Writing Task # 2 Letter to a magazine or newspaper - CPE

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Letter Health and complementary medicine
Question
A health magazine that you subscribe to has recently published a number of different
views from its readers on the topic of complementary (or 'alternative') medicine. Some
of these viewpoints are summarised below. You decide to write to the magazine editor
giving your own opinion in response to the points made:
"The current trend for alternative medicine is the worst kind
of intellectual folly. Most evidence of its so-called results is
based on anecdotes. Even worse, alternative practitioners
are not even regulated in the way that the medical
profession is".
"Complementary therapies like acupuncture or homeopathy
can be a great way to treat conditions that conventional
drugs do not always heal - like anxiety problems."
"People should choose whatever form of treatment conventional or complementary - which makes them feel
better. So what if we don't always have a scientific
explanation about how alternative therapies work?"
Write your letter for the magazine editor, but do not use postal addresses. (around 280 320 words)
What you need to include to pass
Look below first at your check list to understand what the examiner is looking for in a
good answer.
Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:
First, write a summary for each of the viewpoints above. For example:
Point 1. There is no proof that complementary medicine works and there aren't
enough safeguards in place.
Point 2. Complementary medicine can be more effective than conventional
medicine.
Point 3. It doesn't matter if we don't understand how complementary medicine
works as long as it does.
Decide what you think of each of the viewpoints above. For each one decide if
you:
- agree completely with the writer?

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- have some sympathy with their viewpoint but also disagree in some ways?
- disagree completely?
Once you have decided your point of view you need to list evidence to support
your opinion.
In order to structure your answer you could start with the viewpoint that you
disagree with the most and finish with the one(s) that you have most sympathy
for.
In this type of task you are invited to respond to opinions expressed by other
people. Try not to be too harsh when you challenge someone esle's viewpoint.
The aim is to express your opinion without causing offence!
Compare the following:
"I thought your contributor talked utter rubbish when he said that..."
with
"Although the writer has a point I cannot agree with the comment about...."
Drafting and proofreading your work
You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:
Have you answered the question fully?
Is the layout and organisation appropriate for your letter (remember, no
addresses needed)?
Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
Is the style appropriate and consistent throughout? Is the tone right?
Will the editor and magazine readers be interested in what you have written?
If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more
drafting!
Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Letter
Content
Should cover the main points raised by the material. Further
relevant points can be made from your own opinion about
complementary medicine.
Communicative achievement
Should be fairly formal. The tone should remain polite even
when giving own opinions. The editor and other newspaper
readers would understand your point of view.
Organisation
The letter should conform to an appropriate letter format
(although the exam does not require postal addresss).
Should state early on the reason for writing the letter.
Should also use clear organisation through appropriate
paragraphing.

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Language
Language of expressing, supporting and justifying opinions.
Topic vocabulary relating to complementary and
conventional medicine could be used (e.g. 'an alternative
practitioner/therapist', 'a placebo effect',
'acupuncture/homeopathy/reiki/aromatherapy', 'new-age',
etc.) Does not have to be completely accurate but any errors
should be minimal.

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Tutoras Especiales
Den Funes 981 Piso 8vo. Dpto. C X5000AAS Ciudad de Crdoba
Crdoba-ARGENTINA -Telfono #:
(00)(54) 0351- 4263718
/
Celular: + 54 9 351 5513625