CAE ARTICLE SAMPLE ON TECHNOLOGY

We invite you, our readers, to submit an article on new technology and how it affects your life. We will publish one article from each country . Your article should outline the impact of new technology on your life now. You should also explain what further changes are likely to take place in the near future and how these could affect you.

Write your article 220-260 words

Technology

Nowadays we have in the market a wide range of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other efficient and attractive gadgets. With their flawless functions  these devices have really transformed my life. 

I must admit I can not do without my smartphone. It enables me to send emails, message my friends, connect to social networking sites and also keep track of the news at real time. If I didn't have my phone, communication would probably take ages and my life would be a complete bore.

Technology also means I can take high-quality pictures and tweet them at the push of a button. But that’s not all. I download music and books from the cloud to my table as easy as pie. How pleasant it is to listen to my favorite music anywhere and read 400-page books without suffering the heavy bags . 

But mind you, technology seems to be still in an early stage and promises further breakthroughts that will amaze us. Our little darlings  won’t have to carry heavy schoolbags any longer, all their books will be stored on a tablet and soon we will open our home doors by voice command. Left you keys in the office? No sweat! There will be technology to rescue you. It will make life really easy for us. What more could we ask for ?

By Syb 

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Follow up activities for teachers and students

Have your say ! (Speaking)

1.What is a gadget you couldn't live without?
2. Have you got a smartphone? How often do you use it and what for?

Vocabulary

Notice the vocabulary in the text that is connected with the topic of technology (underlined words). What is the meaning of these words? 

CAE PROPOSAL SAMPLE (PAST PAPER 2009)

CAE past paper June 2009

International fund for the environment

The International fund is awarding grants to develop projects which will have a positive impact on the local environment. Write a proposal describing one environmental project you think should be developed and explaining how it would benefit your local community

#words 250

Proposal on an environmental development project

Introduction

The aim of this proposal is to present an environmental development project and to describe the positive impact it would have on the people of this community.

The town's main problem

Rubbish is the principal problem we have got in this town. Landfill areas are currently scarce, reason for which the garbage that is collected has to be burnt. The black smoke which arises during the burning process reaches the homes of people and causes severe health problems. I strongly believe this community needs to find a healthier way to treat their household waste. Therefore I suggest implementing a system that enables the safe disposal of the waste.

A new approach to solve the problem

It would be infinitely preferable to recycle rubbish rather than burning it. This can be done with plastic, rubber, paper and metal. 

It is of vital importance to first educate the population on the importance of taking care of the environment and then we can start a programme at schools to teach children to classify the rubbish they have at home and even learn to recycle it. 

Benefits 

Eliminating the smoke in town will lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle for our people. Not only will the children benefit from being able to breathe fresher air but also all of us who suffer from respiratory problems. In addition to this we will be contributing to helping the planet by having a much greener town.

Sent by Seema Hassan

CAE PROPOSAL SAMPLE (FROM PAST PAPER 2007)

This question is from CAE past paper, year 2007  #Words:250

Proposal on how to improve the college’s website

Introduction

The aim of this proposal is to outline why it is important to improve the college's website, as well as to describe the changes which need to be made and to present a plan on how to do it.

What needs improvement

According to a group of students surveyed it is very difficult to find information in the website. There is no tool to search for old posts which makes this process complicated. Apart from that the colour and layout of the website is considered dull and extremely unattractive. Some students also mentioned that the information offered in the website is quite limited. Being an international college, they believe there should be a wider amount of up-to-date information available.

Necessary amendments

In order to make this website more appealing we should change the layout and colours of the site. Also some animations and attractive banners can be set up. I am sure that IT students will be eager to help with this task.

To make searching for information easier, we could design a query box so that posts can be searched with keywords. This will be extremely beneficial to us as it will save time. I also think it would be advisable to include a message board, where students can be informed of important events taking place, and a sports page.

Conclusion

Updating the website will certainly benefit the students of this college. Therefore I hope you will consider the suggestions and authorise the financial help for this project.

