Task 1
The tables show the average salaries of graduates and non-graduates in the UK in 2010.
Sample Answer:
The tables compare the average salaries of graduates and non-graduates in the United Kingdom in 2010.
In general, the average salary of graduates was much higher than that of non-graduates. Additionally, both graduates and non-graduates, aged between 32 and 52 years-old received the highest salaries.
The average salary for UK graduates in 2010 was 54,000 pounds, which was almost twice as high as non-graduates, at 29,000 pounds.
In 2010, graduates aged 22 were paid the lowest salaries, at only 24,000 pounds, while the figure for those aged 52 was the highest, at just over 34,000 pounds. Ranked second and third were 32 and 42 year-old graduates, who received 32,200 and 33,500 pounds respectively. Furthermore, graduates aged 62 were paid 29,900 pounds.
In terms of non-graduates, the highest amount of money was paid to 32 and 42 year-olds, at 19,100 pounds each, which was only slightly higher than the figure for 52 year-old non-graduates, at 18,600 pounds. The lowest paid non-graduates were the youngest and oldest age groups at 15,200 pounds for 62 year-olds, and 14,300 for 22 year-olds.
Task 2
Some people feel that manufacturers and supermarkets have the responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging of goods. Others argue that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Answer:
While some people think that it is the responsibility of producers and suppliers to reduce product packaging, others feel that the responsibility lies with consumers. This essay will analyse both sides of the argument.
On one hand, I believe that companies do have a significant responsibility to limit the amount of packaging that they package their products in. One reason for this is that many consumers have very little awareness about the negative impacts that the excessive amounts of product packaging are having on the environment; therefore, manufacturers and supermarkets need to minimise the amount of plastic packaging that is used to store and sell their products, or preferably use only biodegradable, recyclable, or environmentally friendly materials. In addition, many people cannot afford to be selective about which products they buy, which is a further reason why all companies need to be more responsible.
On the other hand, individuals also have a responsibility to protect the environment from further destruction and pollution by limiting their consumption of products that are packaged in non-biodegradable materials. By boycotting certain products from companies who are not being environmentally responsible, consumers can put pressure on these companies to change their attitude towards the materials that they use to package their products. As a result, companies will be forced to act more environmentally responsible by changing and reducing product packaging. Consumers have the power to bring about change, but must act together in order for it to happen.
In conclusion, companies and individuals both need to take responsibility for the amount of packaging that is used to package goods. The government also needs to play a significant role in this issue by creating and enforcing laws that companies must adhere to with regards to plastic packaging, and by educating individuals about the environmental destruction and pollution caused by packaging waste.
