Practice Test-07

Writing Task 1:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The two pie charts illustrate the distribution of a person's expenditure across five categories: household, food, healthcare, transportation, and other, in the years 2010 and 2024.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Writing Task 2:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic.

The gap between the rich and the poor is increasing in many countries. What are the causes of this issue, and what solutions can be implemented to reduce this gap.

Write at least 250 words

Task-01 Sample Answer

Overall, there was a notable change in spending priorities over the fourteen-year period. While the proportion allocated to household expenses and food remained relatively stable, a significant increase is evident in healthcare and transportation costs. Conversely, expenditure on 'other' categories witnessed a substantial decline.

In 2010, household expenses constituted the largest portion of the budget, accounting for nearly a third of total spending. This figure remained relatively consistent in 2024, albeit with a slight decrease. Food expenses, while significant in 2010, experienced a marginal decline by 2024.

A striking trend is observed in healthcare and transportation costs. The former experienced a substantial rise, increasing from approximately 10% to nearly 20% of total expenditure. Similarly, transportation costs doubled over the period. In contrast, the 'other' category, encompassing miscellaneous expenses, witnessed a sharp decline, reducing from around 20% to less than 10% of the budget.

In conclusion, the data highlights a shift in spending priorities, with increased emphasis on healthcare and transportation, while reducing allocations to 'other' categories. This trend likely reflects changing lifestyles, aging demographics, and evolving healthcare needs.

Word count: 170

Band 8.5

Task-02 Sample Answer

The widening gap between the rich and the poor is a pressing issue in many societies, posing significant challenges to social stability and economic development. 

One of the primary causes of income inequality is unequal access to quality education. Wealthier individuals often have the resources to invest in high-quality schooling and advanced training, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. In contrast, those from low-income backgrounds frequently lack access to such opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Additionally, rapid technological advancements have exacerbated this divide. High-paying jobs increasingly require specialized skills, and those unable to adapt or access relevant training are left behind. This creates a situation where the wealthy continue to amass wealth, while the poor struggle to secure basic livelihoods.

To address this issue, governments and organizations must take proactive steps. First, ensuring equal access to education is crucial. Policies that provide free or subsidized schooling, scholarships, and vocational training for underprivileged communities can level the playing field. Second, governments should implement progressive taxation systems and use the revenue to fund social welfare programs. This can include affordable healthcare, housing, and unemployment benefits, which help reduce financial burdens on the less fortunate. Finally, creating job opportunities in underdeveloped regions through public-private partnerships can empower individuals and reduce dependency.

In conclusion, the growing gap between rich and poor is a multifaceted problem rooted in unequal access to education and the impact of technological changes. However, with strategic interventions such as improving education, enacting progressive taxation, and fostering job creation, this disparity can be mitigated. A balanced approach is essential to ensure that economic growth benefits all segments of society, promoting social harmony and sustainable development.

Word count: 290

Band 8.5