Объявление

**Наталья** · 16.09.2005, 20:17

образец моделирования эссе

You should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic.

Computer technology benefits modern society in many ways, but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. Discuss the dangers of computer technology.

Use your own idea, knowledge and experience to support your argument with examples and relevant evidence.

фишка

Не тратьте время на переписывание названия на экзамене. Не забудьте посмотреть раздел Уложиться во время для эссе.

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It is certainly true that communication has changed rapidly this century, particularly over the last few years. Even international contact, for example, can be made at the touch of a button using fax or e-mail. More and more people spend more and more time in front of computer screens, both at work and in their leisure time. Those who say that such technology has an entirely positive effect should ask themselves if there are any dangers or disadvantages to this new lifestyle.

фишка

Этот тип вопроса для читателя в конце введения: "Those who say that....... should ask themselves if......"
Это очень хорошая структура предложения
– попытайтесь использовать это в своем собственном сочинении.

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There are quite serious health consequences of a sedentary life in front of a computer - the most obvious being eye strain. Sitting at a computer screen for long periods of time is generally unhealthy, as the individual does not get any exercise. However, it is the social consequences that are the most alarming. The computer and the internet have made direct human contact less and less necessary. People have the illusion of community through the web, when in fact there is no such community. Nothing can replace real contact with real people in real streets. We contact people by e-mail because it is convenient to us - this is not the same as a natural relationship, which may be anything but convenient. We understand others only through what they write in e-mails, which is not the same as reading the subtle changes in emotion on a person's face. We may find in the future that people find human relationships too inconvenient and confusing, and prefer to stay with virtual friends rather than real ones.

фишка
Обратите внимание, что автор говорит и о будущем! Это одна из частей вопроса.

Раздел составлен по материалам сайта www.english-net.com.

For & Against Essays
From the book "Successful Writing" pp.60-79 sent by Katya

A “for & against” essay is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view. You should present both sides in a fair way by discussing them objectively and in equal detail.
A good essay of this type should consist of:

a) An introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be discussed, without giving your opinion;
b) A main body in which the points for & against along with your justifications, examples or reasons are presented in separate paragraphs; and
c) A closing paragraph in which you state your opinion or give a balanced consideration of the topic.

Note: Opinion words (I think, I believe, In my opinion, etc.) can only be used in the closing paragraph where you give your opinion on the topic.

Points to consider

Before you start writing your essay you should make a list of the points for & against.
Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence which summarises the topic of the paragraph.

e.g. In addition, many people feel reading is a relaxing and worthwhile activity.

Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language, etc.) or strong language to express your opinion (e.g. I know …, etc.). Express your opinion in a non-emotional way (e.g. It seems that, I therefore feel …, etc.). Well-known quotations relevant to the topic you are writing about will make your composition more interesting. For example, if you are writing an essay on education, a quotation you may include is: “Education is a progressive discovery of your own ignorance.” (Will Durant)

Note: Although these are balanced arguments, if you feel that either the for or against side is stronger and should be supported, this side should be presented in paragraphs 4 & 5, thus leading the reader to your conclusion.

Structure

Introduction
Paragraph 1
State topic (summary of the topic without giving your opinion)
Main body
Paragraphs 2 & 3
Arguments for and justifications, examples, and/or reasons
Paragraphs 4 & 5
Arguments against and justification, examples, and/or reasons
Conclusion
Final paragraph
Balanced consideration/ your opinion directly or indirectly

Useful expressions and kinking words/phrases

To list points:

Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To begin/start with,
Secondly, Thirdly, Finally

To list advantages:

One/Another/A further/An additional (major) advantage of … is …
The main/greatest/first advantage of … is …

To list disadvantages:

One/Another/A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of …
The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage / drawback of …
Another negative aspect of …

To introduce points/arguments for & against:

One (very convincing) point/argument in favour of … / against …,
A further common criticism of … / It could be argued that …,

It is often

widely
generally

claimed/suggested
argued/maintained/
felt/believe/held

that …

some/many/
most people/experts/
scientists/sceptics/
critics
claim/suggest/argue/feel that …
maintain/believe/point out/agree/hold that …
advocate (+ing/noun)/support the view that …
oppose the view that …
are in favour of/against …
of the opinion that/convinced that …
opposed to …

To add more points to the same topic:

in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also/as well/both … and, There is another side to the issue/question/argument of…

To make contrasting points:

on the other hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless, nevertheless, even so, it may be said/argued/claimed that, …

others/
many people oppose this viewpoint
(strongly) disagree …,
claim/feel/believe this argument is incorrect/misguided

although, though, even though, while, whilst, whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that), regardless of the fact that

Opponents of … argue/believe/claim that …
The fact that … contradicts the belief/idea that …
While it is true to say that …, in fact …
While/Although …, it cannot be denied that …

Example (For & Against Essay)

“Censorship is necessary in modern society”. Discuss.

Censorship is an issue which frequently generates a great deal of heated debate, with supporters maintaining that it is vital in order to protect society, whilst opponents claim that it is an unjustifiable restriction of public access to information.
Firstly, all countries have secrets which must be safeguarded for reasons of national security. For instance, if an enemy country were to acquire such highly sensitive information, the effects could be catastrophic. Consequently, governments have to have the power to restrict access to information concerning areas such as the armed forces or particular aspects of foreign policy.

Secondly, it is often argued that censorship is necessary to prevent the broadcast and publication of obscene material which is considered offensive or harmful to public morals. Many people feel that, without censorship the public would be constantly subjected to material that the majority would find offensive. For this reason, the government has a duty to impose certain restrictions on the mass media by censoring films and texts which contain explicit scenes of sex, violence or foul language.

In contrast, opponents of censorship point out that when it is abused by governments, censorship becomes an instrument used to misinform society and maintain power. In order to control the flow of information which riches the public, repressive regimes try to put constraints on the media, thus denying citizens the right to information owing to the fact that governments believe it may lead them to seek greater freedom.

Furthermore, it is generally felt that mature adults are able to make informed choices about what they watch, read and listen to and should, therefore, be permitted to make their own decisions. For example, some comedians make use of offensive language taboo subjects in their performances. Critics of censorship argue that the only people who will watch or listen to such material are adults who have made a conscious decision to do so. Thus, it is claimed, it is unjust to censor material like this since it is not forced upon people who may subsequently be offended by it.

All things considered, it can be concluded that a certain degree of censorship is always necessary. The best course of action would be to attempt to achieve a balance between the requirements of the country and the public on the one hand, and individuals’ rights on the other.

**Наталья** · 17.09.2005, 22:42

Opinion Essays

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing. It requires your opinion on the topic, which must be stated clearly, giving various viewpoints on the topic supported by reasons and/or examples. You should also include the opposing viewpoint in another paragraph.

A successful opinion essay should have:
a) An introductory paragraph in which you state the topic and your opinion.
b) A main body which consists of several paragraphs, each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons. You also include a paragraph presenting the opposing viewpoint and reason why you think it is an unconvincing viewpoint; and
c) A conclusion in which you restate your opinion using different words.

Points to consider

Decide whether you agree or disagree with the subject of the topic, than make a list of your viewpoints and reasons.

Write well-developed paragraphs, joining the sentences with appropriate linking words and phrases. Do not forget to start each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.

Linking words and phrases should also be used to join one paragraph with the other.

