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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

B2 Sample Writing 12 (Letter / Email - Mall vs. Sports Complex)

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The following sample letter has been written so that exam candidates for a B2 level English examination (FCE now called First for Schools, ECCE, IELTS - 5.5 / 6.0, MSU-CELC, ESB, LRN) can get some ideas about how to organize and argue their writing. 

 
First take a look at how to use the sample essays and letters that appear on this blog by reading the following post:


What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?




Remember: such topics can also be used to start class discussions, so teachers might also want to read on to get ideas about a class activity they could set up to improve students' oral skills.



This particular question has been taken from an ECCE textbook which means that the rubric contains an introductory situation and then the question itself. The length of the sample letter that follows is approximately what examiners would expect to be completed in half an hour's time.

Note: When you write a letter or essay, you don't have to agree entirely with the arguments you put forward. Write what is easier to defend with explanations or examples. 

Here's the rubric:





Ms. Grebe, the council leader of Hanford Hill, has decided to utilize the town’s open space by building a shopping mall rather than a sports complex as originally decided. She said, “Building a shopping mall will benefit the town and its residents to a greater degree – especially economically.” Ms. Grebe is, however, giving residents a chance to either support or appeal the decision in writing before having the building plans drawn up next month.





















Write a letter to the town council leader stating your opinion on the decision to build a shopping mall instead of a sports complex. Give reasons to support your opinion. Start your letter, “Dear Ms. Grebe.”





Sample Letter


Dear Ms Grebe,



                 I am writing to express my support for the town council’s opinion to build a shopping mall rather than a sports complex in Hanford Hill. It is my firm belief that our town will benefit more from the former.

                To begin with, the arguments in favor of a shopping mall are evident. Constructing an aesthetically suitable mall will attract shoppers from nearby towns and will boost the town’s economy. Local residents will also help retailers through purchases, while through taxes on items sold, the country will benefit as a whole. Furthermore, a mall is a place for young and old alike to spend time relaxing, meeting friends, strolling leisurely or having a bite to eat at the food court.

                Although a sports complex would draw many athletes and motivate citizens to exercise more, I find that there are enough gyms, parks or other open areas where people can train and stay fit. Besides, a mall would appeal to more people than a sports complex would, seeing as everyone is a consumer but not everyone is an avid sports fan.

                In sum, the mall would affect a greater number of individuals than a sports complex and the financial benefits outweigh by far health issues in my view. I therefore support the town council’s idea to build a shopping mall.



Yours Sincerely,

                   John Brown 




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