The pie charts below show the main reasons why students chose to study at a particular UK University in 1987 and 2007.
Write at least 150 words.
Some people say that it is possible for a county to be both economically successful and have a clean environment. Others disagree. Discuss both view and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 1
The given pie charts illustrate information regarding the factors that affected student’s decision to study at a particular British university, between 1987 and 2007.
In general, while having suitable degree courses remained the most important issue when it came to college preference, the distance from their parent’s home became a significant factor over the period shown.
In 1987, the proportion of students choosing a university for having suitable degree courses experienced slight growth from 35% to 37% over the next two decades. The figure for quality of resources, which was the second most common reason in the first year, however, dropped mildly by 4% to 17%. Similarly, students tended to care less about the sport and recreational activities that were provided, with a considerable drop from 19% to 6%, which became the least popular reason for choosing a university in 2007.
Regarding other factors, the number of students who preferred to choose a university that was near to their parents’ houses doubled from 10% to 20% over the period. In contrast, the number of students who were concerned with the quality of professors almost halved, dropping from 15% to 8% during the examined period.
(194 words)
WRITING TASK 2
The strength of any nation does not come without costs, one of which is upon the local environment whose resources fuel each and every sector of the economy. And yet many people believe that a strong economy and a clean environment can co-exist. I do not entirely deny this belief; however, I find myself more convinced of the fact that we cannot have them both.
For years, scientists have developed ways to replace traditional sources of exploitation in many fields, like electricity and fuel. The use of alternative renewable energy from sunlight, wind and geothermal heat, have been applied in many areas, which helps to keep the environment away from harm. In addition, many environmental activists say that it is certainly within our reach to minimize the damage caused by industrial activities and protect Mother Earth. Many have even succeeded in convincing governments to take action in such regard.
Nevertheless, we should not forget that there are things that make it impossible to relieve our dependency on natural resources. For example, the automobile, mining and steel industry, are without doubt taking a heavy toll on the environment on account of carbon emissions and chemical waste. But those prove to be indispensable and irreplaceable to the progress of many economies. Furthermore, tremendous damage has already been done, and many people fear that the environment’s state of cleanliness cannot be restored. Take Beijing as an example. Air quality there is the worst in the world, with thick layers of smog covering the atmosphere.
In conclusion, my firm conviction is that no matter how hard we try to preserve the environment, while we continue to exploit its natural resources for the sake of the economy, we will never have both of them at the same time.
(293 words)