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FCE ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 1):
Alberto Soavini - 1 C
THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN A
GLOBALIZED WORLD.
In an increasingly globalized world, I think that knowing foreign languages is not just a simple advantage, it is a necessary ability to work, study, travel and communicate.
At
present, the employment crisis makes the job search very competitive and encourages
to seek employment abroad. Those who speak a foreign language fluently find a job
more easily and are favoured in the professional advancement.
Moreover,
because of cultural exchanges and study tours, meeting young foreigners is
increasingly common and, if you know their language, to forge good relationships is
easier.
Not
to mention the social networks, where the opportunity to expand your circle of
friends is directly proportional to your language skills, thanks to which you also
can surf on the Internet safely and avoid falling into commercial frauds or
dangerous allurements.
Furthermore,
while travelling abroad, those who speak English or the native language are facilitated
in social relationships and in practical life, being able to get acquainted
with different cultures in a short time.
In
conclusion, being proficient in a foreign language creates new opportunities to
improve ourselves and helps us be citizens of the world, while broadening our
horizons.
(190 words)
Essay by Alberto Soavini 1ªC
FCE ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 2):
Lucrezia Bonino - 1 C
ALL
TEENAGERS SHOULD LEARN HOW TO COOK
(Introduction)
Nowadays adults are very busy and teenagers and
children are often left alone at home and they have to learn quickly how to be
independent. For this reason I personally think that teenagers should be able
to cook.
(Central part)
For teenagers it is necessary to be able to
cook because it is a fundamental ability and if you cannot do it you will have
problems in future, especially if you live on your own. It is better to learn
how to cook when you are really young, so that you can approach food in a right and natural
way. In fact there are a lot of cooking laboratories for children, which are
challenging for them. Cooking is also really enjoyable and interesting because
you learn how to use ingredients, the kitchen’s objects and you exercise, your sense
of smell and your expertise. The knives and the cookers are dangerous but they
can be useful if you pay attention and use them cautiously.
(Conclusion)
In conclusion, I think that cooking lessons should
be made compulsory in schools, even if children and teenagers do not want to
learn about cookery, because they would love them eventually.
ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 3)
Lucrezia Bonino - 1 C
Lucrezia Bonino - 1 C
ESSAY
<< A
republic properly understood is a sovereignty of justice in contradistinction
to a sovereignty of will >> Thomas
Paine
Do you
agree?
I think that the idea of Thomas Paine is
usually, but not always, true. In fact, when we read his words we should pay
attention to the phrase “properly understood”. It means that the sovereignty of
justice is possible only when the idea of a republic is really applied and not just
because a county is defined as “a republic”. If we look at modern and ancient
history we can see how the word “republic” – even if it defines an excellent
form of govern based on equal duties, rights and opportunities to express
thoughts – is not always applied in national constitutional orders . Moreover
it is very easy for individuals to misunderstand the concept of republic,
because the lust for power and supremacy is strong. Powerful men often abuse their important positions, they forget their
public role and they think about their own interests.
Because of that the poorest people get angry
and the national situation becomes difficult. For those risks somehow other
kinds of government have more success, just because citizens are not as
responsible as they should in order to live free in a republic.In conclusion, it is hard to obtain and preserve a properly understood republic, although everyone agrees that it is the best way to live in a community.
FCE ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 4):
Maria Gabriella Palomba - 1 C
In class you have been discussing technology. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Nowadays, technology is everywhere. Has technology made people’s lives better or worse?
Notes
Write about:
You must write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Nowadays, technology is everywhere. Has technology made people’s lives better or worse?
Notes
Write about:
The internet, for example, has become such an integral part of people’s lives that it feels as though it has existed forever. It is a fantastic means of communication as well as source of information and knowledge. Likewise, mobile phones allow us to stay in touch with each other as well as access the world wide web when we’re on the bus, in a bar, or even walking down a busy street. The danger is that people become addicted to their devices. It is not uncommon nowadays to see couples sitting together staring at their phones instead of speaking to each other.
Medical science is another area in which great advances have been made. Consequently, people are living longer than ever. However, unless we change the age of retirement, our governments risk running out of money.
In conclusion, I am convinced technology has improved our lives but we still need to take some difficult decisions about how to make it best work for us.
Maria Gabriella Palomba - 1 C
Example question
In class you have been discussing technology. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Nowadays, technology is everywhere. Has technology made people’s lives better or worse?
Notes
Write about:
- social network communication
- the internet
- your own idea
According to Aristotle, human beings are social animals. We need to interact with
people in order to chat and share opinions, ideas ,thoughts. It is a vital need
that we try to satisfy but the way to do it is changing a lot thanks to
technology that dominates the whole planet. People live, work and make friends
from long distances as if they were living next door.
Internet is a great technological achievement and
it is very useful for everybody. Nowadays it is impossible to live fully
informed if you do not have a social network profile or internet access.
