Task 1:

The graph gives data of the production and consumption of energy in the US in the latter half of the 20th century and makes comparison between them. Besides, the figures are forecast until the year 2025. In 1950 the beginning of the period, both figures of the US consumption and production were almost 30 energy units. Then, they met again in 1975 after a slightly fluctuated period with the amount of energy needed to be imported was marginally. However, through the 25-year period latter, this need accelerated gradually to just over 25 energy units in 2000. Despite experiencing an erratic behavior, in 2000 the units produced rose minimally (approximately 70 units), whereas US consumption increased with a rather fast speed. In the first quarter of the 21st century, both the figures of US consumption and production are anticipated to accelerate quickly to 80 and 140 units, respectively. As a result, in 2025 the number of energy units imported will double. All in all, we can see that the gap between the energy produced and the need of US citizens are more and more wide.

Task 2:

These days, with the development of the mechanic industry and the society, the need of people to travel is increased dramatically. As a result, almost every country has to face traffic congestions problems. There are those who think that the only way to solve this issue is by making use of e-working, e-learning and eshopping. However, I take the view that this is truly an effective way, but not the only way. There are both advantages and disadvantages in doing this. If people can do almost everything from home, then the amount of traffic is no longer a difficult dilemma. Also, we will have nothing to complain about air pollution in cities, especially the big ones. Nevertheless, working or learning through the Internet is a virtual, not a human based environment. Consequently, not only the physical and mental health of individuals but also the communication in society will be badly affected. In a nutshell, its hard to say in general whether this solution is a good or a bad thing. However, in my opinion, only small companies, schools or shops should apply this way and in just some certain periods. Some countries have already used other remedies to traffic congestion. Improving networks of public transports is a popular way. In Singapore the green country, almost everyone use buses or trains to travel. By this way, the amount of fuel used is limited and also the air is no longer polluted. In Hanoi now, the government is planning to move a number of universities from the city centre to the suburbs, this will greatly reduce the amount of traffic. Moreover, in some Western countries, taxes and fines for private cars are really high, which can stop people using their cars and thinking about public transports. All in all, there are various ways to solve traffic problems. Each country should consider their conditions and choose some schemes which will bring them benefits.