Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Competition or co-operation?
Should children be raised to co-operate or to compete?
Should children be raised to compete or to co-operate? This is a universal conundrum and not one that is easy to answer. I think there are compelling reasons to support both sides of the argument.
In favour of raising children to be competitive is the fact that it is a natural human trait to want to achieve well both at school and at work and an obvious way to do this is to test oneself against one’s peers. If children and adults didn’t strive to better themselves and to achieve difficult goals there would be no human progress. This is true not only in areas such as scientific and medical advances, which bring important life-saving and life-enhancing benefits, but also in activities auch as sport,where the desire to compete against others is both natural and healthy.
On the other hand, it is equally important that children learn the virtues of co-operation and helpfulness towards others. Of course, it is a competitive world and we all need to survive, but equally we all need help at some point(s) in our lives, some more than others. It is important that children learn to be sympathetic and tolerant towards others who might not be as fortunate as themseves. Helping others, moreover, makes us feel better as human beings and raises our self-esteem. More practically, there is a need to work with others , not only at school,but also in the workplace. My students, for example, might often work in groups here at college and mutual co-operation is vital; similarly, as a teacher, I work in a team, and being able to do so effectively is an important professional requirement in most workplaces.
In an ideal world, therefore, we should raise our children to be aware of the importance of achieving a balance between being competitive and co-operative; both are vital in our lives.
286 words
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A woman's role
Is a woman’s proper role in society to pursue a career or to be a mother and wife?
Traditionally a woman’s role has been as a mother and wife. However, more and more women worldwide are being educated to a high level and are pursuing careers. Does this pose a threat to the upbringing of young children and to social stability?
There are many reasons why a woman should be at home to look after her children. Children need their mother’s love and attention. A mother substitute, like a maid, however caring, cannot provide the same emotional support that a child needs. In addition, a maid may not speak the child’s language and there may well be cultural differences. A mother plays a crucial role in developing her child’s language and cultural awareness. Even worse, if there is no mother and no maid at home, children will feel neglected.
On the other hand, women have an important role to play in society. If intelligent women want to pursue careers, why should they not have the same opportunity to do so as men? Women have a lot to offer to society, which would be poorer if they couldn’t do so. In the West, it is generally accepted that women have the choice of whether to pursue a career or not. Of course there are more traditional societies where this is more difficult.
In an ideal world, a woman should be able to pursue a career and also have time to bring up a family, but it’s not an easy task to get the balance right.
264 words.
Traditionally a woman’s role has been as a mother and wife. However, more and more women worldwide are being educated to a high level and are pursuing careers. Does this pose a threat to the upbringing of young children and to social stability?
There are many reasons why a woman should be at home to look after her children. Children need their mother’s love and attention. A mother substitute, like a maid, however caring, cannot provide the same emotional support that a child needs. In addition, a maid may not speak the child’s language and there may well be cultural differences. A mother plays a crucial role in developing her child’s language and cultural awareness. Even worse, if there is no mother and no maid at home, children will feel neglected.
On the other hand, women have an important role to play in society. If intelligent women want to pursue careers, why should they not have the same opportunity to do so as men? Women have a lot to offer to society, which would be poorer if they couldn’t do so. In the West, it is generally accepted that women have the choice of whether to pursue a career or not. Of course there are more traditional societies where this is more difficult.
In an ideal world, a woman should be able to pursue a career and also have time to bring up a family, but it’s not an easy task to get the balance right.
264 words.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
World population
The line graph shows population growth in richer and poorer countries between 1750 and 2150. It is based on the United Nations World Population Prospects, the 1998 Revision, and estimates by the Population Reference Bureau.
In 1750 the total world population was less than one billion and the population of less developed countries was three or four times greater than that of more developed countries. By 2000 the total figure was 6.1 billion, but only about 1 billion were in the more developed countries. The estimate is that by 2150 the total world population will be well over 10 billion but the total for the more developed countries will remain at about one billion and may even fall slightly.
It is estimated that the total world population will increase dramatically over the next 150 years but that this growth will be entirely in the less developed countries .
153 words.
