Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to ask if you are interested in acting like a sponsor for a children's sports club.

The club was set out a year ago by local voluntaries and our goal is to encourage kids from different social environments to
make sports. We've seen the advantages on the children's health from doing regular exercise and we also believe that team
spirit in youngers will help to them in other aspects of their life.

Until now we have been using the playing fields at Wentworth College. However, some club members have problems
getting to the college, so we would like to rent a field and changing rooms closer to the center of town. Consequently we
need obtain a quite large amount of money, so we are planning an event to earn money.

We will charge a small entrance ticket and there will be various activities which people will have to pay for. We would like to
have a lottery for a pair of football boots, have an arching and a long jump competition. We also have baby photos of
famous sports personalities which aspirants have to guess. There will be stalls selling second hand sports equipment and a
healthy selection of food and drinks will also be served.

We would be extremely grateful if you could provide us t-shirts with the club logo on and some prizes for the competitions
as different items of sports equipment.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Katerina

The film industry has often turned to history as a source of inspiration, but some of its attempts to bring the past to life
have been better than others. Next month we’ll be bringing you our top ten recommendations for historical films, and we
welcome your suggestions. So, send in a review which describes a historical film, explaining why it is worth watching, and
in what ways it could have been better.

This summer I have seen an entertaining historical film: 'The King's Speech'. Normally I don't like films about royal people,
but this one was very captivated. I felt interested from the first scene.

The film is set in the 1920's epoch and tells a story of King George 6th and his problem with speaking. It also shows how
George 6th brother didn't want to be king because he was in love with a divorced woman and he adequate.

Colin Firth is the perfect actor for this part. You feel very sorry for him with his affliction and you also get a good idea of how
much his wife loved him, because despite she was a posh lady she asked a therapist who was not from the same class as her
to help her husband.

Lionel Logue is also very convincing in the film, he is a failure actor who becomes a therapist. He is very bohemian and
works with his patients in a dirty old office.

The filming gives a realistic picture of life at that time. You also see the beautiful English countryside and see how London
changed since the 1920's. It also shows the beginning of the media image stage. Although some scenes are slow in general
the film was perfect.

This is a great film for foreigner students because you can learn a lot about the British royal history and the actors are
usually speaking slowly, so it is not too difficult to understand. I think you should include it in your top recommendations for
a historic film.
You have been asked to write a report for an international research company about the nature and quality of advertising
in your country.

Introduction

The aim of this report is to describe the situation of two of the most important ways of advertising in Spain: TV and the
sponsorship of sports.

TV

Undoubtedly, TV is the most important mass media. An advertisement broadcasted at prime time can grab the people's
attention in a way absolutely unthinkable for any other form of publicity.

Nevertheless, the high price of this kind of advertising is an inconvenience that prevents companies from offering their
products through TV. Moreover, the interruption of the programs with the best audience rating by an advertisement usually
annoyed the viewers who, frequently, switch channel until the end of the break.

Sport

Nowadays, sport is one of the preferred pastimes of people. Consequently, the sponsorship of sports events or even the
existence of teams with commercial names, like it happens in cycling, is a very profitable way of advertising.

However, something to take into account is the great rivality and hatred around the world of sport; the presence of a
brand's name in a football team shirt may be free advertising for the competitors among the rival team supporters.

Recommendations

Since the high cost of a TV commercial is a considerable problem, a good solution could be the making of shorter adverts.
The saving would be significant without affecting the effectiveness. In fact, the most resounding successes in the last years
have been achieved by marketing campaigns whose adverts lasted few seconds.

As far as the sporting world is concerned, the key point is probably the carefulness at the time of choosing the event or
team to sponsor. This decision can led either to a huge success or to a total failure

Your class has recently attended a panel discussion on what methods governments should use to prepare young people
for working life

Today's world forever is changing. Pupils in school need to learn how to keep up with these changes. They should be
encouraged to follow Their passion, but also they need to see their future in a practical and realist manner. The question is
what can schools do to help pupils in their journey into the world of work.

Schools need to be more concentrated in work-related subjects. If a pupil studies economics there should be a strong
practical element and not too much theatrical materials. They could learn to work in a team and set up their own business.
In addition they could be taught about computer programmes to gain knowledge of money management. There should also
be specific classes to help them search a job, for example they could fill up application forms, look at ways of writing a CV
and do some role-plays of job interviews.

