Essay

Student Essay

2The ongoing petrol price hike has agitated a significant section of the Indian population. Even though the public revolted against the unfair surge, believing that every cloud has a silver lining1 is reasonable. (Thesis statement?? Clear stand?? Key Words?? 3&4)

For instance,5in its overpriced state, petrol has led to a substantial improvement in air quality. 5Usually, the air quality indexes give people8 nightmares6 in several parts of the country. Nevertheless, the air has become breathable again with fewer vehicles on the road. Consequentially, the age-old traffic problem has also come to a more bearable condition7. Therefore, it is safe to say8 that the rise in petrol prices has significantly minimized traffic and pollution problems. However, not everyone8 can see this7 as a blessing in disguise1.

9Nevertheless, whether the government's forceful implementation of these measures is fair or not remains9; the devil is in the details1. Making a decision that affects the life of every single person in a country is not an easy task. Nonetheless, forcing 1.4 billion people8 to pay ridiculous amounts of money so that they can have a pollution-free environment and traffic-free roads is not the way to go about8 it. India is a country with people from different social and economic strata. There is no wonder people8 reacted to this outrageous decision7. Introduction of something significant like a price hike that could affect the quality of living of every person needs a lot more thought.10

11If the goal is to minimize pollution, the government can always work with their people8 to embark upon an environment-friendly journey. Devising plans to ensure people live a more eco-friendly life with their consent is an example of a just rule. There are no decisions that are right as rain1&12. There will be collateral damages in every scenario12. The best a government can do is minimize the damages to affect the public and the environment positively

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS OR CORRECTIONS

1.  Avoid idiomatic expressions.

2.  The introduction should include a complete paraphrase of the general statement in the

question. 

3.  Add a clear thesis statement at the end of the introduction.  Make your stand very clear.

4.  Mind all the key words in the question.  These underlined keywords are ignored in your

answer’s   beginning.

5.  The first sentence of the body paragraph should be its topic sentence which must  be further supported/explained/exemplified.  Avoid starting a body paragraph with an example.

6.  Use more formal words/expressions.  Avoid figurative expressions.  It is a formal essay.

7.  Make more complex sentences.  Avoid frequent simple sentences.  Use appropriate

Conjunctions.  (Preferably sub-ordinating / correlative / compound conjunctions)

8.  Use less common words.  Avoid spoken style words /phrasal verbs.

9.  The second question is about other measures.  Therefore,  your topic sentence (Body B)

      Should have the most possible measure mentioned.  Such sentences are treated

Off-topic.

10.  Address the task fully.  Read the question well and brainstorm in advance to ensure that

Your answer responds to the task fully.

 11.  The conclusion should include a reparaphrase of your thesis + summary of your whole

argument.  Two or three sentences are ideal here.  Begin the paragraph with the phrase

‘In conclusion’.

 12.   Avoid very short sentences, especially when it is not coherent/cohesive.

SCORE (OVERALL  MAXIMUM 7.0)

Task Response   6.5 Body B is mostly off-topic.  The introduction is without a clear   

Thesis.  No clear conclusion. Other measures are not explained well.

C & C 7.0  -  At times, the linking words attract the examiner’s   attention. Avoid using them mechanically.  Almost well-organised ideas.

Lerical Resources 7.0 These are many figurative expressions that can be avoided.  Still, wide range of vocabulary.

Grammar 7.5 - Most sentences are simple.  However, they are error free with variety in structures.

8 BAND ESSAY

The population of vehicles has been rising across the world leading to the emission of poisonous gases which affects the overall quality of air. A commonly suggested solution, although it seems hardly sensible, is that the fuel price should be hiked. I fully disagree as it is not a step compelling enough to discourage private vehicles. Therefore, I believe that more effective measures relying on modern technology are needed.

Firstly, the average rise in the travelling cost per mile, in case the fuel should be more expensive, cannot be termed unaffordable for any vehicle owner. Such a negligible difference in its cost may not prevent them from using their own vehicles ignoring their convenience. The best example is India where the traffic or pollution does not show any signs of reduction in spite of a steady growth in the prices of petrol and diesel for almost five consecutive years. Secondly, if the rates of these petroleum products cross the affordable levels, all the commodities will turn costlier as a result of increased transportation expenses. Considering these potential risk factors, charging more on fuel cannot be treated as effective or practical.

