Argument: capital punishment

Should dangerous criminals be executed?

Many countries in the world have a system of capital punishment but others, like Britain, have abolished it. What are the pros and cons of capital punishment?

One of the main arguments against used to be that there was always the chance of a judicial mistake, leading to the execution of an innocent person. There is also the moral argument that if killing is wrong when perpetrated by an individual, how can it be right if ordered by a judge. There is also, in many countries, a widely-held belief that capital punishment has no place in a civilized society. In Britain, MPs take the view that, just as we earlier abolished public executions as barbaric, to return to capital punishment would be a retrograde, uncivilized step. So MPs regularly vote against restitution of the death penalty.

There are, however, many arguments in favour. The obvious one is that if you kill someone you deserve to pay with your own life. This is backed by the biblical argument of an eye for an eye. In addition, some crimes are so awful that the perpetrators can never be returned to society and for them a life sentence means life. One of the arguments of the opponents of capital punishment is that criminals can be reformed and have a motive to do so with the promise of eventual release. But releasing convicted murderers back into society is fraught with danger and has on occasion led to further tragic murders. Another argument in favour is that nowadays, with DNA evidence, there is very little chance of a wrongful conviction. Finally, there is the expense of looking after killers for a long period in jail;why should hardworking taxpayers have to foot the bill?

There are some moral arguments against capital punishment but,in my opinion, in addition to the pros outlined above, the ultimate sanction is a strong deterrent to all potential transgressors.

317 words

Argument essay: censorship

Should governments control what we watch and read?

Censorship is a controversial subject and arouses strong feelings worldwide. What are the pros and cons?

The arguments against censorship are mainly based on the importance of preserving individual freedom and choice. Why should any government dictate what a mature adult should view or read? Then there is the question of political freedom. Governments might go from censoring materials thought oe be unsuitable for public consumption, maybe because they are too violent or sexually explicit, to censoring ideas and opinions which they disagree with or which they think threaten their own hold on power. People in free societies value their freedom of choice and people in many countries who do not share these freedoms seem mostly to aspire to them, as the current Arab spring seems to bear out.

On the other hand, total lack of any censorship whatsoever seems unthinkable to many educated adults. To begin with, surely it is necessary to protect young people from violent or inappropriate material which could have a deleterious effect on their development into healthy adulthood. Speaking of protecting children, surely it is also right to prevent access to certain paedophile materials and websites. There is obviously a need here for some degree of policing and control by some authority, whether governmental or not.

Some degree of censorship would therefore seem necessary to protect society at large and young people in particular. It is important, however, that this does not become too political and a threat to the priceless freedoms of thought and expression.

258 words.

Should children be raised to co-operate or to compete?

Should children be raised to co-operate or to compete?

This is a universal conundrum and not one that is easy to answer. I think there are compelling reasons to support both sides of the argument.

In favour of raising children to be competitive is the fact that it is a natural human trait to want to achieve well both at school and at work and an obvious way to do this is to test oneself against one’s peers. If children and adults didn’t strive to better themselves and to achieve difficult goals there would be no human progress. This is true not only in areas such as scientific and medical advances, which bring important life-saving and life-enhancing benefits, but also in activities auch as sport,where the desire to compete against others is both natural and healthy.

On the other hand, it is equally important that children learn the virtues of co-operation and helpfulness towards others. Of course, it is a competitive world and we all need to survive, but equally we all need help at some point(s) in our lives, some more than others. It is important that children learn to be sympathetic and tolerant towards others who might not be as fortunate as themseves. Helping others, moreover, makes us feel better as human beings and raises our self-esteem. More practically, there is a need to work with others , not only at school,but also in the workplace. My students, for example, might often work in groups here at college and mutual co-operation is vital; similarly, as a teacher, I work in a team, and being able to do so effectively is an important professional requirement in most workplaces.

In an ideal world, therefore, we should raise our children to be aware of the importance of achieving a balance between being competitive and co-operative; both are vital in our lives.

