This model answer has been prepared by an examiner as a very good answer.

However, please note that this is just one answer out of many possible
approaches.

Writing Task 1
Sample answer
The graph shows a clear difference in the pattern of public transport use in 2016 between people living
in large cities and other citizens, in the country in question.

The gap between the two is particularly noticeable for younger and middle-age groups, with the highest
difference for 31–45 year olds: 66% of city dwellers used public transport compared with just 15% of
people living outside large urban centres. For children the difference was smaller but still significant, at
39% and 15% respectively. However, for the older ages the trend changed: there was actually a lower
percentage of 61–75 year olds in large urban areas using public transport (9%) than others (18%),
though for those in the oldest age bracket the figures reversed (15% and 6%).

It is noteworthy that there is a more marked fluctuation across age groups for city dwellers: starting at
39% for the youngest, the figure rises to 66% before dropping sharply to a low of 9%. By contrast,
figures for those living outside big cities hold fairly steady, with a high of 26% for 16–30 year olds and a
low of 6% for the oldest group.

Writing Task 2
Sample answer
In the last few decades there has been a significant increase in the number of opportunities for
international travel, with more transport routes and cheaper fares.

There are undoubtedly benefits flowing from this growth in international tourism. People now have a
greater awareness of other cultures than was the case even one generation ago. Travelling widely to
enjoy such things as the art, customs and cuisine of different countries used to be the preserve of the
wealthy classes. Now even the less well off have access to them.

There are, however, drawbacks associated with this level of mobility. Firstly, a number of resorts, even
whole countries, have so many tourists that the culture and environment are severely damaged. For
example, traditional crafts are replaced by the manufacturing of cheap trinkets and local singing and
dancing are packaged for tourist consumption. Because tourists stay for only a short time they often
don’t care if they behave badly or litter the streets. Secondly, although the hospitality industry does
bring employment, it tends to be precarious because much of it is seasonal, with long periods of the
year offering no work. The income from tourism is unevenly distributed, with a small number
of big businesses (e.g. property developers) making a lot of money but the majority of people working
for low wages as waiters or guides. Related to this is the fact that money spent by tourists is seldom
retained by the local economy: profits are frequently taken out by multinational corporations.
Finally, international travel adds to greenhouse gases, leading to harmful climate change.

In my view, despite the advantages of travel to both tourists and host countries, these do not
compensate for the damage inflicted on the environment, social
structures and individuals by mass tourism.