The best solution, in my opinion, is to popularise the technologically advanced public transport systems to ensure that private vehicles are used less often. Take the example of the Bengaluru Metro Railways or the Ola taxi services which are known for their high standards. In such cities, the number of private cars and two-wheelers on the road could be reduced as commuters preferred these services to being trapped in the traffic blocks or struggling to find parking spaces. Similarly, electric or solar powered vehicles would be a helpful option to limit the pollution caused by fossil fuels, thereby underscoring the need to be techno-savvy.

In conclusion, burdening the tax payers with unjustifiable pricing of petrol would not be a wise solution for traffic or pollution. On the other hand, the most modern technology in the field of transportation might be effectively used in an eco-friendly manner for more desirable results.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

As societies grapple with rapidly changing social dynamics and economic paradigms, the debate around nurturing competitiveness versus cooperation in children has gained momentum. While some passionately argue that instilling a competitive spirit prepares youngsters for real-world challenges, others counter that the ability to cooperate is a cornerstone of constructive adulthood. In weighing these perspectives, I strongly align with the latter, for cooperation is not just a skill but a life philosophy that underpins sustainable societies.

Those who champion competition believe it fuels ambition, cultivates resilience, and sharpens problem-solving skills. In their view, competitiveness is a precursor to innovation and individual excellence. For instance, the educational rigour in countries like South Korea, where competition is embedded in the academic fabric, has produced graduates who excel in various international metrics. However, it is essential to recognise that this approach often comes at the cost of mental well-being, as evidenced by high stress levels and emotional issues among young students in fiercely competitive environments.

Conversely, advocates of cooperation argue that it breeds empathy, cultivates community spirit, and enhances collective decision-making. In this framework, the goal is not to outperform others but to uplift everyone. A shining example is Denmark's education system, where the emphasis on collaborative projects over exams has resulted in students who are not only academically sound but also socially responsible. The success of Danish adults in both their professional and personal lives underscores the long-term benefits of an upbringing focused on cooperative values.

My stance crystalises in favour of fostering cooperation. The reason is twofold: not only does cooperation build a more emotionally intelligent individual, but it also contributes to a society that values collective well-being over isolated success. While competitiveness may equip individuals for a self-centred sprint, cooperation prepares them for a community-oriented marathon.

Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

In an era where many nations grapple with aging populations, a few countries still possess a demographic makeup skewed towards the young. While this setup has both merits and pitfalls, a careful analysis suggests that the advantages of having a younger population largely outweigh the disadvantages.

The benefits of a younger demographic can be multi-faceted. Economically, younger individuals are usually more willing to take risks and venture into entrepreneurship. For instance, countries like India have seen a surge in startup culture, much of it fueled by young entrepreneurs. This injects innovation and vitality into the economy. Additionally, younger populations are generally healthier and place fewer burdens on healthcare systems. Countries with younger populations can, therefore, allocate more resources towards development sectors such as education and infrastructure instead of healthcare.

However, there are also distinct disadvantages associated with a youthful populace. The primary concern is job market saturation. For example, in Nigeria, despite having a wealth of young human resources, the unemployment rate among the youth is alarmingly high. This can lead to various societal issues including disillusionment, crime, and even political instability. Furthermore, a dearth of older generations can lead to a loss of traditional wisdom and values, making societal decision-making processes somewhat skewed and less rounded.

In conclusion, although having a younger population comes with its own set of challenges like unemployment and the potential for societal imbalance, the benefits—economic growth, adaptability, and less strain on healthcare—tip the scale in its favor. Through effective governance and policy implementation, the issues can be mitigated, making the youthful populace more an asset than a liability.

Discuss both views and give your opinion

The extent to which children should be granted autonomy in making daily decisions is a subject of contentious debate. While some argue that unrestricted choices lead to a self-absorbed population, others maintain that decision-making is crucial for a child's cognitive and emotional development. I assert that a balanced approach is indispensable for fostering well-rounded individuals.

On one hand, proponents of child autonomy contend that it is a pivotal factor in cognitive and emotional development. Research in developmental psychology suggests that when children are empowered to make choices, they develop essential life skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. For instance, a child permitted to make spending decisions with their allowance will likely develop a nuanced understanding of budgeting and financial planning. However, skeptics argue that unfettered autonomy risks creating a generation of narcissistic individuals who lack empathy and are disconnected from communal responsibilities.

