Training Test 1 [GIR agl TASK INFORMATION © The Part L task is compulsory. Itis always an essay. You have to write between 220 and 260 words. + The question gives you different information to read: a statement about the topic; three bullet points related to the topic; and three quoted opinions, each referring to one of the bullet points, + You must write about two of the bullet points in the question. You may use the opinions given, or your own ideas, «# You must explain which of your two bullet points you feel is most important / effective / useful, ete. (depending ‘onthe question) and you must give reasons for your choice. Use your own words as far as possible, MEETING THE TASK REQUIREMENTS 1. Assessment of your writing covers several areas and you need to consider all of these to achieve a high score, Look at this quote from an examiner and complete the gaps. control common content effect. © range organisation complex When we are marking writing, one of the first things we look at is the (1) ofthe text. Does it include all the points needed for the reader to be fully informed? We also look at how these points are covered, thinking about what (2) the writing will have on the reader, whether the ideas are easy to follow, whether the style and text type are appropriate. All this is assessed under Communicative Achievement, We look at the (3)... of the text to see how effectively the ideas are connected, for example by use of paragraphs and linking words. And of course, we look at the language used. Has the writer used a @) ‘of vocabulary and grammatical structures, including words and expressions which are less (5) and structures which are more (6) 2 And has this language been used with (7) orare there a lot of language errors? 2. Look at the sample task below and answer these ‘questions to help you plan your answer. You can use a system ike this to structure your essay 1. Whatis the topic of your essay? + Answer question 1 in your introduction. 2. How many of the bullet points do you have to + Discuss each bullet point ina separate paragraph + Use the concluding paragraph to explain your write about? | decision regarding these bullet points 3. What other idea do you need to include in your answer? Your class has been watchinga television debate about measures that could improve people's health and welt. being in modern society. You have made the notes below: | Measures to improve health and. well-being © advertising * education © laws ‘Some opinions expressed in the discussion: “advertising is everywhere, so it should be used wisely.” “People don't always know how to have a healthy mind and body.” “Governments should find ways to force everyone to take care of themselves.” Write an essay discussing two of the measures in your notes. You should explain which measure you think is most effective, giving reasons in support of your answer. Training Test? WetingPart3 Remember to support your choices with reasons and examples. Write your ideas for the exam task in the table below. The first section has been Practise doing this for ‘completed with the correct quote. thar topics. Brainstorm opinions and examples / Which quote relatesto Doyou agree Your own ideas reasons to justify them. this point? with the | opinion? advertising “Advervioing is everywhere, 60 it You need to gives detailed should be used wisely response to the topic If Education you tindit eitficutt to come Lup with Ideas for one of the bullet points, its best not to write about it - choose Laws the other two instead. USEFUL LANGUAGE: EXPRESSING REASONS | 1 Look at the following ideas related to the essay question in Exercise 2 and unde’ one, The first one has been done for you. 1. I say taxes need to be increased. It will never be popular, but would it be effective? Certainly. Itis the only way to reverse the effects of our Notice that reasons can be modern lifestyle. given before or after the ideas expressed. I's 2 good e the reason given in each 2. We're all responsible for our own lives. No one else, That's why I say it's TEE ey Gevend oer up to usto take control. seawey of eepricelng Your 3. Given that we spend more time alone than with other people, individual ideas in more complex ways. choice has to be the key factor. SS 4. Obviously, these days, when most people spend all day sitting at a computer, the media - including social media ~ are likely to have the biggest impact on people's choices. 5 Afurther argument for not forcing people to do exercise by law is that people have enough rules in their work life: they don't want them in their free time aswell. 2 @ Each of the sentences below expresses a reason. Identify and correct the error in each sentence. 1 the popularity of the media, this has to be one of the best ways of influencing people’s behaviour. 2 The negative effect of modern lifestyles on our well-being is largely due for the popularity of technology. 3. People spend less and less time looking after themselves because of they are overwhelmed by the pressures of their daily lives. 