Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You are visiting another town next month for a short break. Write a letter to the tourist information centre. In your letter
- Tell them how long you are staying
- Ask for some suggestions for what to do
- Find out if there are any local events happening at the time
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear…
Write at least 150 words.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am trying to get some advice about getting the best out of visiting Wanaka Lakes, as I am planning on visiting your area at the end of February for a fortnight, from the fourteenth to the twenty-eighth.
First of all, what accommodation can you recommend? I am travelling alone and do not have a car, so I’d like something central to the town, at a mid range price if possible. Somewhere near a bus route would be good, too.
Also, are there any special events on between the dates I will be there? I have heard that there is a market on the 20th of the month, but I was wondering if there’s anything else going on? I am interested in most things, but would like to plan my trip as
much as possible to get the most out of my stay.
Thanks for your time.
Paul Brown
(154 words)
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Smoking can cause serious illnesses and should be made illegal.
To what extent do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
There are clear arguments for banning smoking, based largely on health, but there is perhaps a stronger case to be made for maintaining the current situation, as will now be explained.
The most important factor for keeping smoking legal is that the decision to smoke is not something that should be controlled by the government, but by the individual. If a person decides to smoke, they do so of their own free will and this should be respected, as it is the government’s role to advise against harmful practices, but ultimately not to make decisions for its citizens.
The other reason for allowing smoking is that by making laws against it is more likely to result in the sale of tobacco moving to the black market, and consequently increasing the level of associated crime. There will still be people who cannot overcome their addiction, and will search for any means available to access cigarettes. A clear example of this reaction can be seen in the illegal sale of other drugs such as cocaine and marijuana.
Of course, there is the fact that smoking is known to have adverse health effects on both the smoker and those around them who are affected by passive smoking. Yet there are other lifestyle choices that also have a negative impact, such as fast food and alcohol, and banning these items would restrict the choice available to the consumer.
In conclusion, the decision to ban smoking, although having some advantages, would be more likely to have an overall negative effect. It would therefore be better for the government to continue campaigns that educate people about the potential dangers of the habit.
(276 words)