This is the fifth sample article candidates of the ECPE examination (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English of the University of Michigan) My first post to deal with articles , explains what needs to be present in this type of piece of writing. As stated, examiners are looking for articles that elaborate on ideas and have solid arguments; are well organized; make use of a wide lexical and grammatical range; have an original ring to them (in other words, readers are able to distinguish the author's unique "voice"). Before reading, take a look at the following post if you haven't already done so. It will help you focus on the vital aspects you need to be aware of while reading the article and what you should make sure to use when you write your own. The question appeared in Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 1 (revised 2021 version) and is accompanied by the following three writing prompts:
If you haven't already done so, before you read this sample essay please read
Sample C2 level Essay
The following is a sample essay based on the Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) writing section. The question can be found on page 92 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union.
What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?
Sample C2 level Essay
The following is a sample essay based on the Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) writing section. The question can be found on page 92 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union.
The increasing proportion of senior
citizens in developed countries is causing concern to governments and the
public. What do you think governments could do to ensure that the older
generation receives adequate medical care, financial security and social
support?
The
progress made in medicine in the last few decades has extended people’s
lifespan by many years, enabling many to reach well over 75 years of age. This,
however, has brought on new concerns as to the welfare of senior citizens,
especially with regard to the medical care they receive, the financial means to
subsist and any further support from their community they might require. To
ease such concerns, the government can implement a number of policies which
will greatly improve matters in these three areas.
To
begin with, the primary responsibility of governments is to guarantee that
senior citizens receive the best possible care. To this effect, hospitals
should be equipped with all the facilities and equipment necessary to treat
illnesses and conditions the older generation typically suffers from, possibly
increasing ward space to accommodate the rising number of citizens over 65
years of age. A second policy which needs to be introduced by those in power is
a program of mandatory regular check-ups. Special doctors in each community should
be made available to receive elderly people, while transportation ought to be
at the latter’s disposal should they not have a means of reaching the doctor on
their own. Those with impediments who cannot leave their house would have a
doctor call on them.
The
second concern, as previously stated, is that of money. Pensioners often find
themselves at an impasse when it comes to dealing with basic utility bills,
rent, the cost of medication and grocery expenses. Many receive a meager
pension and cannot make ends meet, which is why financial advisors should be at
hand, free of charge, to assist the elderly in making the best possible budget
and investment decisions. The government must also take measures to safeguard
all pensions and ensure that everyone receive a minimum pension that will
enable the older generation to live in dignity.
Finally,
social support must be bestowed on those over 65. For one, social workers could
visit those who need company or basic assistance in their daily chores. In
addition, the equivalent of youth centers should be established for the
elderly, so that the latter have a place to meet, socialize, and occupy their
leisure time pleasantly. One last point that needs to be seen to is homes for
the elderly. Each community needs to make places available for those who need
round-the-clock care but who do not have the means to stay in a private, more
exclusive nursing home.
All in
all, the older generation is especially vulnerable, not only from a financial
standpoint, but in terms of health and companionship as well. We, as a society,
should protect their dignity and welfare by improving pensions, hospitals and
providing homes and community centers to those who are not fortunate enough to
live the latter years of their lives in affluence.
Word count: approx. 460 words