4. So tempting advertisements for unhealthy food and drink are everywhere, we buy things we shouldn't without even realising. 5. Should we look after our own health and well-being? Of course we should, as for we are the ones whe benefit from doing this. Since that exercise is a key factor in keeping fit and healthy, the government should provide free, or at least subsidised, sports facilities in all towns and cities. Use the guidance above and your notes to write an answer to the sample question in Exercise 2, Remember to discuss two of the bullet points, select one as the most effective and give reasons for your choice, Writing PartExam Practice Test 1 ACTION PLAN 1 Read the whole question carefully. Highlight all the significant points you must include in your answer. 2. Allow enough time to plan your answer. 3. Choose two of the three listed points to write about, 4 Think about how you can expand each of these two points. The opinions from the discussion may help to give you ideas, but you don’t have to use them. You may prefer to use your own ideas. Writing Part 1 Remember that you are writing an essay, so your style of writing should be neutral or formal. Organise your essay into clear paragraphs. Write 220-260 words. if you write less, you probably will not deal with all the aspects of the question or show an adequate range of language. Ifyou want to make a correction, do so as neatly as possible. 5. Think about how you are going to compare these two points, and which you will say is more important and why. 10. Leave yourself some time to check your essay. 1 _ Answer these questions about the task on page 45. 1. What are the main content points the examiners 2 What kind of text do you have to write? 3. What are the conventions of this text type which you should follow in your answer? 4 What registerwill you need to use? 5. How many paragraphs might you use? What would the topic of each paragraph be? 6 What effect will you aim to have on the target reader? look for? 2 How could you express these phrases from the input text in other words? Remember to use a register which is appropriate for your essay. 1 spend money on 2. isreally important 3. having good food 3 What examples could you give to illustrate why governments should spend money on research in each of these areas? 1. space exploration 2. green energy 3. human eating habits 4 Which two of these areas do you think it will be easiest for you to deal with in your answer? Which can you write about most effectively? 5 Nowwrite your essay. Exam Practice Test 1 Writing PartFollow the exam instructions, using the advice to help you. {You must answer this question. Write your answer in 220 - 260 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet. 4. Your class has watched a television discussion on the areas of research that governments should spend money on. You made the notes below: Areas of research that governments should spend money on + space exploration * green energy # human eating habits ‘Some opinions expressed in the discussion: “Space research is really important for the futur “only governments have enough money for energy research.” | “People's health depends on having | good food.” Write an essay discussing two of the areas of research in your notes. You should explain which area of research is more important for | governments to spend money on, giving reasons to support your answer. You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion, but you should use your own words as far as possible. FOLLOW-UP id you read the question carefully? Did you discuss two areas of research that governments should spend money on? Did you make it clear which area you think is more important? Writing Part 1 We Look atthe exam question. Think ‘about the topic ast is prosentedin the {question the notes and the opinions. Which ofthe three areas would you find hardest to write about? Don't attempt it focus your plans on the other two instead. Can you think of specific exomles that would illustrate the importance of governments spending money on the 0 areas you have chosen? You may find it hard to decide which ‘area of research you think is more important for gavernments to spend money on. However, remember that the ‘most important thing isto write well Choose either one and make a strana ‘orgument ta support your choice. You should cim to spend about 4§ minutes on your answer, including time for planning and checking. It ie a good idea to write your answer on alternate lines on the ‘answer page, so that you can make corrections more easily. ‘see where one paragraph ends ‘and the next begins. You can either indent or leave an extra line between the paragraphs, Exam Practice Test 1Writing Part 2 TASK INFORMATION There are three tasks in this section. You have to choose one of them. © The tasks will be a letter or email, a review, a report or a proposal. * You have to write between 220 and 260 words. §* The questions give you three key pieces of information: what to write, why you are writing and who you are writing for. IDENTIFYING THE READER 1 Alltasks on the Writing paper specify who you are writing for, known as the target reader. Look at the extracts from sample tasks and identify the target reader. 