In 1750 the total world population was less than one billion and the population of less developed countries was three or four times greater than that of more developed countries. By 2000 the total figure was 6.1 billion, but only about 1 billion were in the more developed countries. The estimate is that by 2150 the total world population will be well over 10 billion but the total for the more developed countries will remain at about one billion and may even fall slightly.
It is estimated that the total world population will increase dramatically over the next 150 years but that this growth will be entirely in the less developed countries .
153 words.
US farms & farm workers 1910-2000
This line graph shows the number of farms and farm workers in the USA during the period 1910-2000.
Throughout the period, as we’d expect, the number of workers was always greater than the number of farms, but there was a significant closing of the gap as the century progressed. In 1910 there were over 6M farms but more than double this number of farm workers. The number of farms slightly increased over the next 20 years, whereas the number of workers fell slightly. Over the next 40 years, to 1970, the number of farms declined gradually by about a half but the number of workers plummeted dramatically from over 12M to just over 4M. After 1970, the numbers of both farms and farm workers declined steadily.
Over the whole period, the number of farms fell from over 6M to just over 2M. The decline in the number of workers was more rapid, from over 13M to just 3M.
158 words
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Countries & Nationalities
I have a house in England, I speak English, but my nationality is British. My passport says: the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland.
I have been to Australia twice. Australians speak English. Well, sort of.
Tha capital of Canada is Ottawa. Many Canadians are bi-lingual, speaking both English and French.
I have been to Australia twice. Australians speak English. Well, sort of.
Tha capital of Canada is Ottawa. Many Canadians are bi-lingual, speaking both English and French.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Mobiles in the classroom
Should mobile phones be banned in the classroom?
Twenty years ago, the use of mobile phones in classrooms was unknown. Nowadays, however, all students here at ADMC have a laptop and at least one mobile phone with them in class every day.
Mobiles are a feature of modern life and banning them from the classroom is probably neither necessary nor practical. Students need to be in touch with friends and families, particularly if anyone is ill or in trouble. Furthermore, many students have jobs or run businesses and need to be in regular touch with employers and employees. In addition, more advanced phones have functions which are educationally useful.
On the other hand, mobiles in the classroom can undoubtedly distract students from their studies. The noise of sending and receiving calls and messages will distract not only the individual student but the whole class, and this is clearly a nuisance. Using mobiles while the teacher is talking is, moreover, highly disrespectful to the teacher. Finally, of course, ADMC has notices in all classrooms strictly prohibiting the use of mobile phones, as well as the consumption of food and drink.
In summary, it is probably not practical to prevent students bringing mobile phones to class. What the teacher can do is switch his own phone to silent at the beginning of the lesson and encourage students to do the same. Incoming calls and messages may still be a distraction but students should be persuaded to wait until the end of the lesson before answering.
253 words.
Twenty years ago, the use of mobile phones in classrooms was unknown. Nowadays, however, all students here at ADMC have a laptop and at least one mobile phone with them in class every day.
Mobiles are a feature of modern life and banning them from the classroom is probably neither necessary nor practical. Students need to be in touch with friends and families, particularly if anyone is ill or in trouble. Furthermore, many students have jobs or run businesses and need to be in regular touch with employers and employees. In addition, more advanced phones have functions which are educationally useful.
On the other hand, mobiles in the classroom can undoubtedly distract students from their studies. The noise of sending and receiving calls and messages will distract not only the individual student but the whole class, and this is clearly a nuisance. Using mobiles while the teacher is talking is, moreover, highly disrespectful to the teacher. Finally, of course, ADMC has notices in all classrooms strictly prohibiting the use of mobile phones, as well as the consumption of food and drink.
In summary, it is probably not practical to prevent students bringing mobile phones to class. What the teacher can do is switch his own phone to silent at the beginning of the lesson and encourage students to do the same. Incoming calls and messages may still be a distraction but students should be persuaded to wait until the end of the lesson before answering.
253 words.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Traffic congestion & parking problems
Problem & solution essay.
Traffic congestion and parking problems are faced by most large cities around the world, and Abu Dhabi is no exception.
