The simple tragedy of waste is this: we are using up the earth’s irreplaceable natural resources, creating unnecessary products and packaging, in a mad rush for instantly gratifying consumption. Out-of-date mobile phones, sound systems, even cars are piling up in landfills all around the world. There was nothing wrong with the old model, except for its lack of flash. Why can’t we choose a product that meets our needs and use it until it wears out? We have been conditioned to have needs that change as frequently as the seasons and satisfying these needs comes at a very high price, and not just the one on the price tag!
There are several simple ways in which you can act to halt the madness of needless consumption. As an individual, change our consumption habits to minimize your non-biodegradable waste and optimise your use of reusable packaging. This will require some sacrifices. As a member of a group, be active in drawing up a waste charter for your place of work or school. Educate others. As a consumer, punish companies that are wasteful and pollute by boycotting their products. This, above all, requires awareness, and the dedication to do your research.
Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible, and include your own ideas.
“The texts at hand present different aspects of the issue of overconsumption.
On the one hand, text A argues that our society – a consumer society – does not hesitate to tap into precious natural resources over and over again, every time a new need for something arises. Constantly satisfying those needs, which are often not essential for our normal functioning, poses a certain threat to our environment.
Text B, on the other hand, presents possible actions that each person can and should undertake in order to cope with the waste that results from our unnecessary consumption, as well as with the unneccessary consumption itself. Working on your own consumer behaviour, positively impacting the ones surrounding you, pressuring companies into operating more responsively are the ideas outlined in the text.
In my view, both texts make valuable points which are hard to disagree with. However, I believe it should be fair to state the positive delopments, which mostly come from the younger generation. For instance, it is often disregarded as unethical and unsustainable to shop at stores offering low-quality clothes, which have to be thrown away and replaced in a matter of weeks (the so-called \”fast fashion\”). In contrast, opting for more sustainable choices, such as buying a previously owned kitchen device or a second-handpair of shoes, is becoming increasingly welcome. Should such trend continue to develop, I am sure that our society will be able to heal from this afwul disease called overconsumption.
In light of the above, I would like to point out once again that our planet’s resources are not infinite. Thus, we should always consider carefully every choice we make – especially our consumption choices.”
The texts at hand (use more formal language ) The fragments presented in question present different aspects of the issue of overconsumption ( main idea is indicated). The initial fragment provides an analysis of the potential negative consequences, while the second one concentrates on strategies for their prevention.
The introduction informs the reader about the essence of the essay although it is poorly developed - expand your introduction
On the one hand (linking words) , text A author of the former fragment argues that our modern (avoid personalisation) society - a consumer society - does not hesitate to tap into exploit (avoid phrasal verbs) precious natural resources over and over again 1 , every time a new need for something arises. Constantly satisfying those needs, (demonstrative pronouns) which are (relative pronouns) often not essential for our normal functioning, poses a certain threat (suitable expressions) to our environment. 2
The first paragraph indicates the ideas in the first fragment, although briefly and superficially comment on two key points.
Text B, The latter of the opinions expressed, on the other hand, (linking words) presents possible actions that each person can and should undertake in order to (conjunctions) cope with counteract (avoid phrasal verbs) the waste production that results from our unnecessary consumption , as well as (compound sentences) with the unnecessary consumption (repetitive language) itself. Working on your own one's individual (avoid personalisation) consumer behaviour, 3 positively impacting the ones in his or her surrounding you , and pressuring companies into operating more responsively (relevant vocabulary) are the ideas outlined in the fragment text . 4 (avoid common vocabulary)
The second paragraph indicates appropriate ideas in the first fragment, although briefly and somewhat superficially comment on two key points.
