Task 1
The bar chart shows the distribution of employment among agriculture, services, industries in three countries in 1980 and projected distribution in 2020.
Sample Answer:
The given bar charts compare the proportions of people working in three sectors (Agriculture, Industry, and Services) in three countries in 1980, along with predicted changes in 2020.
Overall, it can be seen that services were the main source of employment for people in countries A and C, while agriculture was the main area of employment in country B. Additionally, despite some slight variations, there are no predicted changes in the overall trends of these countries’ employment distribution.
In 1980, the main source of jobs in countries A and C was services, at approximately 45% and 65%, followed by industry, at 30% and 35% respectively. Jobs in agriculture accounted for the smallest percentage of the workforce in both countries, at around 20% and 5% respectively. Both countries are expected to see a decrease in industry related jobs and a rise in service jobs by 2020.
Country B, on the other hand, saw the largest percentage of jobs in agriculture, at approximately 70%, followed by services and industry, at approximately 35% and 20% respectively. It is predicted that trends will also remain the same in country B, with an approximate 15% decrease in agriculture jobs.
Task 2
In many cities, there is little control on the design and construction of new houses, so people can build houses in their own styles rather than building them with the same style as the old houses in the local area.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer:
In many cities around the world, people have little influence in the design and construction of their houses. Many people believe it is better to allow people to freely choose the style and construction of their new homes rather than forcing everyone to follow the uniform style of the local area. In my opinion, a diversity in housing styles can bring many more benefits than drawbacks to an area.
To begin with, cities in Vietnam, such as Saigon, have very few, or even no, regulations on local housing styles, which means that residents in these areas are free to decide on the architecture for their home.(1) The only disadvantage that may arise is the lack of uniformity of houses, which can be a unique feature in certain places. The houses in Hoi An, for instance, demonstrate a consistent style and therefore have made the city a popular tourist destination. If the house owners in this city change the style and break this uniformity, the number of tourists visiting the area is likely to decrease.
However, the advantages brought about by a diversity in housing styles are more worthy of consideration. Firstly, buildings reflecting a variety of architectural designs can make a city more attractive and appealing to people of different cultures. For example, the buildings in the centre of Ho Chi Minh city are designed in both European and Asian styles, which has eventually given the city a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, with residents coming from many different countries.(2) Secondly, the freedom of choice in housing styles can allow local people to be more creative, as they can design their homes in a unique way.
In conclusion, though potentially making some areas less attractive by losing a part of their character, a diversity in architectural styles should be widely encouraged, as it can beautify a city and allow residents to be more creative.
