CAMBRIDGE 20

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. The first table below shows changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables show changes in the population of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample Report

The tables illustrate the population growth of New York City from 1800 to 2000, with a focus on Manhattan and the other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island).

Overall, New York City experienced a dramatic increase in population over the 200-year period, rising from 79,216 in 1800 to over 8 million by 2000. However, the distribution of the population among the city’s districts changed significantly over time.

In 1800, Manhattan was the dominant district, housing 76% of the city’s population with 60,515 people, while the remaining districts together accounted for only 24%. By 1900, although Manhattan’s population had increased substantially to 1,850,093, its share of the total population had decreased to 54%, reflecting faster growth in the other districts, which rose to 1,587,109 (46%). By 2000, this trend had reversed dramatically: Manhattan’s population slightly declined to 1,538,096, representing just 19% of the city’s total, whereas the other districts’ population surged to 6,471,089, making up 81% of the total.

In summary, while the city’s overall population grew steadily, Manhattan’s proportion of the total population decreased consistently, with the other districts expanding rapidly, particularly during the 20th century.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Access to clean water is a basic human right. Therefore, every home should have a water supply that is provided free of charge.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample Report

Access to clean water is undeniably a fundamental human right, essential for health, hygiene, and overall well-being. However, the idea that every home should receive a water supply free of charge is more complex, and I partially disagree with this proposition. While ensuring that everyone has access to safe drinking water is critical, providing it entirely free could create economic and practical challenges.

Firstly, maintaining a clean and reliable water supply requires significant infrastructure, including water treatment plants, pipelines, and regular maintenance. These systems incur high costs, which governments or utility companies must cover. If water were supplied entirely free, the financial burden would likely fall on taxpayers, which could be unsustainable, particularly in developing countries. For example, cities with limited budgets might struggle to maintain water quality, leading to potential health risks.

Secondly, charging a nominal fee for water can promote responsible consumption. When water is free, people may waste it unknowingly or fail to appreciate its value. A small cost encourages households to use water efficiently, reducing wastage and ensuring that supply remains sufficient for everyone. In many countries, such as Singapore, affordable water pricing has been paired with strict conservation measures, resulting in high-quality water access and minimal wastage.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to ensure that water remains accessible to low-income households. Governments could implement subsidized rates or provide free water to families who cannot afford it, balancing economic sustainability with social justice. For instance, in some regions of India, rural households receive a basic quota of free water while additional usage is charged at a reasonable rate.

In conclusion, while clean water is a basic human right, providing it completely free to every household is not entirely practical. A balanced approach, combining affordable pricing with targeted subsidies for those in need, would ensure equitable access while maintaining a sustainable water supply system.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. The plans below show the site of a farm in 1950 and the same site today. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The two maps illustrate the layout of Beechwood Farm in 1950 and how it has changed to the present day. Overall, the farm has undergone significant development, including the addition of recreational facilities, solar panels, and more structured roadways.

In 1950, the farm was primarily agricultural, with fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables occupying the western part of the land. Livestock included sheep in the northern area and chickens near the river in the southeast. The farmhouse and barn were located close together, connected by a simple network of tracks, and there was no dedicated parking or tourist facilities.

Today, the farm has diversified considerably. Sheep have been removed, and areas previously dedicated to them are now used as camping fields. Holiday cottages have been constructed near the barn and farmhouse, and solar panels have been installed in the northeastern section. Roads have replaced the old tracks, providing better access and linking various parts of the farm. Parking areas have also been introduced near the farm shop and the solar panels, indicating increased visitor activity. The areas for fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables remain, showing that farming is still an important part of the site.

In conclusion, Beechwood Farm has transformed from a purely agricultural site into a mixed-use farm with tourism and renewable energy facilities, while retaining much of its original cultivation.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words. In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays. What is the value of long school holidays? What are the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays?

In many countries, students enjoy long summer holidays lasting two months or more. While these extended breaks are a traditional feature of the school calendar, opinions differ on their effectiveness. There are several benefits of long holidays, yet arguments in favor of shorter breaks also carry weight.

One major advantage of long school holidays is that they give students and teachers time to rest and recharge. The academic year can be stressful, with exams, assignments, and daily routines placing considerable pressure on both students and staff. A long break allows them to relax, pursue hobbies, and spend quality time with family, which can improve mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, long holidays provide opportunities for travel and cultural experiences, which broaden a child’s knowledge beyond the classroom. For families, extended breaks may also facilitate shared activities that strengthen familial bonds.

On the other hand, there are arguments in favor of shorter school holidays. One concern is the loss of learning that can occur during long breaks, often referred to as the “summer slide.” Students may forget important knowledge, requiring extra time to review at the start of the new academic year. Shorter, more frequent breaks could help maintain continuity in learning, reducing the need for lengthy revision periods. Moreover, shorter holidays may better suit working parents who face childcare challenges during long school closures, making it easier for families to manage their schedules.

