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SAMPLE TASK 1

Question 1

Actual answer IDP 9998

The bar chart compares how much money five organizations gave to developing
nations annually between 2008 and 2011.
Overall, there were distinct trends in the financial support provided by the examined
organizations. While Organization 2 markedly increased its assistance to
economically disadvantaged countries, Organization 5 kept cutting back on its
subsidies. The funding allocated by the other organizations fluctuated by varying
degrees. It is also clear that Organization 2 exceeded Organization 3 to claim the first
spot for the latter half of the period.
Organizations 2 and 3 were the ones that subsidized developing countries the most
throughout the period. In the first two years, the latter topped the chart, giving $1.5
billion in 2008 and around $1.8 billion in 2009 to less developed nations. These
figures were around $200 million higher than the corresponding numbers for
Organization 2. However, in the latter half of the timeframe, financial aid coming
from Organization 2 far surpassed that from Organization 3, as the former surged to
around $2.4 billion in 2010 and further to $2.6 billion at the end. Organization 3, in
contrast, had reduced its support to $1.4 billion by 2010, and this was followed by a
slight recovery that brought its number back to its initial level.
It is noticeable that the funding pattern of Organization 5 stood in stark contrast to
that of Organization 2. Initially, Organization 5 allocated roughly $1.2 billion to
supporting developing nations. Yet, this figure had dwindled steeply to only $0.4
billion by 2011, representing a threefold overall decline, which is the most
pronounced change rate in the chart. Regarding Organization 1, at first, it provided the
lowest financial assistance at approximately $0.6 billion. However, shortly
thereafter, it overtook Organizations 4 and 5 to claim the third place, with its aid
package soaring to nearly $1 billion in 2009, followed by a slight decline to $0.7
billion at the end.
Finally, except for the year 2008, Organization 4 consistently displayed the lowest
figures. Commencing at $700 million, the amount of money that this organization
gave to developing countries had halved by 2009 and further declined to $250 million
by the end of the period, despite a recovery in 2010.
Word count: 363 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 2

The pie charts compare the production of different kinds of energy in France in the
years 1995 and 2005.
Overall, there were slight increases in the production of energy coming from coal and
natural gas, whereas that from petrol dwindled significantly. This was a tradeoff for
the growing popularity of nuclear and alternative energy sources. Despite this, France
was heavily reliant on fossil fuels in both years surveyed.
Regarding fossil fuels, in 1995, the contributions of coal, gas, and petrol to energy
production were almost even, with each accounting for roughly 30% of the total. By
2005, there had been increases, albeit rather negligible, in the exploitation of the
former two energy sources, whereas petrol's contribution had shrunk by a third,
settling at 19.55%. Despite these changes, the pecking order remained the same: coal
led the way, trailed closely by gas, with petrol taking the third spot.
The decline in dependence on petrol was counterbalanced by significant upticks in
energy derived from nuclear and other, unspecified sources. Specifically, the shares
of nuclear and other energies almost doubled, rising from 6.4% and 4.9% in 1995 to
10.1% and 9.1% in 2005, respectively. Despite showing the most significant growth
rates, they remained minor sources in the country surveyed.
Word count: 206 – Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 3

The table below shows population figures for four countries for 2003 and projected
figures for 2025 and 2050.

Band 8.5 - Graded by Tony Grace

The table provides demographic information about Argentina, Indonesia, Italy, and
the Republic of Korea in 2003, as well as predicting how their populations will have
changed by 2025 and 2050.

Overall, if predictions are correct, all countries will see their populations increase,
with the exception of Italy, whose numbers will decrease slightly, and Indonesia will
remain by far the most populous country throughout.
Looking first at Indonesia and Argentina, the former had the highest population of
nearly 240 million in 2003, whereas that of the latter country was the lowest, at only
34 million. By 2050, according to projections, the Indonesian population will have
reached 312 million; meanwhile, Argentine resident numbers will experience the
greatest growth, doubling to 62 million.

Turning to the other nations, there were 48 million people residing in the Republic of
Korea in 2003, and this country’s population is anticipated to increase to 52 million
by 2025 and level off there until 2050. In contrast, the Italian population is predicted
to observe a slight decline, from 54 million in 2003 to 47 million 22 years later, and
this downward trend will likely continue until 2050, at which point this country will
reportedly have a population of 45 million.

