In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this case? What can be done about this problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

REFERENCE ANSWER

Recent years have witnessed tremendous developments in agricultural science yet every day people all over the world continue to suffer and even die from hunger. In my opinion, this is because innovations rarely impact the developing world and the best solution for it is to direct humanitarian funding towards these advances.

The main cause of more advanced agricultural methods not reaching the people who need it the most is that the developing world has trouble implementing these methods. There are a number of reasons for this ranging from limited financial resources to poor existing infrastructure to political instability, depending on the country in question. One example of this would be in many African nations, where malnourishment has historically been highest. Countries like the Congo have seen revolution after revolution over the last several decades, which has effectively destabilised the entire country. The universities where students would learn about changes in agriculture are frequently shut down or destroyed. The young people who would become agricultural scientists end up drawn into the conflict as soldiers or victims. Long-term economic neglect means that the government has very limited ability to subsidise farming. These problems are present to varying degrees in countries around the world and offer one possible explanation for the continued prevalence of hunger.

The solution that I believe would be most effective is directing humanitarian funds previously focused on food aid towards education and agricultural infrastructure. Food aid is a notoriously poor solution because it only offers an immediate solution and warlords often exploit it to support their continued mistreatment of their people. It hurts more than it helps. However, there would be better long-term effects if international organisations and governments redirected that money into helping build better farms, provide more modern equipment, and sending qualified professions to train people in need. There is a TedTalk by a young man in Kenya who built his own windmill out of old bicycle parts and by reading a book in the local library. It is large enough to power his own house and he was seeking financing for a larger one that would power irrigation channels for the entire village. If more people like him can be found or trained then this will have an impact that lasts for decades and is relatively impervious to the factors preventing agricultural advances from taking root in developing countries.

In conclusion, developing companies face myriad problems that hinder their ability to take advantage of newer agricultural models and we should direct more funding to helping these countries learn more about new farming methods. This is likely to be an important issue in the world as the gap between rich and poor, developed and undeveloped widens while technological progress continues its indifferent march forward.

In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their level of health and fitness is decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 REFERENCE ANSWER

In many countries, the number of people who became overweight has increased and their health condition and fitness level are declining. This essay will discuss some of the reasons why these problems have arisen and some of the steps that can be taken to address them.

For a number of reasons, the average bodyweight of people in several countries is rising these days, and they have problems with the physical condition as well. Firstly, a lot of people prefer to consume in fast food outlets nowadays. It is undeniable that most of the fast food restaurants serve foods that contain fat and sugar, and as a result, those who frequently consume the food get overweight. Secondly, it is a fact that business competition is getting tougher due to globalization, and people have to work for longer hours. They have to wake up very early in the morning to go to their workplace and arrive home late at night; therefore, they have no time for doing some exercises. Consequently, many of these people have some serious health problems, such as obesity and diabetes.

There are several things that people can do to resolve the problems. One of them is that people should be more selective in choosing their diets. People should avoid consuming fast food since they contain a lot of high cholesterol ingredients which are dangerous for their health. They should consume more of the healthier ingredients such as wheat, oat, vegetables or fruit rather than consuming fried chicken or hamburger. The other thing is that people should do more physical exercises and burn more calories in their life. One of the ways is by changing their mode of transportation. For example, they could change the way they commute from driving a car to riding a bicycle. It is not just making the body healthier, but bike riding also reduces air pollution as well.

In conclusion, it is true that many people are having problems with bodyweight and health conditions these days. The problems are mostly caused by the unhealthy lifestyles and there are several things that people could do to fix the problems. They should be more selective in choosing their diets and they should have more exercises in their life.

In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing.

What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

MODEL ANSWER

It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.

As people live longer and the populations of developed countries grow older, several related problems can be anticipated. The main issue is that there will obviously be more people of retirement age who will be eligible to receive a pension. The proportion of younger, working adults will be smaller, and governments will therefore receive less money in taxes in relation to the size of the population. In other words, an ageing population will mean a greater tax burden for working adults. Further pressures will include a rise in the demand for healthcare, and the fact young adults will increasingly have to look after their elderly relatives.

There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems described above. Firstly, a simple solution would be to increase the retirement age for working adults, perhaps from 65 to 70. Nowadays, people of this age tend to be healthy enough to continue a productive working life. A second measure would be for governments to encourage immigration in order to increase the number of working adults who pay taxes. Finally, money from national budgets will need to be taken from other areas and spent on vital healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities for the rising numbers of older citizens.

In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.

