Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The pie charts show the percentage of global deforestation caused by different activities.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
The pie chart given details 6 areas responsible for the reduction in forested area around the globe, ranging from infrastructure and mining to farming related industries, and with an additional category labeled as ‘other’.
The most notable point on the chart is that the majority of damage was due to cattle ranches, which accounted for over half of the total. Agricultural concerns then played the next most significant part, with smaller farms representing just under one third of the total. In comparison, larger agricultural production accounted for only 1%.
Mining and construction, as well as logging, were the second lowest causes of deforestation, accounting for only 3% each, the only two causes given that were equally responsible. This left a remaining 6%, expressed here under the umbrella term of ‘other’.
In total, it is evident that cattle and agriculture represented the vast majority of the causes of loss of forest, leaving only 13% of the damage to the remaining sources.
(160 words)
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we do not really need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives.
Which viewpoint do you agree with?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Companies promoting their products can be both advantageous and problematic for the consumer, as they may gain an awareness of something which they would appreciate, but may also be misled about the potential value. However, there is perhaps a stronger argument to be made for the latter, as will now be discussed.
Primarily, most advertising focuses solely on the positive aspects of a product or service, giving a biased point of view about its effectiveness or impact. A clear example of this can be seen with car advertisements, which show the vehicle being driven on open roads, free of other traffic on a beautiful day in stunning surroundings. This clearly does not represent the reality of car ownership, and in this case may encourage people to purchase the car under false pretences.
In addition, there are a number of products that will be purchased simply because the advertising suggests that this is the way for social acceptance. A simple product like a shaving razor for example, often shows successful men surrounded by women, prompting the viewer to conclude that purchasing their product will automatically transfer this degree of popularity.
On the other hand, there are some products which are of great value, but the public would not be so aware of without promotion. An example here would be health related products, such as medication to boost the immune system, thus potentially preventing illnesses such as the common cold. However, this is also prone to exaggeration and unrealistic expectations are sometime drawn from excessive advertising.
In sum, advertising that simply introduces a product with a benefit is acceptable, whereas promotional media that is not realistic is likely to encourage people to spend money on irrelevant articles.
(284 words)