Word count: 202 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 4

The table illustrates how many barrels of oil were produced on a daily basis in
Nigeria, Chad, Congo, and Somalia between 2000 and 2004.

Overall, all examined countries witnessed increases in their production, with the
exception of Congo, whose numbers dwindled significantly over the period shown.
Notwithstanding this, Congo was generally the largest oil producer throughout the
period, leaving aside the year 2004, which saw Nigeria surpassing Congo to claim
the first spot.

Congo and Nigeria consistently produced significantly higher quantities of oil

compared to the other countries. The former commenced with the highest figure in
the whole chart, at 275,000 barrels per day (bpd), while the latter trailed behind,
producing 205,000 bpd. Thereafter, however, Congo’s output embarked on a
downward trend, bottoming out at 203,000 bpd. In contrast, the amount of oil
produced in Nigeria, after slight falls between 2001 and 2002, had increased to
213,000 bdp by 2004.

Turning to the remaining nations, they were consistently the smallest producers,
despite registering the most pronounced growth rates. Specifically, the Somalian
oil production expanded tenfold from 5,000 to 50,000 over the period. The increase
observed in Chad was even more significant. Although this country was the only one
to start producing oil in 2003, with a modest 8,000 bpd, its production had rocketed to
match Somalia's at 50,000 bpd by the end of the period.
Word count: 225 – Written by Thanh Nguyen
Question 5

The line chart shows average attendance at the cinema among various age groups in
the US from 2000 to 2011.

Band 8.5 - Graded by Tony Grace

The line graph illustrates cinema attendance rates of people in four age brackets in
the US between 2000 and 2011. Overall, all examined age groups showed significant
rises in attendance rates, with 15- to 24-year-olds registering the most pronounced
increase, and this group also had the highest rates throughout.

Looking first at the younger groups, namely the 15-24 and 7-14 ones, the former
commenced with the highest cinema attendance rate of nearly 18%, which was nearly
double the figure for children aged 7 to 14, at 10%. Thereafter, despite slight falls,
attendance of the 15-24 age bracket increased significantly, peaking at nearly 60% in
2010, before ending up at slightly over 50%. Following a roughly similar upward
trend, the proportion of cinemagoers aged between 7 and 14 had tripled to 30% by
2011, after reaching 2009’s peak of roughly 40%.

Turning to the other older groups, 25-to 35-year-olds, whose initial figure stood at 5%,
saw their rate increase steadily until 2007, from which point it fluctuated mildly and
eventually ended up at the same level as the 7-14 age cohort’s. Finally, going to
movie theaters was by far the least popular among those aged over 35, although by
2011, attendance of this demographic had risen rapidly to about 15%, up from only
2% in the first year surveyed.

Word count: 218 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 6

The table presents the prevalence of bicycle usage among the population of a
particular town in 2011, grouped by five age brackets.

Overall, females were more inclined to use bicycles than males across all age
segments. This difference was most pronounced in the 10-17 age group.
Furthermore, bicycle usage generally declined with age, though an uptick was
observed in the oldest age category.

Looking first at the younger cohorts, children below the age of 9 showed the highest
bicycle usage, with just over half of them riding bicycles. Among those between 10
and 17 years old, the cycling rate for females was 42.2%, which was about double the
figure for their male counterparts, at 24.6%.

Turning to the older groups, 17.1% and 12.3% of women aged 18 to 39 and 40 to 59
were reportedly bike users, outranking men, at only 9.7% and 8%, in that order.
Interestingly, for those aged 60 and above, bicycle usage saw a minor resurgence:
18.5% of women and 13.2% of men in this age category reported cycling.
Word count: 180 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 7

The charts below show the number of people in Europe who were affected by four
different types of noise by day and by night in cities and rural areas in 2007.

Band 8.5 - Graded by Tony Grace

The bar charts illustrate how many European people in cities and the countryside were
impacted by different kinds of noise in the daytime and nighttime in 2007.
Overall, noise levels were higher during the day, and city dwellers were more
affected compared to their rural counterparts. It is also reported that traffic was the
largest source of noise pollution in both examined types of location.

Looking first at the two major noise sources, namely traffic and trains, the former
affected 64 million city residents during the day and 48 million at night. The numbers
being impacted by this noise in rural areas were half as high, at 34 million in the
daytime and 24 million at night. The disparity between urban and rural
demographics was far smaller in terms of train noise pollution. Specifically, 10 and 8
million people living in cities were reportedly disturbed by noise from trains in the
daytime and at night, respectively, and this was the case for 8 and 6 million rural
inhabitants.

