Essay question on music

Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible, and include your own ideas in your answers.

Write your answer in 240-280 words.

Essay question on globalisation

Report question

Task Type: Report

Question
Your local community group is interested in the views that local people hold about crime in your area. You have been asked to write a report for the chairman of the community group. You should address the following points:

What crimes are the most worrying for young people? What steps can be taken to make young people feel less afraid?

Write your report for the chairman. (around 280 - 320 words)

Article question

Question
You have been asked to write an article for Job Prospects magazine, a publication for 18-30 year olds, on the following topic:

How taking a gap year* can enhance your career prospects. *A gap year is a break usually taken between leaving school/college and starting university, and is seen as a valuable way to gain work experience and life skills.

You should focus on the types of job and leisure opportunities for young people taking a gap year in your country (or a country that you know well), the types of skills that can be gained and the likely value of these to potential employers.
Write the article for the readers of the magazine. (around 280 - 320 words)

Essay question on juvenile delinquency

Proposal question and plan

You local council is proposing to ban all cars from the town centre because of problems with traffic, pollution and accidents. However, the following comments were made at a public meeting to discuss the situation:

•My car is the only way I have of taking my children to school safely and quickly.

•The shops in the town centre will close because people will go elsewhere to do their shopping.

•Public transport here is dreadful. We can't rely on it and it's too expensive.

The local council is inviting people to send in proposals in which they express their views on the council's plan and offer possible solutions to people's concerns.

Write your proposal. (300-350 words)

You should begin by thinking about what you will say. Probably the easiest approach is to come out in favour of the proposal, but add modifications in order to address the concerns of residents. For example:

•taking children to school – proposed solution, a school bus

•shopping – a new car park with shuttle bus

•public transport is dreadful – you propose to improve it

You can then make an outline, like this:

•Introduction: the council's plan, my view (favourable), objections

•Taking children to school: state problem, offer solution

•Shopping: state problem, offer solution

•Public transport: state problem, offer solution

•Conclusion: a brief summary of your proposals

Essay question on traffic

Question
Read the two texts below.
Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible and include your own ideas in your answers.

Tackling Traffic Congestion Policy-makers employ a wide range of measures to tackle the problem of traffic congestion. Enforcement schemes such as setting strict speed limits on major roads and the use of congestion charges in city centres are two such examples as are vehicle exclusion zones or parking restrictions in busy pedestrian areas. However, it also makes sense to encourage motorists to become less reliant on their car. This can be achieved by making public transport more efficient and promoting the benefits of car-sharing with work colleagues, thus reducing weekly fuel bills. And the increasing number of cycle lanes on many roads is further evidence of how to win the hearts and minds of motorists in the fight against congestion.

The Joy of Motoring Recent research into the attitudes of motorists shows we are still more than happy to get behind the wheel. Despite rising fuel costs, insurance premiums and frequent traffic jams, 9 out of 10 of us still enjoy driving. Whether it’s visiting friends and relations, taking the family for a day out or even commuting to work, the car remains first choice for many people. Experts argue that unlike public transport, the car leaves us in charge of our own destiny, giving us the freedom to travel when and where we want. The car also gives us the opportunity to express ourselves. The kind of vehicle we drive tells the world something about who we are or what we aspire to be. Cars are not simply a means of transport but also something we wear.

Write the essay. (around 240 - 280 words)

Letter to the editor

Task Type: Letter to an Editor

Question
You have read the letter below which was sent to a newspaper by a reader. Other readers were invited to give their views in response. You decide to write to the editor giving your opinion about the points made:

I have just returned from a holiday to a destination that would once have been described as 'exotic'. Imagine my dismay at being confronted with the kinds of shopping centres and fast-food outlets that I can find on my own doorstep back home! Is it inevitable that different cultures merge into one or can we do more to ensure that local traditions are kept?

Write your letter for the newspaper editor, but do not use postal addresses. (around 280 - 320 words)

Makeover: Laura

Read Laura's answer to this question below. Try correcting the piece of writing yourself first: use the marking codes to think about what might be wrong (or what's good) about the piece of work. Then when you're ready, click the green buttons in the text for our feedback.