THE PLAN FOR THE ABOVE ESSAY

Introduction: Paraphrase the question, then give a general answer – there will be negative consequences but we can take steps to mitigate them

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: several problems of ageing populations
2. Main issue: more retired people who receive a pension
3. Explain: fewer working people means less tax income for governments
4. Result: a greater tax burden for working adults
5. Another problem: increasing need for elderly care

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: several actions that governments can take
2. First solution: increase the retirement age to 70
3. Explain: older people are healthier these days
4. Second solution: encourage immigration of working adults
5. Third solution: spend more money on healthcare for older peopl

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise the overall answer

Vocabulary review

Here’s a list of the ‘less common’ collocations and phrases in the essay above:

• industrialised nations
• there will undoubtedly be
• take steps to mitigate these potential problems
• several related problems can be anticipated
• people of retirement age
• eligible to receive a pension
• the proportion of working adults
• a greater tax burden
• further pressures will include
• a rise in the demand for healthcare
• elderly relatives
• several actions that governments could take
• a productive working life
• encourage immigration
• national budgets
• vital healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities
• older citizens
• the problems that are certain to arise

More and more people are migrating to cities in search of a better life, but city life can be extremely difficult.

Explain some of the difficulties of living in a city. How can governments make urban life better for everyone?

MODEL ANSWER

Cities are often seen as places of opportunity, but there are also some major drawbacks of living in a large metropolis. In my opinion, governments could do much more to improve city life for the average inhabitant.

The main problem for anyone who hopes to migrate to a large city is that the cost of living is likely to be much higher than it is in a small town or village. Inhabitants of cities have to pay higher prices for housing, transport, and even food. Another issue is that urban areas tend to suffer from social problems such as high crime and poverty rates in comparison with rural areas. Furthermore, the air quality in cities is often poor, due to pollution from traffic, and the streets and public transport systems are usually overcrowded. As a result, city life can be unhealthy and stressful.

However, there are various steps that governments could take to tackle these problems. Firstly, they could invest money in the building of affordable or social housing to reduce the cost of living. Secondly, politicians have the power to ban vehicles from city centres and promote the use of cleaner public transport, which would help to reduce both air pollution and traffic congestion. In London, for example, the introduction of a congestion charge for drivers has helped to curb the traffic problem. A third option would be to develop provincial towns and rural areas, by moving industry and jobs to those regions, in order to reduce the pressure on major cities.

In conclusion, governments could certainly implement a range of measures to enhance the quality of life for all city residents.

THE PLAN FOR THE ABOVE ESSAY

Introduction: Paraphrase both ideas – city life is difficult, governments can improve it

Main paragraph 1

1. Main problem: high cost of living in cities
2. Examples: housing, transport, food
3. Another problem: social issues like crime and poverty
4. Further problems: pollution and overcrowding
5. Result: city life is unhealthy and stressful

Main paragraph 2

6. Topic: various steps governments can take
7. First step: build affordable housing to reduce the cost of living
8. Second step: ban vehicles and promote public transport
9. Example: the congestion charge in London
10. Third step: improve smaller towns to reduce pressure on cities

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise the overall answer

Vocabulary review

Here’s a list of the ‘less common’ collocations and phrases in the essay above:

• places of opportunity
• some major drawbacks
• a large metropolis
• the average inhabitant
• the cost of living
• urban areas
• tend to suffer from
• social problems
• high crime and poverty rates
• air quality is poor
• public transport systems are overcrowded
• unhealthy and stressful
• take steps to tackle these problems
• invest money in
• affordable housing
• politicians have the power to
• promote the use of cleaner public transport
• reduce air pollution and traffic congestion
• a congestion charge
• to curb the problem
• develop provincial towns
• rural areas
• reduce the pressure on major cities
• implement a range of measures
• enhance the quality of life

In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this case? What can be done about this problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

REFERENCE ANSWER

Recent years have witnessed tremendous developments in agricultural science yet every day people all over the world continue to suffer and even die from hunger. In my opinion, this is because innovations rarely impact the developing world and the best solution for it is to direct humanitarian funding towards these advances.

The main cause of more advanced agricultural methods not reaching the people who need it the most is that the developing world has trouble implementing these methods. There are a number of reasons for this ranging from limited financial resources to poor existing infrastructure to political instability, depending on the country in question. One example of this would be in many African nations, where malnourishment has historically been highest. Countries like the Congo have seen revolution after revolution over the last several decades, which has effectively destabilised the entire country. The universities where students would learn about changes in agriculture are frequently shut down or destroyed. The young people who would become agricultural scientists end up drawn into the conflict as soldiers or victims. Long-term economic neglect means that the government has very limited ability to subsidise farming. These problems are present to varying degrees in countries around the world and offer one possible explanation for the continued prevalence of hunger.

