Reactivate_Writing_C2

Alexandra Green YOUR WRITING C2 Exams

Contents UNIT PAGE Introduction 4 7 1 Achievement Essay (opinion) 13 19 2 Crime and Punishment 23 Article (problem & solutions) 27 31 3 Urban Life 35 Report I 39 43 4 Education and Learning 47 Formal letter (giving information) 51 55 5 Diet and Well-being 59 Review I 63 67 6 The World of Science 71 Essay (descriptive) 102 7 Culture and Civilisation 3 Article (opinion) 8 The Consumer of Today Formal letter (for or against) 9 Entertainment and The Arts Essay (advantages and disadvantages) 10 Nature and Our Surroundings Proposal 11 Globetrotting Formal letter (description) 12 The Working World Article (opinion) 13 Matters of the Mind Report II 14 Personality Essay (summarising and evaluating information) 15 House and Home Review II Writing pages C2 Assessing writing performance

INTRODUCTION According to the CEFR, at C2 level, a student should have the ability and confidence to state the following: ‘I can write clear, smoothly flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles, which present a case with an effective logical structure, which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary work.’ Reactivate your Writing for C2 Exams is a new book that aims to develop students’ writing skills in an innovative and effective manner so that they can confidently make that statement. The focus throughout the book is on providing students with support and encouragement, thereby ensuring they have the confidence and ability to produce a piece of writing at C2 level, and preparing them for a number of the C2-level examinations. Emphasis is placed on developing the critical thinking skills of learners through a variety of exercises and task types: comparing, sequencing, negotiation, debating and reasoning to name just a few. Skill integration is advocated throughout the book. In order for students to express their ideas in an effective manner, they also need to be involved in brainstorming, with the aim of clarifying their thoughts and forming opinions. With the intention of ensuring quality writing, students are guided to become empowered learners and are as such provided with motivation to learn. Through empowerment, learners recognize and act upon their abilities. Bearing in mind the four dimensions of empowerment, listed hereunder, learners are encouraged to become confident writers capable of making choices and approaching tasks in a confident manner: Meaningfulness of the task: in order for a student to be motivated, the task should mean something, hence the focus is on brainstorming individual ideas, preferences and beliefs Competence: empowerment derives from the feeling of being ‘capable’ of performing the task in question. Students need to say ‘I can do that’. Impact: the more impact a student believes he or she has on a lesson, the more motivation there is to make an effort. Choice: students need to be given the choice with regard to what the task goals are and how they should be accomplished. Happy Writing! My Writing Checklist at C2 level ü Have I answered the question and included all the points? ü Have I demonstrated my complex knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, which includes the use of collocations, phrasal verbs, prepositional and verb phrases? ü Have I used the appropriate register throughout my piece of writing? ü Is my piece of writing within the word limit? ü Does my piece of writing demonstrate good organisation and paragaph use? ü Have I checked for any inaccuracies that may impede comprehension? 4

Essay: I have used convincing arguments, suitable discourse markers and my writing is organised in a logical order. Letter: I have used an appropriate opening and closing phrase and my language is appropriate to the task I have chosen. Article: I have chosen a suitable, catchy title, it is written in the correct register for the target reader / publication. Report: I have organised my report under the correct subheadings and I have covered all the points in the task. Review: I have used suitable descriptive and evaluative language and lexis. Proposal: I have organised my ideas into suitable sections and given suitable suggestions that are relevant to the issue. Here are some general writing tips which will assist you when composing your piece of writing at C2 level. Essay Letter Students are usually required to write an Students write letters to editors of newspapers essay for a teacher. In an essay, there should or magazines, or to a school or college be a central idea, which provides a point and principal. Letters may include a narrative purpose to the writing. You should practise element, allowing for personal experience or organising ideas and emphasising the they may be more factual. You should begin importance of the introduction, development and end your letter appropriately and should of the main body and conclusion. always explain your reason for writing. Report Review A report is written for a specific audience; a superior A review may be about a at work, colleagues, fellow students. The content of the magazine, film, play or concert report is primarily factual. However, there is opportunity to name a few. A review for you to refer to your own ideas and experience. The needs a catchy title as well as purpose of the report must be stated and the report narrative, descriptive language should be well organised in clear sections. and that of evaluation. Article Proposal An article should be written in a style Students write a proposal for a peer group or a that is suitable for publication in an supervisor such as a manager. A proposal should English-language newspaper, magazine contain at least one suggestion that will persuade or newsletter. The objective of an article the reader to take a certain course of action. is to communicate information; there The suggestion should be supported by factual may be a descriptive and/or narrative information. You should practise using persuasive element, and it is of utmost importance language and functional language for evaluating that the reader be engaged. and making suggestions. INTRODUCTION 5

