Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The table shows working hours and income for four jobs.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
The information given shows the income and weekly hours of four different occupations, with three of the positions being in the emergency services and the fourth being teaching.
The bar chart shows that teachers work the fewest hours, working less than 30 hours a week on average. Those involved in the police service work about 5 hours a week more than teachers at approximately 35 hours a week.
Employees in the fire service work nearly 40 hours a week, but by far the longest working week is performed by nurses, who exceed 55 hours a week, a clear 15 hours more than those worked in the fire service.
The comparatively low hours worked by teachers correlates with receiving the lowest remuneration for the position. However, the balance between hours worked and pay received is then inverted for the remaining three positions, with nurses earning the least of the three and those in the police service earning nearly £15,000 more at £52,050.
Overall, it is clear that with the exception of teaching, there is an inverse correlation between the number of hours worked and salary received.
(175 words)
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In recent years there has been a decline in the number of different species of animal and plant.
What are the causes and effects of this problem?
What measures can be taken to reduce this problem?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
A number of animal and plant populations have been seen to decline or, in some cases, have become extinct over recent decades. There are a number of reasons for this and there are also significant knock-on effects related to these ecological changes. However, there are potential solutions as this essay will explain.
Human activity has in the most part led to such changes in the natural world. For example, many species of flora and fauna have been negatively affected due to deforestation activity in tropical rainforest areas. In some cases, this change in environment has made it extremely difficult or impossible for certain species to survive. The survival of certain animal populations has also come under threat due to over-hunting, particularly when such species are considered to be a delicacy or to have healing properties. This situation has led to massive decline in bear populations, for example, in certain parts of the world.
The loss of such plants and creatures is significant as the ecological cycle is interlinked and the decline of one population may adversely affect another. To clarify, the loss of one single food source can often have a negative impact on the eco-system as a whole.
In order to protect species, the general population needs to become more aware of the effects of our actions and the long term repercussions. While activity such as forestry is necessary, it should also be sustainable. Over-hunting of species should be monitored on an international level.
In conclusion, the actions of the human race are largely responsible for changes in the make up of our natural world. Intervention on a global political level is required or the changes we have made could soon be irreversible.
(286 words)