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:
The topic of this essay is to discuss what factors influence news editors' choice of news items to broadcast, whether we've become accustomed to bad news and if more good news should be reported. If you are not taking an exam but need to discuss this topic, then read on and note down what you deem useful. If you intend to use this essay as part of an assignment, remember to paraphrase so as not to plagiarize.
The topic is similar to what candidates expect in any other C2-level examination in that examiners want to see a well-organized, coherent and cohesive discussion of the issue with arguments and examples written in approximately half an hour. Whether or not you agree with the viewpoint expressed, remember that what yields a higher score is the way a subject is argued, so if you see that you come up with more ideas for the side of the argument you disagree with during the brainstorming phase, it doesn't matter -- simply go ahead and plead that side of the argument.
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PLEASE NOTE: THIS TOPIC WAS PART OF AN EXAM IN THE LATE 90'S, SO IT AS WELL AS THE ANSWER ARE SOMEWHAT OUTDATED IN TERMS OF THE ROLE NEWSPAPERS PLAY IN TODAY'S SOCIETY (THE INTERNET HAS UNDOUBTEDLY SUPPLANTED THEM).
News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in
newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become
used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?
The communicative power of television and newspapers today is unsurpassed.
Although the internet is gaining ground, TV and a daily paper remain the main
media through which people choose to be informed about the events that happen
around them. The topic of what makes news editors decide what to air or write
about, whether good or bad news, is an obvious question which arises.
The decisions behind what news item is chosen to be
aired are clearly in the hands of news
editors - individuals who, like everyone else, want to keep their job. The
prerequisite to keeping your job lies with the viewer numbers or newspaper
sales reached. It is therefore obvious that what motivates news editors is
'what sells well', regardless of its
importance. This means in concrete terms that news that dazzles or shocks
constitutes the prime choice of editors.
In my opinion, the news today is flooded with bad news
or news items that I consider to be fit only for gossip columns. Good news is
seldom seen or read and
to be frank, many are those who switch on a TV or pick up a paper only to learn about problems in their
community, country or the outside world. Learning about good events hardly
helps anyone whereas learning about problems, such as an upcoming strike or an imminent tornado, means
you can deal with such issues more effectively.
Overall, people have become used to negative news
items, but in truth, our world is not a happy place to live in. Showing or
writing about the problems or tragedies of daily life may seem to some a
marketing gimmick aimed at increasing sales or ratings, but it is only by learning about these
tragedies that something can be done to prevent them, allowing us to change our society as
a whole so that one day the majority of
news bulletins will consist of more pleasant and entertaining news reports.
(This essay is approximately 300 words)
Looking for useful vocabulary for the Speaking and Writing sections of ESL exams? Click on the image below.
Don't know where to start with essays? Read the first post in my essay-writing series by following the link (click on the image below).
Looking for useful vocabulary for the Speaking and Writing sections of ESL exams? Click on the image below.
Don't know where to start with essays? Read the first post in my essay-writing series by following the link (click on the image below).