Writing Practice Test 1 [C2]

Part 1

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.

Write your answer in 240 – 280 words.

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1.

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.

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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 your essay.

Part 2

Write an answer to one of the questions 2 – 5 in this part. Write your answer in 280 – 320 words in an appropriate style.

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2. A travel magazine has asked readers to send in articles on their favourite public building, a town hall or a museum, for example. You decide to write an article in which you describe your favourite public building, explain why it is your favourite building and assess its significance for the wider community.

Write your article.

3. You belong to an English-language reading group which recently read a book in cartoon format. You have agreed to write a review of the book for the group’s website. In your review you should give your opinion of the cartoon format used for the book and say whether you think cartoons are a good way of telling a story, in general.

Write your review.

4. A popular English-language magazine has invited readers to send in letters sharing their recent experience of making an important decision. You decide to send in a letter in which you briefly describe the situation and explain the reasons why you took an important decision, and assess what the consequences of that decision might be in the future.

Write your letter. You do not need to write any postal addresses.

5. Write an answer to one of the following two questions based on one of the titles below.

(a) Tracy Chevalier: Girl With A Pearl Earring

A literary magazine has asked readers to send in articles on ‘Creating Atmosphere in Novels’. You decide to write an article on Girl With A Pearl Earring in which you describe the atmosphere of secrecy and fear which Griet experienced in the Vermeer household. You should also explain how Griet’s relationships with two or three of the following characters added to her feelings of anxiety: Cornelia, Catharina, Maria Thins and van Ruijven.

Write your article.

(b) Tobias Hill: The Cryptographer

You belong to a book club which has asked its members to write reports on the theme of trust in a novel of their choice. You decide to write a report recommending The Cryptographer, describing the part trust plays in the development of the story and assessing how important trust is to at least two characters in the novel.

Write your report.