Sent by Seema Hassan

CPE REPORT SAMPLE

Report on the Water Circuit Park

The aim of this report on the Water Circuit Park in Lima city is to display some recommendations on how to enhance the park facilities and to give account on why making these positive changes would attract more tourists and visitors to this venue.

The facilities

The Circuit Park, is one of the best well-known tourist attractions in Lima. It is a site which has thirteen ornamental fountains of water which offer an unforgettable lights show when darkness reaches the Limenian sky. Since all the fountains are interactive it allows children to play in the water as well. Each fountain reflects colourful lights and plays enchanting music. Appart from that there are resting areas for adults to sit down and use the free wi-fi.

Improvements to take into account

A first recommendation is to display posters outside the park which warn the public to wear appropiate clothes. All children and any adult standing near the fountain to play or to take photos is inevitably going to get wet. They should be aware of that.  

It would also be wise to have more guardians to ensure the security and the order outside the park, for it has been a matter of great concern that there might be pickpockets in the sometimes crowded queues.

Benefits of the improvements

Being informed of what clothes to wear will prevent people from leaving the park because they got wet. If they stay in the park for longer it means they can buy more souvenirs and it means extra money for the Park. 

As for the security guards on the doors, having a safer place will surely give a better impression on the public who will no doubt recommend your friends to come. 

Conclusion

Provided these recommendations are taken into consideration, we will be able to offer a better service to people and they will respond back by visiting more frequently the Circuit, and not only that but also recommending us to others.


By Salomé Aguilar

CAE INFORMAL LETTER

TASK

You recently tried to buy an old camera on an internet auction site but had some problems. You want to tell your friend what happened. Write a letter to your friend explaining what happened, what you did and giving your friend advice about buying things on auction sites.

Write your letter 220-260 words

Dear Jenny,

How are you doing ? It seems it has been ages since we last wrote to each other. I just hope everything is fine with you.  Let me tell you about a terrible experience I had trying to buy a camera via an auction site.

You remember how fond I am of old cameras, right? Well, I spot this one on a website. This was no ordinary camera, this is the camera I had long wanted to complete my collection. So, without hesitation,  I bid for it until it was mine. I  was on seventh heaven. I sent a juicy cheque to the seller and was confident to receive the valuable item.

But days passed  and you know what? I didn't receive it. And the worst thing is that my cheque had been cashed already. There’s no doubt I had been coined .

So I decided to write to the owner without success. I was so blue in the face that  I complained to the website which in return said that they couldn’t control sellers and that it was the bidders to watch their backs. They weren’t  sympathic whatsoever!

I really blame myself for having been so naive . Believe me, I’ve learnt a lesson from it . If you decide to buy in an auction site, don't trust anyone. It is better to contact the owner via the web and then make the money transaction face to face.

Have you ever bid on an auction website ? Drop me a line and tell me how it was, I’m sure you can give me a few tips.

With love,

Brian

CPE EXAM MARKING/ EVALUATION CRITERIA

F.A.Q: What can you tell us about the evaluation criteria for the CPE Cambridge Exam?

As far as we know when it comes to the evaluation criteria for the CPE exam ( CAE and FCE also ) Cambridge takes into consideration: Content, Language (grammar and vocabulary), Organisation of text, Communication and Style.


The Content is connected with answering the task question fully. Grammar and vocabulary, with the ability to use different tenses and a wide range of voc expressions. Organisation of course has to do with paragraphing and use of stops and commas. Communication to being able to deliver a messager effectively to the reader. Finally Style refers to being able to write in a formal or informal way -this depending on the task. 

CPE ESSAY SAMPLE (Writing Paper Part 1)

CPE Writing Paper model . In the Proficiency in English Cambridge Exam (Paper 2- Writing, Part 1) you are given two pieces of text and are asked to write an essay based on the information given. #Words: 240-280

The life we want. 

A better job, a higher salary, improved healthcare services and friendlier neighbours are just a few of all the things most people dream of. But do we really need it all in order to have "good quality of life"? 

According to the first text, only a small group of lucky ones live in such perfect conditions. They are even fortunate enough to live in a country with nice weather, which understandably is a factor we cannot control. It seems like some are born with good luck whereas others have to live in the cold or struggle to make ends meet.