In my view, (transitional devices) both texts make valuable points which (relative pronouns) are hard to disagree with. However , (linking words) I believe it should be fair to state the positive delopments developments , which (non-restrictive clauses) mostly come from the younger generation. For instance, (linking words) it is often disregarded as (passive reporting structures) unethical and unsustainable (subject-specific vocabulary) to shop at stores offering low-quality clothes, which have to be thrown (passive voice) away and replaced in a matter of weeks 2 (the so-called "fast fashion"). In contrast, (linking words) opting for more sustainable choices, (suitable expressions) such as buying a previously owned kitchen device or a second-hand pair of shoes, is becoming increasingly welcome . 3 (verbose style) Should such trend continue (conditionals) to develop, (avoid personalisation) I am sure that our undoubtedly contemporary society will be able to heal from this awful disease called overconsumption. (main ideas is indicated)
You devoted too much content to a paragraph with a personal opinion, instead devote more content to the analysis of both texts, which is the essence of the essay
In light of the above, (introductory phrases) I would like to point out once again that our (avoid personalisation/phrasal verbs ) i t is undoubtedly crucial toemphasize that the planet's resources are not infinite. 1 Thus , (linking words) we people should always consider carefully every choice we they make - especially our their consumption choices."
Content: 4/5 have you answered the question?
1 Consumerism is using up the earth’s irreplaceable natural resources and producing waste - partially commented 2 People have needs that change as frequently as the seasons- commented 3 As individuals and groups, we need to change consumption habits- commented 4 Education, increasing awareness and protest are suggested- partially commented
Devote more content to the analysis of both texts and comment more extensively on key points.
Communicative Achievement: 4/5 have you completed the task in the right sort of language?
The language register is appropriately formal and evaluative most of the time (some irrelevancies)
The candidate communicates straightforward and complex ideas, as appropriate.
The organisation: 3-4/5 have you structured your writing properly?
The candidate demonstrated clear and coherent organization of ideas, utilizing appropriate paragaprh structure for the given task.
The introduction is poorly developed - expand it (should be the same length as the summary)
Keep the strict length of the paragraphs to meet all the requirements.
The content has a technical resonance; "Text A, Text B," use more coherent forms of expressing your opinions “The latter excerpt... , The author of the former fragment argues that” - the essay should be a coherent text
Language: 4-5/5 have you used a good range of grammar and vocabulary?
Vocabulary There is a wide range of vocabulary, including less common lexis.
Grammar There is wide range of simple and more complex grammatical forms which are used with control and flexibility.
Errors, are insignificant and do not impede communication.
Vocabulary is used appropriately to the topic; common phrases relevant to the specific task are used
The text uses a range of suitable grammatical structures (conjunctions, conditionals, passives, relative clauses and passive reporting structure)
Use other suitable grammatical forms:
Score: 16/20 Grade: C2
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Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If so, you may be feeling a little nervous and concerned about what lies ahead . Let us help put that fear and anxiety to bed and get started on how your academic writing can leave a positive impression on the examiner.
By the end of this blog post, you’ll know exactly what you need to do, how to prepare and how you can use your knowledge of other parts of the exam to help you.
Although you’ll find the advanced writing skills you’ve mastered at C1 will stand you in good stead for C2 writing, there are clear differences in the exam format in CPE. As in Cambridge C1, there are two parts in the writing exam, and understanding what you need to do before you’ve even put a pen to paper is incredibly important. So, let’s go!
First, let’s look at the format of Part 1:
Before we look at an example task, let’s look at how your paper will be assessed. The examiner will mark your paper using four separate assessment scales:
Let’s look at an example task:
The key things you’re being asked to do here are summarise, evaluate and include your own ideas, using your own words as far as possible. So, in short, you have to paraphrase. As a Cambridge exams expert, you’ll know that this is a skill you already use throughout the exam.
In Reading and Use of English Part 4, the techniques you are using to make the keyword transformations (active to passive, comparative structures, negative inversions, common word patterns, etc) will show you that you already know how you can say the same thing in other words.
Your ability to do word formation in Reading and Use of English Part 3 is useful here, as you look for verbs that you can change into nouns, and vice versa. This enables you to say reword sentences without losing the original meaning.
You are already adept at identifying the correct options in Reading and Use of English Part 5 and Listening Parts 1 and 3, although the words given are different to the information in the text or audio.
So, be aware of the skills you have already practised, and use them to your advantage!