Structure

Introduction
Paragraph 1
State the topic and your opinion clearly
Main body
Paragraph 2
Viewpoint 1 and reason/example
Paragraph 3
Viewpoint 2 and reason/example
Paragraph 4
Viewpoint 3 and reason/example (you may include more viewpoints, and thus more paragraphs in the main body)
Paragraph 5
Opposing viewpoint and reason/example (you may include more viewpoints, and thus more paragraphs in the main body)
Conclusion
Final paragraph
Summarise/restate opinion

Useful expressions for giving opinions

To my mind/To my way of thinking, …
It is my (firm) belief/opinion/view/conviction (that) …

In my opinion/view …
I (firmly) believe …
I am (not) convinced that …
I (do not) agree that/with
It strikes me that
My opinion is that,
I (definitely) feel/think that …
I am inclined to believe that …
It seems/appears to me …
As far as I am concerned, …

Example (Opinion Essay)

“Although the position of women in society today has improved, there is still a great deal of sexual discrimination.” Do you agree?

Throughout this century, the role of women within society has changed, and the majority of people feel that this change is for the better. More women work than ever before, and it is accepted in Western culture that many women now have careers. Nonetheless, in my opinion there is still a great deal of sexual equality has been achieved is not altogether accurate.
To begin with, many women find it very difficult to return to work after having children. The main reason for this is that there are rarely any provisions made for childcare in the workplace and, in these cases, women are forced to find someone to look after the children while they are at work. Obviously, this can prove to be a time-consuming and expensive process, yet it must be done if mothers are to be able to resume their careers.

Secondly, the traditional views of the position of women within society are so deeply ingrained that they have not really changed. For instance, not only is the view that women should stay at home and look after their family still widely held, but it is reinforced through images seen on television programmes and advertisements. An example of this is that few men are ever seen doing housework on television, since this is traditionally thought of as “a woman’s job”.

Thirdly, since families often need two incomes in order to enjoy a good standard of living, a woman finds herself doing two jobs: one at home and one at the office. So, it could be said that a woman’s position has, in fact, deteriorated rather than improved, with the result that women carry the burdens of equality but get none of the benefits.

In contrast, there are some people who claim that the problem of sexual discrimination no longer exists. They point out that women do, after all, have legal rights intended to protect them from discrimination. In addition, a few women are now beginning to reach top positions as judges, business leaders and politicians, while a number of other previously all-male professions are opening their ranks to women. Nonetheless, these examples are not the norm and discrimination is still very much with us.

Taking these points into consideration, I would say that the position of women has improved only slightly. While, rules and laws have changed, it is the deep-rooted opinions of people within society which are taking a longer time to evolve. Needless to say, until these attitudes have changed, sexual discrimination will remain a problem which we all need to face and fight against.

**Наталья** · 17.09.2005, 22:59

Essays Suggesting Solutions to Problems

An essay discussing problems and suggesting solutions is a formal piece of writing. You should state the problem and its causes clearly, then present your suggestions and the expected results or consequences these might have.
A successful essay of this type should consist of:
a) An introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the problem, what has caused it, and the consequences;
b) A main body in which you present several suggested solutions, each in a separate paragraph together with its consequences/results; and
c) A conclusion in which you summarise your opinion.

Points to consider

- Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.
- Appropriate linking words and phrases should be used to show the connection between paragraphs as well as to link sentences within a paragraph.

Structure

Introduction
Paragraph 1
State the problem and its cause(s)/consequence(s)
Main body
Paragraph 2
Suggestion 1 and result
Paragraph 3
Suggestion 2 and result
Paragraph 4
Suggestion 3 and result
Paragraph 5
Suggestion 4 and result (you may include more suggestions, and thus more paragraphs in the main body)
Conclusion
Final paragraph
Summarise your opinion

Useful language

To express cause:
Since/ because, in view of/because of/owing to/due to (the fact that) …, The reason that …/why …/for … is that…

To express effect:
Thus/therefore/so/consequently, as a result/consequence, the result of … would be …, …would result in …

To express purpose:
So that …, so as/in order (not) to …, with the purpose of/intention of (+ ing)

To express possibility/probability:
It can/could/may/might …,
It is possible/probable/(un)likely/foreseeable/certain that …, …is (un)likely to/bound to/certain to/possible/probable …,
The likelihood/possibility/probability of (-ing/noun) is …

Useful expressions: problems & solutions

Steps
Measures

should
must
could
be taken

so as to
in order to

solve/overcome/combat …
deal with/eradicate …

Serious attempts to halt/prevent/solve … must be made.

One (possible)
Another
An alternative
way to solve/overcome
combat/deal with
eradicate this problem
the problem (of)… would be/
is …

People
Governments
We should focus their/ our attention
on ways to solve/overcome the problem of …
to improve the situation of …
to reduce the impact of … on society …

If steps/measures were taken to …
If … happened/were to happen,
If attempts were made to address the problem the effect/result/consequence
would be …

By (+ing) …, we/ government/etc, can ensure that / prevent …
The … situation could be improved if …/It would be a good idea if …

The effect/consequence
outcome/result
of (+noun/-ing) would
might be …

Example (Suggesting Solutions to Problems)

“What could be done to improve the lives of the elderly?”

For many elderly people the latter part of their life is not a time to relax and enjoy retirement, but rather a difficult and unhappy period, owing to financial worries, failing health and loneliness. As life expectancy increases, the average person lives well beyond the age of retirement. As a result, the elderly make up an ever-increasing percentage of society, which makes it more important than ever for a real effort to be made in improving the lives of senior citizens.

One way to deal with the situation would be to ensure that the elderly have enough money on which to live. Obviously, when a person stops working, they still require a source of income to cover their basic needs such as food, accommodation and heating. A clear solution to the problem is for the government to make sure that the state pension is adequate for these needs. Furthermore, free financial advice should be made available to retired people so that the stress of worrying about money could be reduced as far as possible.

Steps should also be taken to overcome problems the elderly face as a result of deteriorating health due to old age, and inadequate health-care provisions. Again, the responsibility should fall to the government to provide access to the best health care available, which may necessitate paying for residential homes where the elderly can have round-the-clock nursing, or, at the very least, providing medication free of charge to all people over a certain age. As a result, old people would enjoy not only better health, but also peace of mind from the knowledge that they need not fear falling ill and being unable to pay for treatment.
The lives of old people could also be improved if attempts were made to address the problem of social isolation which so many of them face. If we organised trips for the elderly to community centers, visits from social workers or free bus passes to allow pensioners greater mobility, the effect would be alleviate the problem of loneliness which marks the lives of so many old people living alone far from their families.

One final suggestion, which would help enormously, is to change the attitude of the community towards its older members, who are all too often seen as a burden on society and dismissed as having little to do with modern life. We need to be taught from an early age to respect the views of old people, and appreciate their broader experience of life. This would help society as a whole, and encourage appreciation of the role that old people can still play today.

To sum up, there are several measures which could be taken to improve the lives of old people. If the government and individuals alike were to help, it would make retirement and old age a time to look forward to, rather than dread.

**Наталья** · 17.09.2005, 22:59

Notes and useful language

BEGINNINGS
• Thank you for/Many thanks for your (recent) letter/postcard.
• It was good/nice to hear from you recently.
• I'm sorry I haven't written/been in touch for such a long time:
• It's ages since I've heard from you. I hope you're well/you and your family are well.