The solution that I believe would be most effective is directing humanitarian funds previously focused on food aid towards education and agricultural infrastructure. Food aid is a notoriously poor solution because it only offers an immediate solution and warlords often exploit it to support their continued mistreatment of their people. It hurts more than it helps. However, there would be better long-term effects if international organisations and governments redirected that money into helping build better farms, provide more modern equipment, and sending qualified professions to train people in need. There is a TedTalk by a young man in Kenya who built his own windmill out of old bicycle parts and by reading a book in the local library. It is large enough to power his own house and he was seeking financing for a larger one that would power irrigation channels for the entire village. If more people like him can be found or trained then this will have an impact that lasts for decades and is relatively impervious to the factors preventing agricultural advances from taking root in developing countries.

In conclusion, developing companies face myriad problems that hinder their ability to take advantage of newer agricultural models and we should direct more funding to helping these countries learn more about new farming methods. This is likely to be an important issue in the world as the gap between rich and poor, developed and undeveloped widens while technological progress continues its indifferent march forward.

In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their level of health and fitness is decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 REFERENCE ANSWER

In many countries, the number of people who became overweight has increased and their health condition and fitness level are declining. This essay will discuss some of the reasons why these problems have arisen and some of the steps that can be taken to address them.

For a number of reasons, the average bodyweight of people in several countries is rising these days, and they have problems with the physical condition as well. Firstly, a lot of people prefer to consume in fast food outlets nowadays. It is undeniable that most of the fast food restaurants serve foods that contain fat and sugar, and as a result, those who frequently consume the food get overweight. Secondly, it is a fact that business competition is getting tougher due to globalization, and people have to work for longer hours. They have to wake up very early in the morning to go to their workplace and arrive home late at night; therefore, they have no time for doing some exercises. Consequently, many of these people have some serious health problems, such as obesity and diabetes.

There are several things that people can do to resolve the problems. One of them is that people should be more selective in choosing their diets. People should avoid consuming fast food since they contain a lot of high cholesterol ingredients which are dangerous for their health. They should consume more of the healthier ingredients such as wheat, oat, vegetables or fruit rather than consuming fried chicken or hamburger. The other thing is that people should do more physical exercises and burn more calories in their life. One of the ways is by changing their mode of transportation. For example, they could change the way they commute from driving a car to riding a bicycle. It is not just making the body healthier, but bike riding also reduces air pollution as well.

In conclusion, it is true that many people are having problems with bodyweight and health conditions these days. The problems are mostly caused by the unhealthy lifestyles and there are several things that people could do to fix the problems. They should be more selective in choosing their diets and they should have more exercises in their life.

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behavior. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

MODEL ANSWER

It is true that the behaviour of school pupils in some parts of the world has been getting worse in recent years. There are a variety of possible reasons for this, but steps can definitely be taken to tackle the problem.

In my opinion, three main factors are to blame for the way young people behave at school nowadays. Firstly, modern parents tend to be too lenient or permissive. Many children become accustomed to getting whatever they want, and they find it difficult to accept the demands of teachers or the limits imposed on them by school rules. Secondly, if teachers cannot control their students, there must be an issue with the quality of classroom management training or support within schools. Finally, children are influenced by the behaviour of celebrities, many of whom set the example that success can be achieved without finishing school.

Student behaviour can certainly be improved. I believe that the change must start with parents, who need to be persuaded that it is important to set firm rules for their children. When children misbehave or break the rules, parents should use reasonable punishments to demonstrate that actions have consequences. Also, schools could play an important role in training both teachers and parents to use effective disciplinary techniques, and in improving the communication between both groups. At the same time, famous people, such as musicians and football players, need to understand the responsibility that they have to act as role models to children.

In conclusion, schools will continue to face discipline problems unless parents, teachers and public figures set clear rules and demonstrate the right behaviour themselves.

REFERENCE ANSWER

Schooling is a platform that develops a student’s personality. Unfortunately, problems created by aggressive student behaviour are on a rise in several countries. This essay analyses the various causes and remedial actions that can be taken to prevent it.

Primary cause of violent behaviour of students can be attributed to their social background. An individual constantly exposed to violence at home will tend to act the same manner at school. Secondly, school environment plays a vital role in shaping a student’s character. Modern education is based on competition and comparison. For example, schools conduct monthly examinations to assess the student’s progress and due to this they are subjected to undue stress that leads to acts of violence being committed at school.

Although the issue of student behaviour is a serious one, appropriate measures should be taken to eliminate the problems at the grass-root level. Parents should create a harmonious environment at home where a student has independence to express his views that can result in a drastic improvement in their behaviour outside the home. Schools must revamp their education system to create a non-competitive way of learning which will result in a healthy ecosystem where individual talent is respected. There should be several ways of grading based on individual talent and not have a one scale fits all grading system.

In conclusion, social and education system, which are the major contributors to extreme behaviour of students can be kerbed by placing right measures at home and school. Students are the jewel of our society, and it is our responsibility to guide them in the right direction.