286 words

Argument essay: mobile phones

Should using mobile phones while driving be banned?

There is a lot of research which suggests that using mobile phones while driving is the cause of a growing number of traffic accidents.

There are of course two sides to any argument. Having a mobile phone with you in the car is, in fact, a very sensible precaution. For example, women driving alone at night are at risk and knowing they can use their mobiles to summon help in an emergency is an important security factor. Similarly, if you are driving in a remote area, for example in the desert here in the UAE, it’s essential to have a mobile to get help if you break down. In reality, your life could depend on it.

Having said all this, there is no reason why you should use your phone while actually driving. It is always possible to find a safe place to stop before answering or using your phone. There is very little doubt that using a phone while driving, even a hands-free device, is a major distraction. It is very difficult to do two things safely and simultaneously if one of them is driving. Driving today requires maximum concentration. It has become a major problem worldwide, so much so that dozens of countries have outlawed the use of handheld phones while driving. In the UK, indeed, it is estimated that 90% of public responses have been in favour of such a ban.

Having your mobile with you in your car is a sensible, perhaps even necessary, precaution. However, you should always find a safe place to park before using it. There is overwhelming evidence that phoning and driving at the same time is a major cause of accidents worldwide.

289 words.

Table: underground rail systems

This table provides statistical information on the underground train systems in five major cities in four countries, the USA, Britain, France and Japan.

The oldest, opened in 1863, and the longest, at 394 kms, is London. Second, in both age, opened 1900, and length, 199 kms, is Paris. Third in both age, established 1927, and length, 155 kms, is Tokyo. Both Kyoto, opened in 1981, and Boston, 2001, are much younger and much shorter, 11 kms and 28 kms respectively. In terms of passenger numbers, however, in 2010 Tokyo was the busiest, with 192M passengers, closely followed by Paris with 189M. London, with 77M, Boston with 50M and Kyoto, 45M, all carried far fewer passengers.

In brief, the two oldest underground rail systems are also the longest, while the two newest are the shortest and carried the fewest passengers in 2010. The busiest, just ahead of Paris, was Tokyo’s.

149 words.

Argument essay about smoking.

Smoking is harmful to society. Say whether you agree or disagree.

This is a view which has become increasingly prevalent worldwide in recent years. Nowadays, around the world, on all airlines and in most public places like cinemas and restaurants, smoking is strictly prohibited.

There are, of course, still many people who smoke and they often justify this by saying that it is a matter of individual freedom. They argue that they have a right to spend their money as they wish. They say, furthermore, that smoking gives them pleasure and that it even has benefits, such as helping them to relax and relieve stress. I personally can sympathise with this point of view and I certainly believe in freedom of choice and action as long as this does not impinge on the freedom of others. This is the crucial point: I believe people should have the right to smoke but only in private.

The fact is that smoking in public places causes distress and discomfort to non-smokers. It’s not just a question of discomfort. The scientific facts that smoking damages health are undeniable. The evidence of the links between smoking and respiratory diseases and heart problems is irrefutable. Governments began to realise this over half a century ago and the first steps they took were to ban TV advertising of tobacco products and to force cigarette manufacturers to post health warnings on their packets. It is not just active smoking but also passive smoking that causes health problems and that is why, worldwide, we see moves to ban smoking in public places.

While it is important to respect individual freedom it is clear that smoking is harmful to society and should therefore be prohibited in public places.

282 words.

Argument essay about examinations

‘Examinations are an unfair form of assessment and should not be used at ADMC’. Say whether you agree or disagree with this statement.

Exams are the traditional form of assessment in academic institutions but in recent years there has been a move, in many colleges including ADMC, towards forms of continuous assessment, involving no formal exam.

There are several points which support the above statement. Firstly, an exam is a one-off pressure situation and some students might not do themselves justice due to exam nerves. Furthermore, an exam result may not accurately reflect the amount or quality of work a student has produced during the course. In addition, some people argue that exams test memory more than ability or knowledge. A final argument is that continuous assessment from start to finish of a course is a more valid method of overall assessment than an exam.