Anyway I think that people, especially youngsters,
may become addicted to it when they use this form of communication instead of
chatting face to face with each other.
Our family is definitely the most important
group of people in our lives even though most of the time there is no
communication within its members. As a matter of fact, internet is becoming a
natural background part of everyday life. In the evening everybody loves chatting
online with friends rather than chatting face to face with family members.
Nevertheless, when they meet the same friends the following day they do not pay attention to them as they
are more interested in their “Facebook Timeline”.
In conclusion I believe that even if computers,
internet, social networks are good because they help people who live far away
from each other keep in touch, at the same time they are unnecessary as you could
actually talk in person. Families should find some moments, such as dinner time,
to talk about shared
experiences. This is a great way to create closeness, for those in the family who want to share daily
life, avoiding mobile phones or computers, creating safe spaces and stepping away from technology and social
buzz .
MARIA GABRIELLA PALOMBA IC
FCE ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 4 bis)
(http://desktopenglish.net/fce-writing-part-1-essay-answer-2015-exam/)
FCE Writing Part 1 Essay Answer (2015 exam)
Part 1 of the new FCE exam (from 2015) requires you to write an essay giving your opinion on the essay title using the ideas given and provide an idea of your own. The essay title is on a subject of general interest and requires no specialist knowledge.You must write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Example question
In class you have been discussing technology. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Nowadays, technology is everywhere. Has technology made people’s lives better or worse?
Notes
Write about:
- medical science
- the internet
- your own idea
Example Answer
Modern technology has radically changed the way we live and even how long we live for. However, some might argue that these changes have created new problems that we have yet to solve.The internet, for example, has become such an integral part of people’s lives that it feels as though it has existed forever. It is a fantastic means of communication as well as source of information and knowledge. Likewise, mobile phones allow us to stay in touch with each other as well as access the world wide web when we’re on the bus, in a bar, or even walking down a busy street. The danger is that people become addicted to their devices. It is not uncommon nowadays to see couples sitting together staring at their phones instead of speaking to each other.
Medical science is another area in which great advances have been made. Consequently, people are living longer than ever. However, unless we change the age of retirement, our governments risk running out of money.
In conclusion, I am convinced technology has improved our lives but we still need to take some difficult decisions about how to make it best work for us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kTekACW2Cc
FCE tips
http://www.firstcertificatewriting.co.uk/part-2-essay/
Fill-in-the graps sample:
http://englishaula.com/en/writing-part-2-exam-1-fce-cambridge-first-certificate-english-practice-test-exercise-essay.html
WRITING AN ESSAY FOR FCE*
Writing PART 2 - AN ESSAY
Writing Part 2 (140-190 words)
General Advice
Read the question carefully, underlining the points you must deal with.
Make a plan with the main ideas for each paragraph.
Think of vocabulary you want to use and note it down.
Write following your plan.
An essay (Formal)
In
writing part 2, one task my be an essay in which you are asked to give
your opinion on a subject. The first thing you must do is decide if you
should write an opinion essay or an argumentative one. If you decide
that the best thing to do is to write an opinion essay, have a look at
the following scheme/ layout.
An opinion essay
In
an opinion essay you must give your opinion on a subject so, you must
basically say if you agree or disagree with the statement. This type of
essay is ideal if you feel very strongly about something and you have
more than one reason for your opinion.
Paragraph 1 / Introduction
Present
the topic of discussion and express your opinion. You must imagine that
whoever reads your essay has no idea what the topic is. You must also
show clearly that you’ll be expressing one opinion, either in favour or
against.
Paragraph 2
Explain your first reason for your opinion. Talk about possible consequences and give examples or vice versa.
Paragraph 3
Explain
your second reason and maybe a third one, but only if it is closely
related. Mention possible consequences and give examples, or vice versa.
Paragraph 4 / Conclusion
Summarise
your reasons and / or talk about possible consequences if nothing is
done. You can also give a more personal opinion and even finish your
essay with a rhetorical question.
Useful language for an opinion essay
Introduction
-There are people who claim/ believe/ say/ think (that)...
-There is no doubt that...
-I feel...
-There is no doubt that...
-I feel...
-According to... /...new research,...
-It is believed... / said (that)...
-It is believed by experts / scientist (that)...
-It seems / appears that...
(Use
the expressions above but introduce the topic in your own words. Do
not use the exact words in the question and say what your opinion is
clearly. Although you are expressing your opinion, some of the
expressions above allow you to distance yourself from the ideas).
Body
Paragraphs 2-3
State your first / main reason like this:
-I think that...
-Firstly/ first of all/ to start with...
-I think there are two aspects of... The first is...
Give an example/ examples
-For example: For instance/ -ing illustrates the way/ how...
Talk about consequences
As a result,
Therefore,
Consequently,
In this case,
Therefore,
Consequently,
In this case,
The second aspect is...
