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General Training Task 1 Sample Formal Letter to the Local Council

Task

Your local council is considering closing a sport and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter

• give details of how you and your friends or family use the centre
• explain why the centre is important for the local community
• describe the possible effects on the local people if the centre closes

Complete Letter

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter in regard to the proposed closing of the Kamloops sports and recreation centre.

I would really like to stress that this closure, in my opinion, is a bad idea. The fact is that this closure will be a huge loss for the city of Kamloops. My entire extended family uses this place on a weekly basis, and my niece and nephew frequent the centre for recreational activities and swimming lessons.

I also think this centre has become an integral part of your community, as a place where people can go to exercise, play sports, swim, and take part in lots of other activities, whether it is for recreation, or to socialize. The centre is the hub for children, adults, and the senior citizens of the community.

If the council does decide to close the sports and leisure centre, I feel the local people of Kamloops will lose a place that is currently enjoyed by far too many local residents. As there is only this place in the city, within a reasonable distance, for the people here, closing it will absolutely have detrimental effects on the health, and well-being, of all those who live in this area.

I hope that you will take these concerns into consideration before you all make a decision, as to whether or not, this centre should be closed.

Yours faithfully,
Kanwar Pleet

Task 2 Sample Essay - Teaching Children Local or Foreign Literature and History

Task

Some people believe that it is more important to teach children the literature and history of their own country, rather than the literature and history of other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Complete Essay

People have different views about the teaching of national versus global literature and history in schools. Personally, I support the idea that children should study first and foremost the great books and historical events of their own countries.

There are several reasons why I believe that schools should focus on teaching national literature and history. First of all, children enjoy learning about where they live, and by studying the ideas, culture, and history of their own countries they begin to develop a sense of identity. At the same time, this approach is appealing to parents, who studied the same books and historical events and can, therefore, help their children with schoolwork. Canadian children, for example, read Shakespeare and learn about First Nations culture just as their parents might have done, and there is educational continuity across the generations. Finally, an emphasis on national literature and history gives educators a narrower teaching scope, making curriculum design an easier task.

By contrast, the study of global events and foreign novels could cause unnecessary difficulty and confusion for school students. For example, I do not see the point in presenting Russian or Chinese history to a Canadian child who has not yet studied the history of his or her own country in detail. Surely the child would be more able to comprehend historical events that took place in London than those that happened in Moscow or Beijing. Similarly, any exposure to international literature is likely to require the teaching of a foreign language or the use of translations. Young people at primary or secondary school age are simply not ready for such strange historical topics.

In conclusion, I would argue that it is undesirable for schools to cover aspects of foreign history and literature. They should ground their students the local culture instead.

Academic Task 1 Report - Cement Production Comparison Diagram Sample

Task

The diagrams below show the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how cement is used to produce concrete for building purposes.

Complete Report

The two diagrams clearly illustrate the various steps and the tools that need to be used in the cement-making process. They also show how this is used to make concrete for building construction. The trend suggests that cement production is based on a dry process, while concrete production is used with water.

In the production of the cement diagram, there are about eight steps. The first part of the process is the mixing of limestone and clay in a crusher that produces a powder. The next step is the mixer followed by the rotating heater. At this step, heat is added to the mixture. After the heating process, the material goes into the grinder that produces dry cement. The final step is to put the cement into bags.

The second diagram shows the production of concrete. In step one 15% of cement and 10% of water is poured into a concrete mixer. 25% of this is also sand and 50% is gravel. All of these materials are mixed together in a clockwise rotating machine. This production process produces a wet mixture of concrete.

Overall, the two diagrams show the methods for dry cement production and wet concrete production.

General Training Task 1 Sample Informal Letter to a Friend About Selling a Television

Task

You want to sell your television. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter explain

• why you are selling your television
• describe the television
• suggest a date when your friend can come and see it

Complete Letter

Dear Kristen,

I have this TV for sale, and I recall that you’d said you were looking to buy one, but you thought that they were all too expensive. Well, you can get mine for a really good deal. In fact, since you’re my friend, I’ll sell it to you for even a lower amount than I was planning to sell it for.

You may know that I’m selling it, since I got a new one from my wife for my birthday. She bought me a 75-inch smart TV, and well, we just don’t need the old one anymore. I mean, it still works fine, and it has a widescreen, and I’m sure your family will enjoy it too, just like my family did.

