The chart shows information about the actual and expected figures of population in three cities, Jakarta, Sao Paulo, and Shanghai.
Write at least 150 words.
Scientists predict in the near future cars will be driven by computers, not people.
Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
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 bar chart illustrates the population of Jakarta, Shanghai and Sao Paulo in 1990, as well as the estimated and actual figures of the populations in 2000.
Overall, the population figures were highest for Sao Paulo, while Jakarta had the lowest number of inhabitants. Also, there were significant differences in the predicted and actual figures for 2000 in all countries.
Starting at around 17 million people in 1990, the population of Sao Paulo, the most populous area of the three examined cities, was expected to rise by about 4 million over the next decade. Likewise, forecasts estimated that the figure for Jakarta would also experience an increase of 2 million to reach 11 million in 2000, while that of Shanghai would decrease slightly to 11 million people.
The actual figures, however, implied a considerable growth in the populations of all cities. To be specific, Sao Paulo’s population reached nearly 25 million after ten years, while there were about 3 million more residents in Jakarta. At the same time, Shanghai’s figure which was projected to decrease slightly turned out to soar to 15 million in 2000.
(186 words)
WRITING TASK 2
Travelling has been greatly facilitated by a number of technological advances in recent years, and ultimately, cars will be operated completely by computers in years to come. In my view, this can have both positive and negative consequences on society.
One of the main disadvantages of autonomous cars is that it will have an undesirable influence on employment rates of commercial drivers. There is little doubt that these people will be forced out of work when autonomous cars become the favored preference. This also leads to a more pressing concern about the associated consequences when unemployment rates proliferate, one of which is the increasing social burden placed upon the government. Considering the unprecedentedly fast development of car technology in recent years, such a scenario is likely to occur in the foreseeable future.
However, we should consider these disadvantages as inevitable factors that accompany a handful of more significant benefits. For one, autonomous vehicles can accurately navigate their way with less chance of making errors in judgment like human drivers do, hence, increasing the safety of passengers. It is true that the majority of traffic accidents come from situations where speed or alcohol is involved, which would not be the case if cars are operated by computers. Furthermore, such technology will inspire a new generation of mechanics and engineers, in turn, leading to more inventions that will make human life easier and more comfortable.
In conclusion, the predicted appearance of driverless cars will severely impact employment in the transportation industry and result in large social burdens upon the government. Nevertheless, I do think that those negative consequences are the prices we can accept in order to enhance road safety and nurture a new era or engineering.
(285 words)