Task 1
The table shows the cost of water in 5 cities in Australia.
Sample Answer:
The table illustrates the price of water, and the average household water bill, in five Australian cities.
Overall, it can be seen that Melbourne residents have the lowest water bill per household on average, while Perth households have the largest water bills. Additionally, there is little to no difference in the cost of water for residents exceeding 125 kilolitres in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, whereas Perth and Adelaide residents pay significantly higher rates.
The cost of water in Adelaide and Perth is $0.42 per kilolitre for use of up to 125 kilolitres. However, this cost increases to $1.00 in Adelaide and $1.50 in Perth for water use exceeding 125 kilolitres. Residents in Melbourne and Sydney, on the other hand, pay a set rate of $0.78 and $0.98 respectively per kilolitre of water, regardless of the total amount used, while those in Brisbane pay $0.81 per kilolitre and $0.84 for water use surpassing 125 kilolitres.
Regarding household water bills, Perth residents have the highest on average, at $332, while the average in Melbourne is $253. Residents in other cities pay an average of between $310 to $320 per household.
Task 2
Students should be taught academic knowledge so that they can pass exams, and skills such as cooking or dressing should not be taught. To what extent do you agree/disagree?
Sample Answer
Some people hold a belief that schools should be a place where students study academic subjects to pass examinations rather than learn skills such as dressing and cooking. In my opinion, despite the significance of academic study and exams, students should also be taught fundamental life skills.
On the one hand, studying academic knowledge is vital for students in many ways. First, examination results are essential for students’ academic record. With good results, they will have an advantage in the national high school exams in which their academic performance after many years of study is considered. Second, academic subjects equip students with fundamental knowledge that will be used in tertiary education. For example, most undergraduates in Vietnam are supposed to pass subjects, such as Microeconomics and Advanced Mathematics, which are comprised of mathematical knowledge taught at high school. Without a deep understanding, students may fail the final exams and have to study these subjects again, which is time-consuming and costly.
However, there are several reasons why students still need to learn practical skills. For instance, when college students live far from family, life skills such as cooking will be helpful since students will be able to prepare healthy and affordable meals on their own instead of eating out at restaurants. Attending skill building classes at school is also an effective way for students to unwind after many hours of studying academic subjects. Through a wide range of activities, students are able to relax and as a result perform better in exams.
In conclusion, I disagree that students should only study academic subjects because both academic knowledge and practical skills are equally important and should be taught at school.
