Writing exercises
Part 1: essay
Your class has taken part in a seminar on whether education systems do enough to help
young people to find jobs which fit their abilities and interests. You have made the notes
below.
Ways in which schools can help students with their future careers
● offering a wide variety of courses
● work experience programmes
● careers advice departments within schools
Some opinions expressed in the seminar:
“we study lots of things which we’ll never use in a future job”
“without work experience you’d have no idea which career you would or wouldn’t like to do”
“some of my teachers can’t give me advice because they’ve never done any job other than
teaching”
write an essay discussing two of the methods in your notes. You should explain which
method is more effective, giving reasons in support of your answer.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the seminar, but you should use
your own words as far as possible.
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
answer:
There is ongoing debate as to whether education systems sufficiently support young people
in identifying careers that align with their abilities and interests. Among the most frequently
suggested strategies are work experience programmes and careers advice departments.
While both approaches offer clear advantages, work experience arguably proves to be the
more effective method.
Spending time in a real working environment enables students to gain practical insight into
specific professions. It allows them to observe the day-to-day responsibilities involved and
assess whether a particular job suits their personal strengths and preferences. As one
seminar participant rightly observed, without such exposure, students often remain unaware
of what a career truly entails. Moreover, work placements can help young people build
confidence and develop transferable skills, which are invaluable regardless of their final
career choice.
In contrast, careers advice departments—though potentially helpful—often lack the depth
and relevance required to guide students meaningfully. Many advisors are teachers who
have not worked outside the educational sector, and thus may struggle to provide accurate,
up-to-date information about a wide range of industries. As a result, the advice offered can
be overly general and fail to address the diverse needs of students.
In conclusion, while careers advice may have its place, work experience is more impactful in
helping students make informed, realistic decisions about their future. First-hand exposure
not only clarifies expectations but also inspires motivation, which no amount of classroom
discussion can fully achieve.
report
You work for an education technology company which is developing an app to help English
language students learn new vocabulary. You have done some research with language
students at a local language students at a local college. Write a report for your manager for
your findings. Describe some of the methods students use to learn new vocabulary and
explain which methods they find the most effective. Your report should also include
recommendations for any useful features to include in the app.
Answer:
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to present the findings of recent research conducted with
English language students at a local college. The aim was to investigate the methods
learners currently use to acquire new vocabulary, to identify which strategies they consider
most effective, and to propose suitable features to include in our new vocabulary-learning
app.
Vocabulary Learning Methods
Students reported using a range of strategies to learn new words. A large proportion rely on
flashcards, both digital and paper-based, to memorise definitions and test themselves. Many
also maintain vocabulary notebooks where they record new words, often accompanied by
translations or example sentences. Another popular approach is learning through context,
such as reading texts, listening to podcasts, or watching videos, where new vocabulary is
encountered naturally. Additionally, several students mentioned using existing language
learning apps, primarily for pronunciation support and memory reinforcement.
Most Effective Techniques
According to the feedback gathered, the most effective methods are those that combine
repetition with meaningful usage. Spaced repetition was repeatedly identified as a highly
successful tool for long-term retention. Learners also emphasised the importance of using
new vocabulary actively, for example by writing original sentences or using the words in
conversation. Visual association, such as linking words to images or real-life contexts, was
another method that students found particularly memorable.
Recommendations
In light of these findings, it is recommended that the app should include a built-in spaced
repetition system to help users consolidate vocabulary over time. It should also allow
learners to create and personalise flashcards, incorporating example sentences and images
where possible. Furthermore, providing content that encourages contextual learning—such
as short readings, dialogues, or interactive exercises—would be beneficial. A
progress-tracking feature could also help keep learners motivated by showing how much
vocabulary they have acquired.
Conclusion
The research clearly indicates that students benefit most from active, context-based
learning supported by regular review. Including features that promote these techniques will
not only improve vocabulary retention but also enhance the overall learning experience.
essay
Your class has listened to a debate about the factors which help students achieve a good
work/life balance when studying. You have made notes below:
Factors which help students achieve a good work/life balance when studying
● understanding good study habits
● planning free-time activities
● having a support network
Some opinions expressed in the debate:
“planning my college work is really helpful”
“having something to look forward to at the weekend helps focus on my studies”
“my friends support me with help and advice”
Write an essay in 220-260 words discussing two of the factors in your notes that are
important for students in achieving a good balance between studying hard and enjoying
other things in their lives. You should explain which factor you think is more important, giving
reasons to support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the debate, but you should use
your own words as far as possible.
answer:
Maintaining a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal life is a key
challenge for many students. Among the factors that contribute to achieving this balance,
understanding good study habits and planning free-time activities are particularly significant.
While both play an important role, I would argue that mastering study habits is ultimately
more crucial.
Good study habits, such as setting realistic goals, organising study time efficiently, and
avoiding last-minute cramming, allow students to complete academic tasks more effectively.
As one participant in the debate noted, planning their college work helped them stay focused
and reduced unnecessary stress. When students approach their studies with discipline and
structure, they are more likely to stay on top of their workload, leaving time for relaxation
without feeling guilty or overwhelmed.
That said, scheduling enjoyable free-time activities is also highly beneficial. Having regular
breaks and social plans can prevent burnout and improve overall well-being. As another
student in the debate mentioned, anticipating something enjoyable at the weekend can serve
as a motivating factor during the week. This not only promotes mental health but also helps
students return to their studies with renewed energy.
However, without efficient study habits, free time can quickly turn into procrastination.
Therefore, while planning leisure activities enhances motivation, the ability to manage
academic work effectively must come first.
In conclusion, although both factors support a balanced lifestyle, understanding and applying
good study habits is the foundation upon which all other aspects of student life depend.
Essay
You have taken part in a seminar discussing how school can help to make the exam period
less stressful for students. You have made the notes below.
How can schools help to ensure that students do not suffer from stress during the exam
period?
● support from teachers
● a structured revision timetable prior to exams
● time for relaxation and leisure activities
Some opinions expressed in the seminar
“students need to remember that there is more to life than exam success”
“revising for 24 hours a day before the exam doesn’t necessarily lead to success”
“you wouldn’t do well on the if you feel stressed”
Write an essay discussing two of the methods in your notes. You should explain which
method you think is more important for schools to adopt, providing reasons to support your
answer.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the seminar, but you should use
your own words as far as possible.
answer:
Exam periods are often associated with high levels of anxiety, which can negatively affect
students’ performance and well-being. Among the strategies schools can adopt to reduce
this pressure, offering support from teachers and providing time for relaxation and leisure
activities are particularly effective. While both are valuable, I believe that teacher support
plays a more fundamental role in managing stress during exams.
Support from teachers can help students feel more confident and less isolated during a
demanding time. When teachers are approachable and offer guidance on revision
techniques, time management, and exam expectations, students tend to feel more in control.
As mentioned in the seminar, stress can seriously undermine exam performance, and
knowing that help is available can significantly reduce feelings of panic or self-doubt.
Furthermore, when teachers reassure students that exams are only one part of their
educational journey, it encourages a healthier perspective on academic success.
On the other hand, scheduling time for leisure activities is also crucial. Allowing students to
unwind through sports, hobbies, or social time can prevent burnout and restore mental
focus. As one participant noted, revising endlessly does not guarantee success, and breaks
are necessary for effective learning.
Nevertheless, while relaxation is important, without consistent support and academic
structure, students may struggle to stay motivated or may misuse their free time. For this
reason, teacher support should be the priority.
In conclusion, although relaxation contributes to a healthier exam period, it is the ongoing
guidance and encouragement from teachers that most effectively helps students cope with
stress.
