minded to the changes that are taking places, keep updated and serve as problem solvers in the
learning process, thus allowing students to discover the fact for themselves.
To summarize, in my personal view, teachers play and will continue to play an important role in the
classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter how complex computers become, there will be
no replacement for the human interaction, but in the way haw thisinteraction takes place.
IELTS Writing Sample #28
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The mass media, including television, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people's
ideas.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer.

You should write at least 250 words.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
model answer:

The mass media have a powerful influence in shaping our lives. We have come to depend on them for
information and entertainment, and in doing so we let them affect important aspects of our lives.

The undeniable usefulness of the media in almost instantly providing information about events around
the world is largely taken for granted. But in our dependence on the media we have allowed them to
mould our notions and opinions of events, places and people. Though few of us probably think about it,
our conceptions of, say, our elected officials spring from television images and newspaper stories. Most
of us will never meet prime ministers or presidents, but anyone who is regularly exposed to the media
will have an opinion of them. When it is time to cast our vote, we will make our decision based on how
the media portray the candidates. We are similarly swayed by coverage of wars. The media,
representing the values of their owners, societies and governments, tend to report wars with a bias;
which is the 'good' side and which the 'bad' is determined for us by reporters, editors and
commentators, and sure enough the public begins to form opinions that reflect the coverage they see,
hear and read in the major media.

The media are also influential in the way they facilitate the spread of culture and lifestyle. The so-called
'global youth culture', in which one finds young people around the world displaying a common interest
in music, clothing styles and films, is an example of the media's enormous sway in this regard. A popular
figure such as Michael Jackson would never be so well known were it not for the media's extensive
reach into every society on the globe.

Thus I would argue that the mass media's influence is certainly great. Indeed, with technological
advancements such as the Internet bringing even more forms of electronic media to our homes and
workplaces, it is likely the media's influence will grow even stronger.

Q: Some people think that it is governments responsibility to provide care and financial support for
people after they retire. Others however think the individuals themselves should be responsible for
saving money for their own care when they are old. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The elderly are considered valuable members of societies, and debates have persisted as to who should
assume the responsibility of caring for this group governments or individuals. Although there are
convincing arguments on both sides, I believe a partnership between the two parties is a more
appropriate approach to this issue.

Advocates of governments taking care of their senior citizens argue that governments, whose money
derives from tax payers, have an inevitable duty to ensure a decent life of these people when they no
longer have income to support themselves. If the authorities did not offer any health care or pensions,
some people might not be able to sustain their lives.




On the other hand, opponents claim that it is solely a personal business to prepare for later life since it
will be a disproportionately large amount of expenditure for the government, especially as a
consequence of the increasing longevity. Hence, the proposal could give rise to public funds deficiencies
in other sectors, which would not only affect the retirees but also the entire society.

Granted, access to medical care and support for basic needs is a basic human right, and as such it should
be provided by the government. The provision, however, needs to vary according to income so as to
make efficient use of public money. That is, for the deprived and the underprivileged, they should be
entitled to free old age care; the wealthier, nevertheless, may as well be encouraged to take out
insurance policies with private companies to alleviate financial burden on the government.

To sum up, there is no single way to address the costs of the social care for older people. Governments
and individuals should share a collective responsibility, yet the level of collaboration would differ from
case to case so that the majority of the publics needs could be met.
Topic:



Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of

technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?

Has this become a positive or negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own

knowledge and/or experience. Write at least 250 words.
t is true that new technologies have had an influence on communication between people. Technology
has affected relationships in various ways, and in my opinion there are both positive and negative
effects.



Technology has had an impact on relationships in business, education and social life. Firstly, telephones
and the Internet allow business people in different countries to interact without ever meeting each
other. Secondly, services like Skype create new possibilities for relationships between students and
teachers. For example, a student can now take video lessons with a teacher in a different city or country.
Finally, many people use social networks, like Facebook, to make new friends and find people who share
common interests, and they interact through their computers rather than face to face.



On the one hand, these developments can be extremely positive. Cooperation between people in
different countries was much more difficult when communication was limited to written letters or
telegrams. Nowadays, interactions by email, phone or video are almost as good as face-to-face
meetings, and many of us benefit from these interactions, either in work or social contexts. On the other
hand, the availability of new communication technologies can also have the result of isolating people
and discouraging real interaction. For example, many young people choose to make friends online
rather than mix with their peers in the real world, and these virtual relationships are a poor substitute
for real friendships.



In conclusion, technology has certainly revolutionised communication between people, but not all of the
outcomes of this revolution have been positive.