"With the help of science and technology, machines are becoming more popular in workplace. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages? Discuss both ideas and give your own opinion"
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Along with the rapid development of the science and technology, different kinds of machines are used to replace manual work in the workplace. From my points of view, the use of machines can be more advantageous to our daily life than disadvantageous. The reasons are presented in the following paragraphs.
First of all, different kinds of machines can function differently in the workplace. We use the machines in order to save time, they can speed up the process of the ordinary work. Therefore, we have more spare time to do other things. The washing machine is a good example to illustrate this point, when we use the washing machine to do the cleaning job for us, we can also do the other work at the same time.
In addition, the application of machines can improve our quality of life. With the help of the machines, our works become more convenient and efficient. Once we set the programme of the machines, after pressing the certain buttons, then the machines will run automatically.
However, most of the machines are the electrical appliances, they need electricity. Once there is a shortage or suspension of electricity, the machines can no longer be operated. When this happens, it will definitely affect our daily life, machines will temporarily stop until the electricity supply becomes available again.
Based on the above discussion, machines play a very important role in our life and we cannot live without them. Although machines can make our life more comfortable, efficient and convenient, they will also cause some negative effects on us.
2010年3月30日 星期二
Underground Railway Systems in Six Cities
The table provides the information regarding the opening dates, the length of the routes and the number of passengers served per year by the underground railway systems in six different cities.
The oldest and the longest underground railway is found in London. It has opened since 1863 and the total length of the route is 394 kilometers. Although the London railway holds these two greatest records among the six cities, the number of passengers was only 775 millions, which ranks the third among the six cities.
However, the youngest and the shortest route goes with Kyoto. It's service starts in 1981. The length of the route is only 11 kilometers and it serves only 45 million passengers per year as the least amount served among the cities.
The biggest number of passengers is found in Tokyo railway system, it carries 1927 millions of people per year. The newest underground railway system is found in Los Angeles, it operated in 2001. Since it is the newest railway, the length of its route is 14 times less than the London's, and the number of passengers is only one-fifteen of the London railway, too.
In conclusion, the London and Kyoto underground railway systems vary sharply in terms of length of route and the number of passagers. Tokyo railway system serves the most passengers among the six cities.
The oldest and the longest underground railway is found in London. It has opened since 1863 and the total length of the route is 394 kilometers. Although the London railway holds these two greatest records among the six cities, the number of passengers was only 775 millions, which ranks the third among the six cities.
However, the youngest and the shortest route goes with Kyoto. It's service starts in 1981. The length of the route is only 11 kilometers and it serves only 45 million passengers per year as the least amount served among the cities.
The biggest number of passengers is found in Tokyo railway system, it carries 1927 millions of people per year. The newest underground railway system is found in Los Angeles, it operated in 2001. Since it is the newest railway, the length of its route is 14 times less than the London's, and the number of passengers is only one-fifteen of the London railway, too.
In conclusion, the London and Kyoto underground railway systems vary sharply in terms of length of route and the number of passagers. Tokyo railway system serves the most passengers among the six cities.
2010年3月29日 星期一
Aged Population in Japan, Sweden and USA
The line graph shows the three trend changes of the elderly population from 1940 to 2040 in Japan, Sweden and USA.
To start with, the proportion of the elderly people were only 5, 7, and 9 percents with Japan holding the least figure in 1940. The percentages of Sweden and USA increased drastically to about 14 and 15 percents respectively. However, the percentage of Japan decreased to only about 3.
The trends changed after 1980. The percentage of elderly people in Japan went up slightly, and the trend in USA remained stable at around 15. But the people who aged over 65 in Sweden increased suddenly from 14 to 20 and moved slightly down after 2010.
Starting from 2010 the three figures are increasing dramatically until 2040. The figure of Japan will be climbing from 10 to about 28 percent in 2020. In addition, the aging population of Sweden and USA will grow continually to about 26 and 23 percents.
In conclusion, by 2040 about a quarter of population will be elderly people in the three countries with the highest figure of 28 in Japan.
