Cambridge English: Advanced

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Essay

Question
Your class has been discussing whether school/college leavers should be forced to do unpaid work if no paid jobs are available. You have made the notes below:

Write an essay discussing TWO of the arguments made for and/or against making young people do unpaid work. You should explain which argument is more important, giving reasons in support of your answer.

You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed during the discussion, but you should use your own words as far as possible. (around 220-260 words).

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

• Decide quickly which side of the argument you are on.
  Are you totally against the idea?
  Can you see both sides and want to give a balanced opinion?
  
• What reasons or examples can you give to support each of your chosen arguments?
  For example: "An unpaid job might lead to the employer offering the person a paid job", "such a scheme would teach people valuable skills like working with others".
• Which of the two arguments you have chosen is the most important and why?
  For example: "However, I feel that the biggest argument against such a policy is ..."
• Do any of the three opinions expressed in the task mirror your own view? How could you express these in your own words?
  For example: "Young people would find themselves employed in unrewarding, low-skilled jobs..."
• Decide how many paragraphs your essay needs, including an introduction and a conclusion.

Drafting and proofreading your work

You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

• Have you responded to the arguments in the notes appropriately?
• Is the essay organised in a clear and logical way?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent?
• Will it have a positive effect on the reader?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!