Cambridge English: Proficiency

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

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Writing Paper Part 1. Task Type: Essay

Question
Read the two texts below.

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 in your answers.

The Financial Costs of Stress Research carried out by the Health and Safety Council estimates that stress and mental illness continues to be neglected by many businesses, both small and large. And the economic impact of this is huge, costing employers around £26bn a year. Stress at work can lead to a lack of concentration, fatigue and low motivation, all of which will cost the company in terms of low productivity, customer satisfaction and the very reputation of the company itself. Employers are being urged to become more "emotionally intelligent" and to improve the way they deal with stress and mental illness.

Speak up about Stress Many people find it difficult to talk about their feelings, particularly if we're feeling weak or vulnerable. However, when suffering from stress it’s vital you seek help. It's important to feel you can talk honestly with a close friend, a loved one, a work colleague or doctor about what’s going on. Stress is easily diagnosed and there is plenty you can do to successfully treat and manage stress. One of the most effective of these is to share your feelings with those you trust. Remember that accepting help and support is not a sign of weakness. Close relationships are vital to helping you get through this tough time.

Write the essay. (around 240 - 280 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:

• What are the key points in each extract?
• How do the points in each text relate to each other?
  - Do both texts have different points of view?
  - Do the texts complement each other in any way?
• Now make some notes about your reaction to the key points in each text:
  E.g. Stress at work: do employees have enough say in operational issues?
  Do companies offer sufficient training and support for people taking up new roles?
  Communicating stress: Are men more likely than women to keep quiet about their feelings?
• Whilst making notes think about how you might paraphrase the key points to avoid copying sections from the texts.
• Do you have any anecdotal evidence to support your own views?
  E.g. "A recent report by the company I work for pointed to the fact that ...".
• How many paragraphs should your essay have? What will the focus of each paragraph be?

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 for an essay?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent for your essay?
• 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!