Writing 1 | AN ARTICLE

IDEAS
You will read an article written to answer the question below.

A business magazine is running a series of articles on attitudes to work and leisure time. The magazine has invited readers
to send in articles briefly describing their work-life balance. The article should explain the importance of maintaining an
appropriate work-life balance and consider what companies can do to help their employees achieve this.

Write your article in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.

1 In the question, underline the three topics which need to be covered in the article.
What points could be included in each topic?

MODEL 3 Read the article. Say which section (1–4) each of the
following statements (a–d) matches.
2 Read the article. Which topic is dealt with in each
paragraph? Are any of your ideas included? a Businesses have a responsibility to encourage staff to
use their time wisely.
b The author felt overwhelmed by all of the work they had
A new lease of life
to do, despite being in the career they wanted.
1
Exhausted, depressed and coming down with a cold,
c By changing jobs, the author has seen huge positive
I opened the door to my office and sat down at my desk.
changes in their life.
It was 8 a.m. and I’d already been up for three hours.
d It’s healthier to have a good work-life balance than to
Looking at the list of things that I needed to get through
work too much.
in the next twelve hours, I realized that if I didn’t change
something soon, I ran the risk of burning out and having
to give up a career that I had dreamed of for years. USEFUL LANGUAGE
2
My own experience illustrates why our current obsession 4 Match the phrases (1–3) with three alternative ways of
with working as much as possible is unsustainable. It has saying the same thing (a–i).
been proved time and time again that employees who 1 The author realized they needed a different job.
maintain a healthy work-life balance contribute much
more to their companies than those who only live to 2 Having a good work-life balance is important to
work. Their stress levels are lower, they take fewer sick stay healthy.
days and they are able to complete tasks more efficiently. 3 Helping employees to reduce stress levels can be done
3
Taking this into account, the way companies encourage by providing recreation areas at work.
employees to use their time at work is an important way
a The author came to realize a new job was necessary.
to change their mindsets. This can be done by following
b It suddenly occurred to the author that they should
the example of businesses that provide recreation areas
change their job.
in their offices. Not only does this allow their staff to
c The essence of being healthy lies in having an
switch off from the stresses of work, but it also gives
appropriate work-life balance.
them the chance to build stronger relationships. Another
d A possible route to reducing employees’ stress levels
idea is to encourage staff to leave the office at break
would be to give them places to relax at work.
times or earlier in the evening to spend time enjoying the
e One way to approach the reduction of employees’
natural world.
stress levels is to provide places to relax at work.
4
The decision I made that day was one of the hardest of f It dawned on the author that it was time for a new job.
my life: moving from the prestigious city law firm I’d been g A key ingredient of staying healthy is balancing work
lucky to get a job at to a local one, closer to home and and relaxation.
demanding much shorter working hours. Only by doing h A possible course of action for helping employees to
this did my quality of life drastically improve. I’m happier, reduce stress levels is to give them somewhere to relax
healthier and have more of a social life than ever before. at work.
It’s a choice I would make again in a heartbeat. i Balancing your work and home lives is vital to remain
healthy.

22
5 These sentences are taken from the article in Exercise 2. PLANNING
Rewrite the sentences using a–i. Each sentence can
You will answer the following question.
be rewritten in three different ways. Try to do it without
looking at Exercise 4.
A technology magazine is inviting readers to contribute
1 I realized that if I didn’t change something soon, I ran the to a series of articles about our changing relationship
risk of burning out. with technology. You decide to submit an article about
I came to realize that if I didn’t change something soon, I how one piece of technology has affected your life. You
ran the risk of burning out. should briefly describe why the technology is important
2 The way companies encourage employees to use to you, explain what people would have done before this
their time at work is an important way to change their technology existed and assess whether these changes are
mindsets. positive or negative.

Write your article in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.

3 This can be done by following the example of businesses 8 Plan your article. Write notes to answer these questions.
that provide recreation areas in their offices. Don’t write full sentences yet.

