USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES

Essay
Making points
Many people feel that ...
First and foremost, ...
It is widely believed that ...
It would be ideal if ...
Another argument in favour is ...
It is clear from the facts that ...
The benefits of ... outweigh the disadvantages.
On the whole, I think ...
Contrasting points
On the other hand ...
Other people think ...
An opposing argument is ...
Giving opinions
I personally feel that ...
I find it hard to see why ...
I certainly don't believe that ...
It is difficult to believe that ...
I object to the cloning of animals.
Organising and linking your ideas
First of all, Secondly, In addition,
Moreover, Furthermore,
So As a result, Therefore,
However, On the one hand/On the other hand
On the whole While it is true to say
Finally, To summarise, In conclusion

CAE - essay
Paper 2 Part 1 - Essay
The Part 1 question will be an essay on a given topic. A set of notes on the topic will be provided,
and will include three bullet points. Candidates will be asked to select two of the bullet points
and to base their essay on those two points. They should not attempt to discuss more than two of
the points, as this will lead to the essay being less developed than required. Candidates will also be
asked to explain which of the two points is more important in a given respect, and to give reasons
for their opinion.
Candidates will be given three short opinions related to the bullet points. They may, if they wish,
use these to help develop their essay, but they should do so in their own words, as far as possible.
AN ESSAY is usually written for an academic tutor and may be a follow-up to an activity, such as
attending a panel discussion or watching a documentary. It should be well organised, with an
introduction, clear development, and an appropriate conclusion. The main purpose of an essay
in the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Writing paper is to underline relevant salient issues on
a topic, and to support an argument with subsidiary points and reasons.
Hints
[PLANNING]
- Use the task input to help you plan but try to avoid copying phrases from the input in
Part 1. Use your own words.
[INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION]
- Effective introductory and concluding paragraphs - In the introduction, state the topic
clearly, give a brief outline of the issue, saying why it is important or why people have
different opinions about it.
- DO NOT express you opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop you essay in such a
way that it guides the reader to the conclusion you draw).
- DO give your opinion in the final paragraph.
[SECOND and THIRD PARAGRAPHS]
- Structure your argument. - Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in a topic
sentence.
- Include relevant details to support the main idea: these might include examples, rhetorical
questions (do no overdo it), controversial or surprising statements... If you include a
drawback, give a possible solution, too.
[GENERAL]
- DO use a relatively formal register and an objective tone. Do not be too emotional.
- Remember to use linking adverbials to organise your ideas and to make it easy for the
reader to follow your argument.
- In the exam, allow yourself time to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation
thoroughly.

Model questions and answers

Essay 1 - Model question
TASK
Your class has attended a panel discussion on what methods governments should use to
discourage the use of private cars in the centre of the city. You have made the notes below.
Methods governments coud use to discourage the use of private cars in the city centre
investment
education
taxes
Some opinions expressed in the discussion
'Make businesses pay parking levies for their employees and they'll move out of the city centre.'
'Improve the public transport system, then people won't need their cars.'
'If people understood how much better pedestrianised ciyt centres are, they wouldn't want to bring
their cars in.'
Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the methods in your notes. You should explain
which method you think is more important for governments to consider, giving reasons to
support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion but you should use
your own words as far as possible. Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 1 - Model answer
Too much traffic is a major headache for everyone in the city due to the noise, pollution
and, of course, terrible delays during the rush hour. How can the government reduce
traffic and dissuade people from driving their cars into the centre every day? In this
essay, I will discuss two possible approaches to this pressing yet complex issue.
The first option to consider is an education campaign which could comprise of visual
and radio advertising, presentations to businesses and special designated days such as
'Wall to Work day'. Compared to the high cost of significantly upgrading our public
transport system, advertising is relatively low-cost and straightforward to implement.
On the other hand, it is difficult to gauge the effectiveness of such campaign in advance
because it relies on individuals changing their ingrained habits.
A second alternative would be to levy a tax on parking in the city. This could be applied
both to businesses and directly to consumers. While it is true that this would have
immediate gains in revenue and change behaviour, taxes are unpopular and could also
place unfair pressure on small businesses and individuals who do not have other
transport options for work.
In my view, a multi-faceted education campaign would be the most effective starting
point. In the future, a tax could be a possible option but it would be tolerated better once
citizens are educated about the benefits of fewer cars and a more pedestrianised centre.
[+/- 240 words]

Essay 2 - Model question

TASK
Your class has attended a panel discussion on the action governments can take to promote health
and fitness among young people. You have made the notes below.
Action to promote health and fitness among young people
improve teaching in schools.
improves attitudes to competitiveness.
improve the image of sports.
Some opinions expressed during the discussion
'There need to be specialist sports teachers for children and students of all ages.'
'Some young people are put off by the pressure to compete.'
'A lot of young people don't think it's cool to take part in sports.'
Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the actions in your notes. You should explain
which action you think is more important, giving reasons to support your opinion.
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.
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 2 - Model answer
We often hear about the many benefits of health and fitness. However, less often do we
hear concrete suggestions for how to improve participation rates, particularly among
young people. In this essay I will discuss two possible actions that governments could
focus on in order to promote health and fitness to youth today.
The first possible action is to improve physical education teaching in schools. Local
students have at times complained that the curriculum is rigid and emphasises repetitive
activities instead of team sports and enjoyment. Better role models and more
adventurous options could lead to improved attitude and participation. Naturally,
employing specialist sports teachers would incur considerable cost.
A second option would be to attempt to change the overly competitive attitudes that
seem ingrained in many of the sports competitions for youngsters. When adults such as
parents and teachers focus on winning above having a good time, it puts undue pressure
on the participants. They may feel a sense of failure if they lose and also be less inclined
to try a new sport.
To sum up, either approach would be a step in the right direction. In my view, it would
be wise to prioritise dealing with reducing competitiveness first because I believe it
would help young people feel better about the sports they already do. They could then,
in turn, influence their friends to join in.
[+/- 220 words]

