WRITING PRACTICE TEST
TASK1: The diagram below shows the stages ad equipment used in the process of making matches.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.
The diagram shows that the process of
manufacturing matches has several stages.
The matchsticks are first cut, prepared, dried and
moved to a storage area. After that, they are dipped
into several chemicals and dried before being
packaged.
In the first phase, a log of wood is placed in a peeler
and rotated, while a flat blade peels a long, thin
sheet of wood, called veneer, from the outer surface
of the log. The veneer proceeds to the chopper,
which cuts it into small sticks. These are then
soaked in a vat of ammonium phosphate.
Afterwards, they are placed in a large, rotating
drum. From there, the matches are dumped into a
hopper and blown through a metal duct to the
storage area. In the next stage, the sticks are moved
from the storage area and they fall into a funnel-
shaped device which lines them up to be inserted
into holes on a long, continuous, perforated steel
belt. As the belt moves along, the tips of the
matches are dipped in a series of three tanks
holding firstly paraffin wax, then base chemicals
and finally tip chemicals. Next, the belt loops up
and down through a drying area. In the final step of
the process, the matches are packaged.
Exercise: The diagram gives information about the process of making pulp and paper.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.
TASK 2: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
Lack of fresh water is becoming a global issue of increasing importance. What problems does this shortage
cause? What measures could be taken to overcome these problems?
or
Fresh water has always been a limited resource in some parts of the world. What are the causes of the
increased demand and what measure could governments and individuals take to respond to this problem?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words
Water scarcity is becoming a significant global problem with far-reaching effects. Long-term solutions
require extensive government intervention in programmes, including research and climate mitigation
measures, but individuals also need to become aware of the need for water conservation.
A major problem for all countries is the huge amount of water necessary for agriculture and industry. When
there is insufficient water, crops fail, animals die and people go hungry. Without an adequate water supply,
manufacturers, food producers, mining operations and businesses cannot succeed. Ultimately, water is the
key to economic prosperity. Water shortages create particular difficulties in developing countries. Firstly,
many women and children in these countries have to spend the whole day walking to and from a remote
water source to fetch water. Consequently, these children miss school and often do not receive an adequate
education. Secondly, the water that is available for daily use may be contaminated, and this can lead to
illness and even death.
One of the most important long-term solutions to this problem is to work towards reducing global warming
and climate change, as dry regions are becoming drier across the planet. Additionally, pollution of
waterways needs to be addressed, as we take steps to clean up our existing supplies of this precious resource.
Many old-fashioned irrigation schemes are generally very wasteful, so funds need to be available for
research into water conservation and new irrigation technologies. These technologies could then be
transferred to developing nations. At an individual level, we need to become aware of wasteful water-use
habits, such as watering lawns in the summer, or pouring our grey water down the drain.
In conclusion, the inadequate supply of fresh water is one of the most crucial environmental problems
facing our planet, and we need to work to preserve this precious resource. (297 words)
More topics:
➢ The consumption of the world’s resources (oil, and water etc.) is increasing at a dangerous rate. What
are causes and solutions?
➢ Consumption of the world’s resources(such as oil, fresh water, etc) is increasing at a dangerous rate.
What are these causes of the increased consumption? what can people do to reduce it?
➢ Natural resources such as oil, forests and freshwater are being consumed at an alarming rate all around
the world. What problems does this cause? How can we solve these problems?
➢ There are no longer enough natural resources to sustain current levels of economic growth. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
➢ Fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil are the primary sources of energy for most countries. However, there
are alternative energy sources like wind power and solar energy that have been encouraged for use by
some countries. To what extent is this a negative or a positive advancement?
Exercise: The planet’s population is reaching unsustainable levels, and people are facing a shortage of
resources like water, food, and fuel. To what consequences may overpopulation lead? In your opinion, what
measures can be taken to fight overpopulation?