Writing Part 1
Practice Essay 5

C1 Advanced Exam

Essay

Here's an example of an essay that you might find on the C1 Advanced Exam.

Try answering the question first, and then check out my answer. I've left my planning and notes for you as well.

The Question

Write your answer in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Your class has had a discussion on the value of competitive sport for young people. You have made the notes below.

What is the greatest value of competitive sport for young people?

Some opinions expressed in the discussion: 

'It can make young people overly competitive, then they don't help each other or learn to cooperate.'

'It's good to exercise because a healthy body means a healthy mind - winning's irrelevant.'

'It takes up too much time and takes young people away from more important things like studying.'

Write an essay discussing two of the points in your notes. You should explain which is the greatest value of competitive sport for young people, giving reasons in support of your answer.

You may make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion, but you should use your own words as far as possible.

Planning

Points:


Introductory Paragraph 

Introduce the topic - A paraphrase of the question 

Introduce our two points 

State our opinion


Synonyms - 

positive - good

healthy - health

lifestyle - way of life

competitive sport - sports competitions

young people - youth, kids, children


Change the word form

Nouns - Adjective - Verbs

healthy - health 

positive - positively 

value - valuing 


Concession - State the opposite of what you want to say, and then say your opinion. (an example)

While some people don’t think that competitive sport makes a huge impact on their attitude, it would be argued that it’s responsible or shaping their character.


Positive Attitudes - introduction 

It’s great for building a good attitude , team work - Example 

Tie it back to our opinion. Not as important as healthy lifestyle. 


Healthy Lifestyle - introduction

Reason - Makes people healthier so they are able to live longer and happier lives. 

It reduces healthcare costs which is an overall benefit to the general population

Tie it back to our opinion. This is the greatest  value of competitive sport. 

Example Answer

Competitive sport undoubtedly has a positive impact on youth today. It is instrumental, not only in shaping their attitudes and how they think about the world, but also their general health and overall level of fitness. The latter is arguably the greatest value of sports for young people and this essay will explain why.

Obviously team sports and competitions are a great way to build positive attitudes among young people. They teach youth to interact with one another in a way that’s friendly, cooperative and fruitful, which leads to them being able to sustain these relationships for long periods of time. However, while this aspect is important, there are other more valuable things that society gains from competitive sports. 

Without good health, people cannot function, and quality of life suffers. Competitive sport encourages people to live active and healthy lifestyles, which in turn lead to longer and happier lives. Furthermore, a healthy population is a one which requires less healthcare. Since costs are reduced, the overall general population benefits as a whole. So as we can see a healthy lifestyle is indeed the most valuable thing gained from competitive sport. 

In conclusion, while competitive sports enables young people to be more positive, and increases their overall level of fitness, it is the healthy lifestyle that is the most valuable thing of all.  

[word count = 221]