Secondly,
Another reason why...
We should also consider the fact that...
Secondly,
Another reason why...
We should also consider the fact that...
Another matter/ aspect to consider...
Let us not forget...
Conclusion
Paragraph 3 or 4
In short,
In brief,
To conclude,
In conclusion,
Do we really want to make our children pay for our mistakes?
Let us not forget...
Conclusion
Paragraph 3 or 4
In short,
In brief,
To conclude,
In conclusion,
Do we really want to make our children pay for our mistakes?
STRUCTURE of an argumentative essay
When
you write an argumentative essay, you should try to keep a balance
between opposing ideas. It is also very important to use connectors to
organise your reasoning. And finally, don't forget to introduce your
ideas, explain them, and give examples and / or talk about possible
consequences.
Paragraph 1 / Introduction
Explain the topic and / or problem in your own words. Assume the reader doesn't know anything about the question.
Body
Paragraph 2
Present the positive or negative aspects of the topic / problem.
Deal
with each one separately and try to give an example and mention a
possible consequence. Add another reason if you can and repeat the
process.
Paragraph 3
Present opposite points of view. Deal
with each one separately and try to give an example and mention a
possible consequence. Add another reason if you can and repeat the
process.
Conclusion / Paragraph 4
Summarise and give your own personal opinion whether in favour or against.
Useful language for an argumentative essay
Introduction
Many people think that... / It is thought that... Others believe that... I will present both points of view and express my opinion on the matter.
Here,
I've presented the opposing points of view and explained that will not
only talk about the differences but also give my personal opinion.
You'll have to be brave in the conclusion.
Body
Paragraph 2
On
the one hand... / First of all, I should like to consider... / The
first thing to be considered is... For instance, / To be specific,...
Consequently,... In addition (to this), / A second benefit is... /
Furthermore, we should also consider the fact that... / -ing illustrates
the way... / For example,... As a result, / Therefore, ...
In
this paragraph I've presented a positive / negative aspect of the
problem. I've then given an example and mentioned a possible
consequence. Then, I've added another reason to support this particular
view and repeated the process of giving an example and / or mention a
possible consequence. You can also talk about the consequences first and
then give an example or even more than one, but be careful with word
length.
Paragraph 3
On
the other hand, / However, there are also disadvantages. The most
important of these is that... Consequently,... For instance,... The
second point is that, / Secondly, / Furthermore, / In addition, ... For
example,... Therefore,... / Due to the fact that... / Finally, it is
worth stating that...
In
this paragraph you must present one or two opposing points of view and
explain the consequences and / or give relevant examples.
Conclusion / Paragraph 4
In
my opinion, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. To sum up, / On
the basis of the arguments I have presented in favour / against, it can
be concluded that... All in all, I personally believe...
Yes, summarise and give your own personal opinion.
* Excerpt from http://mannysfceblog.blogspot.it/2011/02/writing-part-2-essay.html
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Exercise yourself writing an essay* (extra downloadable writing activities):
* Title. "Some people say that today's teenagers have an easy life if compared to their parents' and grandparents' generations. What is your opionion? Write about education, work, your own idea (Write your essay in 140-190 words).
Some FCE essay samples:
http://www.rubenvalero.com/english/content/fce-essay
Useful language for opinion essays:
http://www.slideshare.net/Ibag65/opinion-essay-fce
Useful phrases for writing essays:
The following is a list of phrases that can be used when writing an essay. Notice that they have a formal style and that they do not contain contractions.
Establishing the purpose of the essay (introduction)
This essay critically examines...
The paper will review the research conducted on...
The aim of this paper is to examine...
The essay seeks to...
Giving opinions/stating facts
It is vitally important to...
I would like to point out that...
It is doubtful that...
Without a doubt...
It would be infinitely preferable to...
Giving somebody else´s opinion
It has recently been suggested that...
According to Dr...
Giving examples
In the case of...
This is an example of...
For instance...
Presenting arguments in order
Firstly...
Secondly...
In addition to what has already been mentioned...
Summarising your opinion
In the end,...
All in all,...
In conclusion,...
The following is a list of phrases that can be used when writing an essay. Notice that they have a formal style and that they do not contain contractions.
Establishing the purpose of the essay (introduction)
This essay critically examines...
The paper will review the research conducted on...
The aim of this paper is to examine...
The essay seeks to...
Giving opinions/stating facts
It is vitally important to...
I would like to point out that...
It is doubtful that...
Without a doubt...
It would be infinitely preferable to...
Giving somebody else´s opinion
It has recently been suggested that...
According to Dr...
Giving examples
In the case of...
This is an example of...
For instance...
Presenting arguments in order
Firstly...
Secondly...
In addition to what has already been mentioned...
Summarising your opinion
In the end,...
All in all,...
In conclusion,...
