Task 1 and 2, Test 2, IELTS Cambridge book 9

Please check them when you are available. Always thanks!

Task 1

The bar graph gives the information on the U.K. telephone calls, categorized by wire and wireless connection and by distance, from 1995 to 2002.

As clearly seen in the chart, the numbers of making national and international calls or wireless calls had been gradually increased during the period, while usage of fixed line within local area was diminishing from 2000.

From 1995 to 1999, the British made a number of local calls – more than 70 billion minutes - by using fixed line. In the same year, national and international wire-calls were only about a half of the local calls and the usage of mobiles were too small to mention. This trend continued until 1999. While the total number of minutes of telephone calls in the country was moving up steadily, the proportion of calls by category remained constant.

However, the situation in Britain began to change from 2000. After peaking at 90 billion minutes in 1999, local calls began to decrease and returned to the level of 1995 at 70 billion minutes in 2002. In contrast, the British usage of mobile phones climbed dramatically and peaked at approximately 45 billion minutes in 2002. Also, the number of minutes of national and international calls on fixed line moved up to over 60 billion, almost same level with local calls.

In summary, mobiles and fixed line for national and international calls were more widely used by people in the U.K. in 2002 than in 1995. 

Task 2

Today, it is mandatory for high school students to participate in unpaid community service for certain amounts of time. I strongly agree with that this program should be continued because there are many positive effects on students as well as on society.

First, community service gives a lot of educational opportunities to students. For example, through this program, students can meet many people, experience new things, improve their skills and even find career goals and vision for the future. These experiences cannot be attained only by reading books or watching TV programs. When they see and experience by themselves, they can understand society much better.   

Second, students can understand their neighbors and well-prepare to be a responsible member of society. Today’s students will eventually become adults who work in various positions in society in the future. Experience in their young age will be a great asset to them when they work in their own position.

Finally, high school students’ activities can contribute to society in many ways. By sharing their talents and skills, some young children can learn and the elderly can be amused. Donation raised by students also can be used to improve neighborhood and help people in need.

In conclusion, I agree with that the unpaid community service should be required for high school students. This program will be beneficial for students as well as for community.