The pictures show the changes of a park from 1980 to the present day.
Write at least 150 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task
Write about the following topic:
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are the main source for many countries. However, some nations are using alternative energy such as solar power and wind power.
Do you think this 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 maps show changes in the layout of a park between 1980 and the present.
In general, the park is now more accessible and has several new facilities to serve
different recreational demands of the public.
In 1980, there was one pathway running through the park from the west gate to the
south gate. A number of trees were located in the north east, and flowers were planted
along the south wall. There was also a pond with several benches around it situated on
the eastern side of the park.
Between 1980 and now, the path was removed and replaced with a new path which
leads to all four sides of the park, and essentially divides it into four different areas. In
the south western corner, the pond and benches are still intact, but the flowers in that
area have been replaced with bushes. A new picnic area with tables and a barbecue grill
has been set up in the north eastern corner, while the southeastern corner is now a
dedicated playing field.
(173 words – Band 8.5)
WRITING TASK 2
Although fossil fuels still remain the most important energy sources in many places,
some countries are now already using alternative sources like solar or wind power. In
my opinion, it can be difficult for a country to move towards using alternative energy at
first, but this development brings about several benefits in the long run.
On the one hand, the change towards using alternative types of energy would probably
put a heavy financial burden on the government and companies as they will have to
invest millions of dollars in purchasing and developing new equipment and facilities
for harnessing solar, wind or hydro-electric power. For example, the average cost of
installing a wind turbine for generating electricity is about $3 million, and an average
country would require a wind farm with hundreds of turbines to supply power to all
companies and households. In addition, the production cost of large solar panels is still
very high, which is why many countries, especially those with a poor economy, are still
unable to use this power source.
However, I still believe that shifting towards using alternative energy is a worthwhile
investment due to the great benefits it brings. Firstly, fossil fuels are the main cause of
air pollution nowadays since petroleum-powered vehicles and factories are releasing
tremendous amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere every day. Therefore, replacing coal
and petroleum with wind or solar power will help to reduce the level of emissions in
the atmosphere and improve air quality. Secondly, fossil fuels, like natural gas or oil, are
finite resources and will soon be depleted, which will potentially threaten the economy if there are no alternative sources. This fact emphasizes the need to develop renewable
energy to gradually replace traditional sources when fossil fuels run out.
In conclusion, I hold the view that despite the high initial cost of new equipment and
facilities, the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is still necessary for
the long-term development of the planet.
(329 words – Band 8.5)