The TV’s 55 inches. It’s a Samsung that’s about two years old. We only got a new one because I’ve been constantly bugging my wife that we should get a larger TV. I guess she got sick and tired of listening to this. Also, the TV comes with a PVR player and really nice speakers. I know you’ll think it’s great.

How about I bring it over for your husband’s birthday next week, and we can hook it up? You can try it out for a bit to see if you’ll want to buy it. I know you will.

Talk soon,
Damian

Task 2 Sample Essay - Formal Learning in Elementary Schools

Task

Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning. To what extent do you agree with this opinion? How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom?

Complete Essay

In contemporary education, there is an ongoing debate regarding the structure of primary school curricula. Many critics argue that young children are subjected to too much formal, structured learning. I completely agree with this view, as the current academic pressure often ignores developmental needs. Furthermore, I believe that integrating play into the classroom is absolutely vital for a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

The primary reason why formal learning is overemphasized in early education is the growing global obsession with standardized testing and rigid academic benchmarks. From a very young age, students are frequently drilled in literacy and numeracy to meet institutional targets. While building foundational academic skills is necessary, relying solely on desk-bound instruction is developmentally inappropriate for children under the age of eleven. I believe this intense focus on rote memorization and testing not only stifles a child’s natural curiosity but can also lead to early academic burnout, anxiety, and a lifelong distaste for learning possibly leading to more serious mental heath problems later is life.

Consequently, incorporating play into the daily classroom routine is not a luxury, but a developmental necessity. First, play is the primary vehicle through which young children make sense of their own world and the world around them. To me, when children are engaged in cooperative games or imaginative play, they naturally learn to negotiate, share, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with their peers. These social skills are just as crucial for future success as academic knowledge. Second, hands-on play, such as building with blocks or participating in role-play activities, stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in ways that textbooks cannot. Finally, a balanced curriculum that blends structured learning with play ensures better student engagement and mental well-being.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that modern primary schools place an undue burden of formal education on young minds. To foster healthy, well-rounded children, it is imperative that educational systems strike a balance, recognizing play as an essential and powerful teaching tool alongside traditional academics.

Academic Task 1 Report - Population Growth Table Sample

Task

The table below shows the projected population growth in the United Kingdom.

Complete Report

This table compares the UK’s 55-year projected growth of the number of people over the age of 75 with that of the total population. The trend suggests that the number of people aged over 75 will double by the year 2070.

It is estimated that in the 20 years from 2015, the total population of the UK will grow by almost 10 million. It is reported to show a difference of 64.8 million in 2015, to 73.2 million in 2035. The number of older adults that are 75 years old will also increase significantly, from 5.4 million in 2015 to 8.9 million twenty years later in 2035. This is an increase of nearly 4%. The estimated figures for 2050 and 2070 indicate that this trend will continue, and the total population will be as high as 82 million by 2070.

Although the number of people aged 75 or older will remain relatively stable between 2035 at a figure of 8.9 million, and 2050 at a figure of 9 million, the number will continue to swell. By 2070, nearly 15% of the population will be aged 75 or older, with a population recorded at 11 to 12 million.

Overall, the information suggests that people who are over 75 years of age will see increasing rates of population growth for the 55 years that are shown.

General Training Task 1 Sample Formal Letter About “Best Neighbours” Competition

Task

You recently read that your local newspaper is holding a “Best Neighbours” competition. Write a letter to the editor and include the following

• give details about yourself
• explain what competition you want to participate in
• suggest why you should win it

Complete Letter

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter in response to your “Best Neighbours” contest that was posted online last week. I was immediately intrigued by the idea of this competition, and I feel like a long-time resident of the community I would be a good candidate to win.

I have lived in this area my whole life. I grew up in this community, attended university in this area, raised a family here with my wife, and started my business with a good friend. I have been an avid supporter of this community’s local interests, and I have travelled across the country promoting our town.

I would like to be considered in the long-term resident category. I have been in this town since 1969, and I truly love this community. I take pride in telling people that I come from this area, and when the opportunity exists, I try to promote our town to its fullest. I feel I should be seriously considered to win this contest because I have been an upstanding person in our community for decades, always trying to help others who need it. I have also been active with many local charitable organizations, and I have been the director of the “help your neighbour program” since 2001. This community project has helped hundreds of local residents over the years.

