In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school. In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner. Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as
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 52 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union.
Many countries have recently
adopted the practice of placing surveillance cameras in the streets and other
public areas in order to reduce crime. To what extent do you think this is
effective and does it conflict with the public’s right to privacy? Discuss,
supporting your reasoning with examples.
Technological
advances have undoubtedly changed the way we carry out our day-to-day business,
simplifying a number of tasks that would otherwise require more time, man power
or money. One such development that has transformed our lives is the use of
cameras for security reasons. Though it may be perfectly normal to install
cameras in private homes, many are quick to criticize their incursion on our
lives when placed in public areas. This has sparked a debate concerning their
effectiveness in reducing crime rates and their violation of an individual’s
right to privacy.
On
the one hand, there are those who claim that surveillance cameras are a potent
weapon in the fight against crime because, first and foremost, they act as a
deterrent. Criminals know their faces will be captured on camera and recorded,
making it easier for the authorities to locate them once their image has been
processed by facial recognition software tied to federal criminal databases. In
addition to this, supporters of cameras being installed in public places
mention the numerous cases of criminals who have actually been arrested after
committing a crime, proving that criminals can swiftly be brought to justice,
so these costly gadgets are not just for show.
On
the other hand, opponents argue that such cameras can easily be bypassed.
Serious crimes are rarely committed without forethought and as a result crooks
ensure that their faces are covered or that they are wearing disguises. Other
criminals hack into computer systems and are able to control what a camera
records, eliminating in this way all risk of anyone being apprehended. Finally,
in the case of terrorist attacks, the truth of the matter is that terrorists either
have an escape plan in place or are suicide bombers, which make surveillance
cameras superfluous.
All
things considered, if cameras are to be installed in public places, people
might not be averse to the idea depending on the location of these cameras.
Placing them in the vicinity of a bank is reasonable, but not in view of an
ATM, something which would allow someone access to PIN codes. The problem
ultimately lies in whether the footage collected from all cameras falls in
the hands of capable, discreet and trustworthy law enforcement officers. If
not, then cameras placed outside your average suburban home could provide a
potential burglar with your daily schedule of comings and goings, enabling them
to burgle your house at their leisure while you are away.
Word count: approx. 400 words
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