Before you even consider writing, read both texts thoroughly . Highlight the key points in each text and make notes about how you can express this in your own words. Look for contrasting opinions and think about how you can connect the ideas together. These contrasting ideas will usually form the basis of paragraphs 2 and 3.
Although there are multiple ways you can organise your essay, here is a tried and tested structure:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Idea 1 with support
Paragraph 3: Idea 2 with support
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
Use your introduction as a way to present the general theme. Don’t give anything away in terms of your own opinion, but instead give an overview of what you will discuss. Imagine this as a global comment, talking about how society as a whole may feel about the topic.
Start with a strong sentence. Make your intentions clear, then back up your idea with a supporting sentence and elaborate on it. Use linkers to show how this idea has different stances, paraphrased from the key points you highlighted in the texts.
Follow the same structure as Idea 1, but focus on a different element from the two texts. Introduce it clearly, then provide more support to the idea. Keep emotional distance from the topic – save your opinion for the conclusion!
Here is the opportunity for you to introduce your personal opinion. There shouldn’t be anything new included here other than how you personally feel about the topics discussed. Use your conclusion to refer back to the main point and round up how your opinion differs or is similar.
This is just one example of how you can structure your essay. However, we recommend trying different formats. The more you practise, the more feedback you’ll get from your teacher. Once you’ve settled on the structure that suits you, your planning will be a lot quicker and easier.
According to the Cambridge English website, ‘A C2 Proficiency qualification shows the world that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.’
This means that being a proficient writer in your own language is not enough. So, what can you do to really convince the examiner that you truly are smarter than the average Joe ?
Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!
✔ Read academic texts regularly.
✔ Pay attention to model essay answers and highlight things that stand out.
✔ Always try to upgrade your vocabulary. Challenge yourself to think of synonyms.
✔ Write frequently and study the feedback your teacher gives you.
✔ Study C2 grammar and include it in your writing.
Don’t overuse the same linkers. Practise using different ones and not only in essays. You can write something much shorter and ask your teacher to check for correct usage.
The Official Cambridge English page, where you can find a link to sample papers.
BBC Learning English has a range of activities geared towards advanced level learners.
Flo-joe has very useful writing practice exercises that allow you to see other students’ writing.
Writing apps and tools like Grammarly can improve your writing style with their feedback and suggestions.
Don’t forget about our fantastic C2 blogs too!
Passing Cambridge C2 Proficiency: Part 3 Reading and Use of English
Passing C2 Proficiency: A Guide to Reading Part 5
Passing C2 Proficiency: A Guide to Reading Part 6
Guide to the Cambridge C2 Proficiency Listening Test
Guide to the Cambridge C2 Proficiency Speaking Test
If you’re interested in preparing for the C2 Proficiency exam but don’t know where to start, get in touch with us here at Oxford House today! We offer specific courses that are designed especially to help you get ready for the exam. Let our fully qualified teachers use their exam experience to guide you through your learning journey. Sign up now and receive your free mock test!
Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.
lie ahead (pv): be in the future.
stand you in good stead (id): be of great use to you.
adept at (adj): have a good ability to do something.
thoroughly (adv): completely.
tried and tested (adj): used many times before and proved to be successful.
back up (pv): give support to.
round up (pv): summarise.
settle on (pv): choose after careful consideration
average Joe (n): normal person.
discouraged (adj): having lost your enthusiasm or confidence.
pv = phrasal verb
adj = adjective
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Here you have some useful phrases for your essays (advanced level). Hope you like it and find it useful !!
Introducing the phenomenon to be discussed
Stating your opinion
Changing topic
Presenting arguments
Describing causes
Proposing steps and measures
I think you should also have a few pages somewhere where you can keep a record of other useful essay phrases that you come across in your reading. Write them down and practise using them in your own writing.
Look out for more advanced expressions that you can use in place of phrases that weren’t even impressive at the B2 level – phrases like “solve the problem”. Here are a few alternative problem and solution phrases to get you going.:
a crisis in education which must be addressed
something that must be tackled / be dealt with
a challenge which must be met
something must be done to restore law and order in the inner cities
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This certification can open a plethora of doors for you, from work over education to travelling and the list goes on and on.
