This is the second sample article I'm posting that conforms to the writing section requirements of the ECPE ( Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English) of the University of Michigan as of 2021. As seen in the first post to deal with articles , there are a number of points candidates need to bring to the table when it comes to writing. The main ones are: argumentation organization of paragraphs development of one's reasoning wide range of grammatical structures  lexical range  authorial voice   Don't forget to engage the reader from the start by including an apt title. As always, I refer you to the post that tells you what to take from these sample essays. If you haven't read it, click the image below:    Now, let's take a look at the topic, taken from  Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 1 (revised 2021 version) . The question is accompanied by the following writing prompts:

T he writing section of the ECPE ( Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English), administered by the University of Michigan, gives a choice between two topics.   In contrast with the previous post dealing with the ECPE writing section, this one offers a sample essay not article on the topic of online classes. To access the article for the same question, click on the image below.  

2021 is the first year to see the new version of the ECPE exam. The major change in the Writing section of the Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English is undoubtedly the addition of an article and proposal alongside the essay.    Of course I'm leaving out the added time because teachers have already been training and candidates have already been trained to present a polished piece of writing in 35 minutes, so the added 10 minutes is a welcome bonus. The important thing to focus on is the entirely new genre students should become acquainted with. In this post, we'll be looking at a sample article.  

Essay writing at B2 level is no different from B2 letter writing in that candidates are still expected to write formally, give good, clear arguments and develop their ideas using a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary expected at this level. To see what the different types of essays are and how they may be structured, read B2 Writing: The Basics.  The sample essay that follows answers the following question: A healthy diet plays a large role in a person's emotional health. Discuss, giving examples to support any information. Remember the reason why these sample essays have been uploaded and how to make the best of them by reading  "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?".

Please read "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?" before reading this blog entry.  The following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of limiting students' summer break. The sample has been modeled on the University of Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) Task 1 question of the Writing section available on page 206 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1).

To get the most out of these sample essays and letters, please read "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?" before reading this blog entry.   The following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of recommending one of their pe e rs . The sample has been modeled on the University of Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) Task 1 question of the Writing section available on page 182 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1). Task 1 of the rubric asks candidates to write a recommendation letter. If you haven't already done so, read this post B2 Writing: The Basics to see what these letters are and how they can be organized. Based on an announcement that appeared in Greenpark High School's newsletter, the Board Members of the school are looking for a student to represent both school and country at the International Student's...

To get the most out of these sample essays and letters, please read "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?" before reading this blog entry.   The following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of volunteering at an animal sh elter . The sample has been modeled on the University of Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) Task 1 question of the Writing section available on page 158 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1). The rubric presents an announcement found in The City Times newspaper entitled "Volunteer Your Time, Save a Life". According to it, the town's local animal shelter is asking for volunteers to feed, take care of and help with fund-raising events such as bazaars for strays and mistreated animals. The shelter will visit schools to inform students about the benefits of volunteering and invites readers of ...

To get the most out of these sample essays and letters, please read "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?" before reading this blog entry. The following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of limiting internet access . The sample has been modeled on the University of Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) Task 1 question of the Writing section available on page 134 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1).   Based on the rubric, the newspaper The City Times reports that a public school official (Mr. Harding) has announced that access to certain kinds of websites that are inappropriate for children will be denied to students on all computers in schools after internet blocking devices will be installed. Although it is expected that some students will complain about this restriction, many more will see the benefit. Candidates a...

This overview gives you the basics to letter and essay writing primarily required for the Examination for the Certificate in Competency in English (ECCE) awarded by the University of Michigan but can, nonetheless, be used for writing at B2 level for other ESL assessments as well. This b log post is a starting point to help teach candidates the tricks to passing a test at B2 level and a springboard for writing tasks at subsequent levels (C1 and C2).  In any case, some of the pointers mentioned herein are so crucial to writing in an academic environ ment that if you grasp them , then you can transfer them onto any type of writing you may be asked to produce , no matter the level or context. The first main area to cover has to do with general pointers: L earn to use set phrases from sample essays provided in self-study textbooks or found here (look under the B2 or ECCE labels or follow the link from the key words category under ' letter ', ' essay ' or ...

To get the most out of these sample essays and letters, please read "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?" before reading this blog entry. The following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of planning a fund raiser. The sample has been modeled on the University of Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) Task 1 question of the Writing section available on page 110 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1).   The rubric has informed candidates the one of the poorest countries in Africa, Mozambique, has been devastated by floods, with hundreds dead and thousands homeless and starving. The newspaper The City Times has set up a relief fund welcoming donations of money, food, clothes and medicine. Candidates are to write a letter explaining how their school or workplace is planning to raise money for the newspaper's flood relief f...

To get the most out of these sample essays and letters, please read "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?" before reading this blog entry. The following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of banning smoking in public places. The sample has been modeled on the University of Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) Task 1 question of the Writing section available on page 86 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1).   The aim of the task is for candidates to write a letter to The City Times newspaper to express their opinion on the National Medical Association's (NMA) proposal to ban smoking in all public places. The information the rubric gives candidates is that: non-smokers who live with smokers face great dangers to their health (for example, serious respiratory problems) children whose parents smoke are at a higher risk...

To get the most out of these sample essays and letters, please read "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?" before reading this blog entry. The following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of drunk driving among teenagers. The sample has been modeled on the University of Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) Task 1 question of the Writing section available on page 62 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1).   The aim of the task is for candidates to write a letter to the editor of the The City Times to offer some solutions to the problem of young people driving under the influence of alcohol as a result of being more and more involved in accidents of this nature. Candidates have been instructed to begin their letter with the words "Dear Editor". If you haven't already done so, read this post as well: B2 Writing: Th...

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 152 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union.   National examinations at the end of high school force students to study very hard, but are they actually learning or just memorizing? Give your opinion about this practice and its outcome.

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 132 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union. The Internet has brought the entire world to our fingertips. Some people think it provides us with invaluable access to knowledge. Others think it brings more problems than it solves. What is your opinion? Give reasons and examples to support your views.

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 132 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union. Large franchise superstores are gradually replacing smaller stores (such as bookstores, music stores, etc.) in many countries. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the arrival of superstores?

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 112 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union. Some people regard tattoos and body piercing as an extreme form of fashion. Why do you think young people are prepared to damage their skin permanently in order to be fashionable? Do you think teenage rebelliousness or peer pressure plays a greater role? Discuss, giving examples.    

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 112 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union. In most countries in the developed world there is concern over the amount of advertising aimed at children. Should this kind of advertising be regulated and if so, what measures should be implemented? Discuss, giving reasons for your answer.

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. Governments are concerned about the depletion of the world’s energy resources, such as oil, gas and coal. How should governments deal with this problem, taking into consideration the needs of society and alternative energy resources?

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?

Writing at C2 level (Proficient User) on English language examinations is the same no matter the awarding body when it comes to writing essays. If you are a candidate giving an exam in English (IELTS, CPE, ECPE, CELP, LRN, ESB, TOEFL), make sure you read my earlier post What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog? to get the most out of the sample essays provided on Argute Legacy .     The topic of this essay is to discuss what the responsibilities of parenting are. 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 ...