CPE Writing Booklet
CPE WRITING PART 1
Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible, and include you own ideas in your answers. The effects of music We humans are a musical species no less than a linguistic one. This takes many different forms. All of us (with very few exceptions) can perceive music, harmony and rhythm. We integrate all of these using many different parts of the brain. And to this largely unconscious appreciation of music is added an often intense and profound emotional reaction. Shakespeare referred to music as the "food of love", and for most people their lives would be poorer without music. Music is capable of stimulating both passion and compassion, speaking to our very core and taking us to the heights and depths of emotion. Music in schools? There is little doubt that regular exposure to music, and especially active participation in music, may stimulate development of other abilities. Some argue that music is as important educationally as reading or writing, and suggest that a musical education advantages those with mathematical aptitude. What people do not agree about, however, is which kind of music is the most educationally valuable. Some regard classical music as the only kind of music that should be taught in schools. However, leaving aside the problem of defining "classical" in different cultural contexts, there is a strong case that all types of music are equally valid in stimulating an individual's potential. Write your essay.
Humans and Music Music has accompanied human beings throughout history and has undeniably become an essential factor in our lives. Both pieces of text focus on the effects of music on us and discuss whether it should be taught in schools and why. Let's start by stating that there is a strong connection between all kinds of music and the human emotions. We have an aptitude to appreciate the harmony brought by a series of carefully arranged rhythms, be it Mozart's nineteenth sonata or Justin Bieber's latest single. It is currently widely accepted that music induces hormonal and thus, emotional responses in our brains. Some would even compare songs to drugs, since they could conceivably become addictive: take the case of any summer hit. But not only is there a connection between music and our emotions; music is also linked to education. Opinions actually differ about which type of music is the most potentialstimulating, but all scientist agree it has a positive effect on students. For instance there are theories which suggest that young children who play a musical instrument are later better at maths. To conclude I would like to state that everybody is attracted to music. Everyone has a favourite style with which they feel identified, as well as a song that enables them to feel at ease during the toughest moments in life. The truth is that music makes memories more vivid, empowers long-time relationships and what is more, turns dull and mundane nights into special moments in our lives.
ARTICLE An article : • is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine or journal • is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and retain the readers’ attention • may include amusing stories, reported speech and descriptions • can be formal or informal, depending on the target audience • should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner • should give opinions and thoughts, as well as facts • is in a less formal style than a report An article can : • • • • • •
describe an experience, event, person or place present an opinion or balanced argument compare and contrast provide information offer suggestions offer advice
A realistic article should consist of: 1. an eye-catching title which attracts the readers’ attention and suggests the theme of the article. (Think about why you read a magazine or newspaper article recently - what made you read it?) Articles can also have subheadings before each paragraph. 2. an introduction which clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the reader’s attention. 3. the main body of two to five paragraphs in which the topic is further developed in detail. 4. the conclusion - summarising the topic or a final opinion, recommendation or comment. REMEMBER Before you begin writing it is important to consider: • where is the article going to appear - in a newspaper or magazine? • who are the intended readers - a specific group such as students or teenagers, or adults in general? • what is the aim of the article - to advise, suggest, inform, compare and contrast, describe, etc.? DO NOT use over-personal or over-emotional language or simplistic vocabulary. DO NOT talk about yourself. You are writing for the general public, not a close circle of friends.
FORMAL LETTER Dear Sir/Madam (In case you don’t know the name → Yours Faithfully) Dear Mr X (→Yours Sincerely) Reason for writing (Who I am (not the name!), What I want, When and Where it happened) I am writing with regard/reference to (the article which appeared when/where) to express my concern about/disappointment with/dissatisfaction with/disapproval of/apologies for (motivation) Body (2/3 paragraphs – Points from input material) Firstly/To begin with/Moreover In fact/Furthermore/In addition/Finally (I feel) I must also (dis)agree with I would like to/ I want to point out that According to your (article)/ Your (article) states that.. However/
Action Step/Desired outcome I trust/very much hope you will (print this letter in the next issue of your newspaper) I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would It seems only fair that you should I look forward to receiving/seeing In light of the above (I feel I am entitled to a full refund and a formal apology) Ending Yours Faithfully/Yours Sincerely Signature Linking Words: Formal
Less formal
Addition
furthermore, in addition to, in the same way as, moreover, similarly
also, and, as well as, besides, just as
Opposition
although, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, whereas
but, or, so, on the other hand
Reference
in all cases, in general, in many cases, in most cases, in some cases, regarding, with reference to
since, so
Cause and effect (result)
accordingly, consequently, on the whole, therefore, thus, unfortunately firstly, finally, in the first place, secondly, lastly, next
anyway, at any rate, because, because of
Listing
after, and, and then, before, first, last, second, soon, then
Letters objecting to someone’s plans
I am writing to express my concern /disappointment / alarm at hearing … I was extremely alarmed/sorry/distressed to hear about your plans to … As I think you know, … May I point out that … I feel I really must object to … I am extremely concerned at the thought that … It must be very clear that … If these proposals go ahead, … will happen. Another threat to … , if these proposals go ahead, would come from … I dread to imagine what damage this will cause. May I respectfully suggest that you … I was wondering if you had considered this alternative? Would it not be possible to … ?