Another problem pupils have is knowing which type of job to apply for. It would be a good idea to invite employers into the
school to give talks about the type of work they do in their company. The pupils should be encouraged to ask questions. It
would be perfect if also the pupils could visit different companies or pass some time doing work experience.

In conclusion, pupils have to be conscious that their career is like a long journey and they need to take profit from each
stage and should learn from their experience. If schools provide them with some basic tools then the journey will be an
exciting and enjoyable one.
Your company has problems with some employees not working well with each other and needs to improve relations
between them. You have been asked by your manager to propose ways in which relations can be improved.

Your proposal should

• outline reasons for the problems.

• suggest ways to improve relations.

Proposal: Improving staff relations at I-tech

Introduction

Over the last few months there has been tension between members of staff in the company. This has had a negative effect
on productivity.

New staff

Staff with family commitments

We have a number of employees with young families. This sometimes means that an employee needs to leave work early if
their child is sick. However, some staff members without children are unhappy with this situation.

Four employees have recently transferred to our branch from the city branch. However, some long-term employees at this
branch have complained that their new colleagues have not been doing their job properly and ill feeling has resulted from
this. I have carried out some informal interviews and I suspect that they are simply not familiar with our particular systems.

I propose that we create a clearer policy about taking time off for family commitments. We should indicate how staff can
make up any hours they have lost; for instance, by working from home or extending their hours on another day. In this way,
other employees will know that the company is not discriminating against anyone.

I suggest that we have a training day for all the new staff, preferably as soon as possible. I recommend this be led by Daniel
Billep as he has organized training sessions before and has good rapport with the new group.

Conclusion

I feel that the current problems we are experiencing with staff relations can be resolved, providing new staff receive the
necessary training, and that all staff perceive that their workmates are fulfilling the terms of their contract.

Introduction

As a tutor representative of the students in Saint Martin's College, I have received information from students, in which they
explains their experiences and problems in adjusting to college life.

I'm gonna outline the reasons for the problems and suggest to improve college life for our students.

Problems and solutions

One of the most repeated complaints from our students is that they have not chance to communicate with native people,
time in college is limited and they say that they do not have time enough to practice oral expression. I suggest to organize
with the people of the area different open days, international days, and any kind of cultural events that make native and
international students know each other and allow them to exchange opinions and experiences.

Another problem that students complaint about was the leak of appropriate food provided in the restaurant in the college. I
suggest a more international menu should be offered so they feel more homely. Also students complaint saying that they
don't have time to eat lunch or relax during breaks because they are only 30 minutes long. This means they sometime arrive
to class late. I insist the tutors look at timetables to make sure students have at less one hour for lunch. I am certain the
atmosphere in class will be better if students get more relaxed in theirs breaks.
Conclusion

As far as I'm concerned you should take my recommendations and then I am sure this problems will resolve and
international students will be feeling much more relax in our college.

An international magazine has asked its readers to send in a review for its regular arts section. Write a review for the
magazine comparing and contrasting two books, films or music albums. Comment on their similarities and differences
and say which of the two books, films or music albums you would recommend and why.

Write between 220 and 260 words.

The exciting world of spies is beautifully represented by James Bond films. In Sean Connery's 'Dr No', James Bond fights
against a scientist who utilizes atomic energy to divert rockets and missiles. In Pierce Brosnan's 'Die Another Day', the
enemy holds a powerful weapon, a satellite with a diamond crown that functionates as an enormous laser.

Common to both films is the way James Bond saves the world. Another similarity is the exotic and attractive settings. 'Dr No'
takes place in appealing crystal water beaches of Jamaica and 'Die Another Day' moves from picturesque 'La Habana' to the
very impressive views of Iceland. But the more great similarity of all is that in both films there is a comparable scene of
Ursula Andress in the first one and Halle Berry in the second one, which coming out of the water dressed in exactly the
same bikini.

What sets one film apart from the other is the gap of time. Old James Bond was sciovinist and even a bit racist instead
Pierce Brosnan's Bond treats Halle Berry as an equal and as well behaves it could be said as a perfect gentleman. It is also
noticeable in respect of the gadgets they use, there is no comparison between the Giger Counter (to measure radioactivity)
used by Sean Connery and the invisible car of Pierce Brosnan.

