Ngày 2: Full Mock Test 4 — Writing (Task 1 + 2) + Speaking (Parts 1-3)

The bar chart compares the proportion of adults engaging in five physical activities across Australia, Japan, Brazil, Germany, and Canada in 2020.

Overall, walking was the most widely practiced activity in the majority of countries, while preferences for other activities varied significantly between nations. Notably, Germany had the highest rate of cycling, and Brazil led in team sports participation.

Walking attracted the highest participation rates in most countries, with Japan leading at 72%, followed by Australia (65%) and Canada (61%). Germany and Brazil had lower figures at 58% and 45% respectively. Swimming was most popular in Australia (35%) and Canada (30%), while Japan had the lowest rate at just 18%.

Cycling participation was highest in Germany at 48%, considerably more than in Japan (35%) and Australia (20%). Brazil and Canada had relatively low cycling rates of 12% and 15%. Gym and fitness activities were most popular in Canada (38%) and Australia (30%), while Japan recorded the lowest figure (15%). Interestingly, team sports showed a different pattern, with Brazil recording the highest participation at 40%, more than double the rate of most other countries.

(162 words)

The question of when children should begin learning a foreign language has sparked considerable debate among educators and parents alike. While some advocate for introducing languages at primary school, others argue that secondary school is a more appropriate stage. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.

Those who support early language learning point to research showing that young children have a natural ability to absorb new languages. Studies in neuroscience suggest that the brain’s capacity for language acquisition is at its peak before the age of ten, making primary school an ideal time to introduce a second language. Children at this age are less self-conscious about making mistakes and tend to develop more native-like pronunciation. Furthermore, early exposure to different languages can enhance cognitive flexibility and cultural awareness.

On the other hand, proponents of later language learning argue that primary school children already face a demanding curriculum covering core subjects such as mathematics, reading, and science. Adding a foreign language could overburden young learners and potentially interfere with the development of their mother tongue. They contend that secondary school students have stronger literacy skills in their first language, which provides a better foundation for understanding grammatical concepts in a foreign language. Additionally, older students can study more efficiently and make faster progress due to their more developed learning strategies.

In my opinion, the benefits of early language learning outweigh the potential drawbacks. While concerns about curriculum overload are valid, language learning at primary school does not need to follow a formal academic approach. Instead, it can be integrated through songs, games, and storytelling, making it an enjoyable part of the school day rather than an additional burden. Countries such as the Netherlands and Sweden, where foreign language education begins early, consistently produce highly proficient multilingual citizens.

In conclusion, although there are reasonable arguments for delaying foreign language education until secondary school, I believe that starting at primary school, with age-appropriate methods, gives children the best opportunity to become competent speakers of another language.

(312 words)