Letters of complaint
I am writing to complain about … I am writing to tell you how disappointed/annoyed I feel about … I was amazed/distressed/horrified to find that … As you must realise, … I am sure you know that … I am sure you can imagine … I am sure you will appreciate that … It goes without saying that … At the very least, I look forward to receiving … Unless you … , I am afraid that I will have to take this matter further.
Letters of recommendation
I am writing to you on behalf of … I have known X for … years. She / He has shown herself/himself to be extremely … X would seem to fit the requirements of this job perfectly. I have no hesitation in recommending X as a …
Letters to the editor
I am writing about the article on … , which appeared (in last night’s paper). I am writing with reference to the article you published (in last month’s issue). I have just read your article on … and I feel I must … You raised some issues which I feel strongly about. At the start of your article, you appear to claim that … I am afraid I totally disagree. I am completely in agreement. I am sure readers will agree with me when I say that …
Letter of application
Dear Mr/Ms (surname), Dear Sir/Madam/Sir or Madam, Reason for writing I am writing to apply for the post/position of … … as advertised in … I am writing with reference/in response to your advertisement, which I saw … I am writing in connection with your advertisement in the Daily Star on May 11th … With reference to your advertisement … Experience / Qualifications / CV I gained some experience while … I am currently working as … I have been working for … for the last four years. I worked part-time for three years as … At the moment I am employed by … My qualifications include … I have a diploma in … I graduated from Barcelona University last year with a degree in … Please find attached my CV As you can see from the attached CV …
Endings Please do not hesitate to contact me if/should you require further information. I look forward to hearing from you. I am available for interview at your convenience. I shall be available for interview any day apart from Wednesdays. Signing off (If Dear surname) Yours Sincerely, (If Dear Sir/Madam) Yours Faithfully, First name + surname Request for information I am writing to inquire about . . . I am writing in reference to . . . I read/heard . . . and would like to know . . . Could you please send me . . . at the address below/above Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you. Response to request Thank you for your interest/inquiry Enclosed is the information you requested. You can learn more about this at . . . If you have further questions, If you require assistance, please contact: If I can be of more help, please feel free to contact me at . . . Sample Sentences: Requests Could you please send me your most recent brochure? Could you fax me the results of the market survey? I would like to order ten copies of the book, Touchy Situations. I would be very grateful if you could send me this information. Please return the enclosed envelope with your payment. Sample Sentences: Goodwill Thank you for your hospitality. I enjoyed having lunch with you last week while I was in New York. Congratulations on your promotion to General Manager. I want(ed) to congratulate you on your new position. I was happy to hear that contract negotiations went well. Sample Sentences: Introduction of Product/Service. I am writing to tell you about . . . (Our new product) is coming out next month. This product/service is designed to (help you) . . .
Sample Sentences: Reference I am writing in regard to . . . I am writing in reference to . . . Please refer to the enclosed invoice/brochure. I hope you have had a chance to look over the materials we sent. Sample Sentences: Confirmation I am writing to confirm . . . I would like to confirm what we discussed last Friday. I would just like to confirm the main points we discussed . . . Sample Sentences: Notification I am writing to let you know that . . . Please be aware/informed that . . . I would like to inform you of a recent policy change. I am happy to inform you that . . . Your request for funding has been approved. Sample Sentences: Offering Assistance We would be happy to . . . If we can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. Sample Sentences: Collection According to our records . . . Our records show that . . . Your monthly instalment is past due. Please send payment as soon as possible.
REPORT
Report on the changing trends in the way young people in France spend their free time. Introduction The purpose of this report is to show how the new leisure trends have highly changed the way young people in France spend their free time. From past to present If we take a step some years backwards young people used to spend their free time outdoors playing football, biking, or making friends. Today these recreational activities only belong to the past having been replaced by video games, television, and the new technologies. The digital revolution has really brought about a big change in the way people spend their free time. A blessing in disguise The new generations are born and have grown up in a world governed by the media and computers. It is estimated that about 65% of young people in France, ranged between 18 and 25, spend at least 13 hours per week on the internet. They search for information, download music, play games, chat with friends and use the social networks. This, however, might be a blessing in disguise as statistics also show that this generation of young people read more, socialise more, and gets better marks at school. Conclusion There is a clear preference for young people to spend time with the computer instead of doing sport outside. However, this is not so terrible news.