Both films are action-packed and compelling, which makes the perfect choice for a diverting evening's viewing, however, if
you prefer a visually appealing experience, but I have to say maybe less plausible also, then 'Die Another Day' is the film for
you.

Your class has recently watched a documentary on what methods governments should use to tackle cyberbullying
amongst schoolchildren.

The days when bullying just occurred in the playground or on the way home from school are terminated. Now, with
cyberbullying victims can suffer everywhere and at every time and it has become absolutely difficult to know if a child is
being subjected to this or perhaps is actually a cyberbully themselves.

The government needs to set clear guidelines on how to prevent cyberbullying in schools and what to do if pupils suffer of
this problem. One idea is for part of the school syllabus to be dedicated to matters as cyberbullying. This would include
group discussions which lead on to pupils drawing up their own lists of dos and don'ts. Kids could also design posters and
leaflets giving advice on how to protect themselves against cyberbullies.

Punishment is another matter the government needs to work on. Cyberbullies will often be under the age of 18 so a suitable
set of penalties needs to be established. Schools could start with informing parents of any unacceptable online behavior
and the police could be informed in extreme cases.

In conclusion, the government needs to do everything it can to avoid cyberbullying. Parents and teachers need to know
what steps to take if it occurs. The possibility of being punished can work like a deterrent, but it is always better to educate
kids to respect themselves. In this way they will get a comprehension of what is acceptable behavior and will seek for help if
they are exposed to any kind of cyberbullying.
You help out in the multimedia center at a language school called Highford Academy. The school's director has asked you
to write a report on the centre with a view to making improvements.

Your report should

• refer to the opinions of students.

• make suggestions for improvements.

• say in which areas spending could be reduced

Introduction

This report looks at the actual resources and facilities available in Highford Academy multimedia centre. The opinions of
students using the centre have been considered in order to do suggestions for improvements. Possible cost cut measures
are also being discussed.

One of the main problems which students mentioned was the lacking of space. It is often hard for students to complete
their works effectively because there is not enough space. I suggest letting students to use the classroom next-door. This
would not cost the school anything and would be appreciated by students.

Secondly, there are insufficient computers and students abuse of the facilities by spending too much time al social
networks. It might be an idea to install a filter and only let access to educative websites. Also if more sockets were installed
in the classroom next-door students could bring their own laptops

A large amount of students have complained about the headphones being broken, so some new sets should be brought. PC
City has some good discounts now so we can buy new ones for a cheap price. Also a system of checking the headphones in
and out would encourage students to take more care of the equipments. Finally, many students enjoy reading about the
news and one requested thing is that the centre pays an online subscription for some newspapers and magazines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, without spending a lot of money, the multimedia centre library could be improved a lot by letting students to
use the classroom next-door, buying a few online subscriptions and controlling the use of computers and other equipments.

Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the ways in your notes. You should explain which way is most likely to
benefit both the host country and the tourists, giving reasons in support of your answer.

You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the documentary, but you should use your own words as far
as possible.

We all know how important can be tourism for any region. Sometimes it's the only source of money, the real motor of the
economy. Anyway, it does not always have only a positive impact.

Very often the first victim is the environment. Big hotels, commercial centres and others attractions do not always respect
what there was around before. Very often the money is more important that the nature that never complains.
Consequently it's time to make us a question: Is it possible to make tourism sustainable? What shall we do to avoid
destruction of the environment? I think that there are some solutions for this problem: First of all the local government
must be very sensitive to all kind of abuse that might bring a development of such tourist resorts. It must control all kind of
permissions related! to construction, because if buildings are attractive a good type of tourists will visit the country.

Moreover, the local government should try to achieve employment for local people, It should be one of the most important
points of any agreement with any company. If a hotel needs a guide they should have one from the local people. They
should also enthuse local people to work in traditional restaurants where the tourists can eat typical food.

I think that sustainable tourism is possible. The question is if we have people good enough to provide it. I hope so, because
if not, we might be very sorrow and it could be too late to turn things round.
You receive this message from an English friend who is coming to stay in your home for a few weeks while you are away.

Is there anything I need to know about keeping your home secure? And are there any household jobs or responsibilities
that you need me to take care of? Also, what's the best way to get around in your area? Send me an email and let me
know.