Turning to aircraft and industry, noise from flights was a problem for 4 million
individuals in cities and 2 million in the countryside in the day. These numbers fell
significantly by night, both to 1 million. Finally, industrial noise impacted more than 1
million city dwellers in a day, while not affecting anyone in rural locations.

Word count: 224 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 8
Band 9 - Graded by Tony Grace

The table outlines the average annual income in various sectors for the year 2004,
alongside the percentage change from the previous year, while the pie chart reveals
the distribution of graduates across these sectors.

Overall, the public service sector was the most popular sector for graduates and also
the best paid, and the agricultural one paid the least, although it was the second most
popular sector. Meanwhile, people in wholesale and retail trades saw the highest
year-on-year pay rise.

Public services topped the income scale in 2004, providing an average annual
income of $92,000, which was a 3.7% increase from the previous year. This sector
also absorbed the most graduates, constituting 30% of the total. Conversely, the
sector with the lowest income was agriculture, offering an average income of $40,000,
a modest 2.31% increase from 2003. This sector, however, employed a significant
25% of graduates.

The financial sector saw a minimal income increase of 2.9% from 2003, with the
average salary being $83,000 in 2004. Despite the high income, this sector accounted
for only 5% of the total graduate employment, the lowest among all sectors.
Meanwhile, manufacturing managed to employ 20% of the graduates, despite having a
much lower average income of $52,000 (a 4% increase from 2003).

In the transportation sector, the average worker earned $81,000 in 2004, representing
a 4.5% increase in income compared to 2003. Notwithstanding such a high pay rate,
this sector could only attract 10% of the graduates. A similar graduate employment
rate was seen in the wholesale and retail trade sector, which offered an average
income of $77,000, showing by far the highest percentage increase from the previous
year at 8.4%.

Word count: 290 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 9
The table illustrates demographic changes across different age cohorts in New
Zealand between 2011 and 2012.

Overall, while the total population increased, its composition shifted, with a minor
decrease in the younger age brackets and an expansion in the senior citizen
demographic.

The overall population witnessed a slight uptick of 0.6%, increasing from 4,381,269
in 2011 to 4,410,284 in 2012. This general increase, however, did not manifest
uniformly across all age groups.

The most significant change was observed in the senior demographic of 65 and
older. This age group experienced noticeable growth of 4%, with its size rising from
573,946 to 596,903. Meanwhile, the cohort of 40 to 64-year-olds mirrored the
overall population trend, experiencing a modest increase of 0.6% from 1,331,907 to
1,339,898.

In contrast, the younger segments of the population, characterized by those under 15

and within the 15-39 bracket, registered a mild decline of 0.2% each, with the
numbers declining from 898,160 to 896,364 and from 1,577,256 to 1,574,102,
respectively.

Word count: 182 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 10
Band 8.5 - Graded by Tony Grace

The table illustrates the proportion of first-year students on three different courses
who bestowed a 'very good' rating on the various resources provided by their college
in three different courses.

Overall, while commerce students were mostly pleased with all resources, economics
and law students exhibited more varied approval rates. In particular, teaching and
tutor services were generally well-received across all courses, while other resources
garnered more diverse opinions.

Commerce students generally expressed the highest satisfaction across all resources,
with the proportions rating them 'very good' uniformly above 80%. These students
found teaching and pre-course information most impressive, with 95% positive
feedback for both. Tutor services were also highly appreciated by 93% of the students,
whereas print and other resources garnered slightly lower, yet still substantial,
approval rates at 86% and 81% respectively.

In contrast, the satisfaction rates among law students were noticeably lower. Their
highest appreciation was shown for 'other resources', at 80%, while the teaching
aspect of the course saw the lowest approval, at 62%. Other aspects, namely pre-
course information, tutor services, and print resources were rated 'very good' by
between 70% and 76% of the students.

Economics students, while expressing high satisfaction with teaching and tutor
services at 95% and 90% respectively, demonstrated less enthusiasm for other
areas. Pre-course information and other resources were approved by about 60%, while
print resources secured an 81% satisfaction rate.

Word count: 228- Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 11

The table below shows the percentage of adults in urban and rural areas who took part
in four free time activities in 1990 and 2010.

