Cambridge 20 Test 3: Topic: Stopping Flying
Some people have decided to reduce the number of times they fly every year or to stop flying altogether.
Do you think the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses?
Sample Answer:
With growing concern about climate change, some individuals have chosen to reduce or completely stop flying in order to protect the environment. While this has undeniable ecological benefits, it can also create challenges for individuals and businesses. I believe the environmental advantages justify this change.
Air travel is among the most carbon-intensive forms of transport, contributing significantly to global emissions. Reducing flights lowers greenhouse gas emissions and helps to slow global warming. It also encourages governments and airlines to invest in greener technologies and alternative transportation, such as high-speed rail.
However, the disadvantages should not be overlooked. For businesses, particularly those that rely on international travel for meetings or deals, fewer flights may mean longer travel times and higher costs. On a personal level, people may find it harder to visit family abroad or experience different cultures. Even so, many of these drawbacks can be mitigated. The rise of remote work and virtual meetings has reduced the need for business travel. Additionally, more people are exploring local destinations, supporting domestic tourism while lowering their environmental footprint.
In conclusion, although there are inconveniences associated with reducing air travel, the long-term benefits for the environment far outweigh them. Choosing to fly less is a responsible decision that contributes to a sustainable future.
🔑 10 Highlight Vocabulary
- Undeniable /ˌʌn.dɪˈnaɪ.ə.bəl/
Impossible to dispute or deny; clearly true. - Ecological /ˌiː.kəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/
Relating to the environment and living organisms. - Carbon-intensive /ˈkɑː.bən ɪnˌtɛn.sɪv/
Producing a high amount of carbon emissions. - Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/
Substances, especially gases, released into the atmosphere. - Mitigated /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tɪd/
Made less severe, serious, or harmful. - Virtual meetings /ˈvɜː.tʃu.əl ˈmiː.tɪŋz/
Online gatherings using digital platforms instead of physical presence. - Domestic tourism /dəˈmɛs.tɪk ˈtʊə.rɪ.zəm/
Travel within one’s own country, rather than abroad. - Footprint (environmental) /ˈfʊt.prɪnt/
The impact of human activities on the environment, especially carbon emissions. - Inconveniences /ˌɪn.kənˈviː.ni.ənsɪz/
Things that cause difficulty or discomfort. - Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/
Able to continue over the long term without harming the environment or depleting resources.