Hi Angela

Thanks a lot for offering to help at the boutique on Saturday. You can't imagine what an alleviation it is to know you'll be
there. You are making me a big favor! Jim will post the keys through your postbox on Friday afternoon. Firstly can you arrive
to there at 8.45 on Saturday. The lock on the back door is a bit annoying, you need to pull the door against you and then
turn the key if not it doesn't open.

Then when you go in you'll need to turn on the lights. The box for the electricity is in the office at the back next to the
cupboard. Push down the two black switches. After this could you check all the clothes on the shelves are folded neatly and
the window exhibition is okay. Open the shop door at 9.00.

Now there are a few things I need to advise you about the staff. You probably remember Julia, well she's a nice girl. I mean
she's really good at maintaining the boutique tidy, but she's very shy and if there is a problem with a customer she's not
very good at solving it out. So if you see her having any problems please help her. Also could you tell me what time Dave
does arrive as he has been coming in late recently.

At 5.30 you can shut the shop. Remember to turn off the electricity and turn on the alarm. I'll come to your house to gather
the keys on Sunday and bring you a nice present.

If you have any other problems, call to me on my mobile.

Thank you again.

The committee of your college's Arts Club, of which you are a member, has decided to publish a monthly arts magazine
for students. The leader of the committee asks you to draft a proposal

• suggesting what should be included in the magazine.

• outlining ways in which interest in the magazine could be generated. Write your proposal in 220-260 words.

I would like to suggest a weekend programes which would inform to The Far Horizons Club members about some traditional
crafts of my country Sweden.

Dala Horse workshop

I would be disposed to give a workshop on how to carve a traditional Swedish Dala horse and then participants could paint
the seat and straps onto some other wooden horse models that we could impart. While we do the workshop I can tell
participants about the origin of the Dala horse and put a short video of how families used to make them in the long winter
time in Sweden. This will be fun and help participants understand how this craft created a snug atmosphere for families.

Making Fattigman cookies

Another Swedish club member could give a demonstration on how to make delicious Fattigman cookies. They are not
difficult to prepare so we can also let participants as well make some more cookies. Later in the day we can offer
participants a cookie each. I never have tasted cookies as these in another country, so I think this will give a good
impression of our cuisine.

Traditional Rambo dance

We could have a lesson on how to do the Rambo dance. The teacher could wear traditional clothes and show the
participants the basic footsteps. This will be very lively and make all the members laugh a lot. With my suggestions I am sure
the events will be a great success and the club members will go home knowing a lot more about my country and traditions.

Your class has attended a panel discussion on what methods schools should use to improve literacy standards

I believe that technology plays a more important role than testing when wishing to improve standards of literacy in schools.
Using technology can give the child a more positive learning experience, whilst testing just points up the mistakes the child
is making.

Using technology children can have fun learning to read and write and as long the programmes they are using are well
designed children will progress without realizing they are learning. The teacher can monitor the child's progress and deal
about any problems at a later date without interrupting the flow of concentration.

Using the Internet to access books is quick and easy so if a child wishes to read a certain book they can download it rather
than search the library or bookshop by what time they may have lost interest. Today's generation of children find reading
from a tablet more 'cool' and teenagers who are poor readers can read at their own level without worrying about being
made fun of.

I feel that testing has a very limited place in improving literacy standards. In a test situation many children experience
anxiousness and will not give their best performance. Although testing can show some of the child's problems these can
also be seen by the teacher in individual or group reading or writing sessions.

In conclusion, schools have to decide whether test results which may improve the school's image or using technology in an
imaginative way to develop a lifelong love of literacy in their pupils is more important.

A friend of yours has been given the task of organizing the food for a forthcoming event or activity and knows that you
have some experience of a similar situation. The friend has written to you, expressing some anxiety about the task and
asking for your help.

Write a letter giving advice on those aspects of the food arrangements which you consider to be most important and
reassuring your friend of his/her ability to cope

Hi Berti

Yes I can certainly give you some advises about preparing a barbecue for your football club's dinner. I've gone to lots of
these parties for end of season.

