Use of English parts 1 and 2

Essay question on cultural heritage

Your class has attended a lecture on the action governments can take to make sure cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. You have made the notes below.

Priorities for governments aiming to preserve cultural heritage
• increase funding for museums.
• protect old buildings.
• teach the importance of cultural heritage in schools.

Some opinions expressed in the discussion
'Cultural heritage isn't just about buildings - it's about a way of life.'
'It's the responsibility of the older generation to pass on a cultural heritage to the next generation.'
'Museums are the best places to keep shared memories of a community.'

Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the priorities in your notes. You should explain which priority you think is more important, giving reasons to support your opinion.

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.

Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Formal letter of complaint model

Use of English part 2 and listening part 3

UOE Part 2

Weather in Antarctica

The most extreme weather conditions experienced in Antarctica are associated (0) ..... blizzards. These are simply strong winds with falling snow (13) ....., more commonly, snow that is picked up and pushed along the ground by the wind. Blizzards may last for days at (14) ..... time, and in some cases it can be almost impossible for people to see. It is not unusual (15) ..... objects only about a metre or (16) ..... away to become unrecognisable. Scientists doing research in the area (17) ..... then confined to their tents or caravans. We think of blizzards (18) ..... extremely cold, while in fact temperatures in the Antarctic are usually higher than normal (19) ..... a blizzard. Major blizzards of several days in length occur more frequently in some locations than in others. (20) ..... may be eight or ten such blizzards in any particular place (21) ..... an annual basis. They often cause considerable damage, so that any scientific buildings or equipment constructed in this region must be specially made to give as (22) ..... protection as possible.

If the weather is fine, visibility in Antarctica is usually excellent because of the clear air and the absence of dust and smoke. (23) ..... this means is that people often greatly underestimate the distance of objects and features of the landscape. Also, very large features (24) ..... as mountains may appear to be above the horizon, or even upside (25) ..... These ‘mirages’, (26) ..... are just tricks played by the eyes in certain conditions, have led to explorers in the Antarctic making many errors (27)  ….. judgment.

Listening Part 3

You will hear an interview in which two journalists called Jenny Langdon and Peter Sharples are talking about their work. For questions 15 – 20, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear.

15 What does Jenny say about the story which made her name?

A She’d been on the lookout for just such a lucky break.

B She resented colleagues trying to take the credit for it.

C She wasn’t actually responsible for the finished article.

D She asked for a more prestigious job on the strength of it.

16 What does Jenny suggest about the editor she worked for on her first national daily newspaper?

A He respected her for standing up to him.

B He tended to blame her for things unfairly.

C He wasn’t as unreasonable as everyone says.

D He taught her the value of constructive criticism.

17 When Jenny got her own daily column on the newspaper, she felt

A satisfied that the good work she’d done elsewhere had been recognised.

B relieved that it was only likely to be a short-term appointment.

C determined to prove exactly what she was capable of.

D unsure of her ability to make a success of it.

18 Peter thinks he got a job on Carp Magazine thanks to

A his academic achievements at college.

B his practical knowledge of everyday journalism.

C his familiarity with the interests of its main target audience.

D his understanding of how best to present himself at interview.

19 Peter and Jenny agree that courses in journalism

A need to be supplemented by first-hand experience.

B are attractive because they lead to paid employment.

C are of little value compared to working on a student newspaper.

D provide an opportunity for writers to address contentious issues.

20 When asked about their novels, Peter and Jenny reveal

A an ambition to gain recognition for their craft.

B a desire to develop careers outside journalism.

C a need to prove how versatile they are as writers.

D a wish to keep their journalism fresh and appealing

Proposal question and model answer

TASK

Your college currently doesn't provide enough support for students planning to spend time studying in another country. You see this notice in the library.

The college is planning to introduce a special course for students planning to spend time studying in another country. The college principal invites students to send a proposal outlining any problems students may face whe studying abroad and suggesting ways in which the course could address these problems. A decision can then be made about what to include on the course.

Write your proposal in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Introduction

This proposal is intended to outline common issues students have when studying abroad, and suggest ways that a course could help them to deal with these. The final section makes recommendations about what should be included in the course curriculum.

Problems when studying abroad

Interviews were conducted with 20 students who have recently completed a student exchange programme. The majority of students were of the opinion that overcoming the language barrier in their new country was the biggest challenge and nearly half also said that they experienced culture shock. Other problems cited included unrealistic expectations, loneliness and packing the wrong things - particularly being unprepared for a different climate.

Ways a course could address these

A course could prepare students for culture shock by raising awareness of the phenomenon and describing cultural differences that students may encounter in their host country. To aid participants with language, a course could include some useful phrases for the first days after arrival, in addition to some resources for language learning. The course could also include a discussion about combating isolation and adjusting expectations.

Recommendations

I would like to make the following recommendations:

• Invite students who have previously studied abroad to share aspects of the culture they found surprising and give advice on what to take.
• Provide a list of useful phrases, together with suggestions of useful resources for language learning such as websites, blogs or e-books.
• Facilitate a discussion about engaging with people to avoid loneliness and isolation.

If these recommendations are implemented, young people are bound to feel more prepared for their experience.

Answers to Reading Part 5 (homework)

31 C
32 A
33 C
34 D
35 D
36 C

Essay writing

Visit this web page and download the work sheet

https://freeenglishlessonplans.com/2015/04/16/cae-writing-part-1-a-formal-essay/