In recent years, it has become increasingly common for consumers in many countries to find food products from all over the world in their local supermarkets. This phenomenon, largely driven by globalisation, has sparked debates about its impact. While some argue that this trend has negative consequences for local agriculture and employment, I believe it brings numerous benefits to both consumers and producers worldwide.
One of the primary concerns raised about the importation of foreign food is its potential negative effect on local farmers. Critics argue that when cheaper products from other countries flood the market, domestic farmers may struggle to compete, leading to reduced profits and even job losses. For example, farmers in Spain might find it difficult to sell their rice when lower-priced rice from Thailand or India dominates the market. While this is a valid concern, it overlooks the fact that global trade allows consumers to access a greater variety of food at lower prices, which can significantly improve their standard of living.
The pie chart illustrates the distribution of dance class locations for young people in an Australian town, while the bar chart compares the number of participants in three dance styles across two age groups: under 11 and 11–16.
Overall, private studios are the most commonly used venues for dance classes, followed by school halls. Regarding dance styles, ballet is significantly more popular among children under 11, while modern dance attracts more teenagers aged 11–16.
In today’s world, financial security is a critical concern for individuals across all age groups. While some argue that young people should save money to ensure a stable future, others contend that governments should take responsibility for financial protection. I firmly believe that a balance between individual savings and state-provided welfare is essential for sustainable economic and personal well-being.
To begin with, cultivating a habit of saving money is crucial for young people to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Life is inherently unpredictable, and emergencies such as sudden unemployment or medical crises can place significant financial strain on individuals. For example, a young professional who loses their job unexpectedly may struggle to meet basic living expenses without a savings buffer. Similarly, saving for long-term goals, such as buying a home or funding higher education, is vital for personal growth and stability. Therefore, saving not only promotes financial independence but also instills a sense of responsibility and discipline in young people.
The diagram illustrates the process of producing ethanol, a type of biofuel, from plants and trees, as well as its subsequent combustion and reintegration into the cycle of energy production.
The process begins with plants and trees absorbing sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow. Once mature, they are harvested by machinery and sent for pre-processing, where plant matter is converted into cellulose. This cellulose is then further processed in laboratories, breaking it down into simpler sugars. At this stage, microbes are added to the sugars, initiating a fermentation process that produces ethanol.
The table illustrates the total number of US cruise passengers in 1995 and 2005, while the bar chart breaks down the percentages of these passengers in different age groups who purchased travel insurance.
Overall, there was a substantial increase in the number of US cruise passengers over the ten-year period, and a higher percentage of passengers across all age groups bought insurance in 2005 than in 1995. Older passengers consistently had a higher likelihood of buying travel insurance than younger ones.
IELTS CreatedFri, 15 Nov 2024 16:55:31 +0800 The impact of climate change on business has become a significant point of debate globally. While some people argue that climate change poses severe risks to business, others believe it creates new opportunities in emerging industries. This essay will discuss both perspectives and provide a reasoned opinion on the matter.
On the one hand, climate change undeniably poses substantial threats to certain businesses, especially those vulnerable to environmental disruptions. For instance, rising sea levels threaten coastal cities, putting countless small businesses at risk of physical damage or complete destruction. A family-owned shop located in a low-lying area could lose everything in the event of severe flooding or hurricanes, with no feasible way to recover financially. Moreover, industries reliant on stable climates, such as agriculture, may suffer from unpredictable weather patterns, leading to lower yields and higher costs. These challenges not only disrupt individual businesses but also threaten broader economic stability.
The bar chart displays the number of tourists from the UK, the US, and Japan who traveled to New Zealand in 1999 and 2009, while the line graph shows how tourists spent their holidays, either by staying at resorts or by backpacking, across the same period.
Overall, tourist numbers from the UK and the US rose significantly over the decade, while Japanese tourists showed a marked decline. Meanwhile, although staying at resorts was initially the most popular choice for tourists, backpacking saw a steady increase and reached an equal level of popularity by 2009.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, there is an ongoing debate about whether secondary education should focus on a wide range of subjects or narrow down to career-specific skills. While specialized programs may provide practical skills for immediate employment, I firmly believe that a broad-based education is more beneficial in preparing young people for the complexities of modern life.
Firstly, secondary school students are often too young to make definitive career choices. At this stage, adolescents are still exploring their interests and aptitudes. A curriculum that covers diverse subjects—such as science, literature, history, and the arts—allows students to discover where their passions and talents lie. For example, a student who initially shows an interest in mathematics may, through exposure to subjects like biology or environmental science, realize a passion for ecological research. If students are restricted to a narrow range of subjects early on, they may miss out on uncovering potential career paths that would bring them fulfillment and success.
The line graph illustrates the production volumes of suits, dresses, and coats in a garment factory over two decades, from 1990 to 2010, measured in millions of units.
Overall, the production of coats displayed a steady upward trend, eventually becoming the most produced item by the end of the period. In contrast, suits experienced some fluctuations, while dresses showed a moderate but consistent increase.
In 1990, the factory produced 15 million suits, making it the highest-produced item among the three categories. Suit production peaked in 1995 at 23 million units, but it subsequently declined to 16 million by 2005. Although it rose slightly to reach 19 million in 2010, suits were no longer the dominant product by the end of the period.
The debate over whether governments should take responsibility for citizens’ diets or leave this matter to individuals is a contentious one. Some argue that the government has a duty to protect public health by promoting healthy eating, while others believe that dietary choices should be a matter of personal responsibility and freedom. This essay will explore both perspectives before concluding that a balanced approach is most effective.
On one hand, proponents of government intervention contend that ensuring a healthy diet is part of the government’s responsibility to safeguard public health. In many countries, the state funds healthcare services, and diet-related illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, place a significant burden on these systems. By implementing policies that promote healthy eating—such as taxing sugary drinks, mandating clear food labeling, or restricting advertisements for unhealthy foods—governments can reduce the prevalence of these conditions. This not only improves the quality of life for individuals but also alleviates long-term pressure on healthcare resources.
