The graph and chart below give information about the number of new graduates and their employment in the UK from 1992 to 2002.
Write at least 150 words.
Some people think it is more important to spend money on roads and motorways than on public transport systems. To what extend do you agree?
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 graphs show a breakdown of the number of fresh graduates and their employment status in the UK from 1992 to 2002.
Overall, the number of new graduates appears to have increased over the given period. It is also clear from the bar graph that the majority of UK students opted to follow professional careers upon graduating from university.
In 1992, there were roughly 165,000 British students graduating from university. This figure rose markedly to a peak of about 195,000 in 1997, before dropping thereafter to about 180,000 students in 2002.
As far as their employment status was concerned, careers in clerical and secretarial fields saw a marginal rise from 9% in 1992 to nearly 20% in 2002. An opposite trend is seen in jobs related to management and administration, with the figures standing at 20% in 1992 and dropping by 1% 10 years later. Similarly, the figure for professional careers also showed a downward trend, although much steeper, from a peak of nearly 60% to its low of around 44%.
(172 words)
WRITING TASK 2
It is argued that money should be spent on developing roads and motorways rather than on public transport systems. Personally I think both road and public transport systems have vital roles to play in modern society, and therefore should be equally invested in.
On the one hand, better road quality increases the level of safety and reduces traffic congestion. In many cities and provinces in Vietnam for example, the number of road accidents is ever-increasing due to the condition of the road’s surface. This is clear evidence that the government should spend money improving the quality of road systems in order to ensure the safety of people. Additionally, building wider roads and more motorways in big cities like Ho Chi Minh, where traffic congestion is still a major problem, will help to increase the space for a larger number of vehicles, hence reducing pressure on the city’s main roads as well as congestion.
On the other hand, better public transport systems are beneficial for the environment and people who do not have a private vehicle. In fact, some modes of public transport like subways produce less pollutants than cars and other private vehicles. Therefore, spending money providing people with access to public transport will improve air quality and reduce pollution. Furthermore, for those who do not have a private vehicle, such as a motorbike or car, buses and subways are a great choice if they have to commute daily.
In conclusion, for the reasons above, I believe money would be well-spent on not only roads but also public transport systems.
(260 words)