DAY 2 WRITING 10/5 8888

Some people think that the best way to solve traffic problem is to build better train system, but others think that the best way is to build more roads. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

A1 build better train system – C1 solve traffic problem
A2 build more roads – C2 solve traffic problem
A1 & A2 不对立 可以共存

Whether the train system or road network should be further developed to address traffic congestion remains the source of constant debate. As far as I am concerned, these two methods can complement each other to tackle traffic congestion.

One of the most noticeable advantages of trains is that they only run on the railway; thus, they will not exaggerate the traffic problem on the roads no matter the number of trains. Additionally, all the trains strictly follow their schedules, so it is not likely for the traffic jam to happen in the train system. Another strength is that each train has plenty of cargos, so the capacity for carrying passengers is much bigger than any car and bus; thus, it can meet the travelling needs of the increasing passengers.

A larger population nowadays own their cars; therefore, more cars are now running on the roads. With a more organized and well-developed road network, drivers may be able to choose different routes to get to their destinations, which is believed to help relieve traffic congestions as they won’t be rushing into the same roads. However, if there are only a few roads available for options, drivers may not find alternative ways to go around busy areas; therefore, cars may be packed on the streets and cause traffic problems.

From my perspective, a better train system and a more developed road network can both be part of the solution for the traffic problem. It is undeniable that train has the unparallel merit when it comes to passenger capacity; however, some areas may not be suitable for building railways and train stations due to their climate conditions and natural landform. In this case, building more roads may be a better option to tackle traffic congestions as it provides more alternative routes with bigger carrying capacity for cars and buses.

Task 1
The line graph illustrates the percentage of senior citizens aged over 65 in Japan, Sweden, and the USA since 1940, with predictions until 2040.

The proportions of the senior population in all three countries showed a general upward trend since 1940, and it is expected to continue until 2040. It is noticeable that Japan had the lowest percentage of people who are 65 years old and over from the beginning; however, the proportion is predicted to soar significantly and overtake the USA and Sweden in 2040.

In 1940, about 10% of the population in the USA were over 65-year-old people, compared to roughly 7% of their counterparts in Sweden and 5% of those in Japan. The percentages in the USA and Sweden continued to rise until 1980, reaching their first peak, at 15% and 14% respectively, whereas that of Japan slightly went down and reached the bottom in the same year, at only 3%. After that, the proportion of 65 years old and over in the USA stabilized at about 14% over 40 years, while the figures of Sweden and Japan increased steadily, and Sweden overtook the USA before 2000. It is projected that the group of 65 years old and over will take up a larger percentage of the population in all these three countries, especially in Japan; the aging population will soar dramatically and reach about 22% in 2030, surpassing Sweden (20%) and USA (18%) in the same year. The rise is expected to continue till 2040, with roughly 27% of Japanese, 25% of Swedish and 23% of Americans will be over 65 years old.