The main overall reason for these problems in Abu Dhabi is the rapidly expanding population. More people means more drivers and thus more cars on the roads. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced which means more accidents and more hold-ups. Another factor is Abu Dhabi's rapid economic development over the past few decades. More industrialisation means more business and so more commercial vehicles, many of them large and slow-moving. There are now many more new, high-rise buildings but they haven't all been constructed with adequate parking space and this has led to massive parking problems in the business district. The fact that Abu Dhabi is an island with limited space for transport development has further added to the problem.
One obvious solution is to improve the existing road network by constructing more bridges, overpasses and underpasses to ease traffic flow. Another possible solution is to improve public transport, with better bus services and a new rail network, as in Dubai with its new metro. Yet another possibility is for the authorities, as in Singapore, to make motoring more expensive, through higher registration fees, restrictions on where and when motorists may use their cars, etc.
The first solution is already underway, an example being the recently opened underpass on Salam Street, near Khalifa Park. Similarly, public bus services have been much improved recently. The problem with regard to greater restrictions on motorists is that many people will see them as an attack on individual liberty and no doubt they would prove unpopular, at least to begin with. With regard to solving parking problems, the existing rules regarding new buildings having adequate parking space, preferably underground, must be strictly enforced.
300 words.
Traffic congestion and parking problems are faced by most large cities around the world, and Abu Dhabi is no exception.
The main overall reason for these problems in Abu Dhabi is the rapidly expanding population. More people means more drivers and thus more cars on the roads. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced which means more accidents and more hold-ups. Another factor is Abu Dhabi's rapid economic development over the past few decades. More industrialisation means more business and so more commercial vehicles, many of them large and slow-moving. There are now many more new, high-rise buildings but they haven't all been constructed with adequate parking space and this has led to massive parking problems in the business district. The fact that Abu Dhabi is an island with limited space for transport development has further added to the problem.
One obvious solution is to improve the existing road network by constructing more bridges, overpasses and underpasses to ease traffic flow. Another possible solution is to improve public transport, with better bus services and a new rail network, as in Dubai with its new metro. Yet another possibility is for the authorities, as in Singapore, to make motoring more expensive, through higher registration fees, restrictions on where and when motorists may use their cars, etc.
The first solution is already underway, an example being the recently opened underpass on Salam Street, near Khalifa Park. Similarly, public bus services have been much improved recently. The problem with regard to greater restrictions on motorists is that many people will see them as an attack on individual liberty and no doubt they would prove unpopular, at least to begin with. With regard to solving parking problems, the existing rules regarding new buildings having adequate parking space, preferably underground, must be strictly enforced.
300 words.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Water shortages
Water shortages in the UAE
The UAE is a desert country, with very little annual rainfall, and so there is a constant problem of water shortage.
The most obvious reason for the shortage of water is the rapid population growth. More people means more food and this has led to a growing demand for an increase in agricultural production, which in turn means more irrigation and therefore more water. In addition, the economy of the country has expanded enormously over the past 50 years. Industrialization has greatly increased the demand for water. The climate of the UAE makes it difficult to meet the increased demand for water. There is very little rainfall and no surface water. Wastage of water and leaking water pipes make the situation worse.
Desalination is perhaps the most obvious solution. It’s expensive but the UAE is a rich country. Similarly, making better use of underground water is not cheap but it would help to answer to the problem. Dams to store water when it does rain have already been built in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Charging people more for water, educational programmes in schools and colleges, and national advertising campaigns could also raise public awareness of the problem.
In practice, the UAE gets most of its fresh water from desalination plants. This is the most obvious short-term solution. In the long run, however, raising public awareness of the problem and encouraging people to use water more responsibly is the most important factor in solving the problem of water shortages.
254 words.
The UAE is a desert country, with very little annual rainfall, and so there is a constant problem of water shortage.
The most obvious reason for the shortage of water is the rapid population growth. More people means more food and this has led to a growing demand for an increase in agricultural production, which in turn means more irrigation and therefore more water. In addition, the economy of the country has expanded enormously over the past 50 years. Industrialization has greatly increased the demand for water. The climate of the UAE makes it difficult to meet the increased demand for water. There is very little rainfall and no surface water. Wastage of water and leaking water pipes make the situation worse.