ENDINGS
• Thank you for/Many thanks for your (recent) letter/postcard.
• It was good/nice to hear from you recently.
• I'm sorry I haven't written/been in touch for such a long time:
• It's ages since I've heard from you. I hope you're well/you and your family are well.

ENDINGS
• I look forward to/Looking forward lo hearing from/seeing you,
• See you soon/Write soon/Hope to hear from you soon
• Once again, thank you for all your help.
• Give my regards/love to ...

APOLOGIES
Say what you arc apologising for and give reasons to explain your behaviour. Try to suggest a way of putting things right, if possible,
• I'm writing to apologise for missing your party last week but I'm afraid I was in bed with flu.
• I'm really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card but I was so busy with my new job.
• If you let me know where you bought it/how much it cost, I'll gladly pay for it/replace it.
• Please let me know how much the bill is and I'll gladly pay it.

INVITATIONS - ACCEPTING/REJECTING
Say what the event is and give clear details of the date, time and place. It may be helpful to give other information such as how to get there, who else is coming and what (if anything) to bring. It is usual, too, to ask for confirmation:
• I'm/We're having a party on Friday 19th and I/we hope you'll be able to come.
• Would you like to come/go to see 'Room With a View' with me at the weekend?
• I was wondering if you'd like to go to the theatre/come on holiday with us?
• Could you let me/us know if you can come/you'd like to join us?
• Thank you very much for your invitation. I'd love to come
• Thank you for asking me/inviting me to... but I'm afraid I won't be able to come/join you because...

REQUESTS
In some cases, you may want to introduce your request immediately. In others, you may prefer to begin your letter with some brief news before going on to make request. Either way, explain exactly what the request is, with reasons, and emphasise how grateful you would be for the help you are asking for:
• I'm writing to ask for your help/you (if you could do me a favour.
• I wonder if/I was wondering if you could help me/do me a favour.
• I hope you don't mind me asking but could you (possibly)...?
• I'd be very/really/terribly grateful if you could ...

THANK YOU/ CONGRATULATIONS/GOOD LUCK
When thanking someone for something, it is usual to say as much as possible about how useful/enjoyable/helpful it was. When offering congratulations for some success, you usually mention how well deserved it is. When wishing someone good luck, try to reassure them or offer some friendly advice:
• I'm writing to thank you for your hospitality/the wonderful present.
• It was so kind of you lo invite me to stay with you.
• I really appreciated all your help/advice.
• I wish you good luck/Good luck in/with your exams/your driving test/your interview
• Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do well/pass.
• Do be on time, won't you, and don't forget to...

NEWS/INFORMATION
• I thought you might be interested to hear about/know that...
• This is just to let you know that...
• By the way, have you heard about/did you know that ... ?

BEGINNING/ORGANISATION
Write Dear + the person’s name, if you know it (Dear Mr Smith). If not, begin Dear Sir (for a man), Dear Madam (for a woman), or Dear Sir or Madam (if it could be either). Don’t use a title like Dear Manager.

In the first paragraph, clearly state your reason for writing, Use the middle paragraphs to explain the details, beginning a new paragraph for each main point. In the final paragraph, sum uo and/or say what action you want to be taken.

ENDINGS
Don’t forget! If you began with a person’s name, e.g. Dear Mrs Blake, you must end with Yours sincerely, not Yours faithfully. These endings are followed by a comma.

JOB APPLICATIONS
First make it clear which job you are applying for, and mention where you saw the advertisement, and when. Give all the necessary information about yourself (including age, qualifications, past employment and other experience). Say why you are particularly interested in the job, and what you have to offer. Use a new paragraph for each main topic. It may also be useful to mention when you would be available for an interview:
• I was interested in the advertisement in (newspaper/magazine) on (date) and I would like to apply for the post/position of (job title)
• I am 21 years of age and I have a Diploma in Business Administration
My reason for applying is that I am interested in tourism and I would like to be able to use my foreign languages.
• I would be happy/able to attend an interview at any time which is convenient to you.

APOLOGIES
Explain why you are apologizing and what the reasons were for your behaviour. If possible, offer to make up in some way (e.g. paying for the damage) and/or promise that the problem won’t happen again:
• I am writing to apologise for the things I said at our last meeting/losing my temper.
• I would like to say how sorry I am about the trouble I have caused/that you were disturbed.
•The reason I missed the meeting was that my car broke down.
• Please let me know how much it cost and I will gladly replace it.
• I assure you that this will never happen again

COMPLAINTS
State the subject of your complaint clearly in the first paragraph. Use the following paragraphs to give all the necessary details (including dates and times, the people involved, the inconvenience you’ve been caused, etc.). Try to be clear and factual rather than emotional. Use the final paragraph to say what action you want to be taken now:
• I am writing to complain about a holiday I booked with your company.
•I am writing to say that I am now satisfied with the standard of service at your restaurant.
• I must insist that you refund the cost of the bill.
•I must ask you to…

ENQUIRIES
In the first paragraph, explain what information you need. If you are responding to an advertisement, mention where you saw this. Use extra paragraphs to mention any specific questions you would like answers to:
• I am writing to enquire about ….
• I was interested in your advertisement in ‘The Daily News’ and I would like to have further information about …
• I would be grateful if you could send me full details of …
• Could you send me your brochure/ catalogue?
• I look forward to hearing from you/receiving the information.

OPINION
Introduce the topic and give details of any letter, article, book or TV programme you are responding to. Develop your argument in separate paragraphs and sum up in the final one:
• I strongly disagree with/I completely agree with Mr Smith’s letter, which appeared yesterday.
• I was interested to read the article on immigration in Monday’s edition of your newspaper but I don’t think it gave all the facts.
• I was interested/fascinated/amused/delighted to see/hear/read …
• I was horrified/shocked/disgusted to …
• in my opinion there is far too much violence in television dramas these days.
• in conclusion I feel/ I believe …

**Наталья** · 17.09.2005, 23:36

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:

The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000 there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use.

What do you think? Give reasons for your answer. You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence

Sample 1

The solution of overcrowded traffic

Nowaday, these are about of cars on British road and they have increased day to day. By the year 2000 there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. In this essay, I intend to examine, about the solutions of these problems.

Firstly, the people living in British need to think about themselves. If they used the bus and train instead of their car, this problem would resolve a little. Because of this, the British Government should introduce to control car ownership and use. For example, the government can ban to enter the road by car in the someday all family from a house.

Secondly, the buses and trains of government should be free for public population. Thus, the people would use these transport vehicles instead of their own car. After that, the roads in Britain would be safer and more comfortable.

Lastly, the number of cars that are exported from another country should decrease and the prices of car should increase in case they aren’t overcrowded. For example, the prices of cigarettes increased and the consuption of cigarettes get down.

In conclusion, if these measures put into action the problem of traffic can be decreased in the British roads.

EXAMINER COMMENT
Band 5
The answer is short at just over 200 words and thus loses marks for content. There are some relevant arguments but these are not very well developed and become unclear in places. The organization of the answer is evident through the use of fairly simple connectives but there are problems for the reader in that there are many missing words and word order is often incorrect. The structures are quite ambitious but often faulty and vocabulary is kept quite simple.

Сочинение недостаточно длинное, чуть больше 200 слов, таким образом, снижается оценка за содержание. В сочинении имеются несколько относящихся к теме аргументов но они недостаточно полно раскрыты и местами неясны. Структура сочинения становится понятной благодаря уместному использованию слов-связок, но у читателя местами возникают трудности понимания из-за того, что многие слова отсутствуют, а порядок слов неверен. Использованные структуры претенциозны, но часто ошибочны, словарь весьма скуден.