2010年3月21日 星期日
Energy Usage (Version 3 & 2)
Version 3
The table summarises the energy usages in Australia, Japan and USA in 2000 and 2001. It also compares the usage increase in term of percentages in the three countries since 1990.
The lowest amount of energy usage, i.e. 15 million tons was consumed by the industry sector in the USA and the production sector in Japan. The highest amount, i.e. 25 million tons of energy was used by the other sectors in the USA. However, the overall highest amount, i.e. 63 million of tons of the energy usage went with the three sectors in Australia.
Since 1990, the usage of energy in the industry has increased to 36 percent in the USA, which was the highest percentage yet the lowest figure among the three sectors. In fact, the energy is generally quite high in Australia compared with the other two countries. The overall usage of Japan was the least.
To sum up, Australia is the top consumers of energy, while the USA consumes the more energy in both industry and other sectors. The usage will continue to increase in Australia and the USA.
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Version 2
The table shows the data regarding the energy usage in Australia, Japan and USA in 2000 and 2001. It also compares the percentage of the energy-usage increase in the three countries since 1990.
The industry sector in the USA and the production sector in Japan used only 15 million tons of energy which was the lowest amount among the three countries. As for the energy usage of the other sectors, 25 million tons of energy were used in the USA, 21 in Australia, and 19 in Japan.
Since 1990, the usage of energy in the industry has increased to 36 percent in the USA, which was the lowest usage among the three countries. Besides, the other sectors in the USA still consumed 5 percent more than those of Australia and Japan. Compared with the two countries, the production sector of Japan increased in the usage of energy. But the overall amount, i.e. 16% was the least.
In summary, USA consumes the most energy in both industry and other sectors, and the usage will continue to increase in the USA.
The table summarises the energy usages in Australia, Japan and USA in 2000 and 2001. It also compares the usage increase in term of percentages in the three countries since 1990.
The lowest amount of energy usage, i.e. 15 million tons was consumed by the industry sector in the USA and the production sector in Japan. The highest amount, i.e. 25 million tons of energy was used by the other sectors in the USA. However, the overall highest amount, i.e. 63 million of tons of the energy usage went with the three sectors in Australia.
Since 1990, the usage of energy in the industry has increased to 36 percent in the USA, which was the highest percentage yet the lowest figure among the three sectors. In fact, the energy is generally quite high in Australia compared with the other two countries. The overall usage of Japan was the least.
To sum up, Australia is the top consumers of energy, while the USA consumes the more energy in both industry and other sectors. The usage will continue to increase in Australia and the USA.
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Version 2
The table shows the data regarding the energy usage in Australia, Japan and USA in 2000 and 2001. It also compares the percentage of the energy-usage increase in the three countries since 1990.
The industry sector in the USA and the production sector in Japan used only 15 million tons of energy which was the lowest amount among the three countries. As for the energy usage of the other sectors, 25 million tons of energy were used in the USA, 21 in Australia, and 19 in Japan.
Since 1990, the usage of energy in the industry has increased to 36 percent in the USA, which was the lowest usage among the three countries. Besides, the other sectors in the USA still consumed 5 percent more than those of Australia and Japan. Compared with the two countries, the production sector of Japan increased in the usage of energy. But the overall amount, i.e. 16% was the least.
In summary, USA consumes the most energy in both industry and other sectors, and the usage will continue to increase in the USA.
Financial Need After Retirement (3)
Financial Need After Retirement (Revised 3)
As the society develops the way it does today, people become more concerned for saving sufficient money to survive after their retirement. However, some people think that saving money is individuals’ responsibilities while the others hold the opposite opinions. From my point of view, I agree that individual should be responsible for their own retirement life.
First of all, one's future life cannot be planned by others. Individuals should be accountable for their own future. If we want to maintain a better living standard after our retirement, we must do something for ourselves. This means we should start saving money once we have a job, so that we can eliminate the financial problems after retirement.
In addition, saving money is a good habit, therefore we should encourage money saving from our childhood. This is a way to get a life security. With saving, we can ensure that we have some spare money to spend if we encounter some unpredictable situations, or come to a retirement age.
On the other hand, although the government have imposed some retirement policies regarding individuals' financial arrangement after retirement, this should not be a sole responsibility of the government.
