The tables show the average salaries of graduates and non-graduates in the UK in 2010
Write at least 150 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task
Write about the following topic:
Some people feel that manufacturers and supermarkets have the responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging of goods. Others argue that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging.
Discuss both views 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 tables compare the average salaries of graduates and non-graduates in the United
Kingdom in 2010.
In general, the average salary of graduates was much higher than that of non-graduates.
Additionally, both graduates and non-graduates, aged between 32 and 52 years-old
received the highest salaries.
The average salary for UK graduates in 2010 was 54,000 pounds, which was almost
twice as high as non-graduates, at 29,000 pounds.
In 2010, graduates aged 22 were paid the lowest salaries, at only 24,000 pounds, while
the figure for those aged 52 was the highest, at just over 34,000 pounds. Ranked second
and third were 32 and 42 year-old graduates, who received 32,200 and 33,500 pounds
respectively. Furthermore, graduates aged 62 were paid 29,900 pounds.
In terms of non-graduates, the highest amount of money was paid to 32 and 42 year-olds, at 19,100 pounds each, which was only slightly higher than the figure for 52 year-old non-graduates, at 18,600 pounds. The lowest paid non-graduates were the youngest
and oldest age groups at 15,200 pounds for 62 year-olds, and 14,300 for 22 year-olds.
(178 words – Band 8.5)
WRITING TASK 2
While some people think that it is the responsibility of producers and suppliers to reduce
product packaging, others feel that the responsibility lies with consumers. This essay
will analyse both sides of the argument.
On one hand, I believe that companies do have a significant responsibility to limit
the amount of packaging that they package their products in. One reason for this is
that many consumers have very little awareness about the negative impacts that the
excessive amounts of product packaging are having on the environment; therefore,
manufacturers and supermarkets need to minimise the amount of plastic packaging that
is used to store and sell their products, or preferably use only biodegradable, recyclable,
or environmentally friendly materials. In addition, many people cannot afford to be
selective about which products they buy, which is a further reason why all companies
need to be more responsible.
On the other hand, individuals also have a responsibility to protect the environment
from further destruction and pollution by limiting their consumption of products that
are packaged in non-biodegradable materials. By boycotting certain products from
companies who are not being environmentally responsible, consumers can put pressure
on these companies to change their attitude towards the materials that they use to
package their products. As a result, companies will be forced to act more environmentally
responsible by changing and reducing product packaging. Consumers have the power to
bring about change, but must act together in order for it to happen.
In conclusion, companies and individuals both need to take responsibility for the
amount of packaging that is used to package goods. The government also needs to
play a significant role in this issue by creating and enforcing laws that companies must
adhere to with regards to plastic packaging, and by educating individuals about the
environmental destruction and pollution caused by packaging waste.
(305 words – Band 8.0)