The maps compare a small island before and after the developments carried out for tourism purposes.

Overall, it is clear that accommodation and other facilities for tourists were built and that a pier was constructed to permit access to the island by boat.

The island was originally completely undeveloped.

A number of trees occupied the northern and southern parts.

In the central part of the island, two separate accommodation areas were then built, consisting of simple huts arranged round a circular footpath.

A reception area and restaurant were located in the centre of these two areas.

Another footpath was constructed, leading to the beach on the western edge of the island and an area there for tourists to swim.

Access to the island was made possible by the construction of a pier, for tourists to land safely by boat.

A vehicle track then connected the pier with the reception area.

The vehicle track wound round the reception area and continued a very short distance to the restaurant.

Sample #26

'Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communicating with their office using computer technology.

Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades.

How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?

model answer:

The spread of telecommuting is sure to have far-reaching effects on society.

 

By itself, telecommuting refers to offiice workers spending much of their time working from home and using electronic technologies to communicate with their employers.

 

The broader implications of telecommuting, however, may involve changes to corporate structure, workers' lifestyles and even urban planning.

The most obvious changes may be apparent in the `normal' offices of companies, governments and other organisations.

 

If even half the working week is spent telecommuting from home, then we would initially expect many empty desks in the offiice.

 

As offices grow smaller, workers coming in for the day would be expected to share desks with their absent colleagues.

 

This, in turn, may affect the social atmosphere of an organisation, however, as less social contact with one's colleagues could harm morale and loyalty.

For the individual office worker, telecommuting would mean spending more time at home.

 

For a parent with young children, this may be a blessing.

 

Moreover, many telecommuters would be able to work the hours they wished: having a nap in the afternrnoon, for example, but working some hours in the evening.

 

One substantial benefit for all telecommuting workers is that there will be no need to travel to work, allowing more free time.

The structure of urban life is also likely to be affected by telecommuting.

 

We would expect to see fewer cars on the road during peak hours and, eventually, a smaller concentration of offiices in cities' central business districts.

 

In short, people will have less reason to travel to city centres from outlying areas.

 

As more people work and live in the same location, shops and cultural events will likely relocate themselves out of the city centre.

In sum, telecommuting will serve not only to change the way we work but also the way we live.