So, in this article, you will find out what C2 actually means, what the Cambridge C2 Proficiency exam looks like, if you should take the exam at all and how you can get ready for the test. This is a great starting point and I welcome you on this journey to language glory.
At C2 level, you are a fully proficient user of the language and you don’t have any issues in any situation life might throw at you. You’ve reached the top of the mountain and pretty much command the language at the same level as a native speaker would. Below, you can find a description of what that includes according to the CEFR.
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. Council of Europe ( link )
Every educational institution in the anglophone world will welcome you with open arms if you are the proud owner of a C2 Proficiency certificate. When I lived in Australia, there were tons of international students with just marginally acceptable English so you can easily stand out if you are proficient in English.
1. your english level, 2. lack of importance.
I think you should be very honest with yourself and I will be honest with you as well: Do you really want to pass C2 Proficiency so badly or is it just something that a colleague at work mentioned and you thought that it would be a neat certificate to have.
1. reading and use of english, the different parts of reading and use of english.
In the writing paper, you need to show that you can fully address and answer a variety of questions, use different layouts and styles of language, organise your text in a cohesive and coherent manner as well as use a wide range of grammatical structures and vocabulary to convey your ideas to the reader.
4. speaking, how to prepare for c2 proficiency, time to get ready, similar posts, cambridge c2 proficiency (cpe): how to write a letter, are native speakers better language teachers, cambridge c2 proficiency (cpe): how to write a review, how to stay calm on your cambridge exam day, cambridge c2 proficiency (cpe): how your writing is marked, cambridge c2 proficiency (cpe): how to write a report.
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Check out this great list of phrases for all types of proficiency writings:
http://fullspate.digitalcounterrevolution.co.uk/advanced-efl-essay-writing/advanced-essay-phrases.html
I’ve condensed them into this handy handout:
Useful Phrases for Proficiency Essays
Barcelona based English Teacher, blogger and sometime actor and director. View All Posts
Thank you very much for this extremely useful material God bless you!
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C2 Proficient (CPE) Essay: Useful Phrases & Expressions. We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information. Although it is taking a shortcut, if you learn several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent and well ...
C2 Proficient (CAE) - Essay Samples/Model answers & Comments. Enter the page and see how to write your essay, how it is scored and how to get the highest possible grade! ... Uses a wide range of vocabulary, including less common lexis, with fluency, precision, sophistication and style (over‑arching theme, differing viewpoints, contentious, an ...
C2 Proficient (CPE) Essay: Assessement Criteria. Your essay will be assessed according to these four criteria: Content focuses on how well the candidate has fulfilled the task, in other words if they have done what they were asked. to do. Communicative Achievement focuses on how appropriate the writing is for the task and whether the candidate ...
600977-teacher-guide-for-writing-c2-proficiency.pdf
1 1. Unleash the Power of Your Vocabulary with This C2 English Guide. 1.1 Building an Impressive Vocabulary. 2 2. Mastering Profound Vocabulary: A Step-by-Step C2 English Guide. 3 3. Elevate Your English Skills: A Comprehensive Guide to C2 Vocabulary Mastery.
Proficiency is an examinationtargetedat ResultsLevel C2 in theCouncil of Europe s Common European Framework of Reference. reading (like a book club) or writing Candidates achieving Grade A, Grade B or Grade C (between 200 and230on theCambridgeEnglish Scale) receive a certificate stating that they have demonstrated ability at Level C2.
Think carefully about what you want to write about and how you can explain your ideas. Make a list of useful collocations connected to the topic. Then, think about how you can use excellent examples of C2 grammar. Plan how you're going to connect your ideas with linkers. Vary your sentence structure and occasionally add a much shorter ...
Refer students to Student's worksheet Exercise 1. Ask students, in pairs, to complete the key facts about C2 Proficiency Writing, referring to the handbook if necessary. 3. Check the answers to Exercise 1 with the whole class. Ask if there are any other questions about Part 2. 4.
