TASK 1:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 20/11/2023
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
The graph below shows a typical American and a Japanese office. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
The pictures compare the layout between an ordinary American office and a Japanese one. Overall, the American style is more accessible with extra doors and windows, along with separate amenity rooms. Additionally, Japanese offices feature collaborative workspaces, whereas American ones facilitate individual workstations.
Regarding conventional Japanese offices, windows are positioned between the two entrances situated in the upper extremities of the space. A department manager desk is located in the top midsection with its back against the windows. Below this are two workstations housing section managers facing downwards to a collection of staff tables and chairs that are adjacent to one another.
Concerning regular American offices, four doors are situated in the four corners and windows are placed on both sides. Working areas for employees are spatially separated and arranged in the center of the office, from the top to bottom, each consisting of an L-shaped table and a chair. A printer and copier section, a storage, and two conference rooms are constructed separately from the top to the lower left, respectively; meanwhile, two individual section manager rooms and a department manager office are located on the right. (188 words)
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TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 20/11/2023
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 18/11/2023)
Question: Fewer and fewer people today write by hand using a pen, pencil or brush. What are the reasons? Is this a positive or negative development?
ANSWER:
In contemporary society, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of individuals who choose to write manually using traditional tools such as pens, pencils, or brushes. This shift can be attributed to various factors, and I believe this is an overall advantageous development.
There are several drivers for this phenomenon. Initially, the diminishing trend in manual writing comes from the rapid development of technologies. Specifically, the advent of computers, tablets, and smartphones provides convenience in using digital interfaces for communication, in which the speed and efficiency offered by this method often outweigh the slower and more labor-intensive process of handwriting. Another contributing factor is the changing nature of work and education. Indeed, many tasks that were once paper-based have transitioned to digital platforms, such as electronic documents and online submissions, reducing the necessity for handwritten materials.
From my perspective, the shift away from manual writing brings more benefits than the concerns it raises. One primary advantage is the enhanced efficiency it offers. In fact, the use of digital alternatives, such as computers, allows for faster and more streamlined writing processes. To illustrate, individuals can compose, edit and share their thoughts seamlessly. This not only saves time but also facilitates clearer, cleaner and more organized expression of ideas. Furthermore, the environmental impact from this trend must also be acknowledged. The decrease in manual writing contributes to minimizing paper consumption, thereby diminishing the ecological footprint from the waste of handwritten materials. However, one notable drawback is the potential decline in the appreciation for the personal touch associated with handwritten communication. Handwritten letters, for instance, carry a unique sentiment and personality that may be lost in the digital realm.
In conclusion, the decline in handwriting can be attributed to the prevalence of digital technologies and the changing demands of modern work and education. While there are concerns about the potential loss of the personal touch associated with manual writing, the efficiency and accessibility of digital communication are undeniable benefits. (328 words)
Highlight Vocabulary:
| English | Vietnamese |
| Contemporary society | Xã hội đương đại |
| Interfaces | Giao diện |
| Labor-intensive | Tốn nhiều công sức |
| Streamlined | Sắp xếp hợp lí |
| Seamlessly | Liền mạch |
| Diminishing | Giảm dần |
| Notable | Đáng chú ý |
| Sentiment | Tình cảm |
| The prevalence of | Sự phổ biến của |
| Undeniable | Không thể phủ nhận |