The first thing to think is when you want to serve the food. Obviously is the barbecue difficult to take to the venue, and it
takes time to set up all the tables, etc and take all the food from your car. If you serve the food too early some people may
not arrive yet. If too late and the children may get so hungry, they start getting tired and silly. So I would recommend to tell
people you will serve the food at, for example, 8 o'clock.

Of course, for a barbecue, even in summer, you'll need a plan for if it rains. When I prepared it we hired a small tent. In the
end we needn't have it, but better safe than sorry.

Third thing, you need to know how many people are coming and if there are vegetarians. You can get 'veggie burgers' for
them. But don't go crazy with the salads - it always seems the salad that gets thrown away. It's so difficult to eat lettuce
from a paper plate with a plastic fork - most people don't bother.

Anyway, that's all I can think of now, but give me a ring if you need anything. Just relax yourself and prepare it in detail -
then you'll be absolutely fine and it will, too!

Dietmar
You have listened to a discussion on how people in richer countries can be made more aware of poverty in other parts of
the world.

There exists today an ever-widening wealth gap between different parts of the world, with an increasing number of people
living in extreme poverty. Urgent measures are needed, and the first step must surely be to raise awareness in richer
countries of just how desperate the situation is. To achieve this, there would appear to be two possible approaches.

Firstly, the media could cover world poverty much more frequently and in far greater depth. Currently, television rarely
focuses on this human tragedy, despite the awful conditions in which hundreds of millions of people spend their entire
lives. Regular in-depth reports, however, would surely bring it home to viewers that this appalling situation never goes
away, leading to greater pressure on governments to take steps such as increasing overseas aid.

Schools could also have an important role to play. Although it is essential that pupils are taught about the social problems of
their own country, attention should also be paid to the difficulties of those, especially children, in poorer nations. Students
need to learn why such terrible living conditions exist, both by studying the history of those countries and by looking at the
political, economic and social factors that make poverty so difficult to eliminate.

Nevertheless, relying on the education system would take many years to bring results, whereas change is needed right now.
It should also involve the whole population, not just young people. Only the media can have this immediate impact, and
nowadays it is only the media that almost everyone pays attention to.

You work for an agency that promotes your country’s tourist industry abroad. Your manager has asked you to write a
report on an interesting, lesser-known sight in your country. Your report should describe the place or building, explain its
significance to your country, and suggest ways it could become better-known internationally.

The Caves Near The Coast

Introduction

This report looks at the magnificent Nerja caves in southern Spain. Located in the foothills of the impressive Almijara
mountain range, the caves were discovered completely by chance about 50 years ago when a group of boys were out
exploring.

Ready For Visitors

Since then further parts of the cave system have been opened, steps cut into the rock and lighting installed in order that
visitors can see the spectacular geological features there. These include vast caverns and what is said to be the world’s
biggest limestone column.

PART OF SPAIN’S HISTORY AND CULTURE

In Spain the caves are now officially listed as a historic site. There is a section, currently closed to the public, containing wall
paintings that are many thousands of years old, and these have immense historical significance. In addition, one of the
caverns is so big that it is used for the Festival of Music and Dance, featuring famous Spanish opera singers, classical
musicians and dancers.

Conclusion

In short, the Nerja caves are one of this country’s greatest attractions, and it is a pity that so few of the millions of tourists
who come to the Spanish coast ever visit them. The best course of action, I believe, would be to advertise the caves more
widely in other countries, and I would also recommend launching a publicity campaign in tourist areas. In the summer
months, this could inform people that even when the temperature is 40 degrees, the air inside the caves is always cool and
fresh.
This is part of a letter you have received from an English-speaking friend

Guess what! I’m spending next summer in your country, though sadly not in your town. I’m sure I’ll enjoy my visit even
though I don’t speak the language very well – and I’m a bit shy, too. But I really want to make new friends, so please tell
me: what are the best ways to meet people there, and why?

Dear Thomas,

Thanks for your letter. I’m glad to hear all’s well, and that you’re looking forward to your stay here. It’ll be hot, so bring
plenty of factor 50 sunscreen!

But please don’t worry about your Italian. You certainly speak it well enough to chat with people, and I’m sure you’ll
become even more fluent after you’ve been here couple of weeks. It doesn’t matter if you make a few grammar mistakes –
that’s all part of learning, isn’t it? You’ll find that people here are really friendly. They love talking and it’s easy to get into
conversation wherever you are. In fact, it’s the best place in the world to get over any shyness!

