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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

Sample Friendly Letter/Email (Giving Advice) - Improving Eating Habits & Getting Fit

Continuing the series of sample writing tasks for English language examinations at B1 or B2 level, let's turn to informal or friendly letters and emails. 

There are a number of informal letters that candidates are expected to know how to write, each of which focuses on a specific goal. The most common types of friendly letters or emails are:

  • asking for information / news
  • giving information /news
  • asking for advice
  • giving advice
  • invitations
  • accepting / refusing an invitation
  • letters of apology
  • congratulating someone
  • thanking someone

Many more kinds of letters/emails exist (job applications or letters of complaint), but they wouldn't fall under the category of informal writing. 

In this post, the writing task requires candidates to draft a letter to a friend that gives him or her advice on a particular issue.

Here's the rubric: 

 

Your English pen friend has written you a letter asking for your advice on how to improve his/her eating habits and get fit. Write a letter offering advice.

 

For B1/B2 level, you're not expected to write a lengthy piece, so some quick advice will do. 

Remember, your first paragraph should state the reason you're writing, your main body paragraphs should give your advice and any details related to each, while the concluding paragraph should wrap up the letter and say what you would like your friend to do.

As you read the sample below, underline keys words and phrases that generally can be used in informal letters giving advice, learn these phrases and insert them in any other similar questions.


If you haven't done so already, read the following post to be sure you make the most of these sample writing tasks.


Dear Craig,

   I’ve just read your letter and am really sorry to hear how you're finding it difficult to stay fit. You might be trying to lose weight and feel as if you're not making any progress -- that must be really difficult for you. But I’m really glad you reached out to me for advice. You know, sometimes the way out of a problem is right in front of our eyes but we can’t seem to see it. So, here are a couple of things you can do to help you get fit and improve your eating habits.

   First of all, you need to get into shape through plenty of exercise. Join a gym to burn extra calories, tone your muscles and make yourself feel better. It's been said that about 15 minutes of exercise releases these hormones that create a feeling of well-being, like a natural high, so the more you exercise on a regular basis, the better you'll feel, meaning you'll continue to exercise. Also, try walking more or getting out and about by bike instead of taking the bus or having your parents drive you around to where you need to get to.

   Now, changing your eating habits is going to be tough, but you can do it. Get rid of potato chips and candy you've got stashed away in the house. Don't order junk food but start eating a balanced diet instead. I know it's hard when you go out with friends on Fridays to stay away from fast food diners, but even if you decide to go to one, reach for a salad rather than burgers and fries. Prepare your own lunch from home rather than buy stuff from the school canteen that are packed with fattening ingredients.

   I know it's going to be hard, but when you start seeing results, I'm sure you'll be encouraged enough to keep going. Don't give up, and make sure you write back and let me know how it goes.

Best of luck,

Kyle



For more sample letters, essays, stories, etc., click on the image below.

 




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