1 Which piece of technology will you write about?

2 Why is it important to you?
3 What did people do/use before this technology existed?
6 A stylistic device often used in articles is the ‘rule of three’. 4 Has this technology had a positive or a negative effect
This involves repeating a similar grammatical structure on society?
three times in the same section of the article. Sometimes
a sound is also repeated to add to the effect. Find three WRITING
examples of the rule of three in the model in Exercise 2.
9 Write an article to reply to the question in Exercise 8. In
Note: If one of the three points is longer than the others, your article you should:
it is usually the last of the three, e.g.
include a title and introduction which will attract the
My job was too challenging, too stressful and taking up far
reader’s attention and encourage them to read on
too much of my time.
describe how one piece of technology has affected
7 Match one phrase from each column to create five more your life
‘threes’ which could be used in an article about work-life explain what people did/used before this technology
balance. existed
evaluate whether any changes in society have been
over-worked, under-paid and under-valued
positive or negative
over-worked encouraging or simply lunch at a Write 280–320 words.
job shares local restaurant
by organizing a more creative and under-valued
ANALYSIS
night out
by allowing under-paid and breathing their 10 Check your article. Answer the questions.
flexi-time jobs Content:Does the article describe your personal
having been sleeping and not likely to get experience? Is this contrasted to life before this technology
awake since six home until seven existed? Are the effects of this technology on society
they are more a weekend and their imaginations clearly evaluated? Is it 280 to 320 words long?
productive away are given free rein Communicative achievement:Does the title attract the
living at my desk or letting staff leave reader’s attention? Is the article interesting to read?
since eight early on Fridays Organization:Is the article logically organized? Are the
links between paragraphs and ideas clear?
Language:Does it use correct grammar and vocabulary?
Is there a good range of structures and stylistic devices,
such as the ‘rule of three’?

23
Writing 2 | AN ESSAY
IDEAS
‘Culture’ is a term that can be challenging to define. For
You will read an essay responding to the two sources below. many, it is the ‘high culture’ of art or literature, but for
Source 1 those in business, it is the subtle differences in the ways
people act that differ from one social group to another.
If your job requires you to do a lot of travelling, meeting 1
One example is the handshake: a strong handshake
people from all over the world, you need to make a from an English supplier may be considered overly
good impression. To do this, it’s important to consider dominant by a Filipino customer. However, unless these
the culture you’re trying to do business in. One example differences are explicitly pointed out, it can be incredibly
would be to greet people in a culturally appropriate way, difficult to know what to research when you begin doing
such as a namaste in India. business abroad.
However, sometimes there is a risk of offending people 2
In order to reduce the potential difficulties caused by a
by inadvertently using greetings incorrectly, for example lack of cultural awareness, it is vital that business people
by not bowing low enough to a senior Japanese who work with those from other cultural backgrounds
businessman. are taught about these variations in social interaction.
3
This will reduce the likelihood of committing a faux pas.
Source 2 For example, an executive attending a business dinner
in China should know that the dishes in the centre of
A lot of cultural differences are not immediately obvious. the table are for everyone to share throughout the meal,
For instance, research has shown that requirements for and they should not pile food onto their plate before
personal space vary from culture to culture. This means they begin, as you might in many Western countries.
that for North Americans 1.2m is a necessary range of Such a mistake made during a negotiation could change
personal space, but for South Americans it can be much people’s impressions, and therefore influence prices
smaller. they are willing to pay, to give just one example.
It is a shame that these kinds of cultural differences are 4
People will obviously understand you are a foreigner
often not taught to those involved in global business, and cannot be expected to be familiar with all of the
despite the fact that being aware of other cultures can nuances of their culture. Nevertheless, attempting to
make business run more smoothly. increase awareness of the norms of the culture you
are doing business in shows a level of respect which
Write your essay in 240–280 words in an appropriate style. reflects well on your company.
1 In the essay you need to address the four points covered I believe that learning more about other cultures can
in the sources. List them in the order they appear in the only be a benefit to international business, and will ease
sources. the job of negotiators around the world.
a
b 3 Correct the following statements.
c
d 1 ‘Culture’ is defined as the art or literature of a group of
people.
2 Filipino people prefer a strong handshake.
MODEL 3 In China, you should take all of the food that you want to
2 Read the essay. Match the four sections with a eat at the start of the meal.
description (a–d) from Exercise 1. 4 If you make a cultural mistake during negotiations, it
doesn’t matter.
1 2 3 4
5 Many people expect you to understand their culture
completely if you’re doing business with them.