Essay 3 - Model question

TASK
Your class has attended a lecture on the action governments can take to make sure cultural
heritage is preserved for future generations. You have made the notes below.
Priorities for governments aiming to preserve cultural heritage
increase funding for museums.
protect old buildings.
teach the importance of cultural heritage in schools.
Some opinions expressed in the discussion
'Cultural heritage isn't just about buildings - it's about a way of life.'
'It's the responsibility of the older generation to pass on a cultural heritage to the next generation.'
'Museums are the best places to keep shared memories of a community.'
Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the priorities in your notes. You should explain
which priority you think is more important, giving reasons to support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion but you should use
your own words as far as possible.
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 3 - Model answer
Cultural heritage is an invaluable asset for all generations to enjoy. It is about knowing
where we have come from and having pride in the place we live. In this essay I will
discuss two priorities for the government's support of the cultural heritage in our
community.
The first idea is to increase funding to museums. People say that museums are the heart
of cultural heritage preservation. Not only do they display objects, they also teach and
provide information about them. Increased funding could attract better care of objects,
more specialised staff and more fun displays, in turn attracting more people to visit and
learn. On the other hand, I would argue that it's unreasonable to expect governments to
give more money to museums when they have got more important things to spend
people's taxes on.
The second idea is to protect old buildings. It has become clear in recent years that
governments can no longer afford to provide generous grants to help people maintain
their historically significant houses. I am sure there are many voluntary organisations
which would be prepared to work on conservation projects. Nevertheless, the
government could provide protection to ensure that old buildings are not demolished or
transformed out of character.
In my view, the most pressing priority is to provide protective legislation for old homes
and buildings. I'm not alone in my concern about the loss of historical features which
take such pride of place in and give character to our communities.
[+/- 240 words]

Essay 4 - Model question

TASK
Your class has been involved in a discussion on whether a dress code should be introduced at the
college where you are studying. You have made the notes below.
Advantages of proposed dress code
image of college.
health and safety.
discipline.
Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
'Wearing more formal clothes will prepare students for the workplace.'
'College isn't work or school, so students should be free to wear what they want.'
'Students are turning up to college in inappropriate clothes more frequently, so it's time for a dress
code.'
Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the advantages in your notes. You should explain
which of the advantages you think would be most important for the college to consider in
deciding whether to introduce a dress code, giving reasons to support your opinion.
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.
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 4 - Model answer
Introducing a dress code
We often hear that it is important for young people to be able to express themselves by
what they wear. At our college, our lack of clothing guidelines has led some students to
dress in a way that compromises both safety and our reputation in the community. Items
of concern include ripped clothing, hoods that obscure the face, offensive T-shirts and
very high platform heels. In this essay, I will discuss two advantages of introducing a
dress code at our college.
The image that we present to the community is important for a number of reasons, but
primarily because overly casual dress makes it more difficult to place students in
homestays and on work experience. Recently, this problem seems to have escalated as
we have received some phone complaints about students' scruffy appearance.
Additionally, it has come to my attention that a few students have worn T-shirts with
slogans that could be considered xenophobic. It seems obvious that implementing a
dress code will improve the college's image.
With regard to health and safety, three students have fallen down the stairs during the
last month. One of them, who had been wearing a pair of stiletto heels at the time,
unfortunately broke her leg. I have grave concerns that without a dress code outlining
suitable footwear choices, further accidents may be inevitable.
In my view, keeping people safe at our school is our responsibility. Consequently, this is
the most pressing reason why it is time to introduce a dress code, even if it is initially
unpopular with the student body.
[+/- 255 words]

Essay 5 - Model question

TASK
You have attended a Science Club lecture on how schools could encourage young people to train
for careers in science. You have made the notes below.
Ways in which schools could encourage young people to train for careers in science
enjoyable science lessons.
careers advice.
guest lectures from professional scientists.
Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
'Kids should be able to design their own experiments.'
'A lot of the careers advice given is already out of date.'
'A lot of the scientists are too busy to spend time visiting schools.'
Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the methods in your notes. You should explain
which method you think is more important for governments to consider, giving reasons to
support your opinion.
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.
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 5 - Model answer
Ways to encourage young people to train for careers in science
Nowadays we frequently hear about the lack of students pursuing scientific careers.
How can we demostrate to the younger generation that science is a rewarding and
satisfying field? In this essay I will discuss two methods that schools could employ to
help persuade teenagers to consider further study in this area.
One possible approach would be to ensure that career advisors are on board by
providing them with materials, training and even incentives for promoting science.
While this would be fairly easy to implement superficially, a lot of information dates
extremely quickly. In addition, generally speaking, career advisors have little
background themselves in physics, chemistry and biology and therefore may not be able
to drum up genuine enthusiasm.
A second tactic that schools might take would be to invite scientists to come to their
school to talk about their work. What migh prove difficult would be to secure the
scientists themselves, as they are often extremely busy. It would also be crucial to enlist
experts able to relate to adolescents or they might actually have an adverse effect.
Overall, I would say that the most effective measure would be to have guest speakers.
Hearing an exciting story from the field is much more likely to influence career choice
than some second-hand advice.
[+/- 215 words]