The charts give information about world forest in five different regions.
Write at least 150 words.
Some people think governments should spend money on faster means of public transport. However, others think money should be spent on other priorities (eg cost, environment). Discuss both view and give your own 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 pie charts compare five different areas in terms of the proportions of world forest and timber in each region.
It is clear that while forests in Africa make up the largest percentage of total global forest, the opposite is true for Europe. Additionally, North America is the country with the largest amount of timber, while the figure for Africa is by far lowest.
In terms of forest, just over half of all forest in the world is found in Africa and North America, at 27% and 25% respectively. In contrast, only 16% of global forest is found in South America, and 14% in Europe. Asian countries accounts for 18% of total forest in the world.
Regarding the proportions of timber in these areas, North America contains the largest percentage, at 30%, while 23% and 20% of global timber can be found in South America and Europe respectively. Meanwhile, timber in Asia comprises 18% of world timber, which is exactly double that of Africa.
(165 words)
WRITING TASK 2
People have different views about whether money should be spent on public transport or on other more important issues. While faster means of public transport would be a positive measure, I would argue that further investment in other priorities should be made first.
On the one hand, it could be argued that providing citizens with faster forms of public transportation has brought about certain benefits. Firstly, faster forms of transport are said to allow people, particularly commuters, to reduce travelling time to and from work. As a result, people will have more leisure time, and this will lead to an increase in their work productivity. Secondly, by adopting this method, people are less likely to be packed in cramped and hot buses. They will not need to rush to get to work on time or get up so early in order to get a seat on a bus, and therefore, they will have more time to prepare before going to work or school, or to enjoy their breakfast with their family.
However, I believe that spending money on other vital aspects is more important. One of the most pressing concerns is environmental pollution. Despite the convenience that public transportation brings to commuters, more and more vehicles are being used each year and exhaust fumes emitted from those vehicles have exerted a detrimental effect on the atmosphere in most large cites. As a result, people are more susceptible to developing respiratory diseases and other kinds of health problems. Another significant issue is the increasing cost of living, which leaves many people struggling to cope with basic daily needs. If such situations are left untreated, this may lead to a decrease in economic growth, amongst other problems.
In conclusion, despite the advantages of improving the speed of public transport, I am convinced that it is better to spend money on more urgent issues, such as the environment and living costs.
(317 words)