42
USEFUL LANGUAGE PLANNING
You will respond to the following two sources.
4 Find words in the model essay which match the
definitions. Source 1

1 small and not easily noticed (adjective)

The advent of the smartphone has led to a world
2 too; very (adverb)
of people constantly looking down to check what’s
3 clearly or directly, so it is easy to understand (adverb)
happening on social media or to play mindless games,
4 an action or mistake that is embarrassing because it is
instead of engaging with the world around them. This
socially incorrect (phrase)
is particularly true of young people who have grown
5 very small differences that are not usually very obvious
up with mobile phones. Whether it’s at home with the
(noun)
family or in the middle of a business meeting, attention
6 behaviours that are usual or expected within a culture
is constantly divided and nobody seems to focus on one
(noun)
thing at a time any more.
5 Add prepositions to complete the paragraph.
When historians look 1 on the beginning of Source 2
the 21st century, they are bound 2 mention
the role of technology and how it has revolutionized our It’s now possible for everyone to have the whole world
lives. 3 name just one example, virtual reality in their pockets. No longer do you have to agonize
headsets now allow us to immerse ourselves for days over an elusive piece of information; you
4
completely different surroundings. As this can simply pull out your phone and ‘ask the Internet’.
technology gets cheaper, it will become accessible Communication and trade are easier than ever before,
5
more and more people, and the desire with products from around the world at the tips of your
6
films and games that exploit these headsets fingers and a huge range of options for communicating
will increase. Of course, there is also the question with the outside world.
7
how to deal 8 the downsides
of such technology, like the motion sickness some people Write your essay in 240–280 words in an appropriate style.
experience on wearing a VR headset, but it is only a matter
9
time before solutions are found to these
8 Plan your essay. Identify the four key points from the
sources. Write notes to decide how you will respond to
problems.
them. Don’t write full sentences yet.
6 These words (1–5) could be used in the essay in Exercise 8.
Match them with their definitions (a–e).
WRITING
1 beneficial
9 Write an essay to respond to the sources in Exercise 8. In
2 instant
your essay you should:
3 frankly
refer to all four of the key points you have identified
4 patently
make your own opinion on the topic clear in the
5 creativity
conclusion
a without doubt use a neutral or formal style
b happening immediately Write 240–280 words.
c being able to think of something new or imaginative
d with a helpful or useful effect which improves a situation
ANALYSIS
e said in an honest or direct way, but which people might
not like 10 Check your essay. Answer the questions.
Content: Does the essay respond to all four points in
7 Use the words (1–5) from Exercise 6 and those below
the sources? Is it 240 to 280 words long?
(a–e) to create collocations.
Communicative achievement: Is it written in a neutral
a unrealistic or formal style? Is it clear to the reader what your opinion
b blossoms on the topic is?
c gratification Organization: Is the essay logically organized? Does it
d true use appropriate linking devices?
e change Language: Does it use correct grammar and
vocabulary? Is a good range of structures used?

43
Writing 3 | A REVIEW
IDEAS
You will read a review written to answer the question below.

An English-language magazine in your local area has a regular section where people submit reviews of their favourite apps.
You decide to send in a review recommending an app you enjoy using. You should briefly describe its main features and why
they are useful, as well as anything users should be aware of before they download the app.
Write your review in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.

