Task 1
The charts show average levels of participation in education and the highest education level of adults from 2000 to 2010 in Singapore.
Sample Answer
The bar chart illustrates the average number of years males and females attended school, while the pie charts present the different levels of education achieved by adults in Singapore in 2000 and 2010.
Overall, there was an increase in the number of years, for both males and females, that were spent on education. It can also be seen that the figure for males was slightly higher over the period shown. Additionally, the level of education people were attaining had increased over the period.
As can be seen from the bar chart, in 2000, male citizens attended school for an average of 8.9 years, which rose considerably to just under 12 years in 2010. In contrast, the number of years females attended school in 2000 was only 8. This figure remained unchanged until 2008, and then rose to 8.9 years in 2010.
According to the pie charts, in 2000, almost one-third of Singapore’s population finished high school. The figures for those who only finished primary and secondary school were quite high, at approximately 26% each, compared to less than 10% of Singaporeans who had gained a bachelor or master’s degree. However, the level of education people were attaining had increased over the ten year period, with nearly two-thirds of the population obtaining a university degree, and only 2.1% leaving after primary school.
Task 2
More and more people want to buy clothes, cars and other products from well-known brands. What are the reasons?
Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
Sample Answer
Nowadays, purchasing items such as cars or clothes from famous brands is becoming increasingly popular among a large number of people. The reasons behind this trend will be outlined in the following essay and, in my opinion, it could bring both positive and negative consequences in equal measure.
To begin with, the tendency of using large brand products mostly stems from people’s beliefs on personal possessions reflecting wealth, social status, and appearance. (1) More specifically, many people associate clothes and accessories from popular brand names such as Nike or Adidas with high quality and fashionable designs. Therefore, these items are more suitable for enhancing people’s appearance than the products from smaller brands. In addition, some types of goods like cars from luxurious brands are usually sold at exorbitant prices because of their expensive materials or unique features. (2) Hence, these items are often considered as a tool for the rich to show off their social status or their wealth.
On the other hand, more people purchasing goods from famous brands can bring both merits and drawbacks to the business world. Countries where famous brands are based are more likely to have a strong and healthy economy. For instance, the US – the home country of many large brands, such as Apple and Microsoft, has been the strongest economic superpower since the late 20th century partly since the products of these enterprises are favored not only in domestic but also in foreign markets. (3) However, the rise of dominant brand names can be a factor leading to monopoly as large companies will attempt to dominate and finally wipe out smaller rivals to maintain their positions.
In conclusion, the tendency of consuming goods from famous brands largely comes from people’s perception of personal belongings showing their wealth, social status and appearance. This trend can bring both positive and harmful effects to the business market and, therefore, should be well-considered by the government to prevent largescale monopoly.
