Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Writing Test 2

The pie charts illustrate the linguistic diversity among British students at a particular English university in 2000 and 2010. A noticeable trend is the increase in multilingual capabilities over this decade.

In 2000, a significant majority, 30%, of students were monolingual, speaking only English. By contrast, this figure plummeted to just 15% by 2010. French was the second most common language spoken exclusively by students in both years (15% in 2000 and 10% in 2010). The proportion of German-only speakers remained constant at a modest 10%.

A striking development is observed in the category of students proficient in two or more languages other than English. In 2000, only a small fraction (10%) fell into this category; however, by 2010, this segment had surged to constitute the largest group at an impressive 35%.

Spanish-only speakers represented a consistent minority across both years at just under one-tenth of the student population.

In summary, while there was a marked decline in monolingual English-speaking students from one-third to just over one-seventh over ten years, there was an equally notable rise in polyglots fluent in two or more additional languages from one-tenth to over one-third.

I partially agree with the statement that government intervention could play a crucial role in increasing recycling rates, but I believe it is not the only solution. While legislation can set a framework and provide incentives for recycling, a holistic approach involving public awareness, education, and community engagement is equally essential.

Firstly, government regulations can be effective in promoting recycling by imposing penalties for non-compliance and offering incentives for businesses and individuals who actively participate in recycling programs. For instance, some countries have successfully implemented laws that require the separation of recyclables from general waste, encouraging citizens to be more mindful of their waste disposal habits.

However, a legal requirement alone might not be sufficient. Public awareness and education are pivotal in changing people’s attitudes towards recycling. Governments should invest in campaigns that inform citizens about the environmental benefits of recycling, the impact of waste on ecosystems, and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. Additionally, community involvement through workshops and local initiatives can foster a sense of responsibility and commitment to sustainable waste management.

Moreover, infrastructure plays a significant role in facilitating recycling. Governments should invest in efficient waste collection and recycling facilities, making it convenient for people to participate in recycling programs. Accessible recycling bins in public spaces, clear guidelines on what can be recycled, and collaboration with private sectors for innovative recycling solutions are all critical components of a comprehensive strategy.

In conclusion, while government regulations are important, a multi-faceted approach involving public education, community engagement, and infrastructure development is necessary to create a sustainable and effective recycling system. A combination of legal requirements and proactive public involvement can maximize the impact on waste reduction and environmental conservation.