Task 1: The graph below shows the number of subcribers paying for fixed

telephone line and mobile/cell phone networks in Africa between 1994 and
2007 .

Series 1 (fixed), Series 3 (mobile).

Figures are in hundreds of millions

Report Plan:

 Paraphrase paragraph: shows>compares; subscribers paying to

use>people who paid to use; between 1994 and 2007>during the
period 1994 to 2007
 Summary/overview paragraph: (1) the number of subscribers to
Series 1 increased steadily (2) the number of subscribers to Series 3
rose dramatically after 2000.
 Paragraph 3: compare the numbers and trends for Series 1 and Series
3 from 1994 to 2002, when the numbers were equal.
 Paragraph 4: compare the numbers and trends for both Series after
2002.
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Report:

The line graph compares the number of people in Africa who paid to use fixed
line telephone services and mobile phone services during the period 1994 to
2007.

Overall, it is clear that the number of subscribers to Series 1 – fixed line services
– rose steadily over the period. In contrast, after 2000 there was a dramatic
increase in the number of subscribers to Series 3 – mobile phone networks.

In 1994, 100 million people used mobile phone services, while subscribers to
fixed line networks totalled more than double this number. Subscription to fixed
line networks then saw a gradual rise to 300 million by 2002. Although the
number of mobile phone users rose only slowly until 2000, there was then a rapid
increase to the same figure of 300 million by 2002.

After that year, the number of subscribers to mobile phone networks continued to
rise dramatically to a total of 800 million in 2007. On the other hand, the number
of those using fixed line services increased slowly in comparison, reaching
almost 400 million at the end of the period.

180 words

(TASK 2) The tendency of news reports in the media to focus more on

problems and emergencies rather than on positive developments is harmful
to individuals and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Essay Plan:

 Introduction: refer to the task statement. Own opinion – completely

disagree that it is harmful.
 Paragraph 2: problems and emergencies are spectacular – examples:
earthquake, a crash, an assassination. Good news is not exciting –
example: medical discoveries.
 Paragraph 3: bad news is distressing for individuals, but it is
necessary to report it to the public in order for action to be taken.
Example: tsunami – public support for relief, air crash and safety
investigation, nuclear accident and environmental issues.

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  Conclusion: disagree with the statement.

Essay:

It is true that news coverage in the media is dominated by reports of tragedies,

disasters and problems of all kinds. While this may make individuals feel
anxious and unhappy, I completely disagree that this is harmful, and the social
effects of ignoring such events would be extremely dangerous.

Firstly, breaking news is always about some spectacular event. This may be a
natural disaster, for example an earthquake, an air crash or a political event such
as the assassination of a well-known figure like US President Kennedy or Martin
Luther King. Within seconds the news is transmitted around the world.
Occasionally, the spectacular event is good news, like the first moon landing.
However, most positive developments rarely make front page headlines or appear
as leading articles in news reports. Scientific discoveries, such as cures for
various types of cancer, are the result of years of methodical investigation and
are not considered exciting enough for the sensational journalism of today.

Secondly, when something spectacular happens and is instantly reported, this is a

necessary step in calling public attention to an issue. The news is distressing for
those personally affected, and for society as a whole, but it raises problems which
demand public concern. If the media carry a story about a tsunami in Indonesia,
this triggers public support to donate money for relief efforts by international
organisations. No responsible editorial policy can avoid discussion of the impact
of those issues. For instance, a major air crash results in public calls for a safety
investigation enquiry, or a nuclear accident raises environmental issues.

In conclusion, I do not agree that there is too much media focus on problems and
emergencies. Ignoring these issues in favour of a ‘feel good’ approach to the
world is dangerous escapism.

294 words

Vocabulary from media and advertising

 news coverage
Meaning: the reporting of news in newspapers, on tv, radio or other
forms of media
Example: The US presidential election received global news coverage, so
that the whole world became interested in the result.
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  breaking news
Meaning: newly-received information about an event that is currently
taking place
Example: One disadvantage of newspapers is that they are unable to print
the latest breaking news as it happens.

 to make front page headlines

Meaning: to be an important item of news in the newspapers, on radio or
television
Example: It seems that every trivial event in the lives of celebrities
makes front page headlines nowadays.

 a leading article
Meaning: a piece of writing which deals with the most important news
item of the day
Example: Newspapers in my country often have a leading article on
some sensational crime that has been committed.

 sensational journalism
Meaning: reporting which tries to attract your interest by presenting facts
or events as more shocking than they really are
Example: Unfortunately, sensational journalism has led many people to
distrust the media.

 to carry a story
Meaning: to include an item in a news report
Example: The media nowadays carries too many stories about
celebrities and not enough serious news.

 editorial policy
Meaning: the policy of the newspaper or news programme, as decided by
the person in charge of producing the newspaper or programme
Example: The editorial policy of a newspaper determines whether
serious news items are reported in a responsible way.

Other vocabulary:

 to transmit [verb]:
Meaning: to send an electronic signal, radio or television broadcast
Example: The match was transmitted live by satellite to over 50
countries.

 methodical [adjective]:
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 Meaning: done in a careful and logical way
Example: The results of the experiments were checked in a methodical
way by the members of the research team.

 to call attention to [expression]:

Meaning: to make somebody notice and think about a person or thing
Example: The documentary called attention to the declining number of
tigers in India.

 distressing [adjective]:
Meaning: making you feel very upset, sad and anxious
Example: The documentary of the refugees from the war zone was very
distressing.

 to raise issues [expression]:

Meaning: to mention problems for people to discuss and to deal with
Example: The report on global warming raised issues about the possible
extinction of all human life on the planet.

 to trigger [verb]:
Meaning: to make something happen suddenly
Example: The murder of the church leader triggered public protests
when the news was announced.

 a feel-good approach [expression]:

Meaning: making you feel happy and pleased with life
Example: Advertisers usually adopt a feel-good approach when
marketing their products.

 escapism [noun]:
Meaning: an activity or form of entertainment that helps you to forget
unpleasant things
Example: John enjoys playing video games as a form of escapism from
the pressures of his job.

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