HIGH NOTE 3 (p.

27, ex: 10)

WRITING TASK

In about 200 words, write a blog post about how mobile phones, computers, and the Internet
have helped people and made their lives easier. Write about the prompts below.

- Tell how they have changed the way we communicate.

- Tell how they help us learn.

- Recommend an app or a website that you find useful.

- Give your reasons why it is useful.

- Sum up your opinions and feelings.

Make sure you write about all the prompts given above.

Pay attention to:

- the content

- the organization

- the accuracy and range of the grammar and vocabulary.

Use correct punctuation and spelling.

SAMPLE RESPONSE

How Technology Makes Life Easier

Mobile phones, computers, and the Internet have completely changed how we live and
communicate. Today, staying in touch with people is effortless, no matter where they are.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp allow us to send texts, voice notes, and even video chat instantly.
Social media platforms, such as Instagram, make it easy to share moments with friends and
family in real-time.

Technology has also made learning much more accessible. With online courses and educational
platforms like Khan Academy or YouTube, anyone can gain new skills from the comfort of their
home. Additionally, students can easily research topics, collaborate with classmates through
online tools, and store notes digitally.
One of my favorite apps is Duolingo. It is an excellent platform for learning languages because it
offers short, interactive lessons that fit easily into a busy schedule. The app’s gamified structure
keeps me motivated, with daily goals and rewards. Whether you're a beginner or trying to
improve your fluency, Duolingo helps build language skills step by step.

In conclusion, mobile phones, computers, and the Internet have transformed how we connect and
learn, making life more convenient. I feel grateful for these tools, as they allow us to grow,
connect, and make the most of our time.

1. Content (5/5):

 Fulfillment of task: The response successfully addresses all the prompts

(communication, learning, recommendation, reasons, and a summary).
 Elaboration of ideas: Each prompt is explained clearly with sufficient detail and
relevance.

2. Organization (4/5):

 Coherence: The ideas follow a logical structure. Each paragraph flows naturally from
one point to the next (communication → learning → app recommendation →
conclusion).
 Cohesion: While the response is connected through simple linkers (e.g., “also,” “in
conclusion,” “such as”), it could benefit from more variety in cohesive devices to
enhance fluency.

3. Grammar (4/5):

 Accuracy: The grammar is mostly accurate with only minor issues (e.g., “changed how
we live and communicate” could be refined to “changed the way we live and
communicate” for smoother phrasing).
 Range: A good variety of structures (e.g., present perfect, modal verbs, relative clauses).
There are no major errors, but the range could be slightly more ambitious for top marks.

4. Vocabulary (4/5):

 Accuracy: The vocabulary is generally accurate with words like "accessible," "instant,"
and "gamified," showing precision.
 Range: While there is a good selection of words, more advanced expressions (e.g.,
“facilitates seamless communication” instead of “staying in touch is effortless”) would
elevate it further.
 Spelling and Punctuation: No noticeable errors.
Total Score: 17/20

This response meets expectations overall, with slight room for improvement in the variety of
cohesive devices and vocabulary.

IMPROVED VERSION

How Technology Has Simplified Our Lives

Mobile phones, computers, and the Internet have revolutionized the way we live, transforming
communication, learning, and everyday tasks. These tools allow us to stay connected effortlessly.
With instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and social media platforms such as Instagram,
communicating with others—whether they are nearby or across the globe—has never been
easier. We can share photos, videos, and updates in real-time, keeping relationships strong no
matter the distance.

Technology has also reshaped how we learn. Online platforms like Khan Academy and YouTube
provide access to high-quality educational content on virtually any subject. Whether it’s
mastering a new language or understanding complex concepts, learners can tailor their studies to
fit their schedules and pace. Additionally, virtual classrooms and digital tools make collaboration
among students and teachers seamless, even from remote locations.

One app I highly recommend is Duolingo. It is a user-friendly language-learning platform that

turns studying into a fun, engaging experience. The app offers bite-sized lessons, motivating
users with rewards and streaks to maintain progress. Whether you are a beginner or working
toward fluency, Duolingo provides practical exercises that make language learning accessible
and enjoyable.

In conclusion, mobile phones, computers, and the Internet have made our lives significantly
easier by improving communication and expanding learning opportunities. I believe these tools
are invaluable in today’s fast-paced world, as they help us stay connected and continuously
develop new skills.

What Was Improved:

1. Organization:
o Clear topic sentences introduce each paragraph.
o Smooth transitions between ideas with appropriate cohesive devices (e.g.,
“Additionally,” “In conclusion,” “Whether it’s…”).
2. Grammar:
o More advanced structures are included (e.g., "Whether they are nearby or across
the globe" and "learners can tailor their studies").
o No grammatical issues; sentences flow naturally and accurately.
3. Vocabulary:
 o Enhanced with precise and varied word choices (e.g., “revolutionized,”
“seamless,” “high-quality,” “turns studying into a fun, engaging experience”).
o Advanced expressions and collocations are used, adding sophistication to the
writing.

This version is now well-organized, grammatically accurate, and demonstrates a high level of
vocabulary. It meets all the criteria for a 20/20 score.

Is the register appropriate for a blog?

Good point! The previous version sounds a bit too formal for a typical blog post. Blogs usually
adopt a conversational tone that engages readers more directly. Let’s adjust the tone to make it
sound more natural and reader-friendly while maintaining high standards for organization,
grammar, and vocabulary.

BLOG

How Technology Makes Life Easier

Let’s be honest—mobile phones, computers, and the Internet have completely changed the way
we live. Staying in touch with people is so much easier now. Whether it's through WhatsApp
messages or Instagram posts, we can connect with friends and family instantly, no matter where
they are. A quick text or video call keeps relationships strong, even when life gets busy.

Learning has also become way more convenient. Thanks to platforms like Khan Academy and
YouTube, anyone can dive into new subjects whenever they want. You don’t need to sit in a
classroom to learn—just grab your phone or laptop, and you’ve got access to courses on anything
from coding to cooking. Even virtual classrooms help students work with teachers and
classmates from different places.

One app I really love is Duolingo. It makes learning languages fun with bite-sized lessons that fit
into your day. Plus, the way it tracks your progress and rewards you with streaks keeps you
motivated. Whether you're a total beginner or brushing up on a language you already know, it’s a
great tool to have.

In the end, mobile phones, computers, and the Internet have made life much simpler. I feel lucky
to live in a time where staying connected and learning new things is just a click away!

Why This Version Works Better for a Blog:

1. Register:
 oThe tone is more conversational and friendly with phrases like "Let’s be honest,"
"grab your phone," and "a great tool to have."
o Contractions ("it's," "you're") make the text feel more approachable.
2. Organization:
o Clear topic sentences lead each paragraph, and the ideas flow logically.
o Smooth transitions like "Whether it's," "Thanks to platforms like," and "In the
end" maintain coherence.
3. Grammar and Vocabulary:
o Grammar is accurate and varied, with a mix of complex and simple sentence
structures.
o Vocabulary is engaging and appropriate for the context (e.g., "bite-sized lessons,"
"brushing up on a language").

This version strikes the right balance between being professional and approachable—perfect for
a blog. It now fully meets the criteria for a 20/20 score.