It is impossible for the government to cater for all the citizens' financial needs. Also it is not fair for the government to save money for every citizens as there are other financial needs in the society. It is too selfish to focus on the life of the old and disregard the young.
So, based on the above the discussions, we can see that saving money for our future and after retirement should be more of the individuals’ responsibility.
As the society develops the way it does today, people become more concerned for saving sufficient money to survive after their retirement. However, some people think that saving money is individuals’ responsibilities while the others hold the opposite opinions. From my point of view, I agree that individual should be responsible for their own retirement life.
First of all, one's future life cannot be planned by others. Individuals should be accountable for their own future. If we want to maintain a better living standard after our retirement, we must do something for ourselves. This means we should start saving money once we have a job, so that we can eliminate the financial problems after retirement.
In addition, saving money is a good habit, therefore we should encourage money saving from our childhood. This is a way to get a life security. With saving, we can ensure that we have some spare money to spend if we encounter some unpredictable situations, or come to a retirement age.
On the other hand, although the government have imposed some retirement policies regarding individuals' financial arrangement after retirement, this should not be a sole responsibility of the government.
It is impossible for the government to cater for all the citizens' financial needs. Also it is not fair for the government to save money for every citizens as there are other financial needs in the society. It is too selfish to focus on the life of the old and disregard the young.
So, based on the above the discussions, we can see that saving money for our future and after retirement should be more of the individuals’ responsibility.
Environment Protection (2)
Along with the rapid development of the society, environmental protection has become an important issue of the world. Some people say that the government should play an important role on this issue, but I would hold the opposite opinion. This is because we are all responsible for protecting our environment. The reasons are presented below.
First of all, we all live in the earth which is our home. As a member of the world, we have to do something to protect our home rather than to rely on the policy of the government. As a responsible citizen, environmental protection should be our duty. . If the environment becomes better, it help create a better life and better future for us.
In addition, according to the research findings household wastes are the main sources of environmental pollution. As wastes are made by families and individuals, we should have responsibility to reduce the production of such wastes. If we move a small step, we will help improve our environment a vast step.
Finally, the natural resources are limited and valuable, they will run out in a near future. If we use the resources without making any wise decision or we only want to fulfill our needs , we will not leave the useful resources to our next generations. That means the sustainability could not be continued.
Based on the above discussion, we can see that the individuals play more important role on the protection of the environment.
First of all, we all live in the earth which is our home. As a member of the world, we have to do something to protect our home rather than to rely on the policy of the government. As a responsible citizen, environmental protection should be our duty. . If the environment becomes better, it help create a better life and better future for us.
In addition, according to the research findings household wastes are the main sources of environmental pollution. As wastes are made by families and individuals, we should have responsibility to reduce the production of such wastes. If we move a small step, we will help improve our environment a vast step.
Finally, the natural resources are limited and valuable, they will run out in a near future. If we use the resources without making any wise decision or we only want to fulfill our needs , we will not leave the useful resources to our next generations. That means the sustainability could not be continued.
Based on the above discussion, we can see that the individuals play more important role on the protection of the environment.
Development of Technology (3)
As a coin has two sides, there are both advantages and disadvantages for us in regard to the rapid development of technology. From my point of view, technology advancement is bringing us more advantages in our daily life than disadvantages. My arguments are stated as follows.
First of all, technology can bring convenience to us and saves our time. For example, we only need to sit in front of the computers and press a few buttons, we will know what happen in the world and get the most updated information displayed on the small screens. This is because we can search for information we need in a few seconds via the internet.
Secondly, technology can help not only shorten the distance between people but also make the connection much easier for us. Since there are different kinds of communication tools available on the internet: MSN, face book, email and SMS. These tools are easy to use we can use them whenever and wherever we like. This helps to draw us closer with our friends.
Last but not least, technology makes works of our daily life more efficient. We spend less time to complete complicated tasks. For instance, with the help of the electrical appliances at home, family members could cut down time for cleaning and doing the household tasks, such as preparing food, and washing clothes.
In conclusion, I do not agree to the statement that technology development has a negative impact on us. On the contrary, technology can help improve our life a lot.
