WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below shows the number of university graduates in Canada from 1992 to 2007.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

The given line graph provides information about Canadian university graduates in both genders throughout the period from 1992 until 2007.

As can be seen from the graph, the figures of males and females both increased over the course of time, and that of females always took the lead.

Canadian females showed their academic ability ever since the year 1992, with roughly 100 000 university graduates. The number slightly grew in the following three years, and reached the level of around 105 000 in 1995. Then, the year 1996 witnessed a trivial fall bringing it back to its starting point in 1992. In the remaining years of the period, the number of female graduates had a sharp rise, finally went up to nearly 150 000.

The number of male graduates did not have a very impressive start with only about 70000. Comparing to the female figures, the number of male graduates experienced a climb at a steady speed. In 2007, it peaked at well over 90000, not yet reached the beginning number of females.

Overall, the academic level of Canadian citizens increased in the past years.

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic.

Some organizations believe that their employees should dress smartly. Others value quality of work above appearance.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

For some companies, it is the norm that employees dress formally in the workplace. However, in others' list, they rank work quality over appearance. I am in the belief that an office with properly dressed members of staff is a professional work environment, and hence, the employees' appearance help improve the image of an organization.

The fact that many claim work quality is the most important factor is due to various reasons. People consider smart clothes uncomfortable, and could prevent one from working productively. For example, fashion at work might be a distraction for employees as they have to spend time and thoughts on it alongside their work. Also, there are those who think a dress code could limit one's creativity. Therefore they suggest employees dress freely at work as long as they complete their tasks.

Office fashion is indeed one of the greatest concerns for newcomers, as it is the best tool to make a good first impression. One's appearance reveals how well he takes care of himself, as well as how much he respects his colleagues and clients. For instance, in a meeting with future partners, people tend to seek for those who show up on time looking as prim and proper as they can be, because these are basic manners and signs of trustworthiness and professionalism. Building appearance takes time, but it is by no means wasteful, as it can help with many criteria when climbing the career ladders.

In conclusions, quality of work is vital, however it is not the only factor contributing one's success. Appearance also plays an essential role in the triumph at work, and it should be taken more seriously.