Text two pictures a more attainable ‘quality of life’ picture. It leaves a ray of hope to those who can’t, at least for the time being, meet the requirements set up by the thorough statistics on perfect living conditions. Considering the argument it puts forward, life is less about the money and more about the love of friends and family.

Having said that, I believe we all have the right to have good quality of life. We should bare in mind that we are free to take radical steps and make life-changing decisions such as moving abroad. However, change can also start at home. For instance, if we work on fostering better family relationships and we focus on doing more exercise and eating sensibly we can also in this way have a better quality of life.

By Sara Albadalejo from Spain

CAE INFORMATION SHEET SAMPLE

TASK

Your local tourist office has asked you to contribute to an information sheet for visitors to your country. The purpose of this information sheet is to inform visitors about the main public holidays that occur throughout the year.

Write your information sheet in 220-260 words

France

The country´s top public holidays

France has numerous  public holidays in each season. There is always something to celebrate all year round. Here there is a list of the most important ones. Be warned that all  banks and most  businesses are closed on days marked with *.

Autumn 

Autumns are mild in France. It is a pretty good season  for a walk in our beautiful forests. November is marked by 2 public holidays which are certainly the most important ones:

·         All Saints Day ( 01/11)*

·         Remembrance Day of the 1st World War ( 11/11) *

Winter 

When the temperatures and the leaves begin to fall, the French are busy preparing Christmas and  New Year’s Eve, like in many other countries. Winter is definitively the best season to go skiing in the French  mountains.

·         Christmas Day ( 25 /12)

·         New year’s Eve ( 01/01) *

Spring 

Spring becomes milder and there are many more public holidays during this season.

 Do not miss :

·         Easter ( the first Monday of April)

·         Ascension Day ( 39 days after Easter Day)

·         Pentecost ( 50 days after Easter)

·         Labor Day ( 01/05) *

·         Veterans Day ( 08/05) *

Summer 

Summer is undoubtedly the favourite season for the French.

Temperatures are hot  and you can bath in our various beaches. The 14th of July is marked by the Bastille Day and fireworks are let off  in every town. On the 15th of August we celebrate the Assumption.

So whenever you choose to come to France, you’ll be able to join the French having fun during these public holidays.

By Syb from France

CAE COMPETITION ENTRY SAMPLE

TASK

Participate in this competition to win a trip to London.

Choose one of these two categories related to travel:

   -  face to face encounters - people       or animals

   -  the personal approach - issues in       travel

Write your competition entry in 220-260 words.

 Issues in travel

Most travellers, including the most experienced ones, come across unexpected events. This is what happened to me a couple of years ago.

It all started at the airport. I was excited about my journey to an exotic destination, but hardly had I arrived when complications began.  I had to spend a lot of time queuing to have my luggage registered and my identification checked. To make things worse the plane was delayed without any warning. What a waste of time, don’t you agree? 

Another issue apart from the bad timing, was the hotel. When I finally managed to arrive at the heavenly holiday resort I had been dreaming of, I was really disappointed. I was blue in the face to discover that the hotel didn’t correspond to the pictures I had seen on the glossy pages of the travel brochure. Of course after having done such a long journey by plane I had no choice but to stay there. It goes without saying that this mishap almost ruined my holiday.

Fortunately these negative aspects were quickly balanced by all the joy and pleasure of travelling abroad. I discovered other culture, got to know interesting people and learn a lot about the country. I returned home with gorgeous photographs and unforgettable memories.

220 words

CAE ARTICLE SAMPLE

TASK

An international magazine for young people has asked readers to send in articles on the topic of ‘Computer games- a complete waste of time and money’. Write an article supporting or disagreeing with the statement, and give your reasons.

Write your article in 220- 260 words

Is the game over?

Nowadays a mind-blowing number of  computer games are available on the market. They have turned into a popular leisure time activity especially among the young  people. This fact makes some of us wonder whether computer games are a loss of time and money and what we can do about it.

