Traditional customs

Traditional customs are still important during weddings and religious festivals

People wear traditional costumers and eat special foods

It is important to maintain our different cultural identities

We should celebrate festivals, teach traditional skills and protect historic places

Transport

Traffic problems

Traffic congestion is caused by commuters travelling to work

Most people live in the suburbs outside city centre

Commuters tend to travel at the same time of day

They tend to travel alone

Cars and road space are not used efficiently

This causes traffic jams during the rush hour

Traffic solutions

In order to reduce traffic we should change our working habits

The internet can now be used to connect people

More people could work from home

Meetings can be held as video conferences

Workers could be given flexible timetables

Another solution would be to tax drivers

Workers should share their cars and travel together

In London, for example, there is a congestion charge

This helps to raise money for better public transport

Public transport needs to be reliable and efficient

Positives of Public transport

We need to reduce our dependence on cars

Parking a car can be extremely difficult in big cities

Well-designed transport systems are comfortable and convenient

Modern public transport can be fast and cheap

Public transport can help to reduce pollution in cities

Investment in buses and trains will ease traffic congestion

Buses can be given special lands to avoid traffic

Negatives of public transport

Public transport if often slow and unreliable

Metro systems and trains are often dirty and crowded

People feel like “sardines in a can”

Cars are much more comfortable

Road safety

Driving while tired or drunk is extremely dangerous

Mobile phones can be a dangerous distraction for drivers

They draw the driver’s attention away from the road

The use of phones while driving has been banned in many countries

Punishments are becoming stricter

Television campaigns are used to remind people to drive safely

Speed cameras have become more common

Speed bumps are another form of traffic calming

Many streets are designed with the aim of slowing traffic down

Water

Importance of clean water

Water is as necessary natural resource

Humans need access to clean, safe drinking water in order to live

Poor water quality is a major cause of disease and death in some countries

Water usually needs to be treated before we can drink it

Developing countries often lack the means to treat and supply water to citizens

Developed countries tend to have much better sanitation

Citizens have access to clean tap water

Drinking water is not contaminated by sewage or waste water

The supply of clean water would improve public health in many developing countries

Water supply

Urban life would be impossible without water supply systems

These systems are massive engineering projects

Many professionals are involved in their planning, construction and maintenance

The supply and distribution of water are major concerns

Water is becoming scarce in some countries

Areas that suffer droughts often need to import water

As populations grow, there is more pressure on water supplies

This could lead to a water crisis

Water and politics

The supply of water is also an important political issue

Huge amount of water are needed for agriculture and industry

The irrigation of crops accounts for a large proportions of water use

A water crisis could lead to political conflicts or even wars

Argument: water should be free

Some people believe that water should be free for everyone

Governments should supply water to all homes at no cost

Private companies should not be allowed to profit from this natural resource

Money from taxes can be used to pay for water supply systems

Argument: water should not be free

If water is free, people take it for granted

They do not think about how much water they waste

They leave taps running while washing or brushing their teeth

If we have to pay for water, we will use it more responsibly

Water supply systems are extremely expensive

Investment is needed to maintain and improve them

Private companies may provide a better service than governments

If they provide an efficient service, they will make more money

They will repair leaks to avoid losing money

Bottled Water: Opinions

Some people carry bottles of water wherever they go

For example, they take bottles of water to work or to the gym

They believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water

They also argue that it tastes better

However, other people believe that we should consume less bottled water

Plastic water bottles add to litter and waste problems

Companies should not be able to make a profit from water

It is unethical to make money by selling packaged water

There is no difference in quality between bottled and tap water

Work

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 1290