Sample 2

The transport has been one of the most important problems for the last two centuries. The problem began with the development and the growing of the cities.

Before the eighth century the people lived in small villages or towns and did not have necessity to too car. The people did not worry about the time to arrive in some where.

Nowadays the situation changed. Many cars on the streets and many people need to go to any place. The numbers of car has increased and as a result there are many problems: pollution, noise, car accident, insufficient car park and petroleum problem.

On the other hand, people use car to go anywhere: to work, to travel, to spent holiday and to amusement. Meanwhile the car is important the cities must have another solution. It is important to organise its using and to meet alternative ways.

In big cities there are some alternatives like undergrounds (metro), coach, tram and bycicles. In China and Cuba for example they use a lot of bycicles instead using the cars or coaches.

It would be better to think about others different kinds of transport. In Brasil the Government has talked about transport on the rivers. In this country there are many rivers where it is possible to go to different places. In general they are flat rivers.

Another kind of transport is car that uses solar energy. Probably they don’t have pollution problem and it is cheaper than others car.

In conclusion, the transport is a social problem in big cities but its polution depend on new technologies, other kind of energy and political aspects.

EXAMINER COMMENT
Band 6
There are quite a lot of ideas and while some of these are supported better that others, there is an overall coherence to the answer. The introduction is perhaps slightly long and more time could have been devoted to answering the question. The answer is fairly easy to follow and there is good punctuation. Organizational devices are evident although some areas of the answer become unclear and would benefit from more accurate use of connectives. There are some errors in the structures but there is also evidence of the production of complex sentence forms. Grammatical errors interfere slightly with comprehension.

Представлено достаточное количество идей, некоторые из них лучше других, и есть общая связь идей. Введение, возможно, несколько длинновато, и больше времени могло быть посвящено развитию темы. Тема раскрыта достаточно полно, соблюдена пунктуация. Организационные средства очевидны, хотя некоторые аспекты проблемы остаются неясными и были бы лучше освещены при более удачном использовании слов-связок. Имеются ошибки в использовании грамматических структур, а также сложноподчиненных предложений. Грамматические ошибки незначительно затрудняют понимание.

**Наталья** · 17.09.2005, 23:39

At present more and more people consider that animals should not be used for the benefit of human beings. These people, however, note that animals could be used if there is no evidence that they suffer in any way.

Sample

This point of view has strong and wears sides. On the other hand people used to utilize animals for food, clothes, sports etc., and we can say that there is no real substitution for meat and milk, for example. Could we say that animals do not suffer when they are killed? If we say that we don’t want animals to suffer in any way we should reject eating beef and become and chickens.

In the other hand we can give up using animals for clothes and sports. We could stop wearing furs, we could also stop races as we don’t really know whether horses enjoy them.

To final the right way we should decide what are the frames of the statement “no suffer in using animals for human’s purposes”. We should also decide what kinds of using of animals we can refuse without damaging the human’s health/ we should also create rules of painless use of animals or try to make this pain as small as we can.

In my opinion, we should stop using animals for pleasure and joy if it has a influence badly on them. We must use animals only for our real needs. We should also do our best to prevent animals from suffering starvation and useless killing.

EXAMINER COMMENT
Band 7
Excellent. This is the standard we need.

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy.
The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.
Give reasons for your answer.

Sample 1

NUCLEAR POWER PROVIDES CHEAP

Nuclear power provides cheap energy sources. Sometimes the present sources and energy like oil, gas etc. Will be finished.

Arguments in favour nuclear power: The nuclear energy produces by chemical materials: it is comparatively cheaper than other energy. To produce the power it only involve some expert people and energy plant. Where to produce other energy it needs large involvmen like worker, machineries, etc. And also takes more time. The nuclear power plants are welprotected and monitor. That is why there is less possiblities.

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace because the developed countries like U.K. U.S.A Canada, Frace etc. Have nuclear weapons (warhead). Each country do not give threat to other country. Because they know if one country distrusts others, h n other will create problems from them. So it is welbalanced and world peace maintains peacefully.

Though there are sometimes creates problems by the nuclear technology but sometimes it also help the mankind in the field of medical and engineering sectors. In the medical field we can say by nuclear ray sometimes we can treat a canser patient. On the other hand in the field of Engineering by the nuclear power engineering can do lot of things like operate engine instead of electricity. In conclusion we can say though there are some problem in the nuclear power but it has some benefit for the mankind.

EXAMINER COMMENT
Band 5

Although the script contains some good arguments, these are presented using poor structures and the answer is not very coherent. The candidate has a clear point of view but not all the supporting arguments are linked together well and sometimes ideas are left unfinished. There is quite a lot of relevant vocabulary but this is not used skilfully and sentences often have words missing or lapse into different styles. The answer is spoilt by grammatical errors and poor expression.

Несмотря на то что сочинение содержит убедительные эгументы, они представлены с использованием неверных грамматических структур и не соответствуют цели. У кандидата имеется ясная точка зрения, но не все аргументы адекватно объединены, и иногда аргументация остается незавершенной. Использовано достаточное количество необходимой лексики, но недостаточно удачно, а в предложениях часто недостает нужных слов или они представляют разные стили. Сочинение проигрывает из-за грамматических ошибок и плохого изложения

Sample 2
NUCLEAR POWER

Nuclear power is an alternative source of energy which is carefully being evaluated during these times of energy problems During these years we can say that we have energy problems but in more or less 50 years, we will be facing an energy crisis.

Nuclear power is an alternative source of energy and unlike othe sources such as solar energy, nuclear power is highly effective for industrial perpouses. If it is handled correctly there realy is no danger for the public. It is cheap, There is no threat of pollution and best of all it is limitless. It is difficult to think about nuclear power as a good source of energy for people in general. This is due to the use it has been given since its birth during the second world war. It is expressed as military power and in fact at the moment nuclear power is limited to few hands who consider themselves world power. When and if there is a change of idiology regarding the correct use of nuclear power, then we may all benefit from all the advantages nuclear power can give us.

If we outweigh the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear technology we then have the following:
As stated before, the advantages are that there is limitless supply, it is cheap, it is effective for industrial perpouse and still there are many benefits which have not yet been discovered. The disadvantages are at present time that it is limited to only a few countries who regard it as a safe military power. Also if mishandled, there is risk for the population around the plant undergo contamination as we all know happened in
Crhernobyl. If these disadvantages can be overcome, then it is
clear that nuclear energy can give us more benefits then problems. It will in the future be very important as the energy crisis is not far ahead.

In conclusion, nuclear power is good, it can be safe, and we will all benefit. It is up to our leaders to see that it is handled well so that we can all benefit from it.

EXAMINER COMMENT
Band 7

The answer is well-written and contains some good arguments. It does tend to repeat these arguments but the writer's point of view remains clear throughout. The message is easy to follow and ideas are arranged well with good use of cohesive devices. There are minor problems with coherence and at times the expression is clumsy and imprecise. There is a wide range of structures that are well handled with only small problems mainly in the areas of spelling and word choice.