In conclusion, long school holidays offer valuable rest and personal development opportunities for students, yet they also risk interrupting learning and creating logistical difficulties for families. A balanced approach, such as slightly shorter holidays combined with periodic breaks throughout the year, might provide the benefits of both rest and academic consistency.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. The charts below give information about a public library in a town called Little Chalfont. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The charts provide information about the usage of Little Chalfont Library, including total loans from 2007 to 2016, the age distribution of library members in 2016, and the types of loans made in that year.

Overall, it is evident that the library has experienced a gradual increase in total loans over the ten-year period, and adults are the largest group of library members. In terms of loan types, children’s and adult fiction books dominate borrowing.

Between 2007 and 2016, total loans rose from around 16,000 to just over 21,000, showing a steady upward trend with minor fluctuations in some years. Regarding the age distribution of members in 2016, adults aged 18–64 accounted for the majority at 51%, followed by children at 22%, young adults aged 13–17 at 15%, and adults aged 65 and over at 12%.

Looking at loans by category in 2016, children’s fiction and adult fiction were equally popular, each representing 38% of total loans. Adult non-fiction accounted for 13%, while children’s non-fiction made up 6%. Loans of children’s DVDs, young adult books, and adult audio books were minimal, each contributing 1–2% of total loans.

In conclusion, Little Chalfont Library has grown steadily in usage over the years, with adults forming the largest membership group, and fiction books being the most frequently borrowed material.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words. Write about the following topic: Some people have decided to reduce the number of times they fly every year or to stop flying altogether. Do you think
the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of individuals choosing to reduce air travel or avoid it entirely due to environmental concerns. While this decision has both advantages and disadvantages, I believe the environmental benefits significantly outweigh the negative impacts on individuals and businesses.

One of the most compelling reasons for limiting air travel is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Aviation is a major contributor to global carbon dioxide output, which accelerates climate change. By flying less, individuals help decrease the overall carbon footprint, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable planet. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary reduction in flights led to noticeable improvements in air quality in many cities around the world. Such environmental gains can have long-term benefits for society, including reduced health problems related to pollution.

Some argue that reducing air travel can inconvenience individuals or harm businesses that rely on tourism and international trade. Indeed, business executives may find it challenging to attend international conferences, and the tourism sector may experience revenue loss. However, technology now offers viable alternatives, such as video conferencing and virtual events, which can maintain business continuity while minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, sustainable travel practices, like promoting train travel for short distances, can help offset the economic disadvantages.

In conclusion, although limiting flights may pose certain challenges for personal convenience and some sectors of the economy, the environmental benefits—especially in mitigating climate change—are far more significant. Encouraging a reduction in air travel represents a responsible and necessary step toward ensuring a sustainable future.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The charts below give information on the location and types of dance classes young people in a town in Australia are currently attending. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Sample Report

The pie chart and bar chart detail information concerning dance classes currently being attended by young people in an Australian town. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the vast majority of classes are hosted in private studios, followed by school halls, community halls, and, most distantly, college studios. For very young children,  ballet and tap dancing are more popular, while the preferred option for older students is modern dance. Regarding the location of dance classes in the town, private studios account for 48% of the total, precisely double the figure for after-school school halls (24%). Community and other halls trail this data point slightly at 18% and the least common venue is college-based studios at just 10%. Concerning the varieties of dance classes popular with different age demographics,  ballet is most notable with over 600 students under age 11, and only 300 students aged 11 to 16. The age disparity narrows for tap classes with 410 older students and 440 younger ones. Modern dance displays the opposite trend to ballet with far more older students (520) relative to their younger counterparts (300).

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: In many countries nowadays, consumers can go to a supermarket and buy food produced all over the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Sample Essay

In recent years, food imported from various parts of the world in supermarkets has become prevalent. While some view this trend as positive, I would argue that the repercussions for local producers are a negative overall. One compelling argument in favor of the availability of globally sourced food in supermarkets is the increased variety it offers consumers. In the distant past, shoppers were limited to consuming locally grown produce, which could result in a monotonous diet lacking diversity. Nowadays, however, supermarkets provide an extensive range of fruits, vegetables, spices, and other food products from different corners of the globe. This enables consumers to explore new flavors and experience diverse culinary traditions, enriching their gastronomic experiences. For instance, in most supermarkets, one can find exotic fruits such as dragon fruit from Vietnam, mangoes from India, and avocados from Mexico. By having access to such diverse options, consumers can broaden their palate and enjoy a more varied and exciting diet. On the other hand, the easy availability of food produced globally is detrimental for local farmers. When consumers prefer imported goods over locally grown products, it can lead to a decline in demand for local agricultural produce. Local farmers may then face financial difficulties and struggle to sustain their livelihoods. For example, in a study conducted in the United Kingdom, it was found that the demand for imported strawberries during winter had a negative impact on local strawberry farmers. Due to the availability of strawberries from warmer climates, consumers were less inclined to purchase locally grown strawberries, leading to a decline in sales for local producers. This situation not only affected the farmers’ income but also disrupted the local economy in a variety of subtle ways. In conclusion, although the availability of food produced worldwide in supermarkets offers consumers a wider variety of food choices and experiences, the challenges to local farmers are more significant. Policymakers should promote local farming operations rather than encouraging the imported food industry.