Questions 1-10

c  The weather in summer tends to be drier  
d  People usually like… / Usually people like…
Exam Practice 
Sample answer
It is clear that large numbers of people spend a 
considerable proportion of their leisure time looking at 
their smart phones or similar gadgets. In my view there 
are two major reasons for this. Firstly, so much of our 
lives is now managed through these devices and we 
are expected to be in touch at all times. It is no longer 
acceptable to say that we are on holiday and cut off 
from communication with the outside world. A related 
but separate point is that it is difficult to conduct our 
social lives without a mobile device. People travel much 
more and their friends often live far away. Therefore, 
they actually need to conduct relationships online 
rather than face to face and for this reason frequent use 
of a mobile device is considered essential. 
There are some worrying aspects to this growth in the 
use of mobile devices, especially at times when people 
are supposed to be relaxing. Firstly, it is widely believed 
that phone use can become addictive and lead to an 
unhealthy dependence. People can become anxious if 
they do not check their devices at all times of the day 
and night and this can cause insomnia and other kinds 
of mental health problems. 
On the other hand, such devices can provide great 
sources of information and entertainment during our 
free time. It is, for example, valuable to have a mobile 
device when travelling in a new area, to look up routes 
or to find interesting places to visit. They also greatly 
facilitate activities such as making arrangements to 
meet up with friends. 
On balance, I feel that rather than spoiling our health 
or reducing enjoyment of our free time these devices 
actually enhance our lives.