Task 1:
The graph below shows changes in the percentage of households with cars in one European country between 1971 and 2001.
- Level: Medium
- Type: Bar chart.
1. Sample:
The bar chart illustrates changes in the number of cars per household in a particular European nation from 1971 to 2001.
It is clear that car ownership in this country rose over the period shown. While the percentage of families with one, and two or more cars increased, the figure for households without a car decreased.
In 1971, nearly half of the residents in this country did not possess a car, while about 30% of families owned 1 car, and around 18% of families owned 2 or more cars. Ten years later, the figures for those with no car or 1 car dropped to just over 40% and 30% respectively. Meanwhile, families with 2 or more cars increased to just under 30%.
1991 saw a dramatic rise in 1 car ownership, peaking at almost 50%, while the percentage of families with no car, or 2 or more cars, both decreased. In 2001, the percentage of families with no car, or 2 or more cars, was about equal, at just under 30%, while about 44% of households owned 1 car.
(179 words)
2. Vocabulary
- Car ownership
- To posses = to own (v)
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Task 2:
Some say that sports play an important role in society. Others, however, think that it is nothing more than a leisure activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Level: Medium
- Type: Discussion essays
- Topic: Sports
- Keyword: important role in society; a leisure activity.
1. Sample:
While some people tend to think that playing sport is simply an activity people do for leisure, others would argue that it has a significant role to play within society. Personally, I believe that sport does have an important function in society, but can also simply be enjoyed as a leisure activity by people.
On the one hand, nobody can deny that sport is a great leisure activity. Millions of people all around the world participate in sporting activities everyday simply because of the sense of well-being and relaxation that it brings them. People play sport for numerous reasons, including, wanting to get fit or stay in shape, as a way to relax and take their mind off the stresses of daily life, and as a way to socialise and spend time with friends. These reasons would indicate that people get involved in sporting activities as a form of leisure.
However, even though most people play sport for the personal benefits, it does also serve a number of usual functions within society. Firstly, sport creates healthier societies. People who play sport are known to be happier and healthier, and less prone to certain mental and physical sicknesses, which reduces the burdens on healthcare systems. Secondly, sport brings people together and creates a sense of unity within societies. This can be witnessed when complete strangers join together to cheer on and support their countries football team. Finally, sport teaches people many important life skills and lessons, which help people to function more effectively within their society, making it a better place to live.
In conclusion, even though people may only participate in sport for the purpose of leisure, it does also bring a number of important benefits to societies as well.
(290 words)
2. Vocabulary
- the sense of well-being and relaxation
- to get fit = stay in shape
- a way to relax = a form of leisure
- take their mind off the stresses of daily life
- serve a number of usual functions within society
- be less prone to something
- mental and physical sicknesses
- reduces the burdens on healthcare systems
- creates a sense of unity
- life skills and lessons