There are, however, several strong arguments against the statement. Firstly, exams are an effective and objective method of assessment. A student’s personality or relationship with his teacher might colour continuous assessment but an exam is an impartial measurement of ability. Secondly, exams are fair because everyone takes them under the same conditions. There are, in real life, pressure situations, so exams are good preparation for life in the work place. Finally, exams can provide nationwide, indeed worldwide, benchmarks to assess students’ capabilities.

There are certain points to be made against exams but, nevertheless, they are used worldwide and ADMC needs to assess its students according to international standards. Abandoning exams would therefore be a retrograde step. We need not only to keep them but make sure they comply with international norms.

258 words

Additional information/Similarity/Contrast

moreover (formal); furthermore; in addition; on top of that

The Prime Minister is unwilling to admit that the country is deeply in debt. Moreover/Furthermore/In addition he insists he can maintain current levels of government spending.

The earthquake victims in Haiti are desperately short of food and shelter. In addition they urgently need doctors and medical supplies.

She borrowed my bike and never gave it back. On top of that, she broke the lawnmower and wrecked the washing machine.


Similarity
Expressing similarity

similarly; in the same way

The roads are usually very crowded at the beginning of the holiday season. Similarly, there are often traffic jams at the end of the holidays.

We did everything to provide our daughters with a good education. In the same way, they put a high value on our grandchildren's education.


Emphasising a contrast
Stronger contrast

however; nevertheless; mind you; still; yet; in spite of this

Britain came last in the World Children's Games again. However, we did have one success with Annie Smith's world record in the egg and spoon race.

I don't like the job much. Mind you, the money's good.

He says he's not rich and yet he owns 3 houses and 4 cars.

It was foggy this morning. In spite of this, I managed to get to college on time.

It was foggy earlier but I still managed to get here on time.

Line graph 1

Population growth 1750 to 2150


World population growth

The line graph shows population growth in richer and poorer countries between 1750 and 2150. It is based on the United Nations World Population Prospects, the 1998 Revision, and estimates by the Population Reference Bureau.

In 1750 the total world population was less than one billion and the population of less developed countries was three or four times greater than that of more developed countries. By 2000 the total figure was 6.1 billion, but only about 1 billion were in the more developed countries. The estimate is that by 2150 the total world population will be well over 10 billion but the total for the more developed countries will remain at about one billion and may even fall slightly.

It is estimated that the total world population will increase dramatically over the next 150 years but that this growth will be entirely in the less developed countries .

153 words.

Line graph 2

Three African Cities

The line graph gives information about the average monthly temperatures in three African cities - Mombasa, Cairo, and Cape Town. Each city has its own different climate, with very different characteristics.

The hottest place shown on the graph is Cairo. In July and August, average temperatures rise to over 80º Fahrenheit. However, Cairo also has the biggest variation in climate.Temperatures drop to as low as 55 degrees in Cairo’s winter, during January and February. This is equal to Cape Town’s lowest temperature in July. In fact Cairo and Cape Town are almost opposites in temperature. Cairo is hottest when Cape Town is coldest.

Cape Town does not have the range that Cairo has. Its maximum temperature is 70º F from November to February, after which it drops gradually to about 55 degrees in its winter. In contrast to Cairo or Cape Town,

Mombasa is warm all year round. Its temperature fluctuates very little, ranging from a low of 75 to a maximum of 83 in March.

In conclusion, location is very important in deciding climate. When it is winter in Cairo, it is summer in Cape Town, but Mombasa, being tropical, is warm all year round.

196 words

Reflection 3

Up to the first progress test in semester 2 we concentrated on 2 types of essays:

(a) description of graphs

(b) problem & solution

For graphs,we started with pie charts, moving from single pies to double pies, e.g. Valentine's Day gifts. We moved on to bar charts, e.g. date-producing countries. Finally we looked at tables of information, e.g. hurricanes & tornadoes.

