The graph demonstrates how many percentages of the four types of materials were recycled during the period from 1982 to 2010 in a country. Apparently, all these four materials saw an increase in recycling in 2010 compared to that in 1982. The material that was recycled the most was Paper and Cardboard, of which the proportion figures were always above 62 percent. However, these figures show a drastic fluctuation, which climbed to 70% in 1986, dropped back to 62% four years later, then surged to the peak of 80% in 1994 before its continual decline back to 70% by the end of the period. The recycling rate of Glass Containers led the second place, starting from 50% at the beginning and slope to its bottom at 40% in 1990 before a strong recovery to 50% four years later. From then on, the recycling status of this material continuously grew. Aluminium cans experienced the most impressive and consistent increase in the recycling rate. From just slightly above 0% of aluminium cans being recycled in 1986, this figure kept growing and started to saw a strong surge from 25% in 2002 to 45% in 2010. The least recycled material was Plastic. Approximately 3% of it was first recycled in 1990 and the number kept increasing very slightly to neatly below 10% in 2010.

English is becoming increasingly more widely used throughout the world, which enhances the importance of learning English at school. This essay is going to illustrate why it is important for everyone to learn at least some basic English while still maintain their local languages.

Concerning the importance of English in today’s life, it is apparent that English is the most preferable language to use in various types of international communication, such as in studying, business, even making friends. This comes from the fact that most of the world knowledge is written in English, and the number of people using English worldwide is just below that of those speaking Chinese due to China’s giant population. Therefore, the more people wish to expand their knowledge and connection to the world, the more helpful it is for them to know English well. Besides, with the growing population of English speakers, this language is the most potential means of communication to bridge the gaps among ethnics. The more people understand others’ suffering, the more they can sympathize, care, and love one another, and language is the best candidate to convey human’s problems to others and to discuss the solutions. In our day and time, English proves to be the brightest solution due to its popularity and simplicity to learn compared to Chinese. Some may say that the elderly do not need to know English, because they do not participate much in the global communication. However, being unable to speak English would give them a feeling of being left behind by the younger generations, thus upset them. When the elderly can speak some English, although not advanced, they can become closer to their grandchildren, which is a good thing for them. Therefore, everyone is advisable to learn at least the basic English.

However, even in the light that English becomes widely spoken by each and every individual on Earth, we should still preserve our local language. To some ethnics, their mother tongues mean more than a mere way to speak. Such languages embrace their rich history of building and defending the country, all the precious sentimental values that their ancestors have accumulated and passed on throughout the generations. Therefore, ones’ native languages have to be preserved and developed aside English which is an internationally used language. The later is to communicate and solve common global problems, while the former is to pay homage to our precedents. Local languages can never die if the local still cherish their native literature and traditions. Therefore, it is important for schools to pay a strong attention in inspiring students to learn literature. For families living in foreign countries, parents should take the responsibility to teach, or find teachers to help their children learn their mother tongues.

To sum up, it is greatly recommended for everyone with a suitable ability in the world to learn English, as this language can help humankind solve our common problems. However, preserving local languages is also an important thing, and parents and schools should be responsible for this issue.