Essay 02 (Taller building)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

As populations grow and cities become more crowded, there is pressure throughout the world to construct ever-taller building to provide accommodation and offices. Many people object to such developments, citing the social as well as the physical dangers.

Do you agree with objections to skyscrapers?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

The objections to skyscrapers are unfounded as they are found to be the only remedy for the ever increasing demand for space for housing and other purposes. Although certain social as well as physical dangers are attributed to such buildings, they remain the most beneficial invention of man concerning the organisation of space within the geographical limitations of a particular area, especially cities.

The most important benefit of skyscrapers is that maximum space can be made available within a limited geographical area. As price for land is skyrocketing especially in big cities and its availability is does not increase, this seems to be the only solutions for people to own space at moderate expenses. If one takes the example of a city like Bangalore in India, where the land prices are very high, huge buildings are erected within the city limits for residential as well as commercial purposes. This saves huge amount of money and land for individuals and organisations, which can used for other purposes. Large areas are not available in big cities and hence people can operate businesses and live within the city limits.

Another important benefit of skyscrapers is that it gives an outstanding look to the skyline of big cities, which means that most of these buildings are constructed in an aesthetic fashion. Such high rise structures usually give a magnificent look to the city compared to smaller buildings. If you would examine the landmarks of most of the cities, they are certainly these high rise buildings. For instance, the Opera House in Sydney and the destroyed World Trade Centre in New York are examples of such architectural wonders. Many architects believe that taller buildings have greater scope for architectural liberties.

There are people who believe that such buildings are always at a greater risk of crumbling down, which can cause enormous damage to life and property. Moreover, living within the limited space make life congested with more people and cars making the city congested. These are minor distractions in the face of the enormous benefits that such multi-storey buildings can bring.

In conclusion, sky scrapers are here to stay and people are constructing more and more such buildings and enjoy their benefits.

Essay 01 (Student Behaviour)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In many countries, schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Answer

(This essay is written in a detailed manner. Students can be asked to summarise it in 250 words. Common usages which can be studied are given in italics. Alternative vocabulary is given in brackets. Teachers can encourage students to pay special attention to these words.)

Poor student behaviour is a major problem faced by schools across the globe especially in the western world. This is due to (this can be attributed to) certain sociological and psychological problems that are encountered, while bringing up children. Both parents and teachers should play a responsible role in tackling (handling, solving, dealing with) this problem effectively.

Parents today have too many responsibilities, other than (apart from) looking after the affairs of their families, which has resulted in children getting less attention and care. Parents need to inculcate (instill) good values in young children and discipline them at an early age, or else (if not) it would result in disruptive (unruly) behaviour at home and in school. In many instances, children are left alone in the company of television sets, computer screens and toys, and consequently, (as a consequence, as a result) they fail to develop (lack) interpersonal skills and human values, which they learn by interacting with their parents and siblings. 

Furthermore, parents provide them with many material comforts, which can sometimes (may) make them selfish and greedy. Children who come from such family backgrounds (would) often create many problems for teachers and their schoolmates. Parents should never shy away from (shirk their responsibility of) spending quality time with their children on a regular basis, which would help them to monitor their children’s behaviour and give suitable advice whenever there is a need.

Another reason for problematic behaviour among children is that teachers lack effective training in dealing with children who have various behavioural and psychological inadequacies (problems). Children, who come from broken or problematic families, in order to ventilate their frustration, often create problems in schools, which can only be tackled by trained teachers or counsellors. Many teachers become defensive and show little tact when children show such behavioural abnormalities. Erratic handling of such problems can result in (lead to) aggravating the issue. I believe that this problem can be effectively addressed if parents and teachers are trained in scientific ways of dealing with children. Schools should appoint specially trained counsellors, who can assist teachers in dealing with problematic children.

As mentioned above, both parents and teachers have a crucial role to play in normalising the behaviour of children in schools. Scientific ways of handling children with troublesome behaviour can go a long way in dealing with them efficiently.

Written by George Andrews Moolekary