First of all, technology can bring convenience to us and saves our time. For example, we only need to sit in front of the computers and press a few buttons, we will know what happen in the world and get the most updated information displayed on the small screens. This is because we can search for information we need in a few seconds via the internet.
Secondly, technology can help not only shorten the distance between people but also make the connection much easier for us. Since there are different kinds of communication tools available on the internet: MSN, face book, email and SMS. These tools are easy to use we can use them whenever and wherever we like. This helps to draw us closer with our friends.
Last but not least, technology makes works of our daily life more efficient. We spend less time to complete complicated tasks. For instance, with the help of the electrical appliances at home, family members could cut down time for cleaning and doing the household tasks, such as preparing food, and washing clothes.
In conclusion, I do not agree to the statement that technology development has a negative impact on us. On the contrary, technology can help improve our life a lot.
Hong Kong IELTS (3)
Chart writing (2)
The two tables show the average scores of the candidates who participated in the 2008’s IELTS. The highlighted figures indicate the overall results of Hong Kong candidates in both Academic and General Training papers.
The mean score of the listening test of the Hong Kong candidates of Academic stream was 6.65, it was a little bit higher than the candidates of the General Training. Moreover, the average score of the reading test achieved by the candidates of Academic stream was about 0.5 marks higher than those of the General Training. This reflects the candidates of the Academic stream got a better overall result.
On the other hand, the performance of the candidates shows better results in Academic stream than in General Training. The figures also show the lower mean scores in the two areas: writing and speaking tests. They got the scores of below 6 in both tests.
For the overall result, candidates of the Academic stream performed better than those of the General Training. The score of the Academic stream was 6.31 and the one of the General Training was only 6.19.
In conclusion, Hong Kong candidates of Academic stream do better than those of the General Training in the IELTS tests. And the English standard of Hong Kong is acceptable, since the level of difficulty of Academic is greater than General Training.
The two tables show the average scores of the candidates who participated in the 2008’s IELTS. The highlighted figures indicate the overall results of Hong Kong candidates in both Academic and General Training papers.
The mean score of the listening test of the Hong Kong candidates of Academic stream was 6.65, it was a little bit higher than the candidates of the General Training. Moreover, the average score of the reading test achieved by the candidates of Academic stream was about 0.5 marks higher than those of the General Training. This reflects the candidates of the Academic stream got a better overall result.
On the other hand, the performance of the candidates shows better results in Academic stream than in General Training. The figures also show the lower mean scores in the two areas: writing and speaking tests. They got the scores of below 6 in both tests.
For the overall result, candidates of the Academic stream performed better than those of the General Training. The score of the Academic stream was 6.31 and the one of the General Training was only 6.19.
In conclusion, Hong Kong candidates of Academic stream do better than those of the General Training in the IELTS tests. And the English standard of Hong Kong is acceptable, since the level of difficulty of Academic is greater than General Training.
ELI Enrollments (3)
The line graph indicates a drastic growth of the ELI enrollments of Sydney International Language Center in 2000.
At the beginning of 2000, there were only 70 students enrolled in the course. In the following two months, the number of students climbed up to about 140. Starting from April, the enrolled students dropped to 100. But the number of students joined in May increased steadily, and there was no obvious change during June and July.
After July, the graph shows that the enrollment of students decreased dramatically from 130 to around 80. From September until the end of the year, there was a steady rise in student numbers to a peak of 180 in December.
According to the information of the graph, fluctuations in the enrollments were a norm throughout the year 2000. It can be predicted that the number of the enrolled students will increase steadily in the coming years.
At the beginning of 2000, there were only 70 students enrolled in the course. In the following two months, the number of students climbed up to about 140. Starting from April, the enrolled students dropped to 100. But the number of students joined in May increased steadily, and there was no obvious change during June and July.
After July, the graph shows that the enrollment of students decreased dramatically from 130 to around 80. From September until the end of the year, there was a steady rise in student numbers to a peak of 180 in December.
According to the information of the graph, fluctuations in the enrollments were a norm throughout the year 2000. It can be predicted that the number of the enrolled students will increase steadily in the coming years.