Contrastingly, advocates for a structured upbringing argue that controlled environments facilitate healthier and more responsible choices. For example, studies in pediatric nutrition demonstrate that children who are guided in their dietary choices tend to have lower rates of obesity and related health issues. However, critics point out that an overly prescriptive upbringing can hinder a child's ability to adapt to novel situations and can even breed resentment or rebellion. A case in point would be adolescents who rebel against dress codes, seeing them as an infringement on their personal freedom.

In conclusion, both autonomy and structured upbringing have their merits and demerits. However, I maintain that a balanced approach that combines both freedom and guidance is most conducive to a child’s holistic development. This compromise ensures that children grow up with the decision-making abilities necessary for personal success, while also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility and empathy, thereby contributing positively to society as a whole.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

The decision to teach foreign languages to children at the primary school level is a subject that has garnered significant attention among educators, policymakers, and parents. As research increasingly shows the myriad benefits of early language instruction, it becomes essential to weigh these advantages against any potential drawbacks.

Firstly, early exposure to a foreign language profoundly influences cognitive development. Neuroscientific research indicates that the brain's plasticity is highest during childhood, facilitating more effortless and effective language absorption. A study from York University in Canada further substantiates this claim. The research found that bilingual children outperformed their monolingual counterparts in various cognitive tasks, including problem-solving, multitasking, and even memory retention. Beyond this, the cognitive benefits extend into other crucial academic domains, thereby enriching the child's overall intellectual capabilities and academic performance. Therefore, the intellectual gains from early language instruction are multifaceted and long-lasting.

On the flip side, incorporating foreign language courses at the primary level does present challenges, predominantly in terms of resources. Specialized teachers with expertise in language instruction are required, along with tailored curricula and appropriate teaching materials. These demands can strain educational budgets and perhaps detract from investment in other essential subjects. However, the initial costs and logistical hurdles can be seen as a short-term investment for long-term societal and educational gains. Countries like Finland, with its globally renowned educational system, illustrate the long-term efficacy of this approach. By incorporating foreign languages into their primary education curriculum, Finland has produced not only multilingual citizens but also individuals adept in various academic and professional spheres.

In conclusion, while there are logistical and resource-related challenges to implementing foreign language instruction at the primary school level, the compelling cognitive and long-term societal benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor. The comprehensive body of evidence strongly suggests that the advantages do outweigh the disadvantages, making early foreign language education an investment in the future of individuals and society as a whole.

Although tourists are treated with hospitality almost everywhere in the world, many expect them to emulate the hosting nation’s traditions, culture or the common manners. However, there are some who argue that countries should be liberal enough to accept them with due respect to cultural diversity. In my opinion, allowing tourists to be themselves is ideal; nevertheless, the tourists should not be allowed to misuse the privilege. 

The apprehension about any inappropriate behaviour of a tourist hurting the local mannerisms is justified. For instance, public expression of love including hugging or kissing between the opposite genders is hardly appreciated in a country like India. Similarly, a satisfactory conduct is anticipated in places of worship, such as leaving one’s shoes before entering so that the traditional practices are not disregarded. Therefore, it can be considered as a wise choice for the visitors to be mindful of the most significant differences. 

On the other hand, a forceful effort to impose certain orthodox customs on tourists is likely to tarnish a nation’s image. For instance, compare the slow-paced development of Saudi Arabia with the fast paced Dubai in spite of their limited resources. In fact, the income generated by Dubai tourism was effectively diverted to various sectors resulting in their overall development. Dubai is a model of welcoming cultural differences to ensure prosperity whereas Saudi Arabia proves how a conservative and intolerant cultural policy can curtail a nation’s growth.

In my opinion, adapting to a universal culture is the best available option for the wellbeing of tourists as well as their receivers. However, it should be ensured that any special consideration given to them is not misinterpreted as a license to disrespect or belittle the host’s culture or customs.  

In conclusion, a liberal and inclusive vision that is rooted in universal brotherhood is ideal to create an encouraging atmosphere for world travels. In this effort, both the guests and the hosts need to be tolerant and considerate towards others’ customs and culture.

A home is expected to meet certain standards whether it is a separate house or an apartment. According to some, a house is more comfortable even as a few others feel that an apartment offers more benefits. Although I am aware of a few undisputable advantages of an apartment, my firm belief is that a house is a better option.