Сочинение хорошо написано и содержит некоторые убедительные доводы. Просматривается тенденция к повторению этих аргументов, но точка зрения автора остается понятной. Позиция автора прослеживается, и мысли хорошо организованы с помощью соединительных средств. Есть небольшие проблемы со связностью и временами, средства выражения неудачны и неточны. Использован широкий спектр структур, которыми автор хорошо оперирует, хотя имеются некоторые проблемы в области правописания и выбора слов.

**Наталья** · 17.09.2005, 23:46

Supporters of technology say that it solves makes life better. Opponents argue that technology creates new problems that may threaten or damage the quality of life. Using one or two examples, discuss these two positions. Which view of technology do you support? Why?

Sample 1

Now a days, in the life the technology it solves problems. But damage the quality of the life in very important. Because the many people to the quality of life is very high than the yesterday sociyat. They are use or buys goods is more good than yesterday. To the many people to need the high quality are -too many.

(60 words)

Band 2
Demonstrates incompetence in writing. A paper in this category:
— may be incoherent;
— may be undeveloped;
— may contain severe and persistent writing errors. Демонстрирует некомпетентность.

Сочинение такой категории:
— может быть непоследовательно;
— не доведено до конца;
— может содержать серьезные и повторяющиеся ошибки в правописании.

Sample 2

I agree that with the progress of technology we make our life better and easier. In many years ago, people had difficulties to travel from one place to another. For example people who wanted to come to the united states from Urope. They should prepare themselves for a very big adventure, because They had to travel the ocean by sheep and it took for them almost a month regard less of the dangers that They had to experience. But in these days people travel The same distance just by catching a plane in less than ten hours. This is the progress of technology that life easy.

(106 words)

Band 3
Suggests incompetence in writing.
A paper in this category is seriously flawed by one or more oj the following weaknesses:

— serious disorganisation or underdevelopment;
— little or no detail, or irrelevant specifics;
— serious and frequent errors in sentence structure or usage;
— serious problems with focus.

Предполагает некомпетентность.

Сочинение этой категории серьезно страдает из-за одного или более нижеприводимых недостатков:
— серьезная неорганизованность и недостаточное раскрытие темы;
— мало или нет примеров, а также приведены не относящиеся к теме подробности;
— грубые и частые ошибки в структуре предложений и использовании слов;
— серьезные проблемы в освещении темы

Sample 3

The main point is tecnology, and what does technology do in our life, before any thing we should suggest to some technology's working way in doing life.

Tecnology would be very useful but in some condition fo example as a nature distribting which it would be very dangrouse, but it could be very important in other way for better live and make the life's things to do easier.

Supporthing tecnology is very important — and it would make the useful way of useing tecnology, because it needs The supporters and investing to find more and more progress in the tecnology.

But sometimes tecnology makes some problem that I mantion in the begining of essay and it would very dangerous in some ways. For example factories trash makes some problems and makes the waters dirty and it's damage wouldn't be not quality easy.

At the end I would like to say that soppprting of tecnology will be helpful and make life easier, but technology must be very careful to not be a danger and risky.

(172 words)

Band 3

Sample 4

In my own points of view I support technology can solve problems and makes life better. Such as development of computer. Computer helps human solves thousand of problems, espeaclly. science. A lot of calculation was so complex. It is impossible count them from normal method. It should use a very fast computer in order to compute it. Super conductor, one of the hot technology topic. A lot of scientists study this kind of stuff. It is a very important stuff. If we can use it in normal way. That is wnderful. We can easily solve the big problem, «energy». Because super conductor has a special cental. It can pass through the energy without lossing. It is a Hi-technology's symbol.

But technology also created a lot of problem. Such as industary unless thing. Human feel dizzy from them. A lot of vehicles running on the road. Creating much CO2. Affect the earth's nature condistion. Recently. The weather was so bad. Because of the CO2. CO2 blocks the sun light. So the weather was inconsiderable.

Finally I support technology. Because it is more benefit.

(182 words)

Band 4
Demonstrates some developing competence in writing, but it remains flawed on either the rhetorical or syntactic level, or both.

A paper in this category may reveal one or more of the following weaknesses:
— inadequate organization or development;
— inappropriate or insufficient details to support or illustrate generalizations;
— a noticeably inappropriate choice of words or forms;
— an accumulation of errors in sentence structure and/or usage.

Показывает некоторое развитие в овладении письмом, но стается недостаточно компетентным как на уровне логики, так и на синтаксическом уровне.

Сочинение этой категории может демонстрировать один или более из следующих недостатков:
— неудачная логика или ее развитие;
— неподходящие или недостаточные примеры для подтверждения или иллюстрации общих, положений;
— заметно неподходящий выбор слов или их форм;
— значительное количество грамматических и/или лексических ошибок

Sample 5

Many times the humans have been confronted with the counceded forces of the nature. For example, when a highway is builded through the mountains which have pronoonced landscapes, rivers, and forests. This construction could affect all the aspects of the envirounement. The question about if this is good or bad depend on the people answer it.

The supporters of technology will say that the highway will allow the transportation of persons and goods between two areas faster than it was. On the other hand, opponents of technology will say that the road will damage the forests, rivers and mountains. Both arguments are valid to me because the road or highway, although it solves problems and make life more comfortable, it can be affecting the animal life in the forest that, in the future, can be dangered or extinted.

However I believe that the

(144 words)

Band 4

Sample 6

The need for technology has been with man for a long time. Because of limited physical strength but the need to move around, man has been creating tools to help him to do so easier. For example the problem of transportation has always been a major obstacle. The new technology has helped people to go to more Places at a much more faster pace. People can send and receive food from places much farther than they used to be able to do. Also new technology has been a great help in keeping people healthier, and helping them live longer. On the other hand the new technology brought pollution which is very harmful to people Also the new technology has brought more destructive power to man. The threat of nuclear war is very scarry. I think technology has created new problems for man, and these are problems with a very far away solutions.

(152 words)

Band 5
Demonstrates minimal competence in writing on both the rhetorical and syntactic levels. A paper in this category:
— addresses the writing topic adequately but may slight parts of the task;
— is adequately organized and developed;
— uses some details to support a thesis or illustrate an idea;
— demonstrates adequate but possibly inconsistent facility with syntax and usage;
— may contains some errors that occasionally obscure meaning.

Демонстрирует минимальные умения письма как на логическом, так и синтаксическом уровнях.

Сочинения этой категории:
— адекватно раскрывают тему, но отдельные части задания не освещены;
— адекватно организованы, логично построены;
— используют отдельные примеры для подтверждения тезиса или иллюстрации идеи;
— демонстрируют адекватную, но, возможно, недостаточную легкость в использовании грамматики и лексики;
— могут содержать некоторые ошибки, которые порой искажают смысл

Sample 7

I agree with the opponents of technology say that technology creates new problems that may threaten or damage the quality of life. The most serious problem is the pollution. Toxic wastes are being dumped into rivers, lakes and even our atmosphere. Fishes and other marine live cannot survive in polluted rivers and oceans.

Also, toxic gases are being produced by cars, factories and planes. This is the main source which causes the acid rain. Acid rain has done a great damage to the forest that the quantity of trees are reducing day by day. The ozone layer — a protective layer that surrounding us in the atmosphere is earring away by wasted chemicals. That means we are lossing our protective layer and letting ultravoilet to pass through. And for us, we are breathing in a lot of polluted air which may make us ill or sometimes may cause death.

Technology may solve a lot of problems but the point is the result of technology gives us disadvantages more than advantages. So I am on the side of the opponents.

