Italy Latest Speaking Questions – December 2024
January 6, 2025Canada Latest Speaking Questions – January 2025
January 13, 2025WRITING TASK 1
The graph below provides information about the price of bananas in four countries between 1994 and 2004.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words. (You should spend 20 minutes on this task).
Sample Answer
The graph displays the banana prices in four different countries (Japan, France, Germany, and the USA) from 1994 to 2004, measured in US dollars per kilogram.
Japan: Shows the highest and most volatile prices throughout the period. Prices peaked around 1995 and then fluctuated with a general downward trend until 2004.France: Initially had similar prices to Japan but experienced a more dramatic drop in 1996, followed by a period of relatively stable, lower prices. Germany: Started with the lowest prices in 1994 and experienced a gradual increase until 2000, followed by a slight decrease towards the end of the period. USA: Consistently had the lowest prices throughout the entire period, with minimal fluctuations.
Overall: The graph illustrates significant price differences in bananas across the four countries. Japan consistently had the highest prices, while the USA had the lowest. The prices in France and Germany showed more moderate changes compared to Japan.
WRITING TASK 2
In some countries the use of bicycles is decreasing as people prefer other means of transport. Why is this happening? What can be done to encourage the public to use bicycles more?
Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
Sample Answer
Bicycle use in cities has sharply declined in recent years, primarily due to the dominance of cars and inadequate infrastructure. Cars offer convenience and comfort, making them the go-to choice for many. Unfortunately, this shift has led to increased traffic congestion, pollution, and a lack of physical activity in urban environments. Cycling, once a symbol of independence and eco-friendliness, is now seen as impractical or unsafe.
However, bicycles offer significant benefits. They reduce carbon emissions, improve health by promoting exercise, and can help ease traffic congestion. To encourage more people to cycle, cities need to invest in better infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, secure parking, and bike-sharing systems. Creating safe, bike-friendly environments will make cycling more appealing and accessible to everyone.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns highlighting the environmental and health benefits of cycling can shift attitudes. Governments can also offer incentives like tax breaks for cyclists or subsidies for buying bicycles to make cycling more attractive.
In conclusion, reviving the bicycle as a primary mode of transport is crucial for building sustainable, healthier cities. By prioritizing cycling, we can reduce pollution, improve public health, and create a more efficient, eco-friendly urban future.