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 132 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union.
word count approximately 515 words
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 132 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union.
Large
franchise superstores are gradually replacing smaller stores (such as
bookstores, music stores, etc.) in many countries. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of the arrival of superstores?
With
the advent of industrialism and mass production, it was inevitable that certain
manufacturers and retailers would amass the capital required to run large
businesses. By the late 20th century, franchises had become popular
and large superstores were soon mushrooming the world over. Though many
perceived the benefits of such retail stores, others were much more wary of
them, taking into account the negative impact these stores would have on a
number of factors.
On the
one hand, large franchises have a number of advantages. First of all, they
offer a wide range of products in one place, making it easier for a customer to
check off items on their shopping list by going to one store rather than having
to run from one side of town to the other. This saves shoppers time, gas and
money on parking space as well, especially since most of these superstores have
parking lots to cater to motorists.
Additionally, as these stores are owned by
large firms, they have the necessary funds to make prices of items sold competitive.
It is not unusual to find a music CD at the well-known multimedia store Public
sold cheaper than at a small local music store. The sales figures and profits
these large stores make worldwide means they can afford to offer their products
at lower prices.
Finally, these superstores make many consumers
feel comfortable because the latter know what to expect when they walk into one
of them, no matter what country they are in. It is highly likely that tourists
visiting Greece, for instance, will step into a store like Public to buy a book
in English instead of going to a Greek bookstore, which also has English novels,
simply because they know it will have books on offer, the aisles will be
organized in more or less the same way and there will be many shop assistants
on hand to help them if needed.
On the
other hand, it is this sameness which makes large stores unattractive. The
greatest drawback they present is that they have no character. They are all
copies of themselves and lack that homey atmosphere which could draw customers
back again. Small store owners are usually there to help and because their
livelihood depends on it, are much friendlier, creating a warm relationship so
that customers will want to return to their store.
In addition to this, superstores destroy small
and medium-sized enterprises which are a very important slice of a nation’s
economic pie. By forcing such enterprises to close, they drive thousands into
unemployment, which impacts individuals as well as a country’s economy as a
whole. The trickle-down effect is equally devastating as families have to alter
their budgets to accommodate their changing needs.
All things considered, the drawbacks are as
frightening as the benefits are practical. Superstores place people out of work
but are enticing to consumers because of appealing prices. Whatever the case
may be, superstores are here to stay and consumers could possibly be the
solution to everything if they take their custom to both large and smaller
stores in equal measure.