【Task1】流程图

今年第3次考流程图（6月4日；8月13日；9月17日），今年似乎跟流程图干上了；去年1月到今年2月26日则考察了7次地图，玩心理战！这三次考查流程图都是在四大图表各考完一次之后出现的，出题很有规律。

how the water is supplied in Australia now and in the future.

关于澳大利亚水循环：现在的用水&以后用水的区别
现在：dams-city-污水处理厂-river   

未来：dams-city-污水处理厂-city
【预测题】线图（line graph）;表格（table）；饼图（pie charts）

 

 

 

【Task2】又是教育类话题

Children who find the subjects such as maths and philosophy difficult should not be made to study these. These subjects should be optional rather than compulsory. To what extent do you agree with the statement?

 

【预测题】重点关注：政府职能类；科技类

(1)◆◆◆People spend more and more time at their work place and do not spend enough time with their family and friends. Why is this happening? What consequences can this have on the family life and society?

上榜理由：近年已经考察工作中的男女平等话题，但是还未涉及类似话题

 

(2)◆◆The range of technology is increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

上榜理由：科技类已考察机器人、电脑、航空、科学艺术对比，还没有涉及类似话题

 

(3)◆◆Some people think space travel such as moon landing is important. Others think people will not remember this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 上榜理由：科技类已考察机器人、电脑、飞机、科学艺术对比，还没有涉及类似话题

【类似考题】

With all the troubles in the world today, money spent on space exploration is a complete waste. The money could be better spent on other things. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

【高分作文】

It is true that vast amounts are spent on space exploration for apparently little gain while people suffer from terrible poverty around the world.

 

Supporters of space programs say that space exploration has brought inventions to the world that we would not have had. The famous example is non-stick pans! Supporters also point out that it is in human nature to strive to discover the unknown and that we can progress in all ways by unlocking the secrets of the stars. These are all valid points.

 

On the other hand how can we as human beings justify the billions of dollars spent sending people into space so we can have non-stick pans while millions of people around the world are dying of disease and famine? With the money spent on space exploration, wells could be dug, farmland could be developed, medicine could be bought, schools and colleges could be built, and teachers, doctors and nurses could be trained. Even if we could justify money on exploration, wouldn't it be better to spend the money on exploring the sea on our own planet that could offer enough food to provide for the entire world?

 

From what I have said in this essay it would seem that I would agree that money should be spent on better things than space exploration. However, this is not the case. I understand all the reasons for spending money on better things but I also strongly believe that it is necessary that the human race should continually strive to develop our technology and broaden our horizons. The money in the long run is well spent on space exploration.

 

 

 (4)◆◆Some people think that the earlier technology has changed our lives more than the recent technology. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

上榜理由：科技类已考察机器人、电脑、航空、科学艺术对比，还没有涉及类似话题

 

(5)◆◆Mobile phones and the Internet are very useful. However, it is rare for the old people to use them. In what ways can mobile phones and the Internet be useful to the old people? What could be done to encourage the old people to use mobile phones and the Internet?

 上榜理由：科技类已考察机器人、电脑、航空、科学艺术对比，还没有涉及类似话题

 

(6)◆◆◆ Advertising only improves the quantity of products sold rather than the quality of products. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

上榜理由：媒体广告类是今年考察的重点

 

(7)◆◆◆In many countries, more and more young people are leaving school and unable to find jobs after graduation. What problems do you think youth unemployment will cause to the individual and the society? What should the government do to remove graduate unemployment?

上榜理由：政府职能问题是绝对重点，近年已考察体育、公共设施、艺术、教育、医疗、城市规划、文化休闲、娱乐、环保、法律，还未考察失业救济、国防、扶贫等热门话题。

 

(8)◆◆◆Some people think the appearance of buildings is more important than their functions. To what extend do you agree or disagree? 上榜理由：近年还未考察建筑类话题

【相似话题】

In the past, buildings often reflected the culture of a society but today all modern buildings look alike and cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar. What do you think is the reason for this, and is it a good thing or a bad thing?

【高分范文】

Every city has its architectural character, but the similarities between cities are more obvious these days than in the past. In my opinion, one reason for this is the high price of land.

 

In most large cities, land is scarce and consequently it is very valuable. This has led to the construction of tall buildings which occupy only a small area of land while providing lots of floor space where people can live or work. Buildings of this type are made of concrete and steel and can be built comparatively quickly using prefabricated materials. They do not use local materials, such as stone, timber or brick, which used to give cities their individual character. In consequence many cities now look very much the same and you might not know whether you were in Brisbane, Bangkok or Berlin when you are on the street.

 

While I realize that we cannot stand in the way of progress, I believe that cities should try to keep some individuality. For example, in Paris it is prohibited to build very tall buildings in the centre of the city, as this would spoil the overall appearance of the skyline.

 

Other cities have chosen to design unique buildings to ensure they look different. The twin towers in Kuala Lumpur or the Opera House in Sydney are examples of this approach, and I agree with this kind of initiative.

 All in all, although it is regrettable that modern cities look similar, I tend to feel that this is unavoidable. However, it can be argued that, even if the buildings are similar, cities will maintain their own character as a result cultural diversity, the terrain and the climate, which ultimately determine how people live.