Desalination is perhaps the most obvious solution. It’s expensive but the UAE is a rich country. Similarly, making better use of underground water is not cheap but it would help to answer to the problem. Dams to store water when it does rain have already been built in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Charging people more for water, educational programmes in schools and colleges, and national advertising campaigns could also raise public awareness of the problem.
In practice, the UAE gets most of its fresh water from desalination plants. This is the most obvious short-term solution. In the long run, however, raising public awareness of the problem and encouraging people to use water more responsibly is the most important factor in solving the problem of water shortages.
254 words.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Seasons/Weather
Winter is the coldest season. In Europe it often snows in the winter months, December, January and February.
Summer is the hottest season. During the summer months, June, July and August, it is extremely hot and humid here in the UAE.
Spring comes after winter and before summer.
The autumn, called the fall in the USA, is when the leaves fall from the trees.
Singin' in the Rain is Hedley's favourite movie.
Children like to play in the snow.
Driving in fog is very dangerous.
When we heat water to boiling point, we get steam.
The temperature in Abu Dhabi during the summer can reach 50 degrees Celsius.
During a storm you can often see lightning and hear thunder.
Summer is the hottest season. During the summer months, June, July and August, it is extremely hot and humid here in the UAE.
Spring comes after winter and before summer.
The autumn, called the fall in the USA, is when the leaves fall from the trees.
Singin' in the Rain is Hedley's favourite movie.
Children like to play in the snow.
Driving in fog is very dangerous.
When we heat water to boiling point, we get steam.
The temperature in Abu Dhabi during the summer can reach 50 degrees Celsius.
During a storm you can often see lightning and hear thunder.
Jobs
An architect designs buildings.
A civil servant is a government employee.
A doctor helps sick people to get well.
A nurse helps a doctor by looking after patients in a hospital or clinic.
The students in CEH are all mechatronic engineers. They study mechanical and electrical engineering.
A farmer works in agriculture, growing crops and raising animals.
Lawyers prosecute and defend accused people in law courts.
A mechanic fixes/repairs vehicles in a garage.
A shop assistant helps and advises customers in a store.
A civil servant is a government employee.
A doctor helps sick people to get well.
A nurse helps a doctor by looking after patients in a hospital or clinic.
The students in CEH are all mechatronic engineers. They study mechanical and electrical engineering.
A farmer works in agriculture, growing crops and raising animals.
Lawyers prosecute and defend accused people in law courts.
A mechanic fixes/repairs vehicles in a garage.
A shop assistant helps and advises customers in a store.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Age of Marriage 2
The bar chart shows the fall in the percentage of girls aged 15-19 who are married in six Arab countries. The table shows the age of first marriage for men and women in 14 countries.
The bar chart shows that the percentage has fallen in all six countries over the past 3-4 decades. The most striking fall has been in the UAE, from 57% in 1975 to 8% in 1995. There were other significant falls in Libya, Tunisia and Kuwait.
The table shows that, in all 14 countries the average age of marriage for women was low to mid twenties and for men middle to high twenties.
In conclusion the bar chart shows that in all 6 Arab countries women are now getting married later in life. The bar chart shows that in the UAE 58% of girls aged 15-19 were married in 1975 but the table shows that in 2000 the average age of marriage for women in the UAE was 23.1. So the figures in the table confirm the evidence of the bar chart
176 words
The bar chart shows that the percentage has fallen in all six countries over the past 3-4 decades. The most striking fall has been in the UAE, from 57% in 1975 to 8% in 1995. There were other significant falls in Libya, Tunisia and Kuwait.
The table shows that, in all 14 countries the average age of marriage for women was low to mid twenties and for men middle to high twenties.
In conclusion the bar chart shows that in all 6 Arab countries women are now getting married later in life. The bar chart shows that in the UAE 58% of girls aged 15-19 were married in 1975 but the table shows that in 2000 the average age of marriage for women in the UAE was 23.1. So the figures in the table confirm the evidence of the bar chart
176 words
Age of Marriage
The bar graph shows the decline, over the past few decades, in the percentage of women aged 15-19 who are married in six selected Arab countries. The table gives us the age of first marriage for men and women in twelve Arab countries, plus Turkey and Iran.