1 In the question, underline the three topics which need to

be covered in the review. What points could be included
1
I’m an avid cook and I’m constantly looking for new
in each topic? recipes to build my repertoire of dishes. As I’m sure is
true of most people nowadays, the main way to do this
MODEL is through the Internet. The problem is that recipes from
different sites are all laid out in different ways, and it can
2 Read the article on the right. Match the functions be hard to find the information you need quickly.
(a–d) with the paragraphs (1–4). Are any of your ideas 2
When my friend heard this complaint, she recommended
included?
Recipe Record, an app which allows you to clip recipes
a Features of the app which the user likes and why from websites and save them in one easy-to-search
they are useful location. To use it, you simply search for a recipe within
b Recommendations from the user the app’s browser, then tap to save it for later. When
c Why the user wanted to download the app it comes to shopping, it couldn’t be easier. You can
d A potential problem with the app automatically add ingredients from your chosen recipe
3 Correct the following statements. to your shopping list with one tap. And no longer will you
have to search in vain for your place in the recipe when
1 The user is happy with the range of recipes they already you’re in the kitchen: as you’re cooking, cross ingredients
know. off your list to show you’ve used them and use voice
2 The user finds it easy to navigate the information recognition software to listen to the step of the recipe
available on recipe websites. you’re on.
3 You have to copy the ingredients you need to your 3
A note of caution though: not every site allows Recipe
shopping list yourself.
Record to clip from it so easily. In that case, you have
4 It’s easy to forget which ingredients you’ve used when
to manually tell the app where to find each piece of
using Recipe Record.
information in order to save it in the specified format. This
5 It’s a simple process to download recipes from any
can be time-consuming and takes a bit of practice, but it
website.
means you should be able to add recipes from any source
6 The user thinks Recipe Record is more expensive than it
you like.
should be.
4
All of these functions don’t come cheaply, however.
Recipe Record is a mid-priced app, meaning you should
USEFUL LANGUAGE
be sure you’re going to use it before taking the plunge.
4 Find phrases in the model text in Exercise 2 which mean For me, it’s completely changed the way I curate my
the same as 1–6. recipe collection and was well worth the £6 I paid for it. I’d
1 increase the range of things I cook recommended it without hesitation to anyone looking to
2 as far as shopping is concerned manage their recipes more efficiently – it really does make
3 look for something without finding it life easier.
4 a possible drawback to be aware of
5 My £6 was well-spent.
6 anyone who wants to

62
5 Rewrite this review using the answers from Exercise 4. PLANNING
Anyone who wants to get fit could do worse than download
You will answer the following question.
VidFitPlus. You can use it to increase the range of exercises
you do quickly and easily. No longer will you have to look
Your English teacher has asked you to write a review for
for videos showing you the safest way to stretch your quads
a blog for English learners of a TED Talk you have seen.
or a new yoga breathing technique without finding them:
In your review you should briefly describe the topic of the
they’re all in one place within the app. Every minute you
talk and say why you chose it. You should also explain the
spend using VidFitPlus is time well-spent. As far as the price
reasons why watching TED Talks can be useful for English
is concerned, it’s a bargain at just 99p. It has one possible
learners.
drawback though: it’s addictive. Once you start using it, you
won’t be able to stop! I’d recommend it to all you fitness
fans out there. Write your review in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.

6 Complete the phrases so they mean the same as the 8 Plan your review. Write notes to answer these questions.
sentences. Use the prompt words to help you. Don’t write full sentences yet.
1 Why is it so successful? 1 Which TED Talk will you write about?
What 2 What is the topic of the talk?
secret its ? 3 Why did you choose it?
2 You might think something different. 4 Why is it useful for English learners to watch TED Talks?
Contrary
might think…
WRITING
3 It’s very difficult to do this.
far 9 Write a review to reply to the message in Exercise 8. In
to do this. your review you should:
4 The developer mostly manages to… Clearly identify the talk you are writing about.
large, the Describe the topic of the talk.
developer manages to… Make it clear why you selected this talk to review.
5 The app I’m writing about… Explain why TED Talks are useful for English learners.
The app question… Write 280–320 words.
6 The app deals with it in an unusual way.
The app
approach.
ANALYSIS
10 Check your review. Answer the questions.
7 Find two replacements for the words 1–7. Use the words
in the box. Content:Is the talk clearly identified? Is the topic of the talk
described? Is it clear why you chose this talk? Does the
baffling dull entertaining exceptional extremely review include an explanation of why TED talks are useful
gripping highly hilarious outstanding for English learners? Is the review 280 to 320 words long?
over-complicated riveting tedious undeniably
unquestionably Communicative achievement:Is it written in a neutral
style? Is your opinion about the talk clear to the reader?
1 brilliant Organization:Is the review logically organized? Does it
2 interesting use clear paragraphs?
3 boring
Language:Does it use correct grammar and vocabulary?
4 funny
Is a good range of structures used?
5 confusing
6 very
7 definitely

63
Writing 4 | A REPORT
IDEAS
You will read a report written to answer the question below.

A literary festival was recently held in your town for publishers to promote new books and for local people to meet authors. You
have been asked to write a report for the organizers. You should briefly describe the festival and identify two or three events of
particular interest and relevance. You should also evaluate the extent to which such events contribute to the cultural life of your
town.