1990 2010

Urban Rural Urban Rural

Reading 61 71 78 78

Animated play 10 18 10 14

Playing 21 26 14 26

Photography 7 14 17 24

The table compares the participation rates of adults in both urban and rural regions in
four recreational activities in 1990 and 2010.

Overall, a predominant pattern across all activities and both time periods is the
consistently higher participation in rural areas than urban ones, except for reading in
2010, where the percentages were identical. It is also reported that reading was by far
the most popular pastime in both years surveyed.

When examining the reading activity, it is evident that the urban and rural figures
converged in 2010, at 78%, from initial differences of 61% and 71%, respectively.
This convergence was a result of a significant increase in urban readership and a
modest growth in rural areas. Meanwhile, the pursuit of photography saw a substantial
increase, as adult participation rates in urban and rural areas increased markedly from
7% to 14% and from 14% to 24%, in that order.

Regarding the remaining activities, the figure for urban participation in animated play
remained at 10%, whereas its rural counterpart saw a decline from 18% to 14%.
Playing - the generally second most preferred activity, on the other hand, exhibited
contrasting trends. Urban participation in this pastime experienced a stark fall from
initially 21% to 14% in 2010, while rural rates stayed unchanged at 26% across both
years.

Word count: 215 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 12

The chart below shows the annual rice production in four countries in 1995, 2005, and
2015
The bar chart compares the annual rice production for four different countries -
referred to as A, B, C, and D- in 1995, 2005, and 2015.

Overall, the surveyed countries exhibited diverse trajectories of rice production

over the period, with Country A demonstrating a consistent upward trend, Country B
fluctuating, and Country C maintaining a relatively stable output with a slight dip
towards the end. Notably, Country D saw the most pronounced growth rate, albeit
from the lowest base.

Over the given timespan, Country A consistently led in rice production, and
demonstrated a gradual upward trend. Commencing at approximately 45 million tons
per year (MTPY) in 1995, production of this nation had slightly increased to 50
MTPY by 2015 (the highest figure in the chart). Country B, on the other hand,
displayed a somewhat erratic pattern. The production rose from initially 35 MTPY to
reach parity with Country A in 2005, producing around 47 MTPY. However, the
trend inverted in 2015, as production of Country B descended to about 42 MTPY.

As opposed to A and B, Countries C and D had far lower rice production. Country C's
output was relatively stable over the period shown, despite a minor increase from
about 5 to 7 MTPY between 1995 and 2005, before eventually reverting to the initial
level. Meanwhile, Country D’s production was stagnant at approximately 2 MTPY in
1995 and 2005, but experienced a surge to 5 MTPY by 2015, equalling Country C's
output for that year.

Word count: 234 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 13

The bar chart shows the percentage of adult male smokers in seven countries along
with the world average in 2000 and 2015.
The bar chart presents data on the portion of male smokers in seven different countries
in the years 2000 and 2015. This is presented alongside the world mean.

Overall, except for Egypt and Lebanon, whose figures increased, the other categories
witnessed declines. It is also reported that among the seven countries given, Armenia
had the highest proportions of male smokers in both years given.
There was a 10% decline in male smoking worldwide, dropping from 45% in 2000 to
35% in 2015. However, this trend was not universal. Egypt and Lebanon, for
example, bucked the trend with increases in male smoking of 10% and 15%,
respectively. By 2015, five out of the seven countries analyzed had male smoking
rates higher than the global average, a shift from 2000 when only Armenia,
Bangladesh, and Cuba exceeded the average. Yet, even with the spikes in smoking
rates in Egypt and Lebanon, they still lagged behind Armenia and Cuba, where over
half the male population smoked.

Most other countries show decreases in smoking, with Bangladesh leading the way
with the most significant drop, falling from 65% to 40%. In contrast, Cuba's decline
was the most modest, with a reduction of just around 2%. Both Australia and Mexico
experienced roughly a third reduction in their smoking rates, mirroring the global
trend. However, it is worth noting that the percentage of Australian male smokers
remained about 15% below the global average in both years surveyed.

Word count: 241 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 14

The table outlines key details of six global underground train systems, encompassing
aspects such as network size, ticket pricing, and the annual volume of passenger trips.

Overall, every subway system listed accommodates over a billion passengers

annually and operates more than ten lines. Yet, there is a pronounced variance in
ticket prices and significant differences in the lengths of the subway networks across
these cities.