Our study indicates that
today’s young people read more than our parents did in the past and are much more involved in participating actively in on-line and real life communities. What is a report? A report is a piece of informative writing that describes a set of actions and analyses any results in response to a specific brief. A quick definition might be: "This is what I did and this is what it means." You may be given an assignment which is not called a report but shares many of the same features; if so, aspects of this guide will be helpful. It may help to know some of the key differences between reports and essays:
Essays
Reports
Argumentative and idea-based
Informative and fact-based
Semi-structured
Formally structured
Not written with a specific reader in mind (except the marker)
Usually written with a specific purpose and reader in mind
Written in single narrative style throughout
Written in style appropriate to each section
Usually do not include sub-headings
Always include section headings
Usually do not include bullet points
Often use bullet points
Usually no tables or graphs
Often includes tables or graphs
Offer conclusions about question
Offer recommendations for action
Why do we write reports? To transmit ideas or information, facts or findings To research a problem and draw conclusions about it To make recommendations about ways of doing things, making improvements or changes To record information for other people to refer to Tips before you start. Think about the audience that will read the report, and write clearly in a way they will understand Are they experts? If so, it is important to use the key vocabulary and technical terms Are they new to the topic? If so, don't blind them with science Write a plan detailing the information headings you need to include As you collect your information, note where it came from Do not write in the first person
REVIEW Let's start from the basics.
1. Don't tell us the end of the film! If there´s something film review readers hate is spoilers. When writing about the plot it is better to keep it brief and simple. 2. The title and the main actors´names is a must. 3. A little bit of the plot.
4. Give your opinion. The readers want to know if you enjoyed the film and if you recommend it. 5. Saying something about the director, the special effects and the soundtrack is something that would give your text a plus.
Sample 1 Film review "Vertigo"(CPE level) - Vertigo - 1958 - James Stewart, Kim Novak. Hitchcock's most personal film
Vertigo, adapted from the French novel D'entre Les Morts, is, according to Hitchcock himself, the directors´ most personal film; one centred around obsession and deceit. Scottie Ferguson (Stewart) retires from his position as a private investigator after an incident which reveals his fear of heights; vertigo. After retiring Scottie is lured into another case by an old friend, Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore), who asks Scottie to tail his wife who he suspects of being possessed by the spirit of a woman from the past. Elster's wife, Madeleine (Novak), is stunningly beautiful and after tracking her movements for some time Scottie begins to fall in love with her. As the film progresses, twists and turns in the plot reveal more and more about each character resulting in a whirlwind thriller that is widely considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time.
Where to begin with such an iconic film and director. I've wanted to review a Hitchcock film for a while but struggled to pick which film to start with. I eventually landed on Vertigo due to its depth, controversy and sheer brilliance. Vertigo had an extensive production time due to problems concerning casting (Hitch wanted to cast Vera Miles, but the role went to Novak after Miles got pregnant.) and prolonged illness to the director. This unpredictable and unwanted start to production on the film pushed Hitch and made Vertigo a very personal project.
When I first watched this film, which was some years ago, the first thing that struck me was the soundtrack. The powerful and compelling music provided by Bernard Herrmann adds an extra tone to the picture which compliments the trials and tribulations on screen perfectly; creating another dimension that without which would not have resulted in the film that it is. With Vertigo, Hitchcock has masterfully created a technically brilliant film that plays on a confrontation of colours with the reds of Scottie and the greens of Madeleine forming a visual dimension that is missing from many modern day thrillers. Directors of late don't tend to go into the depth that the likes of Hitchcock went into which in my opinion is a real shame. If more directors went into more depth and added elements to their filmmaking, I believe the thriller genre would get back to a higher level of appreciation. In recent years I feel the genre has been viewed simply in terms of entertainment and the art has been lost. In terms of Hitchcock's oeuvre Vertigo is not his most entertaining film, feeling quite slow at times, however, the film is technically brilliant with a plot that takes the viewer on a thrilling ride that investigates the nature of human obsession and deceit. Vertigo is a classic that should be watched by all. Sample 2 Film Review: Practical Magic Practical Magic is a Warner Bros film which was released in 1998 and was based on a book by Alice Hoffman. This supernatural comedy-drama is the story of a long distinguished line of female witches who are the victims of a curse as “any man who dares love an Owen woman is doomed to die�.
Sandra Bullock (Sally Owen) plays a young botanist who tries desperately to live a magic-free life only to find herself victim of the curse when her beloved husband dies. Nicole Kidman, her sister (Gilly Owen), has her own share of suffering when her love spell backfires and her delinquent boyfriend tries to kill her. This is actually the climax of the story when Sandra Bullock is forced to embrace her long-denied wiccan legacy to tap into the magic she urgently needs to save her sibling. Even though Practical Magic has been severely criticised by Hollywood reviews, allegedly because of its light-hearted plot, there are a couple of strong points which I like about the film and I believe are worth mentioning: The setting, for a start. The story
develops in a lovely village which is a kind of New England and you can actually see what a wonderful job they did with the scenography. Then, there is the soundtrack, which includes one of my favourite songs of all times “This Kiss� by Faith Hill. I would no doubt recommend Practical Magic to anyone who is fond of fantasy films like me, or who is interested in witch stories or magic.