That means you can make new friends in places like cafés, and even on the bus or train. Like anywhere, though, it’s easier if
you have a common interest, so perhaps you could join a club in the town where you’re staying. For instance, I know you’re
crazy about mountain biking, just as many young Italian people are – so why not find a local cycling club on the Internet and
contact them?

Also, you could check out the online ads for language exchanges: you spend half the time talking in your language and half
in the other person’s language. Of course, lots of people here want to learn English, and you want to practise your Italian –
so it’d be ideal. It’s also a fantastic way of getting to know people! Write back when you can.

All the best,

Alessandro

Write an essay for your tutor discussing the effects on two of the areas in your notes. You should explain which area you
think is affected more and provide reasons to support your opinion. You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions
expressed in the discussion, but you should use your own words as far as possible.

Advertising is all around us. At home, while travelling and at work, we are urged to buy this or do that via every conceivable
form of media. The effects of this are felt by consumers and non-consumers alike.

Advertising is seen by some as one of modern society’s evils. It makes us greedy, they say, targeting even young children
with its consumerist message. Furthermore, it constantly interrupts our television programmes, blocks up our email inboxes
and wastes our time with unsolicited phone calls. On the other hand, some advertisements are visually beautiful, others
make you think and a few can make you laugh out loud. Moreover, some are truly memorable: almost everyone can recall
their favourite TV ad from childhood.

How effective is advertising? Even if an advertisement fails to motivate consumers to buy the product immediately, the
positive feelings it creates may make them do so months or years later. In addition, individuals often tell friends about ads
they like, potentially influencing their choices, too. Some consumers, however, are put off products by ads they find
annoying or offensive. Furthermore, new media advertising is less successful than old. Television commercials rely on
engaging a largely passive audience, whereas internet users tend to be too busy to click on ads.

Overall, therefore, advertising in the digital age is declining as a factor determining what people buy, especially given the
range of items available online from all over the world. It remains, though, a powerful influence on our lives, not least
because so many adverts are so cleverly made.
 Proposal for new sports facilities

Introduction

The aim of this proposal is to suggest the most suitable way of spending the government grant for new sports facilities.

1 This town already has extensive facilities for football, rugby and athletics, as well as an Olympic-size swimming pool and a
top-class sports centre catering for a wide range of sporting activities. However, one increasingly-popular sport is
conspicuous by its absence: squash.

2 The grant would be spent on constructing a number of squash courts. To do this would not be overly expensive as the
surface area needed would be small compared with tennis courts, for instance. Apart from the installation of a glass wall at
the front of each so that matches can be watched from outside, no further expenditure would be necessary as squash
players provide their own equipment.

3 Squash is one of the most physically demanding of all sports, providing intensive exercise for up to four people over a
short period of time. As courts would be in constant use from early morning to late evening, they would be a highly efficient
way of raising many people’s fitness levels. Moreover, it is likely that players would set up a lively social club, thereby
strengthening the sense of community in the town.

Conclusion

I would strongly recommend that squash be chosen. It would be the most cost-effective way of spending the money and
also the ideal way to improve people’s quality of life.

Proposal for a new club

Introduction

The purpose of this proposal is to put forward a suggestion for a new hobby-based club for this college.

Fascinating And Worthwhile

Reading is the ideal way to spend a quiet evening or a lazy weekend. It can cure boredom or stress by taking you into
another world, cheaply and easily. Books can be bought, borrowed or – increasingly – accessed online. You can read them
at home, while travelling or when on holiday, on a screen or on old-fashioned paper. They might be historical novels,
biographies, science fiction, books of poetry or of any other genre; written in your first language or in the one you are
learning. It is impossible to run out of books to read, even in a lifetime.

Sharing Ideas

Discussing books with others makes reading even more enjoyable. By setting up a book club, meeting once a week in the
library, the college would enable students to exchange opinions about books they have read, discuss issues raised by the
content, and encourage each other to read more widely. Students could take turns suggesting a book of the week, which
would motivate the others to finish it by the time they next met. If there is a film version of the book, the group could see
that together, too.

