Writing practice posts 09.

05
Model answers
Task 1

The pie charts display the sources of energy production in 1985 and 2003.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is clear that in 1985 the majority of energy
came from primarily oil followed by nuclear power, natural gas, and coal with cleaner
energy sources rarer. By 2003, renewables became slightly more common or remained level,
the use of oil decreased but was still the most used, while both coal and natural gas
underwent the largest increases.
In 1985, oil represented 52% of all energy sourced, though this figure had declined to
39% by 2003. Nuclear power, which was the second most pervasive energy source in 1985
at 22%, had the steepest fall to just 8% in 2003. In contrast, natural gas rose from 13% to
23% and coal nearly tripled to 22%.
In terms of the cleaner energy sources, hydro power represented 4% of total usage in
both years while other renewables quadrupled from 1% in 1985 to 4% in 2003.
Task 2
Pollution and other environmental problems are resulting from the way that many countries
are developing and becoming richer. Some think this cannot be avoided. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
Economic growth has led to environmental issues, which, according to some, cannot be
avoided. Even though the current extensive growth is by nature tied to environmental
degradation, in my opinion, intensification of production can decouple economic
development from unsustainable resource consumption and pollution.
If economic growth strategy remains based on the expansion of inputs, it will inevitably
continue straining the environment. The current extensive growth is based on
quantitative increases in consumed natural resources. This means that the more goods
and services are produced, the more means of production, such as energy and raw
materials, are required. Unless such growth strategy is changed, the environmental cost of
each percent of current GDP growth and per capita income will remain high
A shift from extensive to intensive  growth can make economic development more
sustainable. In contrast to extensive growth, intensive growth is derived from gains in
overall productivity - using more efficient or smarter ways of production for a better
utilization of consumed natural resources. As a result of such optimization, less energy
and materials are used to achieve the same or better result. For example, corporations may
swap out older production equipment with new which is less energy consuming, although,
can provide increased output.
In conclusion, I believe that the current extensive path of wealth accumulation is bound
to cause environmental problems, while a shift from to intensive economic growth can help
alleviate them.
Writing practice posts 10.05
Model answers
Task 1

The bar chart details the percentage of internet users according to nation and the pie
chart delineates how much individuals from those same countries spent on average
shopping online.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that Sweden had by far the
largest proportion of the population using the internet followed by the UK, German, France,
and Spain. There were slight differences in terms of spending as the UK spent the most over
Sweden, France, Germany and then Spain, which had a marginal figure overall.
Considering the table firstly, Swedish citizens used the internet most often at 35%.
This figure was nearly double the United Kingdom (20%) and each subsequent nation was
5% lower with Germany at 15%, France at 10%, and Spain at 5%.
For spending, the UK had the highest figure (Є87), slightly above Sweden at Є76. There
was a large drop to France at Є57 and Germany at Є46. Spain trailed the other nations
considerably and residents spent just Є10 per person on average.
Task 2
There is too much noise in many public places. What are the causes of this problem? What
can be done to solve this problem? Write at least 250 words.
There are excessive amounts of noise in public places, with the transport sector being a
major cause. To address this issue, measures that prevent, control and combat such noise
can be taken by road authorities.
Road traffic noise is the dominant source of excessive noise in public spaces. This is
because transportation is pervasive there, especially in large and crowded cities with their
numerous roads, rail tracks and highways. They produce high levels of noise, which
includes car engines, emergency sirens, horns and loud music, along with the general whir
of passing traffic. As a result, road traffic noise penetrating in such public places like
parks and squares, for example, is above 80 dB, which exceeds the recommended by WHO
environmental noise of 40 dB.
To reduce noise in public spaces, the responsible body can take preventive and
corrective measures to ensure appropriate noise management. This can include setting
limits for road traffic noise and controlling that roads comply with the prevailing noise
emission ceiling. Besides, actions that control noise at source include quieter vehicles,
tyres, road surfaces and improving urban design by restricting developments of public
spaces in high noise areas or mandatory separation between these zones and sources of
noise like large roads or airports. If despite those measures the noise standard is still
exceeded, corrective or punitive measures aimed at noise abatement can be taken. For
example, installing noise barriers along the roads in public places or imposing fines for
exceeding noise limits.
In conclusion, to reduce incessant noise in public places mainly caused by traffic,
preventive, controlling and corrective measures can be introduced by road authorities.