The most dramatic feature of the bar chart concerns the UAE, where the percentage of 15-19 year old married women plummeted from 57% in 1975 to 8% in 1995. Other massive drops were in Libya, from 40% in 1973 to 1% in 1995 and Kuwait, from 38% in 1970 to 5% in 1996. Egypt, Tunisia and Palestine registered less dramatic falls.
The age of first marriage, in the table, showed a range from mid- to late-20s for men and from low- to mid-20s for women.
The only countries to appear in both bar chart and table are the UAE, Kuwait and Palestine. The most dramatic drop in the bar chart was in the UAE. The bar chart showed the number of teenage brides in all six countries has fallen over the past 3-4 decades and the table seems to confirm this because in all 14 countries women are getting married in their early twenties, rather than in their teens.
206 words
The most dramatic feature of the bar chart concerns the UAE, where the percentage of 15-19 year old married women plummeted from 57% in 1975 to 8% in 1995. Other massive drops were in Libya, from 40% in 1973 to 1% in 1995 and Kuwait, from 38% in 1970 to 5% in 1996. Egypt, Tunisia and Palestine registered less dramatic falls.
The age of first marriage, in the table, showed a range from mid- to late-20s for men and from low- to mid-20s for women.
The only countries to appear in both bar chart and table are the UAE, Kuwait and Palestine. The most dramatic drop in the bar chart was in the UAE. The bar chart showed the number of teenage brides in all six countries has fallen over the past 3-4 decades and the table seems to confirm this because in all 14 countries women are getting married in their early twenties, rather than in their teens.
206 words
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Hurricanes & tornadoes
This table gives us information about two strong winds, hurricanes and tornadoes. Both are dangerous and destructive but there are important differences between them.
Firstly, the minimum speed of a hurricane is 74 mph, whereas that of a tornado is 40 mph. On the other hand, the maximum speed of a tornado, 250-300 mph, is higher than that of a hurricane, 155-200 mph. The hurricane is classified on the Saffir-Simpson C1-5 scale, while the tornado is measured on the Fujita F0-F5 scale. Whereas a tornado usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, a hurricane can last up to a week. A hurricane can be predicted 2-3 days in advance for a wide area and 6-10 hours beforehand for a locality, but a tornado can be predicted only minutes before it hits. Hurricanes start over warm oceans, while tornadoes usually originate over land.
In brief, tornadoes are less predictable, last for a shorter period of time and can reach much higher wind speeds.
165 words
Firstly, the minimum speed of a hurricane is 74 mph, whereas that of a tornado is 40 mph. On the other hand, the maximum speed of a tornado, 250-300 mph, is higher than that of a hurricane, 155-200 mph. The hurricane is classified on the Saffir-Simpson C1-5 scale, while the tornado is measured on the Fujita F0-F5 scale. Whereas a tornado usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, a hurricane can last up to a week. A hurricane can be predicted 2-3 days in advance for a wide area and 6-10 hours beforehand for a locality, but a tornado can be predicted only minutes before it hits. Hurricanes start over warm oceans, while tornadoes usually originate over land.
In brief, tornadoes are less predictable, last for a shorter period of time and can reach much higher wind speeds.
165 words
Contrast
Balancing contrasting points
on the other hand; while; whereas
Arranged marriages are common in many Middle Eastern countries. In the West, on the other hand, they are unusual.
I like spending my holidays in the mountains, while/whereas my wife prefers the seaside.
While/whereas can be put before the first of 2 contrasting points,e.g.
While/whereas the English alphabet has 26 letters, English phonemic transcription has over 40 basic symbols.
Emphasising a contrast
Stronger contrast
however; nevertheless; mind you; still; yet; in spite of this
Britain came last in the World Children's Games again. However, we did have one success with Annie Smith's world record in the egg and spoon race.
I don't like the job much. Mind you, the money's good.
He says he's not rich and yet he owns 3 houses and 4 cars.
It was foggy this morning. In spite of this, I managed to get to college on time.
It was foggy earlier but I still managed to get here on time.
on the other hand; while; whereas
Arranged marriages are common in many Middle Eastern countries. In the West, on the other hand, they are unusual.
I like spending my holidays in the mountains, while/whereas my wife prefers the seaside.
While/whereas can be put before the first of 2 contrasting points,e.g.