In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing.

What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

MODEL ANSWER

It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.

As people live longer and the populations of developed countries grow older, several related problems can be anticipated. The main issue is that there will obviously be more people of retirement age who will be eligible to receive a pension. The proportion of younger, working adults will be smaller, and governments will therefore receive less money in taxes in relation to the size of the population. In other words, an ageing population will mean a greater tax burden for working adults. Further pressures will include a rise in the demand for healthcare, and the fact young adults will increasingly have to look after their elderly relatives.

There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems described above. Firstly, a simple solution would be to increase the retirement age for working adults, perhaps from 65 to 70. Nowadays, people of this age tend to be healthy enough to continue a productive working life. A second measure would be for governments to encourage immigration in order to increase the number of working adults who pay taxes. Finally, money from national budgets will need to be taken from other areas and spent on vital healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities for the rising numbers of older citizens.

In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.

THE PLAN FOR THE ABOVE ESSAY

Introduction: Paraphrase the question, then give a general answer – there will be negative consequences but we can take steps to mitigate them

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: several problems of ageing populations
2. Main issue: more retired people who receive a pension
3. Explain: fewer working people means less tax income for governments
4. Result: a greater tax burden for working adults
5. Another problem: increasing need for elderly care

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: several actions that governments can take
2. First solution: increase the retirement age to 70
3. Explain: older people are healthier these days
4. Second solution: encourage immigration of working adults
5. Third solution: spend more money on healthcare for older peopl

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise the overall answer

Vocabulary review

Here’s a list of the ‘less common’ collocations and phrases in the essay above:

• industrialised nations
• there will undoubtedly be
• take steps to mitigate these potential problems
• several related problems can be anticipated
• people of retirement age
• eligible to receive a pension
• the proportion of working adults
• a greater tax burden
• further pressures will include
• a rise in the demand for healthcare
• elderly relatives
• several actions that governments could take
• a productive working life
• encourage immigration
• national budgets
• vital healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities
• older citizens
• the problems that are certain to arise

More and more people are migrating to cities in search of a better life, but city life can be extremely difficult.

Explain some of the difficulties of living in a city. How can governments make urban life better for everyone?

MODEL ANSWER

Cities are often seen as places of opportunity, but there are also some major drawbacks of living in a large metropolis. In my opinion, governments could do much more to improve city life for the average inhabitant.

The main problem for anyone who hopes to migrate to a large city is that the cost of living is likely to be much higher than it is in a small town or village. Inhabitants of cities have to pay higher prices for housing, transport, and even food. Another issue is that urban areas tend to suffer from social problems such as high crime and poverty rates in comparison with rural areas. Furthermore, the air quality in cities is often poor, due to pollution from traffic, and the streets and public transport systems are usually overcrowded. As a result, city life can be unhealthy and stressful.

However, there are various steps that governments could take to tackle these problems. Firstly, they could invest money in the building of affordable or social housing to reduce the cost of living. Secondly, politicians have the power to ban vehicles from city centres and promote the use of cleaner public transport, which would help to reduce both air pollution and traffic congestion. In London, for example, the introduction of a congestion charge for drivers has helped to curb the traffic problem. A third option would be to develop provincial towns and rural areas, by moving industry and jobs to those regions, in order to reduce the pressure on major cities.

In conclusion, governments could certainly implement a range of measures to enhance the quality of life for all city residents.

THE PLAN FOR THE ABOVE ESSAY

Introduction: Paraphrase both ideas – city life is difficult, governments can improve it

Main paragraph 1

1. Main problem: high cost of living in cities
2. Examples: housing, transport, food
3. Another problem: social issues like crime and poverty
4. Further problems: pollution and overcrowding
5. Result: city life is unhealthy and stressful

Main paragraph 2

6. Topic: various steps governments can take
7. First step: build affordable housing to reduce the cost of living
8. Second step: ban vehicles and promote public transport
9. Example: the congestion charge in London
10. Third step: improve smaller towns to reduce pressure on cities

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise the overall answer

Vocabulary review

Here’s a list of the ‘less common’ collocations and phrases in the essay above:

• places of opportunity
• some major drawbacks
• a large metropolis
• the average inhabitant
• the cost of living
• urban areas
• tend to suffer from
• social problems
• high crime and poverty rates
• air quality is poor
• public transport systems are overcrowded
• unhealthy and stressful
• take steps to tackle these problems
• invest money in
• affordable housing
• politicians have the power to
• promote the use of cleaner public transport
• reduce air pollution and traffic congestion
• a congestion charge
• to curb the problem
• develop provincial towns
• rural areas
• reduce the pressure on major cities
• implement a range of measures
• enhance the quality of life