Write your report in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.

This report relates to the recent ‘Around the world in 80
1 In the question, underline the three areas which need to books’ festival organized by the city library service.
be covered in the article. What kind of events could be
included? How might a literary festival contribute to a
1
Overview
town’s cultural life? The week-long festival incorporated over 50 events,
covering a wealth of topics related to travel writing. They
included question-and-answer sessions, book signings,
MODEL and four book launches. There were guest appearances
2 Read the report on the right. Which heading and section from ten different authors and six publishers were
deals with each area you identified in Exercise 1? Does it represented.
include any of your ideas?
The travel theme went down very well, with the majority
3 Read the report again. Answer the questions. of events sold out before the festival began. Those which
didn’t sell out had at least 80% attendance.
1 What was the theme of the festival?
2 What statistics does the writer give to show that the 2
Highlights
festival was popular? There were two events that drew my attention: the first
3 What does the report writer suggest might be one result featuring William Marshall and the second offering tips for
of Marshall’s talk? potential travel writers.
4 According to the writer, why was the talk about Marshall’s hour-long question-and-answer session
becoming a travel writer different to normal? allowed the audience to delve deeply into the stories
5 Which places did festival goers visit that they might not behind his wide range of travel books. His answers were
normally go to? informative and amusing, and included insights into
cultures that we might not otherwise have been aware of.
USEFUL LANGUAGE I have no doubt that there will be an upsurge in the number
of his books borrowed from the library as audience
4 Find phrases in the model text in Exercise 2 which have
members were left wanting to read more of his work.
the same meaning as 1–6. The number in (brackets) tells
you how long the phrase is. It was no surprise to see that the presentation on how
to set yourself up as a travel writer was completely full.
1 lots of (3 words)
The presenter covered a range of possible avenues into
2 was very popular (4 words)
writing, no matter what your experience of travelling,
3 interested me (3 words)
catering for everyone from adventurous backpackers to
4 which we probably would have no other chance to
staycationers*. Since so many people believe that you
learn (9 words)
can only be a travel writer if you visit far-flung places, this
5 providing for the needs of (2 words)
made a refreshing change.
6 learn that something is good (5 words)
3
Effects
As indicated above, ‘Around the world’ was a success,
providing opportunities for local people to gain a
positive impression of the world of publishing, as well as
encouraging them to go to many, sometimes neglected,
libraries and museums in our city. The benefits to the
city mean that another such festival should definitely be
organized again as soon as possible.

* staycationers = people who take holidays in their own

countries, e.g. a Brit taking a holiday in the UK.

82
5 Add an adjective or adverb from the box to the PLANNING
appropriate place in the sentences to create emphasis.
You will answer the following question.
Make any other necessary changes to the sentences.

