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C2 Sample Essay 39 (School or family shapes one's personality)

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

C2 Sample Essay 9 (Senior Citizens)

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 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
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