ESSAY WRITING CPE AND TOEFL PRACTICE

1. Activity 1
Writing Paper Part 1. Task Type: Essay Working conditions Jobs and Work
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.
Modals of Flexible Working
Over recent years many companies have moved
away from the notion of fixed working hours,
following the standard nine-to-five, Monday-toFriday pattern. There is far more provision today for
staff to take advantage of flexible working
opportunities of various kinds. With high-speed
Internet connections available to many, homeworking has become a practical option for
companies and members of staff. This modal of
flexible working has been particularly beneficial for
staff working on projects that entail spending little
time in the office. The introduction of formal jobsharing also benefits employees who wish to have a
greater work-life balance, particularly those with
young children. Finally, employees often have
access to flexi-time, the chance to 'bank' hours by
working overtime and 'withdrawing' hours when
time off is needed.
Employer Concerns
A recent survey of UK small-businesses discovered
an underlying sense of disquiet about the issue of
flexible working. Many companies feel under
pressure to agree to requests out of fear they will be
taken to court by their employee should they refuse.
However, business advisers point out that
employees have the right to request flexible
working not the right to have it agreed. It might not
be feasible for a company to agree to requests if the
business depends on particular modals of operation,
or if such a request would require significant change
for a small business. As well as reassuring small
businesses of their legal position, companies are
also being encouraged to see flexible working as an

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opportunity rather than a threat. Experience shows

it will often benefit both the company and its
employees by having a positive impact on
motivation and efficiency.
Write the essay. (around 240 - 280 words)
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. Is flexible working something employers should feel positive
about?
Do small businesses face too many regulations as it is?
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. "The company I work for is a good example of how ..."
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?
Is your essay informative 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!
Check List (What you need to include to pass)
Writing Paper Part 1. Task Type: Essay
Content
Should include a summary of the key points in each
text. The essay should also include an evaluation of
these key points including the writer's own views on
the subject.

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Communicative achievement
Should be fairly formal as that is consistent with the
requirements of an academic essay. The reader
would get a clear summary of the two texts along
with the writer's point of view.
Organisation
The essay must be divided into clear paragraphs
and these should be linked appropriately. The
format should be that of a standard essay, i.e.
without headings in the body of the essay.
Language
Language of evaluation, discussion, comparison
(between the two texts) narrative (use of a personal
anecdote) and speculation (possible results of
various schemes).
Vocabulary for describing working conditions (e.g.
'part-time/full-time', 'job sharing scheme', 'flexible
working conditions', 'homeworker/homeworking'
etc.) could be used.
Does not have to be completely accurate but any
errors should be minimal.

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