ably ample careful You work for the tourist office in your area. Your manager
general huge personally has asked you to write a report in English on the food
scene where you live. You should briefly describe the types
1 I will begin by providing an overview of the festival. of establishment that are currently available to visitors. Your
2 Consideration should be given to whether we can afford report should also recommend two or three changes that
to run a similar festival again. could be made to the food industry in the area and explain
3 I found her talk to be one of the highlights of the whole why these would attract even more visitors.
event.
4 The organizers were assisted by a team of volunteers. Write your report in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.
5 There were opportunities for audience members to 8 Plan your report. Write notes to answer these questions.
participate in the discussion. Don’t write full sentences yet.
6 Overall, the festival was a success.
1 Where can tourists go to eat in your area?
6 Match the verbs (1–6) with their collocates (a–f). 2 What is good or bad about the range of eating
1 highlight establishments currently available and the service they
2 make provide?
3 pay 3 What changes could be made?
4 cover 4 How will these changes attract more visitors?
5 find
6 interpret WRITING
a close attention to 9 Write a report to reply to the question in Exercise 8. In
b something particularly problematic your report you should:
c the importance of state the aim of the report.
d something in a number of ways describe the types of eating establishments in your area.
e a refreshing change recommend changes that could be made to improve on
f a range of issues what is already available.
explain why these changes would attract more visitors to
7 Put the phrases in the correct order. They can all be used
the area.
to signpost the structure of your report.
Write 280–320 words.
1 covered / aspects / suggest / the / earlier
ANALYSIS
2 findings / in / our / of / light
10 Check your report. Answer the questions.
3 appear / it / then / that / would Content:Does the report describe where people can eat
in the area? Are two or three changes recommended? Is
4 mentioned / as / outset / at / the the potential impact of these changes on visitor numbers
included? Is the report 280 to 320 words long?
5 from / following / previous / the / point / on Communicative achievement:Is it clear to the reader
what you would like them to do as a result of the report? Is
6 it / whether / questioned / therefore / be / should it written in a neutral or formal style?
Organization:Is the report logically organized? Does it
use headings? Are the ideas and paragraphs appropriately
linked?
Language:Does it use correct grammar and vocabulary?
Is a good range of structures used?

83
Writing 5 | AN ESSAY
IDEAS
You will read an essay responding to the two sources below.
Source 1

Technology has democratized knowledge by allowing anyone, regardless of where they live, to study business analysis with
Harvard University or nanotechnology with the University of Oxford through courses made freely available on the web. Experts
in many fields are also easier to reach than ever before through email and social media channels, allowing people to enter into
debate with them on a variety of subjects, or just to indulge their own curiosity about a subject.

Source 2

With all the information we now have available for free at our fingertips, many people no longer feel the need to learn the research
skills necessary to exploit a library properly. Within just a few decades, these skills will all but die out. We are outsourcing our
memory to the Internet and just because we can search for it online, we believe we know more than we really do.

Write your essay in 240–280 words in an appropriate style.

1 In the essay you need to address the four points covered

in the sources. List them in the order they appear in the With the advent of the Internet, we now have a wealth of
sources. knowledge available to us at the click of a button, in a way
a which was never possible before.
b 1
One of the perennial problems that governments have
c been particularly concerned with over the past few
d decades is access to higher education. The expense of a
university education can now be offset by following cheap
MODEL or free open online courses from prestigious universities.
2
While it is undoubtedly true that a large part of the
2 Read the essay on the right. Match the four sections with
university experience is about being surrounded by other
a description (a–d) from Exercise 1.
students and academics who you can discuss and debate
1 2 3 4 with, the unparalleled access that social media offers to
these same communities means that working towards a
3 Correct the following statements. According to the author…
degree online is not much less stimulating than doing so in
1 … it’s more expensive to study online than face-to-face. a face-to-face environment.
2 … if you study online, you don’t get the benefits of being 3
Having said that, it may also be true that the Internet
part of a university community.
has had negative effects on our education system. Some
3 … you can find any documents you need to on the
people labour under the misconception that everything
Internet.
can be found on the Internet. 4 It may be the case that
4 … everybody knows about what information you can
many documents are being digitized, but there are still
access in libraries and archives.
countless resources that can only be accessed in their
5 … traditional research skills are no longer necessary.
original form. There is a general lack of awareness of
USEFUL LANGUAGE the riches of libraries and archives among many young
people. Only by incorporating a focus on research skills
4 Find phrases in the model essay which match the into education will these skills continue to be available to
definitions (1–6). future generations. It would be impossible to truly research
1 the arrival of a new technology the history of the Dark Ages, for instance, without
2 a large amount of something examining original documents from the period.
3 an issue which continues for a very long time or happens I strongly believe that while the democratization of
again and again knowledge that the Internet has brought with it is widely
4 using one cost or payment to cancel or reduce the effect regarded as being positive, it is vital that we continue to
of another educate people in how to access information offline, too.
5 emphasizing that more is available than ever before
6 have a belief or an idea that is based on incorrect
information or that is not fully understood

