Cambridge English: Proficiency

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Article

Question
You have been asked to write an article for Job Prospects magazine, a publication for 18-30 year olds, on the following topic:

Write the article for the readers of the magazine. (around 280 - 320 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:

• Make a list of reasons for taking a gap year. You can mention them briefly in your introduction:
  - good to have a break from studying
  - chance to save some money
  - gain valuable work experience to impress future employers
• What job opportunities are available for young people on a short term basis? Choose around three and note down the useful skills that can be learned. Also point out any negative factors:
  Example Working in a fast food restaurant - easy to get work, but working conditions can be poor - learn to deal with customers, important in service industries.
• How else could the time be spent? Again, consider the pros and cons of your suggestions and evaluate the skills that can be acquired.
  Example: Travelling around - can be done cheaply but still need a budget - going abroad more expensive but improves language skills.
• Think of a final piece of advice to conclude your article.

Drafting and proofreading your work

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

• Have you answered the question fully?
• Is the layout and organisation appropriate
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent for your report?
• Will it be genuinely useful to the reader as well as being interesting to read?

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