Cambridge English: First

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Article

Question
You have been asked by the editor of your school magazine to write an article on the following topic:

Write your article for the magazine (around 140-190 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:

• List some reasons why television today could be described as "a load of rubbish".
  Too many repeats of old programmes
  Large number of entertainment programmes; too few factual programmes
• What arguments can be made in favour of television today?
  More channels than before;
  Wider choice of programmes
• What other points about TV can you mention?
  (E.g. the cost of TV compared to other forms of entertainment)
• Decide what your viewpoint is and then think of a suitable title for your article which will get the attention of the readers.
  E.g. 'Where's the off button?' or 'Today's TV is the best!'

Drafting and proofreading your work

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

• Have you answered the questions? Will the reader be clear about your opinion
• Is the layout and organisation appropriate?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style OK?
• 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!