(179 words)

Band 5

**Наталья** · 17.09.2005, 23:55

Sample 8

Technology by definition refers to the improvement of the technical know how and advancement of machinery to improve the working systems in the human society. In a way this looks a very good idea in that man's work would be made much faster less laborious. Machines which are the main implements of technology have a major advantage to man's ways of life. Take for example an aeroplane, which being a product of advance in
technology has made all corners of the earth look like. They are only centimetres apart. It has made the means of communication which prior to its development was very difficult much easier and less risky.

Travelling to many parts of the world which are very many miles apart now only takes afew hours or days whereas this used to take days or even months.

On the other hand technology has created a number of new hazards to the health of the societies. The machines make life easy but also expose people to new problems. In the example considered above transportation has become easier by planes but these planes also expose people to accidents which have become so numerous and clain many lives daily. As we all know that a majority of these machines use fuel and that to use the fuel it has to burn there are products which we introduced into our environment. These new products include gases from automobiles which pollute the air we breathe. These gases expose us to lung diseases, cancers and number of new ailments which have not yet been fully explored.

In conclusion I think that although advances in technology may seem favourable there are alot of harzards which it introduces into our ways of life.

(287 words)

Band 6
Demonstrates competence in writing on both the rhetorical and syntactic levels, though it will probably have occasional errors. A paper in this category:

— may address some parts of the task more effectively than
others;
— is generally well organized and developed;
— uses details to support a thesis or illustrate an idea;
— displays facility in the use of language;
— demonstrates some syntactic variety and range of vocabulary.

Демонстрирует умение писать как на логическом, так и на синтаксическом уровнях, хотя могут встречаться отдельные ошибки.

Сочинения этой категории:
— могут раскрывать отдельные части задания лучше, чем другие;
— обычно хорошо организованы и логически построены;
— используют примеры для подтверждения тезиса или иллюстрации идеи;
— показывают легкость в пользовании языком;
— демонстрируют некоторую способность использовать различные грамматические средства и достаточно широкий словарь.

Sample 9

Technology refers to the skill, knowledge and technique that human being used in production. It is used as one of the indicators of the stage of development of a society.

As technology innovation occurs, the productivity and efficiency of a society can be improved. Before the invention of computer, people have to spend a lot of time in complex mathematical calculations. But now, with the aid of computers, the work which required one or two weeks may now be done within one or two hours. This give the scientists more time to spend on research and innovation. In addition to that, development of computer technology leads to another new product — robots. Robot provide much help in many aspects, for example, car assembly lines with the help of robots, the components of a car can be assembled more quickly and more accurately than that done by human hands. This results in lower cost of cars, and a better quality too.

On the other hand, technology may also bring some damage to human life. As more and more factories are built, more waste and toxic materials are disposed. This leads to more air pollution and more water pollution. The former will lead to weather change such as acid rain, and the concentration of ozone which will affect the global weather. While the latter will affect the survival of the living organisms in the sea, and which in return will pollute the drinking water of human being and affects human health.

Since seeking for better living environment is one of the desires of human being, technology innovation can help to achieve this goal. In order to reduce the disadvantages of technology innovation, the government has set up safety standards for the industries. And also in the process of technology innovation, a point has to be borne in mind, we have to control the technology, not we to be controlled by it.

(318 words)

Band 6

Sample 9

Technology threatens and inflicts damage upon our quality of life. Scientific achievement of this century is creating a wide-spread plague that would soon destroy the entire world. Let's take, for example, our air. Due to massive air pollution, what we breathe is not relatively safe like it used to be. The fumes from the exhaust pipes of automobiles, trucks and factories blow waste materials into the atmosphere. After a period of time, atmospheric change occur. The fumes, that were collected in the atmosphere, are slowly eating-away at the ozone layer. This layer of the atmosphere is what shields us from solar ultra-violet rays. Once this layer is gone, our natural protection against the sun would be gone, and if we were hit by one ray of the sun, we'd burst into flames and fried into a cinder.

Another plague of technology would be nuclear power. The power that can energize entire cities with electricity could also be the power to destroy. After 1945, the research on nuclear power has increased significantly. Contrary to the belief that it is safe, nuclear power has a way of destroying whole cities. It is not like a fire that can be put out with water or CO2, but special equipments have to be used. Afterwards, that place would remain radioactive for quite a long time, devoid of life and sound.

So you see, if technology cannot be halted, then our fate is sealed. Our end would not come about by natural means, but by our own technological achievements. And life on Earth would cease to exist.

(264 words)

Band 7
Demonstrates clear competence in writing on both the rhetorical *nd syntactic levels, though it may have occasional errors. A paper in this category:

— effectively addresses the writing task;
— is well organized and well developed;
— uses clearly appropriate details to support a thesis or illustrate ideas;
— displays consistent facility in the use of language;
— demonstrates syntactic variety and appropriate word choice.

Демонстрирует явное умение писать как на логическом так и синтаксическом уровнях, хотя могут быть отдельные ошибки.

Сочинения этой категории:
— адекватно выполняют письменное задание;
— хорошо организованы и логично построены;
— четко используют подходящие примеры для подтверждения тезиса или иллюстрации идей;
— наказывают легкость в использовании языка;
— демонстрируют умение пользоваться различными грамматическими средствами и правильным выбором слов.

**Наталья** · 17.09.2005, 23:56

Sample 10

There are several viewpoints on the implications of technological change and advancement and such schools of thought which considerably worry have supertive validity. Technological change has its advantages and disadvantages. For one, it is true that it partly solves problems and makes life better. At the same time, technological changes may likely create new problems thereby threatening or damaging quality of life.

In the developing economies, for instance, technologicaladvantages for both its merits and dimerits. The introduction and seeming acceptability and usefulness of computers have somehow helped increase the efficiency of several firms. It is not only in the industrial sector that technological change proves to be very effective. In the agricultural sector, for example, the introduction of new technologies in increasing production has been very effective in expanding agricultural produce. There are just a few examples to illustrate the advantages of technological advancement.

On the other hand, countries should be more careful on their choice of technology since it must be noted that while certain types of technology are adaptable to developed economies, the same type of technology may not fit the environment of developing countries due to differing economic, social, cultural, and political factors. For example, infrastructure improvements such as a construction of irrigation dam in the mountains of the Philippines where several natives reside may likely be resisted by the population due to cultural factors. They may prefer not to have such improvements in view of traditional values. Another example is the pollution impact of some technological improvements particularly in the industrial sectors.

The choice and adaptability of new technology should therefore be carefully studied. The short, medium, and long term impact of such technology is very important particulary for developing economies. The benefits should always be greaterthan the costs.

I am inclined to support both positions because both views have their own validity. However, I am more convinced that technological advancement is really beneficial to countries si long as they are aware of the disadvantages of such technology.

(356 words)

Band 7

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement:

Teachers should make learning enjoyable and fun for their students.
Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion

Sample 1

«Teachers should make learning enjoyable and fun for their students». I do completely agree with this staments. I beleive that there have been many studies done on this subject, and they all indicate that if children during their first years of schooling associate learning as enjoyable and fun they will learn the subjects and retain more than if presented on a dull way. The trend in learning and education appears to support this idea.

The role of the teacher now days is more than just giving away a number of facts for students to learn. By making learning fun and enjoyable the student will also get motivated and probably do some research or outside class investigation to enrich his or her own knowledge, Some may say that this is a lot of work for the teachers.

