The chart below shows information about fuel used in the transport sector in different countries in Europe, compared to the EU average, in 2009 and 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 think that planning for the future is a waste of time. They believe it is more important to focus on the present. To what extent agree or disagree?
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 bar chart illustrates fuel usage for transportation in six different European nations, and compares these figures to the European average, in 2009 and 2010.
Overall, while the percentage of fuel used in Slovakia and Spain decreased, fuel consumption in Italy, France and Greece saw opposite trends during the research period. Additionally, the European average was higher than the figures for all countries, except for Slovakia.
In 2009, the transportation sector in Slovakia consumed nearly 7% of the total fuel, about
2% higher than in Austria. Italy used about 4.5% of fuel in transportation, compared to approximately 1% in Greece, which was the lowest figure shown on the chart. Meanwhile, fuel consumed for transportation in the other countries accounted for just under 4% of total fuel usage in each.
In 2010, the figure for Austria remained unchanged, at just over 5%, and slightly less fuel was used for transportation in Slovakia and Greece as illustrated by decreases to just over 6% and 2% respectively. In contrast, Italy, France, and Greece all experienced increases of roughly 1% in fuel consumption.
(179 words – Band 9.0)
WRITING TASK 2
Some people believe that making future plans is a futile exercise, and that focusing on the present moment is more important. Personally, I feel that both perspectives are of equal importance and should be lived simultaneously.
On the one hand, I believe that it is quite important to plan for the future. People need to have goals and dreams to strive towards in order to have a sense of purpose and direction in their lives. And to achieve and fulfil these goals and be successful, it is essential that they make plans. I am certain that any successful businessman, or millionaire, will tell you that one of the key elements in their success was their careful planning for the future. However, the future is always uncertain, so it is also necessary to have a backup plan when things do not work out as expected.
On the other hand, it is also extremely important to maintain focus on the present. Many people would claim that there are far too many factors that influence our future, and therefore it is out of our control. So, it is necessary that we stay focused on the present moment in order to be able to react and respond appropriately to our current situation and needs. If you are too focused on the future, you may not make very good decisions about your present life. Furthermore, nobody knows when their life will end, so it is also important to live your life to the fullest in each passing moment.
In conclusion, I believe it is important to maintain a balance between planning for the future and staying focused on the present moment. It is necessary to make plans in order to achieve goals, but it is also necessary to be flexible and be able to adapt to the current changing situations and circumstances.
(307 words – Band 8.0)