Article question

Question
You have been asked to write an article for Job Prospects magazine, a publication for 18-30 year olds, on the following topic:

How taking a gap year* can enhance your career prospects. *A gap year is a break usually taken between leaving school/college and starting university, and is seen as a valuable way to gain work experience and life skills.

You should focus on the types of job and leisure opportunities for young people taking a gap year in your country (or a country that you know well), the types of skills that can be gained and the likely value of these to potential employers.
Write the article for the readers of the magazine. (around 280 - 320 words)

Essay question on juvenile delinquency

Proposal question and plan

You local council is proposing to ban all cars from the town centre because of problems with traffic, pollution and accidents. However, the following comments were made at a public meeting to discuss the situation:

•My car is the only way I have of taking my children to school safely and quickly.

•The shops in the town centre will close because people will go elsewhere to do their shopping.

•Public transport here is dreadful. We can't rely on it and it's too expensive.

The local council is inviting people to send in proposals in which they express their views on the council's plan and offer possible solutions to people's concerns.

Write your proposal. (300-350 words)

You should begin by thinking about what you will say. Probably the easiest approach is to come out in favour of the proposal, but add modifications in order to address the concerns of residents. For example:

•taking children to school – proposed solution, a school bus

•shopping – a new car park with shuttle bus

•public transport is dreadful – you propose to improve it

You can then make an outline, like this:

•Introduction: the council's plan, my view (favourable), objections

•Taking children to school: state problem, offer solution

•Shopping: state problem, offer solution

•Public transport: state problem, offer solution

•Conclusion: a brief summary of your proposals

Essay question on traffic

Question
Read the two texts below.
Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible and include your own ideas in your answers.

Tackling Traffic Congestion Policy-makers employ a wide range of measures to tackle the problem of traffic congestion. Enforcement schemes such as setting strict speed limits on major roads and the use of congestion charges in city centres are two such examples as are vehicle exclusion zones or parking restrictions in busy pedestrian areas. However, it also makes sense to encourage motorists to become less reliant on their car. This can be achieved by making public transport more efficient and promoting the benefits of car-sharing with work colleagues, thus reducing weekly fuel bills. And the increasing number of cycle lanes on many roads is further evidence of how to win the hearts and minds of motorists in the fight against congestion.

The Joy of Motoring Recent research into the attitudes of motorists shows we are still more than happy to get behind the wheel. Despite rising fuel costs, insurance premiums and frequent traffic jams, 9 out of 10 of us still enjoy driving. Whether it’s visiting friends and relations, taking the family for a day out or even commuting to work, the car remains first choice for many people. Experts argue that unlike public transport, the car leaves us in charge of our own destiny, giving us the freedom to travel when and where we want. The car also gives us the opportunity to express ourselves. The kind of vehicle we drive tells the world something about who we are or what we aspire to be. Cars are not simply a means of transport but also something we wear.

Write the essay. (around 240 - 280 words)