Conclusion

Reading is an essential part of college life. I believe that a college book club would help make students more aware of the
fact that it is also a highly pleasurable free-time activity
 Two unmissable TV series ( REVIEW)
Downton Abbey and Sherlock are two hugely popular fiction series that have received numerous awards in various
countries.

In both cases the writing, directing, acting, photography and music have been critically acclaimed, although they are quite
different programmes. While Sherlock focuses primarily on the detectives Holmes and Watson, Downton Abbey is about the
lives of a large aristocratic family and their servants. Interestingly, it was written recently but is set in the early twentieth
century, whereas Sherlock is based on books written around that time but updated to a present-day setting.

The two series succeed in maintaining the viewer’s interest and creating suspense in different ways. Each Sherlock story has
a single complex plot, while in Downton there are compelling interlinked storylines. The latter is also set against an
interesting historical background of events such as the sinking of the Titanic. Sherlock, on the other hand, will particularly
appeal to those who enjoy trying to solve the case before the detective.

Some, however, may dislike the rather cold, arrogant personality of Holmes. In contrast, the larger cast in Downtown
includes likeable characters such as Violet Crawley, brilliantly played by Maggie Smith. Others though may feel that it
romanticises situations of extreme social inequality, or simply be tired of costume dramas.

Nevertheless, I would recommend both series. Viewers who like visually spectacular programmes with a range of believable
characters and a touch of romance would undoubtedly enjoy Downton, while anyone who appreciates depth of
characterisation and fascinating, intricate plots should order their box set of Sherlock immediately.

Write your answer in 220-260 words in an appropriate style. Your class has attended a debate on how
governments around the world should help protect endangered species. You have made the notes below.
Never before have so many different kinds of creature been threatened with extinction by human activity. Tragically, many
species have already disappeared, and unless urgent action is taken many more will be lost to this planet forever. The
disaster is on such a scale that governments everywhere must act immediately.

They should do so, firstly, by passing strictly-enforced laws banning not only the harming of endangered or threatened
species, but also any damage to their habitats, the plants they feed on and any other creatures they depend on within the
food chain. Hunting and fishing for sport should also be outlawed, as should the transportation of invasive species between
countries. The killing or smuggling of species at risk, plus the trade in products from those creatures, must be punished
severely.

Secondly, all citizens need to be made aware of the extent of the crisis, its consequences for the world, and what they can
do to help. This should begin at school, with all children taught to respect animal life and shown how to take part in local
conservation schemes. Also, wildlife documentaries and films could inform adults about the main issues, such as the direct
and indirect impact of climate change on animals. The latter includes the increased incidence of wildfires, desertification,
and flooding caused by rising sea levels.

Unfortunately, however, education takes time to bring about change. Suitable legislation, in contrast, could quickly
transform the situation, which is why I believe that international treaties committing all governments to the measures
outlined above would be the more effective strategy.
Your company has a number of vacancies for students who wish to do two weeks’ work experience during the next
summer term. You have been asked by your manager to write a letter to a local college. Your letter should explain:

• what your company does

• what kind of work the students would do

• how they would benefit from working for the company.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to inform you that this hotel will be able to offer work experience to twelve students aged 16 to 18 during the
summer term. Placements will last a fortnight and no wages will be paid.

The hotel employs over 100 full-time staff, the majority of whom live in the local community. In addition to providing luxury
accommodation, we serve high quality meals in our restaurant and café, and offer extensive leisure facilities including a
gymnasium, swimming pool and sauna.

Placements will involve working with reception staff, housekeepers, maintenance workers and porters, kitchen staff and
waiters, fitness instructors and lifeguards. Young people will be expected to carry out the same tasks as permanent
employees, but suitable training will be given. They will receive health and safety instruction when their placement
commences, and will be supervised at all times. They will also be assessed throughout and receive constructive advice from
their supervisors.

On successful completion of their placement, students will be awarded a Work Experience Certificate and a detailed
description of the work they have done, both of which will be useful additions to their CV. Moreover, their placement will
introduce them to the world of work, possibly giving them ideas for careers and enabling them to make contacts for future
networking. What will benefit them most, however, is the opportunity to develop their employability skills, regarded by
many employers as essential for those seeking their first job.

I would be most grateful if you could pass this information on to your students.