Food Budget (4)
The chart indicates the changes of the food budget spent on the restaurant meal and home cooking. The second graph shows a different of the number of meals consumed at the fast food restaurants and the sit-down restaurants.
In 1970, the food budget spent on restaurant meals was only 10 percent and the amount spent on home cooking was 90 percent. Starting from 1980, number of families consumed the restaurant meals increased gradually. In 1990, the percentage of food budget spent on restaurant meals was 35. Until 2000, families spent the same amount on both restaurant meals and home cooking meals.
Over the 30 years from 1970 to 2000, food consumed in fast food meal and sit-down restaurant meals increased rapidly. In 1970, the number of meals for both was the same. In 1980, the meals eaten in sit-down restaurants were a bit more than fast food meals. Starting from 1980, there was a drastic growth for the number of fast food meals to about 55, while the number of sit-down restaurant meals was only 45. Until 2000, families consumed fast food meals were double of the sit-down restaurant meals. The difference between these two types of meals was very obvious.
To sum up, people will spend more money on restaurant meals, especially the fast food meals in the coming year.
In 1970, the food budget spent on restaurant meals was only 10 percent and the amount spent on home cooking was 90 percent. Starting from 1980, number of families consumed the restaurant meals increased gradually. In 1990, the percentage of food budget spent on restaurant meals was 35. Until 2000, families spent the same amount on both restaurant meals and home cooking meals.
Over the 30 years from 1970 to 2000, food consumed in fast food meal and sit-down restaurant meals increased rapidly. In 1970, the number of meals for both was the same. In 1980, the meals eaten in sit-down restaurants were a bit more than fast food meals. Starting from 1980, there was a drastic growth for the number of fast food meals to about 55, while the number of sit-down restaurant meals was only 45. Until 2000, families consumed fast food meals were double of the sit-down restaurant meals. The difference between these two types of meals was very obvious.
To sum up, people will spend more money on restaurant meals, especially the fast food meals in the coming year.
Food Budget (2)
Chart writing – revised version 2
The chart indicates the changes of the food budget spent on the restaurant meal and home cooking. The other graph also shows the number of meals consumed at the fast food restaurants and the sit-down restaurants.
In 1970, the food budget spent on restaurant meals was only 10 percent and the amount spent on home cooking was 90 percent. Starting from 1980, number of families consumed the restaurant meals increased gradually. In 1990, the percentage of food budget spent on restaurant meals was 35. Until 2000, families spent the same amount on both restaurant meals and home cooking meals.
Over the 30 years from 1970 to 2000, food consumed in fast food meal and sit-down restaurant meals increased rapidly. In 1970, the number of meals for both was the same. In 1980, the meals eaten in sit-down restaurants were a bit more than fast food meals. Starting from 1980, there was a drastic growth for the number of fast food meals to about 55, while the number of sit-down restaurant meals was only 45. Until 2000, families consumed fast food meals were double of the sit-down restaurant meals. The difference between these two types of meals was very obvious.
To sum up, people will spend more money on restaurant meals, especially the fast food meals in the coming year.
The chart indicates the changes of the food budget spent on the restaurant meal and home cooking. The other graph also shows the number of meals consumed at the fast food restaurants and the sit-down restaurants.
In 1970, the food budget spent on restaurant meals was only 10 percent and the amount spent on home cooking was 90 percent. Starting from 1980, number of families consumed the restaurant meals increased gradually. In 1990, the percentage of food budget spent on restaurant meals was 35. Until 2000, families spent the same amount on both restaurant meals and home cooking meals.
Over the 30 years from 1970 to 2000, food consumed in fast food meal and sit-down restaurant meals increased rapidly. In 1970, the number of meals for both was the same. In 1980, the meals eaten in sit-down restaurants were a bit more than fast food meals. Starting from 1980, there was a drastic growth for the number of fast food meals to about 55, while the number of sit-down restaurant meals was only 45. Until 2000, families consumed fast food meals were double of the sit-down restaurant meals. The difference between these two types of meals was very obvious.
To sum up, people will spend more money on restaurant meals, especially the fast food meals in the coming year.
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