1 You have received an email from an English-speaking friend, Everyone's telling me that going to university is the best thing to do. ‘Some are even saying it’s the only option, but I’m not so sure. What are your thoughts? Could there be any disadvantages to going to university and what are my alternatives? What should | do? 2. An international wildlife organisation is holding a photography ‘competition for a new calendar. The advertising manager, Mrs Johnson, has posted a message on their website, asking people to submit a nature photo they think should be included on the calendar. Write a letter to accompany your choice of photo. Your letter should give a brief description of the photo, including details of when and where it was taken. You should also say why you think it should be chosen, 3. The council where you live has received funding to provide new facilities, in the town. You decide to write a proposal to the head of the council recommending two facilities that could be provided. Your proposal should include details of who would use them and how they would benefit the town asa whole, You should also say which of the two facilities you believe ‘would be most popular with residents. 4. The editor of an entertainment magazine has asked readers to write reviews of TV series. You decide to write a review in which you compare two TV series you have watched, one you enjoyed and one you didn’t. In your review, briefly describe the two series, explain why one was better than the other and suggest ways in which the other one could be improved. 5. There have been a number of complaints from students about the catering facilities at the college where you study. You have decided to write to the college principal outlining the problems. Your letter should give details of your personal experience of using the facilities and to what extent they meet the needs of the students. You should explain what improvements need to be made and how these can be implemented. BET ining tests Always check who you are writing for. This information affects choices you ‘make about register, format, vocabulary and grammatical structures in your writing. Will your writing get that youneed? Writing Part 22 Knowing who you are writing for helps you choose a suitable register for your text - formal, neutral or informal. Look back at the sample tasks in Exercise 1. What register would be suitable for each? 3 Look at these extracts from answers to the tasks in Exercise 1. Match them with the tasks and decide if the register is appropriate. If any are not appropriate, suggest ways to improve them. a Itwas so awful, | gave up watching it after the second episode. You're crazy ifyou like that sort of stuff! b I would say this is one of the best pictures I've ever taken. It really does capture the sense of light and space you get when you are out on the water, far from the noise of other people. | hope you agree. The lack of tables and chairs in the canteen is problematic at lunchtimes. itis simply not possible for everyone to sit down and eat together, so would recommend giving this issue your urgent attention. 4. The recommended course of action is to draw up a list of arguments in favour of and against going to university before you commit to anything, ‘e Where can young people spend time together? Nowhere! A new park with shelter, please! USEFUL LANGUAGE: USING A GREATER RANGE OF VOCABULARY You should aim to use your own words as far as possible, rather than ‘lifting’ the words used in the question. Look at words 1-6, which are commonly used in Part 2 questions, and complete the table with alternative words and expressions from the box. appreciate beunsure complaint concern dilemma downside drawback enhance _get pleasure from gofor havedoubts issue opt for select’ upgrade 1 be not so sure 2 disadvantage 3 choose 4 improve 5 enjoy 6 problem Including complex ideas in your writing engages the reader's interest in the text, which can help improve your mark for ‘communicative achievement Training Test! MZUSEFUL LANGUAGE: COMMUNICATING IDEAS USING COMPLEX LANGUAGE In the following sentences, the ideas are expressed clearly but in quite ple ways. Use the given word to communicate similar ideas using more complex expressions and structures. Several answers may be possible. The first one has been done for you. 1 USEFUL LANGUAGE: WRITING WITH CONTROL (© Look at the sentences from answers to Part 2 tasks, each of which contains a common error. Identify the error and correct it. The first one has been done for you. | 1 oY Ou wN ETD ices test) {t's cifficult to get around town at night because there aren't enough lights on the streets Lack The lack of street lighting makes it dificult to got around town at night ‘No one can get anywhere on