102
5 Complete the sentences using the emphasis words in PLANNING
the box.
You will respond to the following two sources.
deeply immensely strongly undeniably Source 1
vehemently widely
In the past, many societies venerated their elders, but now
1 I believe that employers should not look they are often forgotten. Those without families may be left
at our social media profiles before interviews. to rely on the state to look after them, if there is even such
2 The Internet is regarded as being a a support system in place, rather than being supported by
beneficial tool for society. their communities. Another problem is that governments
3 It is true that success means different are moving towards being ‘digital only’, so older people
things to different people. can feel left behind or neglected by society as a whole.
4 The desire to fit into society is ingrained in
the human psyche. Source 2
5 They are opposed to all university
education being free. Thanks to advances in modern healthcare, our aging
6 Their contribution is enriching to society. population is staying fitter for longer, able to enjoy working
6 Put the words in order to create phrases which can well past retirement age if they so choose, or have an
introduce points in an essay. active retirement if not. Older family members also provide
valuable support to their younger counterparts, for
1 indisputable / it / that / fact / is / an example through providing childcare which enables both
parents to go to work. This reliance on older members of
2 dispute / would / the / that / nobody / fact society is a valuable asset.

3 case / may / that / it / the / be

Write your essay in 240–280 words in an appropriate style.
4 be / also / that / it / might 8 Plan your essay. Identify the four key points from the
sources. Write notes to decide how you will respond to
5 raises / the / of / issue / this them. Don’t write full sentences yet.
1
6 important / consider / that / of / to / is / an / question 2
3
7 Match the phrase halves. The phrases can all be used to 4
add contrasting ideas.

1 While this may WRITING

2 At the 9 Write an essay to respond to the sources in Exercise 8. In
3 This is not your essay you should:
4 Set against
refer to all four of the key points you have identified
5 Be that
make your own opinion on the topic clear in the
6 Having
conclusion
use a neutral or formal style
a same time …
b said that … Write 240–280 words.
c be true up to a point …
d as it may … ANALYSIS
e to say that …
f this is …
10 Check your essay. Answer the questions.
Content: Does the essay respond to all four points in the
sources? Is it 240 to 280 words long?
Communicative achievement: Is it written in a neutral or
formal style? Is it clear to the reader what your opinion on
the topic is?
Organization: Is the essay logically organized? Does it use
appropriate linking devices?
Language: Does it use correct grammar and vocabulary?
Is a good range of structures used?

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Writing 6 | A LETTER
IDEAS
You will read a letter written to answer the question below.

You have read an article in an international magazine on the topic of innovation in developing countries. The magazine
has asked readers to tell them about other projects. You decide to write a letter to the magazine. In your letter you should
briefly describe an innovation used in developing countries and the effect it has had. You should also analyze the extent
to which people living outside the developing countries can fulfil the needs of those within them.

Write your letter in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.

To the editor:
1 In the question, underline the three topics which need to
I am writing in response to your request for readers’
be included in the letter. What points could be included in
suggestions of life-changing innovations introduced
each topic?
into developing countries. I would like to put forward
1 the good work being done by the charity Solar Aid.
2 1
They are working on the provision of solar-powered
3 lights designed to replace kerosene-burning lamps
used in many places where electricity is not available.
MODEL 2
The benefits of such lights are manifold – not only is
2 Read the article on the right. Which topic is dealt with in the risk of fire reduced, but the lights are also good
each section? Are any of your ideas included? for both the people using them and the environment.
Unlike kerosene lamps, solar-powered lights do not
3 Read the letter again. Answer the questions. give off noxious gases. Following the initial purchase
1 Who supplies the solar-powered lights? of one of these lights from Solar Aid’s company Sunny
2 What are four benefits of using a solar-powered light? Money, costs are minimal as there is no longer a need to
3 Why does the writer think Sunny Money helps people to purchase fuel. Once charged, they have a long battery
avoid negative feelings? life and can be hung anywhere. This enables them to be
4 Why does the writer say that local people should be used long after sunset, for example by children doing their
involved in schemes like Solar Aid? homework, leading to them doing better at school and
potentially in the long-term, too.
USEFUL LANGUAGE 3
It is sometimes said that charities imposing their
4 Find phrases in the model text which mean the same ideas in developing countries can have a detrimental
as 1–6. effect, but it is my considered opinion that schemes
like that of Solar Aid can be beneficial to communities
1 I’d like to suggest …
in these areas, provided they are run in dialogue
2 After buying …
with local people. In this case, potential users must
3 … it doesn’t cost much …
buy their lamp from Sunny Money, meaning they are
4 This allows them to be used …
investing in it, rather than feeling like the recipients of
5 … so they improve …
charity, which could create resentment. Because this
6 I believe …
can be difficult for some people, Sunny Money offers
financing schemes where the cost of buying a lamp
is the equivalent of buying kerosene. By working with
the community and finding out what they need, these
‘outsiders’ are able to support ‘insiders’ in a positive
way, a model which should be used as widely as
possible.
I hope you will join me in spreading awareness of this
worthy endeavour.
Margaret Collins