However if you look at all the tegnology available, for example computer educational programs, educational videos etc.; they all try make the learning process enjoyable and fun. It is easier for teachers to plan their classes by using such materials. Students benefits as well since they are learning without associating the process as been a tedious chore needed to get a grade and pass a class.

I do beleive that in the long run both students and teacher will achive great results and a sence of a well accomplished j by approaching learning as an enjoyable and fun activity.

(234 words)

Band 7

Inventions such as eyeglasses and the sewing machine have had an important effect on our lives. Choose another invention that you think is important.
Give reasons for your choice.

Sample

The telephone plays a very important role in our lives. The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell, a very well known inventor. Before there were telephones, communication was slow and people had to go into lots of trouble like writing letters and sending telegrams to relay a certain message to their family and friends.

The telephone makes communication easy. People can talk to one another by dialling the number required. They can converse with one another even through large distances such as Malaysia to America. In emergencies such as fire or accidents, a person can call for help. This could save a lot of lives, money and properties.

The telephone is very important to the business world. Companies make their orders from other companies by using the telephone. They also make business deals and pass on important news and information. By communicating through the telephone, business and managements can be done more easily and a lot of time is saved.

Comparing with the post, the telephone is a faster way to relay
messages. A letter would take weeks to reach a far destination but by
telephoning, it would only take a few seconds. It would also save
you trouble, as you would not have to go anywhere to buy stamps.

Considering the reasons given, the telephone has an important effect on our lives. It makes our lives easier and improves ommunication, worldwide.

(233 words)

Band 6

Sample 2

I do strongly support the idea that teachers should make learning enjoyable and fun for the students. This I support with the following reasons.

First let us take the psychological component of a student. A child or student will be more receptive, to anything including studies, if the subject matter is presented in an interesting and enjoyable manner if not there is every likelihood that the student will be unwilling or will reject the matter presented as he considers studying is a burden on him.

My second point is that the present day student faces tremendous amount of distractions such as interesting television programmes, drugs, distractions from opposite sexes and many more. To get the student away from all these and to get him interested in studies there is obviously no other way than to make learning interesting.

The present day students are also pressured with tremendous amount of competition from other students. With this mounting pressure on them coupled with the lush expectation of the parents it will lighten the burden on the young students with a more acceptable form of presentation that is in an enjoyable and fun manner.

Retention is another factor that should considered important. Any presentation which is given in an interesting or enjoyable manner can be retained well by the students. If the subject matter presented is interesting than there is strong ikelihood the student will forget the subject matter presented in days or even hours.

When presenting a subject the teacher should create a desire amongst the student to crave for more knowledge on the subject and this can certainly be obtained if the subject matter is presented in a fun and enjoyable manner.

It can also be said that the present day communication system is so advanced and there are ample teaching aids and techniques to make teaching fun and enjoyable. So why not utilise the opportunities to the full so that the students at the receiving end can benefit to the full.

Last but not least I wish to say that by making teaching fun and enjoyable the life expectancy of both the students and the teacher can be extended.

(358 words)

Band 7

**Наталья** · 18.09.2005, 00:14

ПРАКТИКУМ

Изучите следующие сочинения и напишите собственные на следующие темы. Выпишите подчеркнутые слова и выражения, которые можно использовать в других сочинениях, и дайте их перевод.

Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but its disadvantages should not b overlooked.
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

SAMPLEANSWER

Faster planes and cheaper flights are making it easier than ever before for people to travel*. In most 'developed' societies, visiting exotic places is a sought-after status symbol. The tourism industries of both developed and developing countries have recognized this fact and are learning to take advantage of it.**

There are, however, some problems associated with this new industry. Firstly***, there is the increasing crime rate. Some locals see tourists as easy prey because, not only are they in unfamiliar territory and therefore less able to take care of themselves, but also they carry visible items of wealth, such as cameras and jewelry which can be disposed of quickly for a profit****.

Another major problem is health. With greater mobility comes greater danger of spreading contagious diseases around the world*****. One carrier returning home could easily start an epidemic before their illness was diagnosed. Moreover****** the emergence of many more diseases which resist antibiotics is causing scientists to be increasingly concerned about this issue.

Also to be considered is the natural environment, which can be seriously threatened by too many visitors. Australia's Great Barrier Reef, for example, is in danger of being destroyed by tourists and there are plans to restrict visitors to some of the delicate coral cays*******.

These are just three of the reasons why any country should be wary of committing itself to an extensive tourism development program********.

Introduction doesn't repeat question. - Введение не повторяет вопроса.
** Tackles question. - Затрагивает проблему.
*** Indicates that a number of points will be discussed in order. - Указывает, что ряд вопросов будут рассмотрены по порядку.
**** Clarifies problem - keeps to the point. - Проясняет проблему- придерживается темы.
*****New paragraph for new topic. Important aspects of our lives. - Новый абзац для новой темы. Важные аспекты нашей жизни.
******Appropriate use of connectors. - Уместное использование слов-связок.
******* Gives examples. - Дает примеры.
******** Conclusion rounds off well without repeating a question or wasting words. - Заключение написано без повторения вопроса и лишних слов.

The mass media, including television, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give your reasons.

SAMPLEANSWER

The undeniable usefulness of the media in almost instantly providing information about events around the world is largely taken for granted. But in our dependence on mass media have a powerful influence in shaping our lives. We have come to depend on them for information and entertainment, and in doing so we let them affect the media we have allowed them to mould our notions and opinions of events, places and people. Though few of us probably think about it, our conceptions of, say, our elected officials spring from television images and newspaper stories. Most of us will never meet prime ministers or presidents, but anyone who is regularly exposed to the media will have an opinion of them. When it is time to cast our vote, we will make our decision based on how the media portray the candidates. We are similarly swayed by coverage of wars. The media, representing the values of their owners, societies and governments, tend to report wars with a bias; which is the 'good' and which the 'bad' is determined for us by reporters, editors and commentators, and sure enough the public begins to form opinions that reflect the coverage they see, hear and read in the major media.

The media are also influential in the way they facilitate the spread of culture and life-style. The so-called 'global youth culture', in which one finds young people around the world displaying a common interest in music, clothing styles and films, is an example of the media's enormous sway in this regard. A popular figure such as Michael Jackson would never be so well known were it not for the media's extensive reach into every society on the globe.

Thus I would argue that the mass media's influence is certainly great. Indeed, with technological advancements such as the Internet bringing even more forms of electronic media to our homes and workplaces, it is likely the media's influence will grow even stronger.

(333 words)

'Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communicating with their office using computer technology. Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades.

SAMPLEANSWER

How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?

The spread of telecommuting is sure to have far-reaching effects on society. By itself, telecommuting refers to office, workers spending much of their time working from home and using electronic technologies to communicate with their employers. The broader implications of telecommuting, however, may involve changes to corporate structure, workers' lifestyles and even urban planning.

The most obvious changes may be apparent in the 'normal' offices of companies, governments and other organisations. If even half the working week is spent telecommuting from home, then we would initially expect many empty desks in the office. As offices grow smaller, workers coming in for the day would be expected to share desks with their absent colleagues. Thus, in turn, may affect the social atmosphere of an organisation, however, as less social contact with one's colleagues could harm morale and loyalty.

For the individual office worker, telecommuting would mean spending more time at home. For a parent with young children, this may be a blessing. Moreover, many telecommuters would be able to work the hours they wished: having a nap in the afternoon, for example, but working some hours in the evening. One substantial benefit for all telecommuting workers is that there will be no need to travel to work, allowing more free time.