Yours faithfully,

Montserrat Oriol

The Central has vacancies for young people on our annual two-week Work Experience programme. Unpaid work will be
available in our kitchens, restaurants and leisure facilities, as well as in maintenance, housekeeping and reception.

Tell us which job you would like to do and why, why you would be suited to working in a hotel environment, and what
you hope to learn from the experience.

Send your application to: Ms Klaudia Nowak, Human Resources Manager, Central Hot

Dear Ms Nowak,

I am writing to apply to do work experience at the Central Hotel this summer, as advertised in today’s newspaper. I am aged
seventeen and next year will be my final year at school, after which I hope to attend college to study to become a chef.

I would therefore be most interested in working in the hotel kitchens, if possible as a chef’s assistant. I already have some
experience of this kind of work, having recently helped my uncle and aunt prepare meals at their restaurant during the
school holidays.

I have always had a keen interest in food and cooking, taking great satisfaction from preparing healthy and appetising
meals. I also enjoy working as part of a team. This, I am sure, is extremely important in the kitchens of such a large hotel
where so many different kinds of food need to be prepared. In addition, I am capable of working under pressure, for
example when there is a sudden rush of orders and very little time in which to prepare the meals.

Working alongside expert chefs would teach me an enormous amount about cooking and food presentation. As well as
learning new techniques, I would discover how to prepare new dishes and also how to improve those I already make. Above
all, I would be in an environment where my creative skills could develop, simply by observing professionals in action and, I
hope, talking to them about their work.

I enclose my CV and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Jaime Alonso

Your job involves making long-distance business trips. Colleagues who are about to begin making similar trips have asked
you which electronic device you always take with you when you travel. Now they have requested a report on that device.
Your report should explain why you chose that kind of device, evaluate its usefulness in practice, and suggest how it
could be improved.

An Essential Travel Item

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide information on a device that is particularly useful when travelling. That, without
doubt, is a tablet, a mobile computer produced by various manufacturers.

Reasons for choosing a tablet

The frequent business traveller requires a terminal which can be operated by means of both a touchscreen and keyboard,
has substantial memory for storing data, and is sufficiently compact and lightweight to enable easy transportation. Tablets
are the only device that currently meet all these criteria, as laptops are excessively bulky and mobile phones lack a full-size
keyboard.

Advantages of a tablet

Despite its size, a higher-specification model has many of the capabilities of a desktop PC. In consequence, it can be used
for work purposes virtually anywhere. Most tablets have built-in wi-fi, fit easily into hand luggage, and are ideal for reading
documents and journals, viewing diagrams and photographs, or sending and receiving emails.

Disadvantages of a tablet

Criticisms of the tablet include the shape of the screen, which is not ideally suited to watching videos, the lack of USB ports
to connect with other appliances, and the difficulty some experience in using the virtual keyboard, especially when keying in
longer documents. Another frequent complaint is that the battery tends to run out alarmingly quickly.

Recommendations

New models could incorporate features designed to deal with these issues, although keeping the device small must surely
remain a priority. However, the manufacturers could consider installing more applications. These might, for instance,
enable wireless printing, or background music while you work.

Write your answer in 220–260 words in an appropriate style. You have watched a discussion on factors that help
determine an individual’s personality

Personality, the sum of all the qualities that together form an individual’s distinctive character, is shaped by many forces.
Chief among these are the home environment and the social environment.
A child begins life interacting with its parents, brothers or sisters and possibly also grandparents, and these relationships
lead to the development of its emotions, both positive and negative. Parents may also encourage or discourage qualities
such as sociability, a desire to learn and self-confidence, and also affect the child’s developing personality by being
authoritarian or tolerant, critical or supportive. They also act as role models, with the result that their child often acquires
many of the same character traits.

The social environment includes school life, where the child meets a much wider range of personality types and has to cope
with different kinds of relationships, both with peers and adults. Its response to these has a major effect on its personality.
As the child grows up, society beyond school becomes a growing influence, especially now that young people can so easily
use social media to make new friends, no matter where they live.

Overall, I believe the role of the family has been overestimated. Studies indicate that twins brought up apart have much
more similar personalities than random pairs of people, and that by adulthood biological siblings remain far more alike than
adoptive siblings. Moreover, the family structure is changing, with young people spending much less time talking to a
parent or sibling than interacting online. That, increasingly, is how personality is formed.