Tokyo and Beijing lead the pack in terms of utilization, boasting twice as many
annual trips compared to most other systems. Economically speaking, they are
among the more affordable options; only the Mexico City Metro edges them out in
affordability, with a fare of 23 cents – a stark contrast to Paris, where a ride costs
almost ten times as much.

Despite its high ticket price, the Paris metro's infrastructure is relatively compact,
spanning just 127.4 miles. This is a mere fraction compared to New York's
expansive 659-mile system. However, Paris surprisingly operates 16 lines, outpacing
most other cities. Meanwhile, the London Underground, with the fewest lines, sees 1.2
billion trips yearly, the lowest ridership of the group. To add to its distinctions, it is
also the priciest; a single ride costs $7.30, nearly three times the fare of New York's
subway, which ranks as the second most costly.
Word count: 216 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 15

The graphic provides insights into visitors entering the UK from abroad. The line
graph charts the expenditure of these visitors in the UK over three decades, while the
pie charts detail the reasons people visited in both 1980 and 2010.

Overall, the amount of money that foreign visitors spent whilst in the country
increased significantly over the period surveyed. It is also reported that there was a
shift in the reasons for people coming, with the proportions going for business and
visiting friends or relatives increasing at the expense of declines in those visiting for
holiday and other purposes.
From the line graph, it is evident that despite variations throughout the period, there
was a general upward trend, with visitors in 2010 spending over 2 billion more than at
the outset. A significant spike occurred in 1996, with visitor spending reaching a high
of 12 billion pounds, the most substantial sum within the observed time frame.

Delving into the reasons behind the visits, vacations were the predominant
motivation for travel to the UK. However, this figure saw a decline of five percent,
dropping from 44.1% to 39.1% between the two years surveyed. The category labeled
'other' also experienced a decrease. In contrast, visits driven by business or to see
friends and family increased, with the former rising from 20.7% to 22.8%, while the
latter saw an almost 10% increase, to 28.2% in 2010.

Word count: 238 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 16
The diagram provides a detailed look at the process of recycling glass. Overall, this
cyclical process can be divided into six main stages. We can also see that there is no
limit to how many times glass can be recycled and reused.

Initially, consumers need to segregate used glass bottles from regular household
waste, placing them into dedicated recycling bins. These bins are then picked up by
waste collection trucks and transported to a recycling facility.

At this facility, the initial action involves washing and sterilizing the collected glass
using specialized equipment. After being cleaned and sterilized, the glass undergoes
another phase where it is crushed and subsequently melted. This molten glass is then
molded into new glass items using a shaping machine. Once manufactured, these new
glass bottles are ready to be filled and distributed to retail outlets for consumer
purchase. Following use, these bottles can enter the recycling loop once more.

Word count: 153 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 17

The diagram illustrates the process through which uranium is utilized to generate
nuclear power.

As is evident from the picture, the procedure encompasses six main stages, from
extraction to disposal, with an option to recycle certain portions of the material rather
than committing them to permanent underground storage.
Initially, uranium is extracted from the earth and then subjected to a series of
refinement and conversion processes. The culmination of this phase is the production
of fuel pellets known as U-235. These pellets serve as the primary fuel source in
nuclear power plants. Remarkably efficient, these pellets can sustain energy
production for up to four years before needing replacement. After this duration, there
is an opportunity to reprocess some of the spent pellets for further use.

Nevertheless, not all used pellets are suitable for recycling. Those that are not are
securely sealed in specialized containers and then buried underground for safe
disposal.

Word count: 151 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 18

The two diagrams depict the water cycle in both a forested environment and a
developed urban area.

Overall, each illustration consists of six stages, beginning with rainfall and concluding
with runoff. Both areas receive an equivalent amount of rainfall. However, urban
regions display notably less water evaporation and ground absorption compared to
rural landscapes.

On the surface, it is evident that in forested environments, a larger fraction of the

water evaporates from both the ground and trees compared to urban settings.
Conversely, in urban areas, a significant amount of water runs over the surface, often
collecting pollutants as it courses through the city. While the level of erosion is not
displayed in the forested area diagram, this phenomenon increases in cities.

Subterraneously, forests showcase a substantial volume of water seeping through

both topsoil and subsoil. In contrast, urban areas witness less water penetration into
the subsoil, resulting in a decreased baseflow. Consequently, the water table sits
noticeably higher beneath woodland regions than beneath metropolitan areas.

