The graph below shows the population of particular country by age group starting in 1960 and including a forecast to 2040.
Write at least 150 words.
There are more workers to work from home and more students to study from home. This is because computer technology is more accessible and cheaper. 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 line graph compares and predicts the proportion of the population, in three different age groups, in a particular country, from 1960 to 2040.
Overall, people aged 15-64 accounted for the greatest percentage of the population for all recorded and predicted years. It is also clear that while the proportion of people aged 65 and over increased during the period, the percentage of those aged less than 65 decreased, with both trends expected to continue into the future.
In 1960, just over half of the population was aged 15-64. The figure then slightly fluctuated over the next 50 years, peaking at about 60% in 1970 and 1990. It is forecasted to gradually decline to around 45% by 2040. Meanwhile, the percentage of people aged 0-14 began at 30% in 1960, and dropped to half of that by 2000. This figure is also predicted to continue decreasing to reach around 10% by 2040.
From the graph it can also be seen that the percentage of elderly people in this country experienced remarkable growth during the period. In 1960, only 15% of the population was aged 65 or older. The figure began to rise in 1970 to be at 20% in 2000. This figure has continued to rise, and is expected to continue rising in the future.
(215 words)
WRITING TASK 2
In this day and age, with cheaper and more accessible computer technology, many people are opting to work and study from home. In my opinion, this is a positive development due to several reasons.
To begin with, there are a huge number of benefits for both workers and students choosing this method of work and study. Firstly, people do not need to spend time travelling to school or their workplace as they can now easily access the internet at home to complete their work. As a result, people can not only save time but also minimize the risks and costs of using transport on a daily basis to commute. On top of that, working from home gives people a chance to manage their work and leisure time more effectively. For instance, while people are required to sit in front of a computer and crunch numbers every day from nine to five, people who work from home can easily manage their schedule better to suit their needs in order to complete their work in a better state of mind.
In addition to benefits that remote work and study brings to individuals, this trend also brings about positive outcomes for schools and businesses. In fact, schools and businesses could save a lot of money that would otherwise be allocated to the construction and maintenance of buildings and facilities. Instead, that money could be invested in enhancing other things, such as updating study programs, or other facilities that allow staff and students to work more effectively, and help to build up the reputation of those institutes as well.
In conclusion, I hold a firm belief that working and studying from home is an advantageous trend as it generates many merits for all sides involved.
(291 words)