Luyện theo cấu trúc Cambridge IELTS 11 · Writing Task 1 + 2: Offshore Wind Energy & Farmers’ Markets

The table compares five countries in terms of their offshore wind farm capacity and the proportion of their electricity generated by these farms in 2015 and 2025.

Overall, offshore wind expanded in every country over the decade, both in capacity and in its contribution to electricity supply. Norvalia had by far the largest capacity, but it was Estmark that relied most heavily on offshore wind.

Norvalia's capacity almost tripled, from 5.1 to 14.8 gigawatts, and the share of its electricity coming from offshore wind rose from 6% to 19%. Estmark's capacity also tripled, to 9.6 gigawatts, yet this was enough to supply almost a third (31%) of its electricity, up from 12%, which suggests that its total demand is much smaller.

The most dramatic growth occurred in Brenland, where capacity increased more than sixteen-fold, from 0.4 to 6.5 gigawatts, although offshore wind still provided only 8% of its power. Calvara, which had no offshore wind farms in 2015, installed 3 gigawatts and generated 11% of its electricity from them by 2025. Kestria, by contrast, saw very little change, with capacity edging up from 1.8 to 2.2 gigawatts and its share rising by just one percentage point, to 5%.

Over the past two decades, farmers' markets have reappeared in many towns and cities, offering shoppers the chance to buy fruit, vegetables, meat and bread directly from the people who produce them. Although this trend has some drawbacks, I believe its benefits are considerably greater.

The main disadvantage is cost. Small farms cannot match the economies of scale enjoyed by large agricultural companies, so their produce is often more expensive than similar items in a supermarket. As a result, farmers' markets may mainly serve wealthier customers, while low-income families continue to depend on cheaper processed food. Markets are also less convenient, as most take place only once or twice a week and offer a limited range of goods that changes with the seasons.

Nevertheless, the advantages are more significant. First, selling directly to customers allows farmers to keep a far larger share of the price, which helps small family farms remain profitable instead of being forced to sell their land. Second, food that travels only a short distance is usually fresher and requires less packaging and refrigeration, reducing its environmental impact. Finally, markets have a social value that supermarkets rarely offer. Shoppers can ask producers how their food is grown, and in many neighbourhoods the weekly market has become a meeting place that strengthens the sense of community.

Moreover, the problem of price is not insurmountable. Some local councils already provide vouchers that low-income households can spend at markets, and buying seasonal produce, which is often plentiful and cheap, can make market shopping surprisingly affordable.

In conclusion, while farmers' markets can be more expensive and less convenient than supermarkets, their economic, environmental and social benefits clearly outweigh these disadvantages.