Sundays. There's no bus service. INTRODUCING @ ‘The swimming pool had not been regularly maintained, so it closed Perens thet = language down Se MAINTENANCE marks for language, youneed The cycle paths are in good condition in some areas and bad in others. ‘to demonstrate that you can VARIES savnatusnvcuvs uh | feel that offering more sports facilities and more frequent bus services few errors. are both good ideas. ——— EQUAL The council needs to do better at keeping the parks clean. IMPLEMENT ‘The council closed one of the car parks last year. Now people have to drive around for ages looking for somewhere to park. HADNT = =~ Regarding the facilities that need the most urgent attention, Id opt forthe seating and the lighting, Firstis old and uncomfortable and second is not bright enough. Regarding the facilities that need the most urgent attention, fd opt for the eeating and the lighting. The frst sold and uncomfortable and the second Is not bright e | suggest recruiting more well-known performers to attract the people's attention. 1'm glad you've asked my advice. Unfortunately, isnot an easy decision to make, As soon as | arrived for university, | knew | had made the right choice. 1am confident this picture would attract lot of attention. Although | know a lot of people enjoy this programme, | will not say it appeals to a wide audience. I trust the same situation won't accur it again. ‘Another issue is that the canteen opening hours is very limited, only until 3 p.m. What about students who are studying later in the day? rough. Writing Pert?9 Scumecaicmcsame Writing Part 2 ACTION PLAN 1 Read all three tasks and choose the one that you think you can write the best answer to. 2. Lookat the question very carefully, underlining the key points. 3. Think about what kind of text you have to write (email, letter, report, proposal or review) and follow the English conventions for that type of text. 4. Think about who you are writing for (e.g. a principal, a manager, a friend). This will help you decide if your language should be formal, informal or neutral. 5 Think about why you are writing and how this will affect your response. For example, are you writing to persuade, to inform, to complain, or something else? Spend some time planning before you start writing Organise your answer in clear paragraphs. Think about what the topic of each paragraph will be. Make a quick list of the types of structures and vocabulary you can use. Aim to use a wide range of these. Write 220-260 words. 10 Aim to spend about 45 minutes on your answer, including planning and checking time. You can write in ether British or American English, but keep to one or the other. Don't tohelp you. write, for example: Blues my favourite color Follow the exam instructions on page 50, using the advice Exam Practice Test]Write an answer to one of the questions 2 - 4 in this part. Write your answer in 220 - 260 words in an appropriate style. 2 You study at an international college and are involved with improving the college’s website. You think it would be a goad idea to add to the website with short videos of current students talking about their college experiences. You decide to write an email to all students, in which you * describe your idea and encourage students to get involved. You should explain how doing this will benefit the college and the students involved. Write your email. 3. You see this advertisement on an English-language website that you enjoy: Are youa student? Do you use phone apps to help you with your studies? Ifso, send in a review of an app! Your review should briefly describe what the app does and how it helps you. What type of students you would recommend it to? Also, don’t forget to tell us how the app could be improved. ‘The best reviews will be posted on our website. Write your review. 4. You work for an international company which has had a very successful year. Now the director of the company has invited all staff to make suggestions for ways to celebrate this success. You decide to write a proposal, outlining two ideas for how to do this and explaining how the company can benefit from them. You should also say which idea you would recommend more strongly. Write your proposal FOLLOW-UP Did you check your work for errors? ERM Exam Practice Test 1 you feel gives you the best ‘opportunity to use your English effectively. This may not be the question that interests you mest, 2. Thisison open email tool students, 0 it needs to appeal to everyone. It should inform the readers ond persuade them to take part 3. Evenif you choose todescribe 2 phone app that youtthink is perfect, youneed to moke at least ‘one suggestion for improvement. Remember that the important thingis thar you write wel, sat doesnt matter if the information is rot strictly true. For instance, you much even ifitis actually quite roosonably priced. say that the app costs too 4 Dont forget that you aremakingo proposal to the company dlvector, ‘souse a style which is oppropriate the workplace, Writing Part2