The way I see it, playing computer games is not necessarily a waste of time as long as they bring the share of excitement  that other activities can’t provide. Even if you spend a lot of money on a great book or a passionate film, you will never get your fill of thrill  as when you play computer games.

When  playing computer games you are the real actor, you can decide to do what you want and this fills you with deep emotions. In addtion studies have discovered that playing video games helps certain mental abilities such as developing assertiveness and agility, logic and intuition and you are more quick-thinking at solving problems .

I don’t agree when people claim that playing computer games can have some reverse effects such as addiction  or that they divert you from the real life and make you an antisocial person. You  are not socially isolated since you can  meet great people and speak to them  while you play network games.

I enjoy playing video games and I don't believe they are a waste of time. On the contrary they help us relax and develop some abilities. Having said this, in the case of children, it is always wise for  parents to set  a gaming time and encourage their kids to read, do some sport and outdoor activities. 

270 words

CAE PAST PAPER PROPOSAL SAMPLE

Proposal on the "Careers Day" 

Purpose 

The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations on how to make the Careers Day at college a real success. The ideas submitted come from the students who attended last years´ event and the     students´forum.

The workshops and the speakers

It is of the interest of the students to have really practical workshops given by people who do unusual, inspiring jobs, and not just the traditional ones. Emphasis should be given on inviting successful and innovative professionals, who can be interviewed by our students.

Training courses proposal

To have a full insight of the practical aspect of jobs, the students request to have one week training courses given by companies. This would give our students to opportunity to experience the real and practical aspect of jobs.

Organisation of the event 

Due to classes at the college not all the students are able to attend the event at anytime. A 2-day programme should be considered if we want all the students to benefit from the event. 

Networking opportunities

I suggest having a "networking room" where participants can get to know each other and be able to make connections. It is our students' belief that in order to succeed in life you not only need to study hard but to know the right people.

Conclusion 

If the proposed ideas receive your serious consideration, the event next year will draw more students and be even more successful.   

#words 230

CAE PROPOSAL

TASK

You would like to start a monthly magazine in English for students at the college where you are studying. You have decided to send a proposal to the college asking for permission and financial support. Your proposal must include the following : why you want to start the magazine, what the first issue would includ, what support and financial help you need from the college.

Write your proposal in 220-260 words

Proposal to launch an English magazine

Purpose

The purpose of this proposal is to ask for the college permission to launch a monthly English magazine and to ask for financial support. This proposal also outlines the plans and reasons concerning this idea.

Reasons to support the project

The English magazine will contain articles which can be used as supplementary material from the regular language courses. They will be written in 3 different levels of difficulty aiming at basic, intermediate and advanced students.

The students will undoubtedly develop a taste for reading and  learn a with a wide range of vocabulary. Some grammar exercises will also be provided.

First issue 

Shall the projet be accepted and supported the first issue would include the following topics : Science: Featuring and article entitled "The truth about human cloning" (advanced level). Food: "Is organic food really better for our health?" (intermediate level). Health : "How to manage stress" (basic level).

   Finances

   The cost of producing the magazing for the college would be minimal as we already count with local sponsors, mainly the shops in the area and the bank accross the street. It would only be necessary an inversion of $200 a month.

   

   Conclusion 

   I believe the launching of an English magazine will answer the needs of many students and will  really help them to feel more comfortable with English. I hope the plan presented will receive your serious consideration.

#words 260

CAE LETTER OF COMPLAINT

TASK 

You bought some CDs to help you improve your English. You were not happy with the Cds and have decided to write to the Publisher, CD World.

Write a letter to CD World explaining why you bought the CDs, why you are dissatisfied and saying what you would like the company to do.

Write you answer in 180- 220 words

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the set of 6 CDs of English conversation which I purchased from your company two weeks ago.

Firstly I would like to explain that I bought your CDs because I was persuaded by your misleading advertisements that I could learn to speak English within one week, whether for business purposes or just for pleasure. Speaking English has become a necessity in my job and since I can’t afford English lessons nor I have the time to take them, I thought your CDS were the perfect solution for my problem, but clearly I was wrong.