It would be my pleasure to represent our community as the winner of this competition.

Yours faithfully,
Thomas Winkler

Task 2 Sample Essay - The Inclusion of Studying Abroad and Work Placements in University Courses

Task

All university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement. Do you think the advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages?

Complete Essay

It is often suggested that a compulsory period of study abroad or professional work placement should be integrated into all undergraduate degrees. While this policy poses significant financial and logistical challenges for both students and institutions, I firmly believe that the long-term benefits in terms of career readiness and personal development far outweigh these drawbacks.

The primary argument against mandating these programs centres on the financial and logistical burdens they create. Travelling and living overseas, or relocating for a work placement, can incur substantial costs that less affluent students may struggle to afford. I feel if universities make these components compulsory without providing adequate funding, it could inadvertently widen the gap between wealthy and disadvantaged students. First and foremost, work placements bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. Students who complete internships enter the job market with tangible skills, professional networks, and a clearer understanding of workplace dynamics, which significantly enhances their employability upon graduation. In an increasingly competitive job market, this hands-on experience is often what distinguishes a successful applicant from their peers.

Similarly, spending time studying in a foreign country fosters essential soft skills that cannot be taught in a traditional classroom. To me, immersing oneself in an unfamiliar culture forces students to develop independence, resilience, and adaptability. Moreover, it cultivates a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills, both of which are highly prized by modern multinational employers, and in my lifetime, I have practiced this belief numerous times by living and travelling way off the beaten path. Ultimately, these experiences transform students into well-rounded, globally minded citizens who are better equipped to navigate the modern workforce, again, as they did for me personally,

In conclusion, although making study abroad or work placements mandatory presents undeniable financial and administrative hurdles, these can be mitigated through institutional scholarships and corporate partnerships. The unparalleled advantages of enhanced employability and personal growth mean that the benefits of this educational model decisively outweigh the disadvantages.

Academic Task 1 Report - Travel To and From the UK Multiple Chart Sample

Task

The charts below give information about travel to and from the UK, and about the most popular countries for UK residents to visit.

Complete Report

The diagrams show data on the number of international tourists who travelled to the UK and the UK residents who travelled outside the UK for a period of 10 years, from 1979 until 1999. The data also presents the countries where UK citizens travelled to in 1999. The trend suggests that the number of international tourists travelling to the UK continued to increase after 1989 and that more UK citizens travelled outside the UK than the number of tourists who travelled to the UK.

According to the line graph, around 10 million international tourists travelled to the UK and the number of UK residents who travelled outside the UK was also just over 10 million. Both of these numbers gradually increased until 1986 and after that, the number of UK citizens travelling outside increased quite sharply. The number of tourists to the UK kept on increasing and reached over 25 million in 1999 while more than double this number of people travelled to other countries from the UK. The number of UK travellers who went to other countries was more than double the number of people who came to the UK for a visit.

The bar graph shows the countries UK citizens travelled in 1999 and among them France was their most favourite destination where about 12% of tourists travelled to during that year. The second most visited place was Spain where about 11% of British tourists travelled to. Other countries visited by UK tourists were the USA, Greece, and Turkey all of which were reported at less than 5%.

Overall, the information shows the number of travellers to and from the UK, and about the most popular places these people went to.

General Training Task 1 Sample Informal Letter to a Friend About a New Business

Task

One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new business. Write a letter to reply to your friend’s offer. In your letter

• give your opinion of your friend’s business idea
• tell him or her whether or not you have decided to accept the offer
• and explain your reasons for this decision

Complete Letter

Dear Tom,

I hope you’re doing excellently and thanks again for giving me some time to think about your business suggestion.

First, let me just say that I think it’d be a great idea to open a restaurant in the downtown area. It definitely makes sense since there are no other restaurants in the area you mentioned.

Having said that, I’m sorry to say I’m going to have to turn your offer down. I’ve thought about this decision quite a bit, and I don’t think it’s a good time for me to be involved with such a huge and perhaps expensive project as this one.

Honestly, I don’t have the money to cover my share of the startup costs. Also, I can’t leave my job right now. It’s just too risky for me, and I think it’d be impossible for me to commit to the restaurant project while I’m still working full time.

Best of luck with this new business venture, as I’m sure you’ll be successful.

Talk soon,
Peter