[hasin z] Writing Practice Test 1739677

The graph in question compares three types of fuels in the UK between 1981 and 2000. The fuels considered here are petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Here the usage is marked along the vertical axis and the timeline is marked along the horizontal axis

From the graph, a gradual decline in the use of coal as a fuel source is very clearly visible. In 1981, almost 80 energy units of coal were used as fuel; here energy unit represents energy from one million tonnes of oil. This era marked the start of the Industrial Revolution when coal-driven engines were widely used. The number gradually declines since then, other than a sudden drop in coal usage during 1985-1985. In 2000, the usage has dwindled to less than 40 energy units, which is less than half of its usage in 1981

In contrast, Natural gas as a fuel remained mostly stable in its usage from 1981 up to 1991 with 40 energy units being used yearly. Following that, there is an exponential rise in its usage which gradually rose to 100 energy units yearly in the year 2000. This is more than double the original usage.

However, the usage of petroleum has always been higher than coal and natural gas. 90 energy units of petroleum were used in 1981 and the number increased to 140 energy units between 1984 and 1988. Then there was a decline in its usage up to 1992, which was still almost 40 energy units higher than both natural gas and coal at that time. After that, the usage increased again gradually shooting up to 140 energy units in the year 2000.

A conclusion can be drawn regarding the three main fuels described here. After 1992, the use of coal is being slowly replaced and natural gas is swiftly taking its place as the more popular fuel choice. However the use of petroleum is rising steadily and is at an all-time high in the year 2000.

To start with my opinion on the matter, I must first discuss two scenarios that I have experienced and they represent the circumstances most commonly found in my surrounding socio-economic situation. I will be drawing a few conclusions based on them. They are my opinion and do not at all aim to study the reality across multiple societies of different values.

For the first scenario, I would like to talk about my college friend, let's say his/her name is Abel. Abel came from a financially stable family in a rural area. The family values he was brought up in taught him compassion, love, and an easy-going life. However, coming to live alone in a big city to study in a college has given him few options to practice what he was taught. The fast-paced life was a hard hit to him both emotionally and physically. He fell sick the first week he arrived. However, the college authority managed to guide him through a good recovery system and he was slowly acclimatizing to his surroundings. But a new vice drew his attention, hard opioid drugs. He took to injecting himself almost three to four times a week. It pained me and all of his other classmates to see the state he was slowly finding himself in. Once again the college authority took prompt action and his family was notified. After struggling to recover, he managed to barely pass his required subjects and his father whisked him away back to his rural abode. I along with his peers am happy to report that he is now happily married and is leading his own agro-farm business and leading a very well-deserved happy life.

Now to talk about another of my college friends, let's say his/her name is Emil. Emil, unlike Abel, comes from a business background in a big city. His family had always been protective of him and his whereabouts from the start of his academic journey. As a result, it had been difficult for him to participate in most extra-curricular activities and develop himself individually. Coming to the capital and getting admitted to a good university was his dream for a long time and by his efforts he succeeded in getting admitted. Coming from a more urban area, he had little issues coping with the hard and fast life. He was swiftly trying to fill his free time with all the opportunities he had been denied all this time. After four years, I can say that Emil is a person who is very knowledgeable in his field and managed to get a very good position in his current job because he chose to attend university in another city. This might have not been the case had he stuck with his family in his hometown.

The two scenarios both describe a person trying to do his best in a new and unfamiliar place. Sometimes, the opportunities of studying at a university in a different area far outweigh the financial, social, and physical drawbacks. But at the end of the day, the individual dictates what the correct decision is. A person from one socio-economic background might find he has a backup plan like relatives or a huge bank account if things go south. However, another person may see the opportunity as a risk not worth taking, as his backup plan is not robust.

From my understanding then, the benefits of living away from home during university in most cases do not outweigh the disadvantages. I believe a risk regarding this should only be taken if a robust support structure both socially and financially; is readily available.