We followed a simple 3 paragraph construction. I encouraged students not just to describe the information in the graphs/charts/ tables,but to draw attention in the conclusion to the most striking features, e.g. the growth of Lagos in the city agglomerations chart.

For problem/solution essays we used a 4-paragraph construction: brief introduction stating the problem. Then a paragraph giving 4/5 causes of the problem. Then a paragraph stating 4 or 5 possible solutions. In their concluding 4th paragraph I emphasised the importance of students saying what were the most viable solutions.

Table:hurricanes & tornadoes

This table gives us information about two strong winds, hurricanes and tornadoes. Both are dangerous and destructive but there are important differences between them.

Firstly, the minimum speed of a hurricane is 74 mph, whereas that of a tornado is 40 mph. On the other hand, the maximum speed of a tornado, 250-300 mph, is higher than that of a hurricane, 155-200 mph. The hurricane is classified on the Saffir-Simpson C1-5 scale, while the tornado is measured on the Fujita F0-F5 scale. Whereas a tornado usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, a hurricane can last up to a week. A hurricane can be predicted 2-3 days in advance for a wide area and 6-10 hours beforehand for a locality, but a tornado can be predicted only minutes before it hits. Hurricanes start over warm oceans but tornadoes usually originate over land.

In brief, tornadoes are less predictable, last for a shorter period of time and can reach much higher wind speeds.

Bar graph: city growth

Growth of urban agglomerations, 1950-2015.

The chart shows the population of nine major cities over the past sixty years, and the projected level in five years time.

The only city where the population has fallen is London, from about 8M in 1950 to around 7M in 2000; it’s projected to remain the same in 2015. New York’s population rose steadily, from about 12M in 1950 to around 16M in 2000, rising to 17M by 2015. The other seven cities have all witnessed more dramatic growth. From 2.5M in 1950, Cairo is forecast to reach 14M by 2015. Mexico City is forecast to reach almost 20M, from about 3M in 1950, Shanghai nearly 15M, from 5M, and Sao Paolo 20M, from about 3M. Bombay and Tokyo are predicted to top 25M, from 3.5M and 7M respectively. Perhaps the most dramatic rise is Lagos, with a predicted 24M in 2015, from less than a million in 1950.

Only London has a fall in population, 1950-2015. New York shows a gradual increase, while the other seven cities all show spectacular growth.

169 words

Problem & solution: traffic congestion in Abu Dhabi

Like most large cities around the world, Abu Dhabi suffers from traffic congestion and parking problems.

The main reason for this is the rapidly expanding population. Due to equally rapid economic development, based on oil, this population is wealthy enough to afford motor cars. Indeed, most Emirati households have several cars and many drivers are young, which means more accidents and hold-ups. In addition, the large number of construction projects means more heavy vehicles which slows traffic and worsens congestion. Lack of adequate parking provision only exacerbates the problem.

One obvious solution is to improve the existing road system by widening roads, building more bridges, overpasses, subways and so on. Another possibility is the introduction of staggered hours to eliminate rush hour congestion. Yet another suggestion is to relocate businesses and government offices to off-island sites. Better public transport is also often put forward as a solution to the problem. Harsher fines and stricter enforcement of rules and regulations by traffic police might also help to alleviate the situation, as would better driver education and stiffer driving tests. Paid parking areas have already been introduced and they too have contributed to the easing of congestion in certain areas.

Even better public transport would be a useful solution, but whether there is enough room on the island, for a metro system, in association with a Salik-type system, is debatable. Improvements in the road system and the creation of paid parking areas have already proved successful in easing congestion. Better driver education, including more stringent testing, together with more rigorous enforcement of traffic regulations would also seem viable solutions.

263 words.

Problem & Solution 1

Many people today in the UAE are obese or seriously overweight. Why, and what can be done about it?

