Cambridge English: Advanced

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Proposal

Question
Your home town has been allocated a large sum of money to make improvements to its facilities. At a recent meeting of the Planning Committee three suggestions were made. Evaluate each one in terms of how it would benefit the local area. Say which ONE suggestion you support the most and why.

Write your proposal for the Chairman of the Planning Committee (Between 220-260 words).

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

• Divide your page into 2 sections. First, make a list of the benefits of each one to the local economy. Do you have any reservations? E.g. Sports centre
  - Could host national and international events; good for bringing visitors to the town
  - Would create many jobs in the building trade BUT
  - Does our town have the infrastructure needed to support huge sporting events?
  Do the same for the museum and arts centre.
• Next, think about the benefits to the local people. How much would they use each facility? What would satisfy the majority of the local population?
• Which suggestion have you decided to support? Make sure you give a good reason for your choice. Each of the suggestions have merit, but on balance I believe that the best idea is .... because ....

Drafting and proofreading your work

You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

• Have you answered the question?
• Is the layout and organisation appropriate?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent?
• Will it have a positive effect on the reader?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!