TASK 1:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 9/10/2023
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
The chart below show the results of three surveys on absenteeism in a particular European country in the years 2000, 2005 and 2010. The results show the reasons people gave for not going to work.
The bar graph illustrates the causes of people being absent from work in an unnamed nation in Europe between 2000 and 2010, at five-yearly intervals. Overall, most categories saw an increase except for sick-leave and household duties which witnessed the reverse pattern. Moreover, health issues always remained as the most popular cause for workplace absenteeism throughout whereas the least responded factor was suffering from stress.
Concerning the categories with a downswing, the percentage of workers taking medical leave decreased consistently from just under 45% in 2000 to 35% in 2010. A similar change, but to a lesser extent, was seen in domestic obligations which started at about 28%. Thereafter, this figure saw a drop to just over 20% in 2005, then remained static until the end.
Regarding the other reasons, unforeseen factors began the period at slightly under 10% of the respondents, before increasing by nearly 6% five years later then remaining relatively stable until the final year. Although personal demands increased from the starting point of roughly 13% to a peak of 20% in 2005, it experienced a decline to approximately 18% in the final five years. Finally, starting at the lowest result of around 6%, the proportion of employees requesting time off due to anxiety fell marginally by about 1% in the next five years, followed by a rebound to a high of nearly 12% in 2010. (223 words)
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TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 9/10/2023
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 7/10/2023)
Question: Some people believe that the newspaper is the best way to learn about the news, while others believe that a more effective way is through other media. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
ANSWER:
Opinions diverge on whether newspapers remain as the optimal method to be updated on the news or alternatively, other means of media are more efficient. In my opinion, newer media outlets are a more refined approach to information reporting.
Proponents of traditional newspapers support their superior role regarding news coverage for two major reasons. One of which is that they can be more reliable. This is because news agencies have to comply with a rigorous editing process, involving thorough proofreading, verification and censorship before publishing. Moreover, this older form of media is less distracting to news followers. Compared to newer media platforms where constant pop-ups and infomercials can be highly disturbing, newspapers contain fewer advertisements, with the majority of them placed in separate sections or pages.
However, those who advocate for alternative media sources argue that they confer comparative advantages in delivering news due to their immediacy and personalised features. The foremost justification is that people can stay abreast of current affairs without delay. For example, live broadcast reporting of a hostage rescue campaign allows viewers to stay informed with the real-time situation of victims and the effort of law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. Furthermore, modern news platforms, particularly digital news providers, allow subscribers to select topics and content that align with their interests and perspectives instead of flipping through physical pages to locate their favourite articles in a print newspaper.
In conclusion, I admit that hard-copy newspapers can instil a sense of credibility and foster increased concentration on the acquisition of information, making it a trusted news source for many. However, on balance, I still contend that alternative media options can articulate news more effectively as they offer instant updates and enable individuals to customise their information needs based on their preferences. In the future, it is predicted that other forms of news will thrive, replacing print newspapers. (311 words)
Highlight Vocabulary:
| English | Vietnamese |
| Alternatively | Tùy chọn |
| Proponents | Những người ủng hộ |
| Superior | Xuất sắc |
| Proofreading | Kiểm tra chính tả |
| Verification | Xác minh |
| Censorship | Kiểm duyệt |
| Platforms | Nền tảng |
| Infomercials | Quảng cáo truyền thông |
| Advocate | Ủng hộ |
| Delivering | Giao hàng |
| Immediacy | Tính tức thì |
| Personalised | Cá nhân hóa |
| Perspectives | Quan điểm |
| Flipping | Lật trang |
| Hard-copy | Bản sao cứng |
| Credibility | Uy tín |
| Acquisition | Sự đoạt được |
| Customise | Tùy chỉnh |
