Task 1: The graph shows the number of marriages and divorces in the UK between 1975 and 2000. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

The line graph demonstrates how many marriages and divorces there were in the UK from 1975 to the year 2000.

As can be seen from the graph, during the first ten years, all numbers grew significantly. However, the year 1985 marked the appearance of two separate trends of development, as the number of first marriages has gone down to below the beginning point by the year 2000, dragging the number of total marriages to a similar situation, whereas both the number of 2nd marriages and divorces have much increased when compared to initial numbers.

In the ten years' time between 1975 and 1985, all figures sky-rocketed. This decade witnessed a remarkable growth in the number of divorces, as it rose from well under 100 to roughly 200, more than twice as much as it was in the beginning. Though experienced similar patterns of increase throughout this time frame, the number of second marriages still made up only around a third of the total marriages and have not closed the gap between itself and that of first marriages.

Since 1985, things have taken a turn as the number of divorces continued to go up while that of total marriages and first marriages started to decline. The number of second marriages slightly fluctuated and went back to just over 200 in 1995, yet it was still higher than the starting number. By the year 2000, the number of second marriages has climbed to approximately 250 and was then almost identical to that of divorces, reaching the closest it has ever been to that of second marriages, which has fallen to only 300.

Task 2:

People think that government should increase the cost of fuel for cars and other
vehicles to solve environmental problems. Give your opinion.

With the view to bring out new solutions to current environmental problems, some suggest the authorities demand people to pay higher prices for cars and other vehicles' fuel. This is a thought-provoking idea and further discussions on whether it should be put into practice are necessary.

By introducing higher prices for fuel, the number of people who can afford to own individual vehicles would eventually decrease, as people's incomes remain unchanged. For example, this could potentially lead to a change in their choice of vehicle and the best-case scenario is that more people will commute with public transportations. It is well-known that the use of public transport can help reduce one's carbon footprint. Thanks to this change, factors contributing to current environmental issues could be reduced. The situation would then be much improved, however not yet completely free of trouble.

Once the government raises the cost of fuel, it immediately becomes more challenging for those who have no choice but to commute to work daily using a car. For instance, there are many areas in which there's no means of public transportations available, so despite the higher cost, some would have to continue traveling with their cars. It would then make no difference to the amount of carbon dioxide released to nature and create a new financial burden for the people. Furthermore, in areas where people can take full advantage of convenient public transport, rent could then become an issue, as it is often unaffordable for the general public. Due to these factors, the act of making people pay more for fuels might not be the ultimate solution to environmental problems, as it comes hand in hand with other problematic issues.

Though the suggestion might seem appealing at first glance as it encourages the use of the public transportation system, with further considerations, it is apparent it might also cause other unwanted problems. Therefore, if the government chooses to make this change, actions should be taken simultaneously to solve the planning puzzles in cities.