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ECPE Writing - Sample Article (Fake news)

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:  

C2 Sample Essay 14 (The Internet)

If you haven't already done so, before you read this sample essay please read

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.





The Internet has brought the entire world to our fingertips. Some people think it provides us with invaluable access to knowledge. Others think it brings more problems than it solves. What is your opinion? Give reasons and examples to support your views.

          Advances in technology have undoubtedly aided mankind in a number of sectors, improving social conditions, health, research and education. The World Wide Web especially has contributed to the dissemination of information in such a way that has made printed texts seem archaic. Its popularity, however, is not an issue many agree on as complaints have arisen as to the validity of articles found on sites. Nevertheless, it is my firm belief that the knowledge gained from the internet by far outweighs the dangers which lurk in cyberspace.

            To begin with, nowhere else is information so readily and directly available as on the internet. Individuals post pictures or write about events as eye-witnesses and not as foreign correspondents working for some media magnate who may wish to present facts from his or her point of view based on vested interests. Censorship is also not an issue unless a nation has already imposed limitations on search engines working within its borders, meaning that unadulterated information reaches readers immediately. Imagine what historic moments such as the French Revolution would be like if the internet were widespread in the 18th century, what first-hand accounts posterity would be able to peruse from either an aristocrat’s or peasant’s point of view. This availability of source texts and videos is what makes the internet such an enriching experience.

            Another equally compelling argument in favor of the internet as a source of information is the fact that it is an interactive platform. Not only is there a wide range of topics on hand to read up on, but the presence of experts who publish articles or simply create blogs dealing with what they know best also makes learning easier and the information given legitimate. Forums where questions are asked and answered are as useful as comment boxes on blogs, where readers can discuss topics or request further explanations. Videos on the popular Youtube site containing instructions from baking a cake, to dyeing your hair, to solving mathematical problems are uploaded making knowledge effortlessly available and giving viewers a chance to ask uploaders to post new videos on a different subject. In short, online users receive and ask for information with a touch of a button.

            Nevertheless, those who state that knowledge found on the web is skewed or that deceptive sites provide information, when in fact beneath their façade they steal personal information or spread viruses, are speaking the truth to a certain extent. Yet, it is the user’s responsibility to see that a tool serves its purpose and is not used erroneously. In other words, readers must always analyze the information they assimilate and judge its validity before drawing conclusions.

            All things considered, though the internet presents many dangers, the limitless amount of information and knowledge it provides does more good than harm. Were individuals to use more caution with regard to the sites they visit, install powerful antivirus software and also weigh opinions and facts more carefully, then those dangers would be limited to a great extent, allowing people to enjoy the benefits of this powerful tool.




Word count: approx. 500 words

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