Cambridge 9
Test 4
Sample answer 1
The line graph compares the consumption of six different kinds of
energy in the USA from 1980 to 2030.
Overall, more fossil fuels are used in comparison with renewable
energy sources. The general trend for energy consumption is upward over
the period shown.
In 1980, the amount of petrol and oil consumed was 35 quadrillion
units, nearly doubling that of natural gas, at 20 quadrillion units. Slightly less
coal was burned at that time, with its figure being just over 15 quadrillion
units. In comparison, the consumption of natural energy was equal, standing
at under 5 quadrillion units each.
In 2030, more petrol and oil are expected to be burnt and its
consumption will still maintain its leading position at just under 50 quadrillion
units. Despite some variations over the time shown, the amount of coal used
is predicted to outnumber that of natural gas, with about 30 and 25 quadrillion
units burned, respectively. For renewable energy sources, the prediction is
that its figures will be on a minimal rise of only under 5 quadrillion units, and
hydropower will record the lowest energy consumption in 2030.
(186 words)
Sample answer 2
The line graph outlines energy consumption in the USA from 1980 to
the present day, with further projections up until 2030. Use is recorded in
quadrillion units and is divided in to six categories, almost all of which display
a general increase over time.
For the entirety of the period covered, petrol and oil usage is the
highest. In 1980, 35 quadrillion units were used, and this dipped a little
initially before rising steadily to a projected peak of 50 quadrillion units by
2030. This rate of increase is matched by that of coal, whose usage climbs
from around 16 quadrillion units to just over 30 quadrillion units over the
same period of time. This means that, by 2030, it is expected to be the
second-most used fuel, whereas in 1980 natural gas usage was higher, at
20 quadrillion units. However, usage of this fuel is expected to remain at 25
quadrillion units from 2015 until 2030.
At the other end of the spectrum, nuclear fuel and solar / wind fuel
usage is not predicted to change drastically, with increases from 3 to 8 and
3 to 6 quadrillion units, respectively. In slight contrast, usage of hydropower,
which was also 3 quadrillion units in 1980, dropped very slightly to
approximately 2.5 quadrillion units in 2011, and it is not expected that this
level of usage will change in the future.
(229 words)
Sample answer 3
The graph shows energy consumption in the US from 1980 to 2012,
and projected consumption to 2030.
Petrol and oil are the dominant fuel sources throughout this period, with
35 quadrillion (35q) units used in 1980, rising to 42q in 2012. Despite some
initial fluctuation, from 1995 there was a steady increase. This is expected to
continue, reaching 47q in 2030.
Consumption of energy derived from natural gas and coal is similar
over the period. From 20q and 15q respectively in 1980, gas showed an
initial fall and coal a gradual increase, with the two fuels equal between 1985
and 1990. Consumption has fluctuated since 1990 but both now provide 24q.
Coal is predicted to increase steadily to 31q in 2030, whereas after 2014,
gas will remain stable at 25q.
In 1980, energy from nuclear, hydro-and solar/wind power was equal
at only 4q. Nuclear has risen by 3q, and solar/wind by 2. After slight
increases, hydropower has fallen back to the 1980 figure. It is expected to
maintain this level until 2030, while the others should rise slightly after 2025.
Overall, the US will continue to rely on fossil fuels, with sustainable and
nuclear energy sources remaining relatively insignificant.
(201 words)