While/whereas the English alphabet has 26 letters, English phonemic transcription has over 40 basic symbols.
Emphasising a contrast
Stronger contrast
however; nevertheless; mind you; still; yet; in spite of this
Britain came last in the World Children's Games again. However, we did have one success with Annie Smith's world record in the egg and spoon race.
I don't like the job much. Mind you, the money's good.
He says he's not rich and yet he owns 3 houses and 4 cars.
It was foggy this morning. In spite of this, I managed to get to college on time.
It was foggy earlier but I still managed to get here on time.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
People at college
A professor is a teacher of the highest rank in a university.
I used to be a lecturer in a college of education.
Hedley is our English teacher.
We are all students at ADMC.
Lorraine used to be our supervisor but Roger is now.
A careers advisor/counsellor will help students to choose a job.
Dr Simon Jones is the ADMC Director.
Librarians used to concern themselves mostly with books but nowadays libraries are multi-media centres.
Tutors give tutorials which are lessons for individuals or small groups.
I used to be a lecturer in a college of education.
Hedley is our English teacher.
We are all students at ADMC.
Lorraine used to be our supervisor but Roger is now.
A careers advisor/counsellor will help students to choose a job.
Dr Simon Jones is the ADMC Director.
Librarians used to concern themselves mostly with books but nowadays libraries are multi-media centres.
Tutors give tutorials which are lessons for individuals or small groups.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Around the college
We are all students at Abu Dhabi Men's College.
We have to be in the classroom on time.
Physics and chemistry lessons take place in a laboratory.
There are no healthy food outlets in our canteen/cafeteria.
I read books and magazines and also do IELTS practice in our college library, which is large and well-stocked.
Student services organise activities for us.
The academic office performs many administrative tasks, such as issuing ID cards and arranging exam schedules.
There is a special learning centre in our library, called the Active Learning Zone, to provide students with extra help with their English.
Conferences and large meetings are often held in the college auditorium, which is also where we do our progress tests.
We have to be in the classroom on time.
Physics and chemistry lessons take place in a laboratory.
There are no healthy food outlets in our canteen/cafeteria.
I read books and magazines and also do IELTS practice in our college library, which is large and well-stocked.
Student services organise activities for us.
The academic office performs many administrative tasks, such as issuing ID cards and arranging exam schedules.
There is a special learning centre in our library, called the Active Learning Zone, to provide students with extra help with their English.
Conferences and large meetings are often held in the college auditorium, which is also where we do our progress tests.
Colours
The red traffic light means stop.
All the local men wear white dishdashas.
Sheikh Zayed wanted to change the UAE from a desert to a green paradise.
In the fall/autumn all the leaves are brown.
He gave her a black look.
There were grey clouds in the sky and it looked like it was going to rain.
Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you.
Orange juice is full of vitamin C.
Egg yolks and lemons are yellow.
Blue for a boy, pink for a girl.
She chose beige coloured furniture.
She was wearing a purple dress.
All the local men wear white dishdashas.
Sheikh Zayed wanted to change the UAE from a desert to a green paradise.
In the fall/autumn all the leaves are brown.
He gave her a black look.
There were grey clouds in the sky and it looked like it was going to rain.
Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you.
Orange juice is full of vitamin C.
Egg yolks and lemons are yellow.
Blue for a boy, pink for a girl.
She chose beige coloured furniture.
She was wearing a purple dress.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Car specifications
Table of car specifications
Make Price Country of origin Engine size Miles per gallon
Toyota Corolla $15,550 Japan 1400cc 48
Volkswagen Golf $18,250 Germany 1600cc 40
Ford Focus $15,800 USA 1400cc 50
Nissan Micra $15,500 Japan 1200cc 52
Types of car
This table describes the different specifications of four types of car. It gives details of price, country of origin, engine capacity and fuel consumption.
Clearly, the most expensive of the four is the Volkswagen Golf. There is very little to choose between the other three. The German Volkswagen has the biggest engine at 1600cc. The Japanese Toyota Corolla and the American Ford Focus both have a capacity of 1400cc, with the Japanese Nissan Micra being the smallest in engine size with 1200cc. Not surprisingly, the smallest, the Micra, is the most economical in terms of fuel consumption and the Volkswagen the least so. Both the Ford and the Toyota are between the other two, and very similar in terms of fuel consumption.