Dear Sir/Madam, I have read the letter entitled 'Merging cultures-can it be stopped?', which appeared in Monday's edition of your newspaper and I was very pleased to see that other readers were invited to give their opinions on the subject. Although I am an eighteen year-old student I have been all over Europe and have heard the opinion of many teenagers concerned with WW this problem. It is obvious that American culture has gained popularity in the past fifty years due to so many fields of activity that are being dominated by Americans. Nevertheless, European kids in WW my generation are turning their back on American culture and displaying a much greater enthusiasm for European culture than their elders. Home-grown youth culture is the unifying force of the new generation. People watch US films, but do not consider the US or its culture the source of all inspiration. European kids listen to music, wear French and Italian jeans and also enjoy the particularities of European culture. When they do look beyond Europe it is to the East or the Orient. They seem to be extremely interested in the Oriental culture. In this case it seems clear to me that there is still hope for places with centuries-old cultural traditions. Gd On the other hand, there are already many spots - that were once considered 'exotic' - on the verge of becoming a cultural desert. On one of my journeys - to the Middle East - I visited the city of Jeddah, a wonderful combination of old and new, /\ sense of history and rapid development. Surprisingly enough, people here didn't just thought WW of the city's modernization, they were also concerned with the preservation of the old city. On one side there was the old town with its strange odors and sounds of the old shopping streets, and on the other there was this whole new occidental-like city with big shopping malls. It was just amazing to see it all in front of your eyes, like history speeded up on one side and yet at the same time, what stayed the same was what retained. PE Surely there can be a wide range of cultural influences, but I cannot entirely agree that cultures are merging into one. There is still that feeling of culture shock when visiting a foreign country. Gd

I am writing about the article on ... , which appeared (in last night's paper).

I am writing with reference to the article you published (in last month's issue).

I have just read your article on ... and I feel I must ...

You raised some issues which I feel strongly about.

At the start of your article, you appear to claim that ...

I am afraid I totally disagree.

I am completely in agreement.

I am sure readers will agree with me when I say that ...

Source: http://www.flo-joe.com/cpe/students/writing/makeover/makeover2.htm

Now answer this question:

A popular English-language magazine has invited readers to send in letters sharing their recent experience of making an important decision. You decide to send in a letter in which you briefly describe the situation and explain the reasons why you took an important decision, and assess what the consequences of that decision might be in the future.

Write your letter. You do not need to write any postal addresses.

CPE Report

Register: Formal, impersonal, cold and factual. DO NOT USE: ·         Contractions ·         Colourful language (gorgeous/stunning/awesome etc.) ·         Informal phrasal verbs (meet up/break down/check out etc.) ·         “I/we think….” (too personal)	Forms and Conventions: Title: Report into ……. Paragraph Titles: Introduction, Strengths, Weaknesses, Conclusion. Fixed introduction: The aim of this report is to evaluate/put forward ideas for/examine etc.
Planning, 6 step system: 1.        Read task, underline content points. 2.        Decide paragraph titles. Are they obvious from the task? Or do you have to be creative. Maximum of 5 paragraphs. 3.        WHAT do you want to say? Add your notes to each paragraph in simple form. 4.        HOW are you going to say that? Brainstorm advanced grammar and vocabulary for each note. 5.        Forms and conventions: Title paragraph titles, fixed introduction. 6.        Write! Remember word limit is: 280-320	Introduction: The purpose/aim of this report is to…. This report sets out to… The report will comment on… Below is an explanation of… The focus of this report is… This report will offer an in depth critique of… Fake survey/questionnaire: It can be a good idea to base the report on a survey/questionnaire. This report will present the findings of/This report is based on the findings/results of an extensive survey carried out by… Ending Introduction: It will go on to give recommendations regarding…
Expressing general opinions/info: ….is considered/thought/said to be… …is highly regarded in (place)…(good reputation) There is widespread agreement that… Opinions are divided regarding… It is common knowledge that… Recent research indicates that… Interviewees who had first-hand knowledge of the situation stated… There is considerable disagreement regarding…	Comparing and Contrasting There is a world of difference between… and… … and… are fundamentally similar … and… bear little resemblance to each other There is a clear distinction between… and… …compares favourably with… … and… are polar opposites There is a yawning gap between… and… There is a subtle difference between… and… There is a growing disparity between rich and poor. … is strikingly different to…
Advantages/disadvantages: …’s advantages clearly outweigh its disadvantages. advantages benefits/pros/strengths disadvantages downsides/weaknesses/drawbacks	Giving Recommendations: -In light of the above, we believe the following   measures should be adopted… -In the short/long term, we suggest you should   consider… -My recommendations are as follows:… -In my view, in future, we should… -To improve the situation, we recommend… -It is recommended that…
Concluding: -To sum up,…To conclude,… -I hope that the plan outlined/presented in this   report meets with your approval… -I hope that the recommendations outlined/   presented in this report will receive your serious   consideration. Should the recommendations outlined in this report be carried out, I have no doubt that …. Will be a resounding success.	Grammar check list Have you included? ·         An inversion (not only/no sooner/seldom) ·         An inverted conditional (Were we to…) ·         A participle clause (Being…/Having gone…) ·         A double comparative (The more we… the more) ·         A cleft sentence (What is most crucial is…) ·         Linkers (Nevertheless/despite/due to/consequently) ·         Impressive verbs (bring about change/undergo development)

CPE Exam. Write a report 280-320 words

You belong to an international film club and have been asked to write a report for the club members including information about the main events held over the last twelve months, the present plans for activities in the coming years and a summary of the current financial position of the club in respect of money received and payments made.