01 Achievement Essay (opinion) Activate Your Ideas A Read this saying and discuss as a class. Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible. B Match these adjectives with the correct nouns to make phrases. 1 dismal a failure 2 overnight b millionaire 3 prodigious c student 4 run-of-the-mill d success 5 self-made e talent UNIT 1 7

Unit 1 C Now complete these sentences with the phrases from B. 1 Just when I thought my dissertation was going to be a(n) , I found inspiration in a journal I borrowed from the library. 2 Even though Jack was a(n) at school, he managed to secure a place at one of Britain’s top universities. 3 The series ‘Friends’ was most definitely a(n) . One minute the actors were unknown, taking their first steps in the world of entertainment; the next, they were world-renowned actors. 4 The footballer’s became apparent when he was just a young boy kicking a ball in the streets. It is no surprise to anyone that he has become the player he is today. 5 Evan personifies the saying ‘from rags to riches’. He is of an extremely modest background and most definitely an example of a(n) . D Rewrite the sentences using these phrases. I’m fairly certain that I’m inclined to agree with I’m opposed to It’s highly unlikely that 1 I don’t think Cassie has the potential to become an international tennis star. Cassie will become an international tennis star. 2 I believe we will win the new account. we will win the new account. 3 I’m against the idea of experimenting on animals; it’s cruel and unnecessary.  experimenting on animals; it’s cruel and unnecessary. 4 Yes, you might be right, Jake could do an internship before he starts his Master’s degree.  your idea of Jake doing an internship before he starts his Master’s degree. 8

Writing E Read these newspaper reports about different achievements and list them in order of importance. Then discuss as a class, using phrases from C where appropriate. 1 2 3 a One of the greatest achievements in the last decade must undoubtedly be the reprogramming of stem cells. These have a remarkable property; they have the unique ability to alter and acquire the function of absolutely any other cell! More specifically, they can be converted into red blood cells if the body is lacking in these, they can transform into white blood cells or muscle cells, any cell for that matter. This has to be one of the most significant discoveries for regenerative medicine as there is now a never-ending source of cells, required for the treatment of human injuries. b In 2015, scientists perceived dark stripes at the foot of a Martian mountain and they subsequently published photographs demonstrating these stripes, which seemed to appear and disappear as the different seasons set in. The discussion about life on Mars has been prominent for an extremely long time, and this discovery has fuelled speculation that the prospect of life on Mars in the near future may be a lot closer than we think. Such a discovery means that, should humanity decide to send a manned-mission to Mars, astronauts will require fewer resources. c One achievement that comes to mind is that of the creation of democracy, which has given individuals the right to participate in their choice of government. Few can deny that democracy has managed to remove power from dominating tyrants, oligarchs and dictators alike. The quotation ‘Government of the people, by the people and for the people …’ sums up the significance of democracy. UNIT 1 9

Unit 1 Activate Your Skills A Read this task and decide which point of view you agree with. Discuss in pairs. Some people feel that the greatest achievement of all time is modern technology, while others believe that we are slaves to it. What is your opinion? Support your opinion with reasons and examples. B Now read this essay in response to the task in A and compare the writer’s opinion with your answer in A. Discuss in pairs. When it comes to significant achievements, people have diverse opinions on which to choose as the greatest one of all time. Modern technology has undoubtedly changed our lives in various areas. However, is it for the greater good of mankind, or not? Thanks to modern technology, our lives have become more convenient; first and foremost, consider the Internet. We now have access to endless information at the touch of a key, wherever we want, whenever we want. In addition, the advent of mobile phones has facilitated communication between people, and we are able to feel safer wherever we are. We can take pictures and share memories, thereby making our lives more enjoyable, just by using this one device. On the other hand, it would appear that we are unable to live without our phones, computers and other gadgets, which, according to some, makes us slaves of modern technology. To my mind, there is some truth in this; as far as phones, robots and other products are concerned, we tend to use them more and more as they appear to facilitate our daily lives. We send sms messages instead of picking up the phone to speak to someone or even making the effort to meet them, and we opt for video conference calls instead of face-to-face meetings. The personal touch has been lost. All in all, our lives have changed dramatically as a result of modern technology, which has contributed to the advancement of humankind. Today it would be almost impossible to live without the modern conveniences we have become accustomed to. It is my firm belief that as long as we use modern technology in moderation, not in excess, it can be considered the greatest achievement of all time. 10