What a typical essay task looks like. First of all, let's check out at a typical task and you will see very quickly what you need to look out for when analysing it. Source: Cambridge English Assessment C2 Proficiency Handbook for teachers. In every essay task, you have to read two short texts (about 100 words each) just like the ones above.
Vocabulary is used appropriately to the topic; common phrases relevant to the specific task are used. use more topic-specific vocabulary (environmental pollution, consumption and trade) The text uses a range of suitable grammatical structures (conjunctions, conditionals, passives, relative clauses and passive reporting structure)
ESSAYS. There are two Writing Sections, Writing Section 1, which is based on the extract you hear in Listening Section 3, and Writing Section 2. Task 1 in Writing Section 1 is obligatory. To write the task, you must use the notes you have taken while you are listening to Listening Section 3 the third time and any other points you wish in order ...
C2. This publication has made use of the English Vocabulary Profile. This resource is based on extensive research using the Cambridge Learner Corpus and is part of the English Profile programme, which aims to provide evidence about language use that helps to produce better language teaching materials.
First, let's look at the format of Part 1: Task: essay. Word count: 240-280 words. Register: formal. Overview: a summary of two texts and an evaluation of the ideas. Suggested structure: introduction, paragraph 1, paragraph 2, conclusion. Time: 1 hour 30 minutes for Part 1 and 2. Before we look at an example task, let's look at how your ...
Ancient Egypt Ancient Greece Ancient Rome audio boost collocations colors conversation FCE exam fluency grammar infographic introductions Mesopotamia Middle Ages mindmap painters paintings prehistory prepositions pronunciation quiz reading comprehension reported speech SWW timeline tips useful phrases verbs video vocabulary Women's Day
C2 CEFR Level - Free learning resources for English language exams at C2 level. ... Vocabulary. Writing. Type. Article. Exercises. Grammar. Article Free Practice Tests (Online) | C2 Proficient (CPE) ... C2 Proficient (CPE) essay is usually written for a teacher. It... Level: C2. Exam: C2 Proficient. Exercises 40 Key Word Transformations Ex ...
Cambridge C2 Proficiency is the pinnacle of English language exams and passing this test means that you are truly in command of the language. You are capable of using grammar and vocabulary with ease, style and perfect control and no kind of interaction poses a problem. This certification can open a plethora of doors for you, from work over ...
c1_c2-killer-expressions_-questions Download. Procedure: Have students read the expressions in the first category and try to guess the meaning in pairs. Clear up any doubts in open class. Ping-pong. Tell students they have 1 minute to try to memorise as many of the expressions in the category as they can. After 1 minute tell them to turn their ...
Free: Digital sample tests. Cambridge English Qualifications Digital have now replaced our old computer-based exams and offer you even more benefits. Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an C2 Proficiency digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.. Listening. Time: approximately 40 minutes
a bear with a sore head. irritated/bad mood. a bit of a dark horse. person with hidden abilities. a bitter pill to swallow. a difficult fact to accept. a different kettle of fish. a totally different sitation from the one just mentioned. a dog's life.
C2 Proficiency was originally offered in 1913 and is a high- ... control thier grammar and vocabulary. Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes. Candidates have to show that they can produce two . different pieces of writing: a compulsory essay in Part 1, and one from a choice of three tasks in Part 2. Listening: 40 minutes (approximately)
2Ts in a Pod advanced advanced vocabulary B1 B2 B2+ barcelona C1 C2 CAE CAE writing part 2 Cambridge C1 Advanced Cambridge C2 Proficiency Cambridge exams Christmas collocations conversation conversation activities adults conversations topics for teenagers conversation topics CPE CPE Writing Part 2 debate debate topics discussion education ...
C2 Proficient (CPE) Review: Useful phrases & Expressions We will finish it with some useful vocabulary. Although it istaking a shortcut , if you learn several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent text.
C2 Proficient (CPE) Report: Useful Phrases & Expressions We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information. If you learn several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent and well-organized text.