Word count: 165 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 19

The two maps depict the development of Lynwich College from 2006 to its present
state, highlighting significant facility expansions, though at the cost of some natural
spaces.
At first glance, it is evident that the college has undergone substantial
infrastructural development over the years, leading to a more densely constructed
campus. This development, however, has encroached upon the previously green
spaces that existed in 2006. Additionally, there have been notable improvements in
transportation options for students. The car park has been downsized, making room
for an expanded bicycle storage area.

The college's library has been relocated, paving the way for the construction of a
cafeteria and a sports center in its place. This new cafeteria now serves as a central
hub, bridging the academic section in the south-west with the sports facilities in the
south-east, and connecting to the improved transportation facilities in the north-east.

Back in 2006, the college seemed to primarily cater to students arriving by car.
However, the recent modifications reveal a shift in this perspective. Apart from the
added bicycle area, there is now a designated bus parking bay situated on the northern
edge of the campus, complemented by a new pathway leading into the college
grounds.

Overall, Lynwich College has seen extensive developmental changes over the years,
enriching its sports, dining, and transportation amenities. Interestingly, while these
areas have been enhanced, the academic facilities of the college appear to have been
left untouched.

Word count: 238 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 20

The map below shows the development of the village of Ryemouth between 1995
and present.
The diagrams showcase the transformation of a coastal village named Ryemouth since
1995.

Overall, the village has witnessed the rise of new residential houses and apartment
complexes, complemented by improved sports amenities. This expansion, however,
has come at the price of green spaces, the local fishing industry, and agricultural
plots, signaling Ryemouth's evolution into a modern, residential hub.

Focusing on the village's northern section, the northwest quadrant has seen the
addition of new houses, with four situated on the left and five on the right. While the
central residential square, housing four dwellings, remains intact, the western road
has been extended to accommodate two additional houses. To the right, the previous
agricultural land adjacent to the forest park has been repurposed into a golf course,
along with two tennis courts.

Shifting our attention south from the golf course, a new parking area emerges, placed
to the east of an already existing hotel. Directly across from these establishments and
by the beach, the café stands as it did in 1995, untouched by the wave of
development. Moving westward along the beach road, beyond the T-junction, the
original five shops have transitioned into restaurants. Directly across from these
dining venues, four modern apartment buildings have risen, occupying the land
where the fish market once stood. The adjacent fishing port has since been
dismantled, restoring the beach to its pristine form.

Word count: 228 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 21

The illustration provides a detailed look into the evolution of stone cutting tools used
by early humans.

In general, the most striking difference between the tools of the two periods is their
size, with the later version being notably larger. Additionally, the tool from 0.8
million years ago showcases a more sophisticated design than its predecessor from
1.4 million years ago.
Looking back to 1.4 million years ago, the cutting tools of that era measured
approximately 8 centimeters in length. Their design seemed rudimentary: the two
sides were distinctly shaped, with a rough texture evident on its surface.

Fast forward to 800,000 years later, the tools used during that period exhibit
significant improvements. Their size increased to around 10 centimeters in length,
and they adopted a more streamlined, tear-drop design, being broad at the base and
narrowing sharply towards the tip. This contrasted with the blunter design of the
earlier tools. However, despite these advances, a similarity persisted between the two:
the front side of both tools retains a rougher texture, while the back side is noticeably
smoother.

Word count: 182 - Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 22

The picture below shows how a hot balloon works.

The diagram provides a comprehensive look at the components of a hot air balloon
and explains how it operates.
Overall, the hot air balloon primarily consists of three essential components: the
envelope, the basket, and the burner. Additionally, the balloon's ascent and descent are
governed by regulating the temperature of the air inside.

The dominant feature of the hot air balloon is its large envelope, shaped much like an
inverted teardrop. The top houses a 'parachute valve', a self-sealing mechanism
designed to control the release of hot air. Below this valve, the envelope consists of
large vertical sections termed 'gores', which themselves are composed of smaller
panels. The envelope narrows down to a section called the 'skirt' at its base. This skirt
connects to the basket with ropes, and directly above the basket sits the burner.
Propane tanks, stored within the basket, supply the fuel for the burner.

In terms of its operation, the burner mixes ambient air with propane, heating the air
within the envelope. As this air warms, it becomes lighter, causing the balloon to rise.
To initiate a descent, the internal air is allowed to cool, increasing its density, which
in turn pulls the hot air balloon downward.

Word count: 220 - Written by Thanh Nguyen