As you'd expect, the biggest car, in terms of engine size, is the most expensive and uses most fuel, while the smallest, the Micra, is the cheapest in terms of both price and fuel costs.
Make Price Country of origin Engine size Miles per gallon
Toyota Corolla $15,550 Japan 1400cc 48
Volkswagen Golf $18,250 Germany 1600cc 40
Ford Focus $15,800 USA 1400cc 50
Nissan Micra $15,500 Japan 1200cc 52
Types of car
This table describes the different specifications of four types of car. It gives details of price, country of origin, engine capacity and fuel consumption.
Clearly, the most expensive of the four is the Volkswagen Golf. There is very little to choose between the other three. The German Volkswagen has the biggest engine at 1600cc. The Japanese Toyota Corolla and the American Ford Focus both have a capacity of 1400cc, with the Japanese Nissan Micra being the smallest in engine size with 1200cc. Not surprisingly, the smallest, the Micra, is the most economical in terms of fuel consumption and the Volkswagen the least so. Both the Ford and the Toyota are between the other two, and very similar in terms of fuel consumption.
As you'd expect, the biggest car, in terms of engine size, is the most expensive and uses most fuel, while the smallest, the Micra, is the cheapest in terms of both price and fuel costs.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The top 10 date-producing countries in 2001
The top 10 date-producing countries
The bar graph shows date production in tonnes for the world's top producers in 2001. Ten countries in the Gulf region and North Africa are featured.
First, Egypt was responsible for the lion's share of production, with over a million tonnes, but Iran was a close second, with almost 0.9 million. Following them came the UAE and Saudi Arabia, rivalling each other with about 740,000 tonnes each. Pakistan and Iraq, with outputs of approximately 630,000, were not far behind. The rest of the nations, however, were far less productive. Algeria supplied the world with nearly 400,000 tonnes and Oman around quarter of a million. In contrast, the harvests in Libya and Sudan were far less plentiful, yielding under 0.2 million each.
In summary, date production was most abundant in Egypt and Iran. In contrast, the countries with the smallest output were Libya and Sudan.
148 words
The bar graph shows date production in tonnes for the world's top producers in 2001. Ten countries in the Gulf region and North Africa are featured.
First, Egypt was responsible for the lion's share of production, with over a million tonnes, but Iran was a close second, with almost 0.9 million. Following them came the UAE and Saudi Arabia, rivalling each other with about 740,000 tonnes each. Pakistan and Iraq, with outputs of approximately 630,000, were not far behind. The rest of the nations, however, were far less productive. Algeria supplied the world with nearly 400,000 tonnes and Oman around quarter of a million. In contrast, the harvests in Libya and Sudan were far less plentiful, yielding under 0.2 million each.
In summary, date production was most abundant in Egypt and Iran. In contrast, the countries with the smallest output were Libya and Sudan.
148 words
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
UK budget 1996
The total budget of the UK government in 1996 was £315 billion. This pie chart shows what the government spent the money on. There are ten separate categories shown on the chart.
The biggest item by far was social security. At £100 billion, this was almost twice as much as the next category, health and personal services. Next came education with £38 billion and defence with £22 billion. There was less than £20 billion spent on the next three categories, which were: first, law and order; next, industry, agriculture and employment; then, housing, heritage and environment. Transport had the smallest budget, with £9 billion. Debt interest was £25 billion and other expenditure was £23 billion.
The outstanding feature of the pie chart is that expenditure on social security, £100 billion, was almost as much as the total for the next three categories: health, education and defence, £113 billion.
148 words
The biggest item by far was social security. At £100 billion, this was almost twice as much as the next category, health and personal services. Next came education with £38 billion and defence with £22 billion. There was less than £20 billion spent on the next three categories, which were: first, law and order; next, industry, agriculture and employment; then, housing, heritage and environment. Transport had the smallest budget, with £9 billion. Debt interest was £25 billion and other expenditure was £23 billion.
The outstanding feature of the pie chart is that expenditure on social security, £100 billion, was almost as much as the total for the next three categories: health, education and defence, £113 billion.
148 words
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