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5 Use one adverb from the box to enhance each sentence PLANNING
from the model text. You will answer the following question.
already considerably constantly easily
An economics magazine is planning a feature on how
highly readily
education prepares people for the workplace. You
1 I would like to put forward the good work decide to write a letter to the magazine in which you
being done by the charity Solar Aid. briefly describe how people are trained to do one or
2 They are working on the provision of solar-powered lights two specific jobs in your country and whether this has
designed to replace kerosene-burning lamps used in many changed in the past 50 years. You should also assess
places where electricity is not available. whether the education and training provided for these
3 Not only is the risk of fire reduced, but the jobs is adequate for the future needs of your country.
lights are also good for both the people using them and
the environment. Write your letter in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.
4 Costs are minimal as there is no longer a need to 8 Plan your letter. Write notes to answer these questions.
purchase fuel. Don’t write full sentences yet.
5 Once charged, they have a long battery life and can
1 Which job(s) will you write about?
be hung anywhere.
2 How do people train for these jobs?
6 It is my considered opinion that schemes like that
3 Has this process changed in the past 50 years?
of Solar Aid can be beneficial to
4 Do you believe there is enough education and training for
communities in these areas.
these jobs to help your country in the future?
6 Use the conditional conjunctions in brackets to rewrite
sentences 1–5.
WRITING
1 Deciding if it is necessary to bring in outside innovation
9 Write a letter to reply to the question in Exercise 8. In
can be a thorny issue. (whether or not)
your letter you should:

2 If people cannot easily access clean drinking water, Clearly state the reason you are writing and the jobs
they will continue to suffer from a wide range of health being discussed.
problems. (as long as) Describe how people train for these jobs.
Explain any changes to how training is offered which
3 If charities and aid agencies do not work closely with local have taken place over the past 50 years.
people, they run the risk of being seen as intruders. (unless) Assess whether the training provided is adequate for
these jobs, considering the future needs of your country.
4 If the printers are made portable enough and the Write 280–320 words.
materials they use accessible enough, 3D-printed
prosthetics will change the lives of hundreds of people in ANALYSIS
developing countries around the world. (provided that)
10 Check your letter. Answer the questions.
5 It’s important to use resources which are locally Content:Does the letter include a reason for writing?
available. If not, it will be too expensive. (otherwise) Are the training process and any changes to it clearly
described for one or two jobs? Is there an assessment of
the adequacy of this training? Is the letter 280 to 320 words
7 Complete the paragraph by writing one word in each gap.
long?
Bicycle-powered charging stations could 1 a Communicative achievement:Is it written in a neutral
huge impact in many communities. A single station enables or formal style? Is your opinion about the topic clear to the
one person to charge 2 to five devices at reader?
once, for example mobile phones or LED lights. In Organization:Is the letter logically organized? Does it use
3
to provide ten days worth of light, the cyclist clear paragraphs and appropriate linking words?
only needs to pedal for 20 minutes. 4 the Language:Does it use correct grammar and vocabulary?
energy is provided by pedal power, it can provide access to Is a good range of structures used?
electricity for communities which are completely off-grid.
5
who are doing the pedalling also have the
chance to charge fees for their services. Nuru Lights,
6
provider of such bikes, estimates that in a
single 20-minute sitting, the cyclist could earn the same as
they would previously have done in a whole day.

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