 

 

 (9)◆◆◆Some people think that people who immigrate to a new country should accept the new culture as their own rather than remain in separate minority groups and live in different lifestyles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

上榜理由：全球化考题已经考察食品、语言、旅游、环保等，还未涉及移民、留学等话题

 

 

(10)◆◆◆Some people think that in countries with high unemployment, the retirement age should be lowered to allow more young people to get jobs. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

上榜理由：失业问题是社会热点，今年还未考察

【高分范文】

Countries with high unemployment face a number of different resulting problems. Older people without jobs may pose a burden on their families and may not be able to afford their basic necessities, whereas unemployed youth may burden their parents and are more likely to have difficulties in the future. There are many different ways that governments can try to tackle the problem of high unemployment, and there are some who believe the best way is to lower the retirement age so that more new jobs are available for the younger generation.

 

It is true that it may be better for society as a whole to have an older unemployed population than a younger one. Those who are fresh out of high schools or universities need to immediately apply their knowledge and creativity. If they find that they cannot become contributing members of society after their studies, they may fall into bad habits and eventually lose the desire to work hard for themselves and their society. Even if they do finally find a job, they may be reluctant to accept it because they may be overqualified to do it and have got used to a life without working. By lowering the retirement age, more jobs will be available to the young, and the government can make sure this scenario does not play out as often as it otherwise might.

 

Certainly, requiring that people retire at an early age would not be an optimum solution, as an increasing retired population would put increasing strains on families as well as government welfare programs. In fact the best solution to the problem, in my eyes, would be to seek out alternative solutions that would increase the amount of jobs available by increasing the actual amount of jobs, rather than decreasing the number of people in the workforce.

 

 

(11)◆◆◆Some people think zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. Some other people think zoos are useful for the protection of rare animals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

上榜理由：近年已经考察除了这道题之外的所有动物类话题

 

(12)◆◆◆Some people claim that using tobacco has brought severe problems to second-hand smokers and smoking should be banned in public places. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

上榜理由：健康类问题是重点，但是今年考察的少，公共场所禁烟问题近年未考察

【参考范文】

In my opinion smoking should definitely be banned in public places as it not only has HARMFUL effects on the non smokers present there but also may cause allergic coughing to many people. Besides, many youngsters are fascinated by the act of smoking and try to IMITATE it which may later develop into a habit. 

Smoke which arises when a person smokes a cigarette or cigar is more hazardous to a passive smoker who inhales the smoke being in close vicinity TO the active smoker. The smoke being inhaled by the former is unfiltered thereby causing more ill effects. Several pulmonary diseases such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma and last but not the least carcinoma of THE lungs may occur as a consequence of smoking. 

Many countries such as India have implemented a ban on public smoking. It has become mandatory to have no smoking zones in all eating joints, recreation centers etc. This practice may seem as IF IT IS CURBING/RESTRICTING THE RIGHT OF FREEDOM especially to the smokers but surely this step will go a long way in achieving a healthier life style. Many people who gradually become aware of the ill effects of smoking are turning towards de-addiction centers to get rid of this habit. 

Even the advocates of smoking in public areas DISAPPROVE of the practice when it comes to their OFFSPRING. Witnessing their elders smoking kindles, a similar desire in a youngster thereby giving birth to a new generation of smokers. 

To avoid these evils of smoking and ensure a healthy WAY OF LIFE/EXAMPLE for youth, it is not only our duty but A NECESSITY OF LIFE of the day to condemn such practices if not completely then at least socially.

 

 

(13)◆◆◆◆◆Old generations often hold some traditional ideas on the correct way of life, thinking and behavior. Most young people argue that these ideas are not helpful for the young generations to prepare for modern life in the future. What is your opinion?

上榜理由：还未考察年轻人和老年人代沟等话题

 
(14)◆There are many problems associated with mobile phones today. To what extent do the advantages of mobile phones outweigh the disadvantages?

 
(15)◆People think the public library will be replaced by the computer. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

(16)◆Some people believe that national sports teams should be financially supported by the government. Some other people think they should be funded by private resources such as corporations and individuals. Discuss.

(17)◆Some people think we should keep all the money we earn and not pay tax to the state. Do you agree and disagree?

(18)◆Some people think that it is a moral obligation for developed countries to provide international aid to developing countries while others worry that the aid fund might possibly be misused by the government of the poor countries and cannot actually help the poor people improve their living standard. What is your opinion?

(19)◆Many countries have spent large sums of money on armament for the sake of self-defence. Some people think they should spend money helping the poverty and other disadvantages rather than on weapons. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

(20)◆Traditional games are more useful than modern games in developing children’s abilities. To what extent do you agree?

(21)◆An increasing number of people choose to live in big cities. What problems will this cause? Should the government encourage people to live in small towns?

(22)◆These is not enough respect for elderly people. What are the causes and what problems does this phenomenon generate?

(23)◆Some people think we should provide help for the local communities. Others think we should give money and support to the national and international organizations. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

(24)◆Traffic and housing problems in major cities would be solved by moving big companies, factories and their employees to the countryside. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

(25)◆Some employers think formal academic qualifications are more important than life experience and personal qualities when looking for an employee. What are the causes of this phenomenon and do you think this is a positive development?

(26)◆In many countries, good schools and medical facilities are available only in cities. Some people think new teachers and doctors should work in rural areas for a few years. But some others think everyone should be free to choose where they work. Discuss and give your own opinion.
(27)◆Buildings have changed the appearance of cities and towns. Some people believe that we should build all the new buildings in traditional styles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

(28)◆In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by international fast foods. This is having a negative effect on both families and societies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

(29)◆Some people say the history is of no use in our lives while others think we should learn from the history because it helps us understand the present. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

(30)◆Many countries have spent large sums of money on armament for the sake of self-defence. Some people think they should spend money helping the poverty and other disadvantages rather than on weapons. To what extend do you agree or disagree?