The structure of urban life is also likely to be affected by telecommuting. We would expect to see fewer cars on the road during peak hours and, eventually, a smaller concentration of offices in cities' central business districts. In short, people will have less reason to travel to city centres from outlying areas. As more people work and live in the same location shops and cultural events will likely relocate themselves out оf the city centre.

In sum, telecommuting will serve not only to change the way we work but also the way we live.

(306 words)

Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just as good as women at parenting.

Write an essay expressing your point of view. Give reasons for your answer.

SAMPLEANSWER

The view that women are better parents than men has shown itself to be true throughout history. This is not to say that men are not of importance in child-rearing; indeed, they are most necessary if children are to appreciate fully the roles of both sexes. But women have proven themselves superior parents as a result of their conditioning, their less aggressive natures and their generally better communication skills.

From the time they are little girls, females learn about nurturing. First with dolls and later perhaps with younger brothers and sisters, girls are given the role of career. Girls see their mothers m the same roles and so it is natural that they identify this as a female activity. Boys, in contrast, learn competitive roles far removed from what it means to nurture. While boys may dream of adventures, girls' conditioning means they tend to see the future in terms of raising families.

Girls also appear to be less aggressive than boys. In adulthood, men, not women, who prove to be the aggressors in crime and in war. Obviously, in raising children, a more patient, gentle manner is preferable to a more aggressive one. Although there certainly exist gentle men and aggressive women, by and large, females are less likely to resort to violence in problems. Finally, women tend to be better communicators than men. This is shown in intelligence tests, where females, on average, do better in verbal communication than males. Of course, communication is of utmost importance in rearing children, as children tend to learn from and adopt the communication styles of their parents.

Thus, while it is all very well to suggest a greater role for men in raising children, let us not forget that women are generally better suited to the parenting role.

(303 words)

**Наталья** · 18.09.2005, 00:54

The idea of going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

SAMPLEANSWER

There is no doubt that going to study in a foreign country, with its different language and culture, can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience. But while overseas study has its drawbacks, the difficulties are far outweighed by the advantages. Indeed, people who go abroad for study open themselves up to experiences that those who stay at home will never have.

The most obvious advantage to overseas university study is real-life use of a different language. While a person can study a foreign language in his or her own country, it cannot compare with constant use of the language in academic and everyday life. There is no better opportunity to improve second-language skills than living in the country in which it is spoken. Moreover, having used the language during one's studies offers a distinct advantage when one is applying for jobs back home that require the language.

On a university campus, the foreign student is not alone in having come from far away. He or she will likely encounter many others from overseas and it is possible to make friends from all around the world. This is not only exciting on a social level, but could lead to important overseas contacts in later professional life.

Finally living and studying abroad offers one a new and different perspective of the world and, perhaps most important, of one's own country. Once beyond the initial shock of being in a new culture, the student slowly begins to get a meaningful understanding of the host society. On returning home, one inevitably sees one's own country in a new, often more appreciative, light.

In conclusion, while any anxiety about going overseas for university study is certainly understandable, it is important to remember that the benefits offered by the experience make it well worthwhile.

(301 words)

The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world's cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more.

Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport.

SAMPLEANSWER

Anyone who living in a city is aware of the increasing number of cars on the road and the kinds of problems this creates: traffic jams, air pollution and longer communicating periods. As economics grow and access to cars spreads to increasing numbers of people, this trend is likely to worsen. The solution, it would seem, is for government to encourage the use of public transport in urban areas, thus decreasing dependence on the car.

One way to stimulate public transport use is to make private car use more expensive and inconvenient. The introduction of tolls along urban motorways has been successfully employed in many cities. Other such measures are high-priced permits for parking in urban areas and the restriction of parking to a limited number of cars. Faced with high costs or no place to park commuters would perhaps be more willing to abandon their cars in favor of buses or trains.

There are also less punishing ways of spurring public transport use. The construction of free carparks at suburban train stations has proven successful in quite a number of countries. This allows commuters to drive part of the way, but take public transport into the central, most congested, urban areas.

Indeed, making public transport more comfortable and convenient should work to attract more commuters and decrease traffic congestion. Public transport that is convenient and comfortable retains its passengers, much like any business that satisfies its customers. The more commuters committed to taking public transport, the less congestion on city streets.

(253 words)

In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others people can work until they are 65 to 70. Meanwhile, we see some politicians enjoying power well into their eighties. Clearly, there is little agreement on an appropriate retirement age. Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment?
Give reasons for your answer.

SAMPLEANSWER

Mandatory retirement age varies from society to society, perhaps a reflection of economics, population pressures or simply value systems. Indeed, retirement at 50 can probably be easily
justified as that at 70. It is my belief, however, that the longer an able person is allowed to work, the better for both the individual worker and the employer.

Chronological age is not always a true indicator of ability. While some 65-year-olds may not perform as well as they did in their past, many workers at this age do just as well or better than they used to. People's suitability for a position should be a reflection of their performance in the job, rather than the number of wrinkles or grey hairs they have. Employers concerned about the increasing age of their employees need only observe their work records. Those doing poorly may be asked to retire, but those as yet unaffected by age should stay on. Indeed, it would appear economical for an organisation to retain its older employees when possible rather than spend time and money on training new workers.

Remaining in one's job for as long as one is able makes sense as life expectancies increase around the world. As people live longer, they are longer able to contribute to society in the form of meaningful work. But they are also in need of income for a longer period, so a mandatory retirement age of 55 for someone who is statistically likely to live to 77 becomes increasingly difficult to justify. At a time when populations are aging, governments are less able to provide for their senior citizens, so by keeping able workers in paid employment for as long as is practicable, public expenditures are less strained. .

Thus, workers who can still demonstrate their capacity to carry out their work should not be asked to retire simply because they have reached a certain age. Societies that insist on early retirement may do well to look again at their policies.

(333 words)

Recent advantages in human embryology and genetic engineering have rised the issue of how this knowledge ought to be used and it is now a matter of considerable public concern and debate.
Discuss.

SAMPLEANSWER

There are two main areas in which such research is widely regarded as being beneficial, and first of these is in the field of conception. Doctors can help otherwise infertile couple to have children using so-called “test-tube baby” technique. Although there was considerable controversy when the first such experiments were introduced, there is now a general acceptance that the process is both safe and useful.

The second area is that research into genetically transmitted diseases. Some of these only affect children of a particular sex, as is the case with hemophilia, which only affects males. In such circumstances, by determining the sex of the child in advance, doctors can ensure that the disease will not be passed on. In addition to this, research into human genetics offers the potential of finding the causes for other diseases and their eventual cures.

On the other hand, there is deep-rooted hostility towards scientists who interfere with nature and human life. This suspicion has a long history, and is reflected in literary works such as Frankenstein and Brave New World. In addition to this, however, there is wide-spread revulsion at the real life “experiments” that have been made carried out in the past. As a result, there is a common fear that scientific developments in genetics will inevitably be abused and that they will lead inexorably towards “designer children” and other worse excesses.

In conclusion, it can be said that research in these areas needs to be regulated rather than banned. There are many potential benefits as well as dangers, and therefore, if this research is to be continued, it must be carried out under strict supervision and controlled by well-balanced legislation.

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FAQ. Writing Task 2.

FAQ. Writing Task 2.

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