On the one hand, it is ideal for working professionals or small scale business men, especially in a crowded town or city to choose an apartment. Firstly, land is so costly that most families who survive on their limited income cannot afford it if they wish to construct their own house. In case of apartments which are mostly tall buildings occupy comparatively less space, with its cost further being divided among all the residents. Secondly, residing in an apartment is a safer option when the risk factors of a city such as robbery or burglary are considered. Above all, the common facilities such as swimming pools, children’s play areas or gymnasium make an apartment the choice of those who like a luxurious life-style.

On the other hand, a house is a place where the owner can enjoy utmost freedom as well as privacy. Unlike an apartment where each inmate has to respect the rights of others, in a house, the owner can use it as per his own wish. This includes designing the rooms, painting or renovating the whole building and constructing a compound wall. In this way, the owners enjoy a life which is not governed by any rules or regulations imposed by others.  Moreover, a house is generally more spacious, most probably with a courtyard and a working area compared to a congested apartment. As a result of all these factors, a house offers a cheerful and engaging family atmosphere, and is a choice of many who wish to live in peace.

In conclusion, apartments are ideal in the urban areas where many separate houses cannot be constructed owing to the limited free space available. However, the advantages of a house obviously outnumber those of an apartment in terms of liberty, peace and privacy. 

Every child is born with some unique characteristic traits which are, as suggested by some researches, more influential than any future experiences in personality building and development. However, in my opinion, valuable life experiences should be considered as the greatest influence as they are capable of character reformation.

It is true that the genetically acquired qualities often reveal themselves in a person’s behaviour or in the overall personality. In the same way, the skills or talents which are inherited from the ancestors are often exhibited by their descendants. There are ample examples of such cases in the fields of cinema, politics or business including the Kapoor family in Bollywood, or the Ambanis in business. Similarly, many successful sportsmen or professionals like Sachin Tendulkar of India or Bill Gates of America have revealed that nurturing their inborn skills proved pivotal in their later-life development.

However, it does not make adequate sense to state that personality is fully formed at birth, or life develops without experiencing the same. In many lives, it is observed that  real experiences serve as the most effective tools of character formation. In addition, every performer or achiever in work as well as life learns the tactics of their very survival from such real life situations. Other than the famous examples of Abraham Lincoln or Martin Luther King, stories of admirable personalities who attribute success to their experiences are heard day by day. Thus, it can be stated that even with unimpressive innate qualities, development is practical with experience.

In conclusion, although the genes carry some qualities to the descendants, they cannot be treated as the greatest influence in the overall development of a person. Men with comprehensive understanding of whatever they experience are often more influential in almost every sense.

It is often debated whether education alone makes its recipient capable of living a successful and meaningful life. There are a few countries where it is mandatory for their students to either go on a year-long tour or engage in a profession before they join their universities, having finished their schooling. Given the enormous benefits of this practise in both career and life, its potential drawbacks could be overlooked.

Firstly, a student who has yet to explore the world finds a worthwhile chance to do so if allowed to tour a country or two. This exposes the student not only to different cultures and ways of life, but also to the inherent challenges. As a result, the student will be prepared enough to face any situation demanding a composed response later on. Similarly, gaining experience in a real workplace, however short the duration, is more valuable than a professional degree. This also makes them realise their interests or aptitudes, which may prove crucial in choosing a subject for further studies. Hence, it can never be a waste of time and effort if a student decides in favour of this option. 

However, the student, their teachers, or parents should be mindful of a few potential risk factors involved in allowing a year's freedom to travel or work. If they choose the first, they are likely to resort to immoral behaviour. For example, they may misuse their freedom to consume drugs or engage in similar anti-social activities. Secondly, when working without much knowledge about their respective fields of study, there is always the possibility of underperforming or even undesirable developments. Such novice workers are vulnerable to harassment or abuse at their work place as they are considered to be soft targets. 

In conclusion, taking a break between school and college days to work or travel is a wise decision for a student in most cases, if its advantages are considered. However, without periodical tracking of their location or activities during such a period, it may sometimes produce undesirable results as well.

In an undesirable development, waste accumulated across the world has been growing steadily in quantity. In my opinion, the unprecedented rise in population and industrialization are behind this. Therefore, effective implementation of laws against wilful littering as well as strategies to encourage waste management should be considered.  