Upon receipt of my 6 CDs, I set immediately to work. I scrupulously followed your advice, and after a week of  practising   I realised to my disappointment that there were no business conversations included in the CDs. In addition the so-called innovative teaching method your ad promises consists only in "listen and repeat". I am still wondering how you can promise people they will learn to speak English in one week with such a poor teaching method.  I have also been charged 20 euros per CD unlike what is mentioned in your ad.

Your product is not up to my expectations and does not meet my requirements. I also believe your advertisement is absolutely dishonest. Unless satisfactory compensation is offered I will be forced to take legal action.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Anduaga

219 Words

WRITING TIPS

CAE CONTRIBUTION TO A LONGER PIECE

TASK

As we regularly do, we’re asking you, the readers, to add your contribution on the subject of one of our feature articles. So tell us what you think. 

Are young people given too much too soon in their lives? We don’t just mean famous youngsters, we mean youngsters in general. Are they spoilt? Do their parents indulge them too much? Is it better for them to go without certain things so that they learn the value of having to struggle to get what they want? Are they given the impression that life is easy because it is too easy for them? Or is it the opposite in a lot of cases? Is life too much of a struggle for too many youngsters? 

Maybe you have personal experience you’d like to share with the readers. We’ll print some of your articles in future editions.

Write your contribution in 220-260 words

                                   Too much too young?

Today parents are definitively different from those of yesterday when it comes to educating their offspring. I strongly believe that youngsters are over spoiled and parents too much indulgent.

Young people are obviously more and more influenced by their environment and the media resulting in a more demanding generation of children than in the past. Today watching fussy kids in a shop making scenes is pretty common. They make their parents buy them the latest trendy gadget even if they cost an arm and a leg.

I have witnessed this on several occasions and always wonder why is it that parents accept to give them everything they want. This can be due to the fact that today parents are too busy working away from home, and feel guilty not to be with their kids or not doing enough for them, so they try to compensate their love with presents.

I remember the time when I was young, I contented myself with just my colour pencils, drawing, playing with my dolls or outside with some friends. But luckily my family was always there to play with me. I have them, and it was more important than any material thing.

Another reason why I think parents spoil their children is because they want to give them a good quality of life. They have good intentions, I mean, wishing the best for their children is legitimate, but giving them all for free certainly doesn´t teach them to be responsible in life nor to work hard to achieve their goals, nor to be thankful for what they receive. These spoilt children probably even ignore that in the world there are many poor children who have no toys to play with.

The way I see it parents should teach their children real values like hard-work and solidarity from a young age, rather than spoiling them with too many, many time useless, material things.

CAE ESSAY

Read this CAE ESSAY SAMPLE sent to us by a CAE student. Surf our web for more on CAE. We recommend How to write an Essay

TASK:
You have recently had a class debate in which students discussed whether knowledge or social connections were more useful in achieving success. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinion on the following statement:

« It’s not what you know, but who you know that counts »

Write your essayin 220-260 words

What you know or who you know?

I strongly believe that having the right skills and qualifications is essential in order to get a good job and succeed in life. However, with the large numbers of people competing for jobs nowadays, aren’t social connections equally important?

Some parents encourage their sons and daughters to keep up with the academic work in order to acquire the necessary knowledge to get into college and obtain a well-paid job one day. These young people do their best to be the first student in the class, they qui ttheir social life and have very few friends. But then when they finish their studies, despite their impressive marks, they struggle to find a job.

On the other hand we can find a group of people who were not necessarily brilliant at college but who have the right connections. They are the ones who get a good place in a company because they know the right people. Having knowledge is undoubtedly important but I think we all need a little push from others to succeed in today´s society.

Nevertheless I want to make it clear that I believe that getting a job only because you have connections is not fair and people should not be given a job if they do not have the right qualifications. The way I see it both, knowledge and connections, are equally important.

CAE REPORT

Read this CAE REPORT SAMPLE sent to us by a CAE student. Surf our web for more on CAE. We recommend  How to write a Report for CAE.

TASK: 
An international research group is carrying out an investigation into changing trends in the way young people spend their free time. You have been asked to write a report about the situation in your country.

Write your report in 220- 260 words

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.