Growing obesity rates are a worldwide problem. It is a particular problem here in the UAE.

In the past, most Emiratis lived a harder, more nomadic existence, involving hard travel and physical labour. Today most live a softer, more sedentary life, travelling by car and holding desk jobs requiring little physical exertion. That these jobs exist is due to the rapid economic expansion over the past 40 years, since the discovery and exploitation of oil. In addition, many people today entertain themselves by watching TV or playing computer games, neither of which involves physical exercise. Finally, as well as traditional Arab cuisine, itself often quite high in fat and sugar content, there is today the widespread temptation and easy availability of high-fat and high-sugar fast food.

The solutions? The only viable long-term solution is education. At an early age, children should be taught the importance of two things: a healthy diet and regular physical exercise. A better diet involves not just choosing healthier ingredients, such as fruit and vegetables. Sauces and style of cooking need to be watched. A healthy salad becomes a less healthy option if coated in, say, mayonnaise. Fish and potatoes are themselves good nutritious foods, but less so if fried as fish and chips. Governments around the world can help by encouraging schools to teach nutrition seriously. Campaigns in the media to educate all sections of the population, especially parents, to eat healthily, can also help.

Cars, TVs and computers are not going to disappear so the only viable solution is education to encourage better diet and more physical exercise.

263 words

Bar chart:date producers

Top 10 date-producing countries

The bar graph shows date production in tonnes for the world's top producers in 2001. Ten countries in the Gulf region and North Africa are featured.

First, Egypt was responsible for the lion's share of production, with over a million tonnes, but Iran was a close second, with almost 0.9 million. Following them came the UAE and Saudi Arabia, rivalling each other with about 740,000 tonnes each. Pakistan and Iraq, with outputs of approximately 630,000, were not far behind. The rest of the nations, however, were far less productive. Algeria supplied the world with nearly 400,000 tonnes and Oman around quarter of a million. In contrast, the harvests in Libya and Sudan were far less plentiful, yielding under 0.2 million each.

In summary, date production was most abundant in Egypt and Iran. In contrast, the countries with the smallest output were Libya and Sudan.

148 words

Valentine's Day

Two pie charts

These two pie charts show the types of gifts that man and women in the USA buy for each other on 14th February, Valentine’s day.

The most popular gifts bought by both men and women are cards, flowers and candy. Cards are the most popular gift for both genders. More men than women buy flowers, 16% compared to 11%, while more women, 27%, buy cards than men, 18%. Rather surprisingly, more women, around a fifth, buy candy for men than vice versa. Around 10% of both men and women purchase jewelry/jewellery. Over twice as many women than men buy perfume or cologne. Men spend more than women on both lingerie and spa/personal care, which is probably what you’d expect.

In conclusion, the types of gifts bought for each other by men and women in the USA are more or less what you’d expect. The actual percentages, however, are rather more surprising; for example, the fact that a greater percentage of women buy candy and perfume/cologne.

164 words

simple present

present passive

ways of comparing and contrasting

UK Budget 1996

The total budget of the UK government in 1996 was £315 billion. This pie chart shows what the government spent the money on. There are ten separate categories shown on the chart.

The biggest item by far was social security. At £100 billion, this was almost twice as much as the next category, health and personal services. Next came education with £38 billion and defence with £22 billion. There was less than £20 billion spent on the next three categories, which were: first, law and order; next, industry, agriculture and employment; then, housing, heritage and environment. Transport had the smallest budget, with £9 billion. Debt interest was £25 billion and other expenditure was £23 billion.

The outstanding feature of the pie chart is that expenditure on social security, £100 billion, was almost as much as the total for the next three categories: health, education and defence, £113 billion.

148 words

P.S. It is worth noting that, according to figures for 2009-10 (HM Treasury Pre-Budget report), the total budget had more than doubled, with education at £88bn, health £119bn & social protection £190bn: eye-watering indeed.