Beyond doubt, the amount of waste produced in any given place is directly proportional to the size of its population. When the waste management system fails to collect or process the excess, it naturally accumulates. Take the example of cities like Mumbai or Kolkatta, where the population has been growing persistently. The drainages here are often clogged with the filth pumped out from the gullies or colonies here, making lives miserable regardless of the season. Similarly, fast-paced industrialization is another factor behind the accretion of waste, particularly plastic. This happens mainly because almost all the finished products are packed in plastic bags or wrappers. The industrial waste dumped into rivers and other bodies of water must also be considered.

However, if the authorities managed to teach the general public how to effectively minimise their rubbish, it could be imposed legally. Firstly, they could be encouraged to use reusable shopping bags so that plastic bags and wrappers are avoided to an extent. Many cities and towns in Karnataka, an Indian state, for example, have successfully implemented plastic free zones where all the shops and malls strictly adhere to it. Secondly, factories or industrial units should be granted permission to function only if they comply with the required standards in waste recycling. Special grants or tax exemptions could be given to businesses that use good waste management practices in their factories.

In conclusion, when the authorities refuse to implement their action plans against the deliberate acts of littering by a rising population, rubbish accumulates. Strict monitoring with preventive norms can minimize its production, provided that the general public and firms  cooperate in its disposal.

According to experts, including a foreign language in the primary curriculum is more advisable than reserving it for higher standards. Except for the slowest learners, it is undoubtedly more gainful as the majority of the learners will benefit from their language expertise in the future.

On the one hand, it is a scientifically proven fact that children who are five or six years old can easily learn multiple languages irrespective of their differences. Most South Indian students, especially from the states of Karnataka or Telangana, offer strong evidence of their ability to speak three or four languages, including English, before they enter their middle school. It is worth mentioning here that the candidates passing out of the universities of these states find it easier to work anywhere in the country or abroad. Moreover, by learning a foreign language, a student can learn more about the related culture. Therefore, it can be asserted that teaching it in the early years is the ideal way to ensure that more universal citizens are produced.

On the other hand, expecting secondary school students to learn a new language may be futile due to their mother tongue's influence. As a result, they often compare their own first language with the newly learnt one in terms of sentence formation, grammar, or even pronunciation. For example, in a language that follows the Devanagari script of India, whatever is written is pronounced in the same manner. In other words, each letter makes a complete syllable, which is not the case in a language like English. Due to such key differences, adult learners of a foreign language often dislike the process and are likely to abandon their studies.

In conclusion, the majority of primary school children usually learn any foreign language with ease, thereby making it beneficial in their career and social life. Unlike them, secondary school students may experience the influence of their mother tongue, so learning it earlier is more advantageous.

Recently, many countries are concerned about considerably rising cases of obesity and the resultant health or fitness complications. I believe that the changed lifestyle and eating habits are responsible for this. Therefore, the most advisable measures would include a balanced diet and regular exercise.  

Obviously, a majority of them have a busy schedule, primarily due to the demanding nature of their professions. As a result, many people find it difficult to devote enough time to exercise or to monitoring their calorie intake. Especially in the case of employees working in their offices before computers for long hours, these calories are not burned fully, naturally causing obesity. Secondly, unlike in the past, fewer pedestrians are seen on the pavements as many of them use either their private vehicles or the public transport system, conveniently avoiding every opportunity to walk. Apart from these, the fast food culture is also to blame as the fat or sugar content in every pizza or burger far exceeds the permitted limits.

The most practical solution is to adopt the old lifestyle, which was based on hard work and sensible spending. For example, every family used to cook their own food, insisting that lunch boxes be carried to their offices. In this way, they ensured a balanced diet, which can be readopted even today. Secondly, fewer private vehicles were used; instead, they either walked, in the case of a short distance, or shared public transport. Similarly, doing regular exercise is another unavoidable measure to deal with obesity and the negative outcomes of the same. With the rising number of gymnasiums like never before, it would not be a difficult option for many to find a place to exercise, or they could even do it at their own homes.

In conclusion, the reasons behind being overweight or lacking fitness are simple to presume, as are the solutions. Realising the consequences of an unhealthy diet, the countries should insist on readapting to the healthier eating and life habits to reverse this situation.