The bar chart shows the percentage of males and females aged 18-20 participating in

various activities in one month.

The bar chart compares the percentage of men and

women participating in five different sports:
basketball, cycling, football, swimming, and hockey.

Overall, male participation is higher in most sports,

especially football and basketball, while females are
more actively involved in swimming and show a
stronger interest in cycling than men.

In terms of male participation, football stands out

as the most popular sport, with more than 50% of men
involved, significantly higher than any other sport. Basketball follows, with approximately 35%
participation, while cycling ranks third, with just over a third of men taking part. Swimming and hockey
are less common among men, with swimming at around 20% and hockey at approximately 10%.

As for female participation, the highest rate is recorded in cycling, where about 40% of women engage
in the activity, slightly more than their male counterparts. Swimming is the second most preferred sport
among women, at roughly 35%, surpassing the male figure. In contrast, far fewer women play football or
basketball, with both falling below the 20% mark. Hockey is the least popular sport among both genders,
but female participation is notably lower, at under 5%.

The graph below shows the number of overseas visitors to three different areas in a
European country between 1987 and 2007.

The line graph illustrates the number of overseas visitors (in thousands) to three distinct areas in a
European country over a 20-year period, from 1987 to [Link], all three areas experienced an
upward trend in the number of international tourists, although the patterns of growth varied. The lakes
saw the most dramatic rise and fall, while the coast remained consistently popular.

In 1987, the coast was the most visited destination, attracting around 40,000 visitors. However, this
figure dropped slightly to about 35,000 in 1992 before rising steadily to reach approximately 75,000 by
2007. Meanwhile, the number of tourists visiting the lakes started at a modest 10,000 in 1987 but grew
rapidly, surpassing both the mountains and the coast to peak at 75,000 in 2002. Following this peak,
however, the figure declined sharply to 50,000 by the end of the period.

In contrast, the mountains consistently attracted fewer visitors than the other two areas, beginning at
about 20,000 in 1987 and increasing slowly but steadily to reach 35,000 in 2007. Although it did not
experience any sharp fluctuations, the mountains maintained a gradual and reliable upward trajectory.

Some people think it is more important to spend money on roads and motorways than on
public transport systems. To what extend do you agree?

When it comes to infrastructure investment, some people argue that governments should prioritize
building roads and motorways, while others believe that more funds should be allocated to public
transportation systems such as railways or trams. This essay will discuss both perspectives before
presenting a reasoned opinion.

Supporters of investing in roads and highways often highlight the flexibility and convenience of private
transport. Roads can reach virtually every corner of a country, supporting the movement of goods
and people in both urban and rural areas. For many, especially those living in remote regions without
access to public transit, personal vehicles are a necessity. In addition, wider roads help ease congestion
and reduce vehicle maintenance costs by replacing outdated or damaged infrastructure.

However, this approach has clear limitations. As more roads are built, the number of cars tends to rise
proportionally, often leading to increased traffic congestion, air pollution, and urban sprawl—problems
that road expansion alone cannot solve. For instance, cities like Los Angeles have some of the most
developed highway networks in the world but continue to face severe traffic jams and environmental
degradation.

On the other hand, I believe that public transportation systems such as railways, subways, and trams are
far more efficient and sustainable in the long term. Well-developed transit networks can transport
large numbers of people simultaneously, helping to reduce road traffic, cut carbon emissions, and lower
dependence on fossil fuels. For example, countries like Japan and Singapore have heavily invested in
public transit, resulting in cleaner cities, faster commutes, and reduced reliance on cars. Moreover, public
transport is more inclusive and equitable, offering affordable mobility to those who cannot afford a
private vehicle, such as students, the elderly, and low-income families. Therefore, investing in public
transit not only addresses environmental concerns but also promotes social equity and urban efficiency.

In conclusion, while both road networks and public transport systems are essential components of
national infrastructure, I believe that greater emphasis should be placed on expanding and modernizing
public transit. In a world facing rapid urbanization and environmental challenges, public transportation
offers a more sustainable, accessible, and future-proof solution for ensuring national mobility.

Many students find it harder to study when they are at university or college than when
they were at school. Why is this? What can be done to solve the problem?

It is widely observed that many students find university or college studies more challenging than their
time at school. This essay will explore the underlying reasons behind this issue and propose practical
solutions with clear outcomes to help students adapt more effectively to higher education.
One major reason students struggle at university is the sudden increase in academic independence.
Unlike school, where teachers often guide students closely and monitor their progress, university
learning demands a higher level of self-discipline and time management. Students are expected to plan
their studies, complete readings, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. For those who have not
yet developed strong study habits, this transition can be overwhelming. Moreover, the academic
workload at university is usually heavier, requiring advanced critical thinking, research skills, and
extended reading, which many students are not adequately prepared for during high school. Another
contributing factor is the dramatic change in environment. Moving away from home, living
independently, and adjusting to new social settings can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even
depression, all of which negatively affect academic performance.

To address this issue, universities should implement structured orientation and academic transition
programs that include study skills workshops, peer mentoring schemes, and time-management training.
These initiatives can help students build the necessary skills to manage university life more effectively,
leading to improved confidence, better academic outcomes, and lower dropout rates. In addition,
institutions should improve access to mental health counseling, academic advising services, and
financial aid guidance, ensuring that students receive timely help when needed. Such measures can
reduce stress, prevent burnout, and promote a more balanced student lifestyle. At the secondary level,
schools should take greater responsibility in preparing students for the realities of independent learning
by gradually introducing project-based tasks, research assignments, and more student-led learning.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by students at university stem from increased academic demands, a
lack of preparedness, and difficulties adjusting to a new lifestyle. By providing targeted support
systems, teaching essential study skills, and fostering independence at an earlier stage, both universities
and schools can significantly improve student success and well-being in higher education.