Writing C R ead this writing plan and underline the examples the writer gives in ALERT! Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the essay. When you write an essay giving your Writing plan opinion on a topic, Paragraph 1 Introduce the topic of great achievements in use examples to support your points. general and ask a rhetorical question about modern This will make technology to encourage the reader to continue. your writing more Paragraph 2 The benefits of modern technology, supported by convincing. examples Paragraph 3 The drawbacks of modern technology, supported by examples Paragraph 4 Summarise your points and give your opinion. D Read the essay again and answer these questions. , Which word(s) and phrase(s) does the writer use to: , 1 express his opinion? , 2 make reference to something? 3 show contrast? 4 express consequence? 5 conclude? E Now complete the table that follows with your answers from D and these words and phrases. I am of the opinion that in a nutshell nevertheless regarding thus to sum up with regard to Opinion Reference Contrast Consequence Conclusion F Complete these sentences with words and phrases from the table in E. Where appropriate, give more than one answer. 1  Dr. Harris is one of the university’s most commendable professors, regardless of his lack of experience. 2 Finally, in addition to the current road closures, all schools will remain closed until further notice. , the adverse weather conditions have caused havoc in the region. 3  his near-death experience, it has made Ed change his priorities in life; he no longer works till the early hours of the morning, and he dedicates far more time to his family. 4 Matthew was fortunate enough to come into a lot of money, allowing him to invest in property in central London. 5 Xavier has never been on a par with the other football players in his class. , it is his dream to try out for the first team and that he shall do! UNIT 1 11

Unit 1 Activate Your Writing A Read this task and complete the writing plan that follows. Some people believe that the greatest achievement of all time would be to see life on another planet, while others believe that space exploration is a waste of money. What is your opinion? Support your opinion with reasons and examples. Writing plan in general and ask a Paragraph 1 Introduce the topic of great (1) to encourage the rhetorical question about space (2) . reader to (3) Paragraph 2 The (4) of space exploration, supported by examples Paragraph 3 The (5) of space exploration, supported by examples Paragraph 4 Summarise your points and give your (6) . B N ow write an essay in response to the task in A. ALERT! Use the writing plan to help you. Don’t forget If you have a strong opinion about a topic to check your writing and complete the checklist and find it difficult to write about the when you have finished. other point of view, think about what other people might say about it. My writing checklist In my essay, I have the following: Four paragraphs: • Introduction to the topic in general and a rhetorical question • Benefits of space exploration with examples • Drawbacks of space exploration with examples • Summary of my points and my opinion Words and phrases which express opinion, consequence, contrast, reference and conclusion 12

02 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Article (problem & solutions) Chaos in the city Once believed to have one of the most beautiful avenues in the city centre with large, neo-classical buildings, a park and a plethora of shops, Preva is today a run-down, hazardous area, and it is located right in the heart of the capital. Petty crimes are rife in this area, one of the busiest in the city, and it is said that pickpockets are the greatest threat to locals living there. Another common crime in the area is shoplifting, which is a huge menace for shop owners and customers alike. Locals also claim that they simply can’t walk around after dark and that this area, which was once deemed to be one of the most striking in the capital city, is now riddled with crime. Unemployment and an influx of immigrants are thought to be the greatest causes of crime here. The youth with no purpose in life hang around on the streets, and some immigrants suffering from poverty, or even homelessness, consequently resort to crime. We are therefore faced with the challenge of curtailing crime in this area so that locals may feel safe again. Although this is a difficult task, it is not impossible. First of all, the government should focus on youngsters; on how they can be helped and how they can be given an objective in life, in order to improve their morale. Perhaps counselling is also a solution, so they stop feeling so alone. The issue of immigrants should also be addressed; food and shelter should be provided, as should the opportunity for them to be included in society. It is well known that the problem of crime cannot be solved without tremendous effort. However, I am of the opinion that if a selection of the aforementioned measures is taken, the locals may be able to feel safe in their city again. ✃ Turn over ➔ 73

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 74

YOUR WRITING C2 Reactivate your Writing for C2 Exams has been specifically Exams written to help students consolidate their writing skills and progress from an intermediate level to a C2 level. Its thorough coverage of writing styles and formats will help students prepare for all C2 examinations. Reactivate your Writing for C2 Exams contains: • 15 task-based units. • carefully graded exercises to boost students’ confidence levels. • model answers for students to analyse. • a special checklist to help them plan their writing. • ample writing practice in each unit. Components of this series include: Reactivate your Writing Student’s Book Reactivate your Writing Teacher’s Book Also available: Activate your Grammar Activate your Reactivate your Grammar Cambridge Proficiency Practice Tests 1 & 2 & Vocabulary B2 Writing B2 & Vocabulary C1/C2 ESB C2 LRN C2 MSU-CELC C2 Michigan ECPE Practice Tests 1 & 2 Practice Tests Practice Tests Practice Tests