The international film club annual report (title)

The aim of this report is to give our club members an overview of the current annual activity and inform you of our future projects for the coming year. In addition, we have included an insight of our financial annual budget. (Note: Reports tend to be formal in style, so avoid using contractions)

Events of the year (subheading/ or subtitle)

The growing enthusiasm for Italian films is such that we considered necessary to organise a whole weekend on the subject. No need to say that organising it was really worth the effort. We had a high number of members participating who enjoyed a wide range of films courtesy of our Italian partners.

Additionally to this event, we achieved great success in our annual dinner. Not only new contracts were signed with our current international partners but also with many new ones.

Extending our video library (subheading/ or subtitle)

Due our successful meetings, which included a talk by a famous film director, we are now going to be able to provide our club with a large quantity of new films.

For that, we plan to build an extension of the video library for next year with a section dedicated to all these new Italian films.

Healthy finances (subheading/ or subtitle)

It can be said that our financial position this year is in good stead:

- We have been granted 15000€ by the national organisation to help us develop a more enriched library.

- 32 new members have subscribed this year.

As a result, the coming money amounts to more than 20000€ this year

Regarding the expenses:

- The films rentals cost no more than 5000€ this year

- We have reduced  on stationery  expenditures spending only 700€

Conclusion

Our activity is really blooming and there is no doubt that our project will be undertaken for the coming year trouble free. We also believe your ideas will be helpful to make the club still more enjoyable. Therefore we suggest taking a bit of your free time to fill the idea form available at the entrance of the club.

Essay question

Question
Read the two texts below.
Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible and include your own ideas in your answers.

Tackling Traffic Congestion Policy-makers employ a wide range of measures to tackle the problem of traffic congestion. Enforcement schemes such as setting strict speed limits on major roads and the use of congestion charges in city centres are two such examples as are vehicle exclusion zones or parking restrictions in busy pedestrian areas. However, it also makes sense to encourage motorists to become less reliant on their car. This can be achieved by making public transport more efficient and promoting the benefits of car-sharing with work colleagues, thus reducing weekly fuel bills. And the increasing number of cycle lanes on many roads is further evidence of how to win the hearts and minds of motorists in the fight against congestion.

The Joy of Motoring Recent research into the attitudes of motorists shows we are still more than happy to get behind the wheel. Despite rising fuel costs, insurance premiums and frequent traffic jams, 9 out of 10 of us still enjoy driving. Whether it’s visiting friends and relations, taking the family for a day out or even commuting to work, the car remains first choice for many people. Experts argue that unlike public transport, the car leaves us in charge of our own destiny, giving us the freedom to travel when and where we want. The car also gives us the opportunity to express ourselves. The kind of vehicle we drive tells the world something about who we are or what we aspire to be. Cars are not simply a means of transport but also something we wear.

Write the essay. (around 240 - 280 words)

Article writing task

An article

•is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine or journal

•is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and retain the readers’ attention

•may include amusing stories, reported speech and descriptions

•can be formal or informal, depending on the target audience

•should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner

•should give opinions and thoughts, as well as facts

•is in a less formal style than a report 

An article can

• describe an experience, event, person or place

• present an opinion or balanced argument

• compare and contrast

• provide information

• offer suggestions

• offer advice

It should consist of:

1.an eye-catching title which attracts the readers’ attention and suggests the theme of the article. (Think about why you read a magazine or newspaper article recently - what made you read it?) Articles can also have subheadings before each paragraph.

2.an introduction which clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the reader’s attention.

3.the main body of two to five paragraphs in which the topic is further developed in detail.

4.the conclusion - summarising the topic or a final opinion, recommendation or comment.

Consider these aspects:

•where is the article going to appear - in a newspaper or magazine?

•who are the intended readers - a specific group such as students or teenagers, or adults in general?

•what is the aim of the article - to advise, suggest, inform, compare and contrast, describe, etc.?

Topic sentences

•To ensure unity in a paragraph, it is necessary to group sentences around a main idea.

•This means that it is necessary to begin by finding a theme or Topic Sentence which sums up the main idea of the whole paragraph.

•The best position for this sentence is normally at the beginning of the paragraph, but it need not always be there.

•However, it is preferable when writing an article to place the Topic Sentence at the beginning to help the reader to quickly comprehend the topic of the whole paragraph and minimise the likelihood of losing the theme altogether.

Planning an article

•It can now be seen that in order to write a good article you need first to find the theme or topic sentence which summarises what you are going to write about, and then make a plan.

•This strategy will enable you to write quickly and clearly, help you think of a title more easily and your work will have cohesion.

•Using this method gives the topic sentence of each paragraph and connects it to the other paragraphs.

•These topic sentences can be made into one paragraph and then developed to form a whole article.

•Conversely, these topic sentences, when taken together, can be used to cut down the entire article into a one-paragraph summary of the whole piece.