Task 1
The charts below show the performance of a bus company in terms of punctuality, both actual and target (what actually happened compared to what the company was trying to achieve), and the number of complaints and passengers.
Sample Answer:
The first chart shows the actual and target percentage of buses, from a particular bus company, that arrived at the destination on time, between 1999 and 2003. Meanwhile, the second chart shows how many complaints were made during the same period.
It is clear that while the expected target of buses arriving on time decreased over the years, there was no clear pattern in the percentage of buses that actually arrived on time.
Additionally, the number of complaints from their passengers increased throughout the period.
In 1999, the company’s target of buses arriving on time stood at 86%, which was 1% higher than what was actually achieved. Although the target remained unchanged one year later, the percentage of on-time arrivals dropped by nearly 3%. By 2003, this company had reduced its target of on-time arrivals to just over 84%, while the actual figure had witnessed considerable growth to about 85%.
Starting at approximately 7% of total passengers in 1999, the number of complaints made by passengers rose significantly before experiencing a slight decline to just over 8% in 2001. This figure then grew considerably two years later, with about 12% of passengers complaining in the last year.
Task 2
Some people think movies should only be for entertainment. Others think that they should also have educational values.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Answer:
While some people consider films simply a source of entertainment, others suggest that films should be educational. Personally, I believe that films can be either, or both, entertaining and educational; however, it is up to each individual to choose what films they like to watch.
These days, films and TV are extremely popular forms of entertainment. Almost every household owns one or more televisions, and almost everybody loves to watch a certain television program or type of film. After a long day at work or school, many people simply want to come home and sit in front of the TV to relax and be entertained. They may not have the energy or enthusiasm to sit and learn about something. Furthermore, films and television programs are a part of the entertainment industry. The purpose of this industry is for entertainment, and it is a multibillion-dollar industry that creates jobs and generates a lot of money in many countries.(1)
On the other hand, films and TV programs can have very strong effects on the minds of audiences and therefore people should be careful about how the content of the films that they watch affect them and their families.(2) For example, many people’s morals and values are shaped by what they watch on TV and in films. In addition, children can learn about right and wrong through the cartoons they watch, while adults can also learn many important lessons through watching films. For instance, watching a film about war may cause people to have a strong sense of patriotism for their country which could be seen as a positive educational effect.(3)
In conclusion, while educational films, such as documentaries, can also be entertaining, and some films for entertainment can also have many educational aspects, I believe it is not necessary that all films need to be educational.
