IELTS with Mujahid · Academic Writing
| Sources | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| National Government | 175.5m | 177.8m |
| Local Taxes | 91.2m | 102.3m |
| Other sources (eg grants) | 38m | 38.5m |
| Total | 304.7m | 318.6m |
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The table shows where a police force's funding came from in 2017 and 2018 in one area of Britain, while the two pie charts show how that budget was distributed across three spending categories in each year.
Overall, the total police budget grew slightly between the two years, and national government remained by far the largest funding source throughout, while the proportion of spending allocated to salaries fell as spending on technology rose.
In terms of funding, the total budget increased from £304.7m in 2017 to £318.6m in 2018. National government contributed the majority of this in both years, rising marginally from £175.5m to £177.8m, while local taxes saw a larger increase, from £91.2m to £102.3m. Funding from other sources, such as grants, remained comparatively minor and almost unchanged, at around £38m in both years.
Regarding expenditure, salaries for officers and staff consumed the lion's share of the budget in both years, though this proportion fell from 75% in 2017 to 69% in 2018. This decline was mirrored by a rise in spending on technology, which nearly doubled from 8% to 14%. Spending on buildings and transport remained constant at 17% across both years.
It has become increasingly common to see children absorbed in their smartphones for hours on end. This essay will explore the reasons behind this trend before considering whether it represents a positive or negative development.
There are several reasons why children now spend so much time on their phones. Firstly, smartphones offer instant access to games, videos, and social media platforms specifically designed to be highly engaging, if not addictive, through features such as endless scrolling and reward notifications. Secondly, many parents, particularly those juggling demanding work schedules, use smartphones as a convenient way to keep children occupied, effectively normalising extended screen time from a young age. Finally, peer influence plays a significant role, as children often feel pressure to stay connected with friends through messaging apps and social media in order to avoid feeling excluded.
In my view, this development is largely negative, despite some genuine benefits. On the positive side, smartphones can support learning through educational apps and help children stay in touch with family. However, the drawbacks are considerable: excessive screen time has been linked to reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns, and difficulties with attention and social skills. For example, children who spend hours on their phones often struggle to engage in face-to-face conversation or outdoor play, both of which are crucial for healthy development.
In conclusion, while smartphones offer children convenience and connectivity, the current scale of use appears to be doing more harm than good, and parents would be wise to set clearer boundaries around screen time.