CPE Writing

Подготовка и впечатления от сдачи экзамена. Помощь в разборе письменных работ. выбор и обсуждение необходимых материалов. Cambridge English (CPE, CAE, FCE ect.), IELTS, TOEFL и другие.

Модератор: mikka

Easy-Breezy English
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#476

Сообщение Easy-Breezy English »

paveltashkinov пишет: 02 авг 2019, 19:04 it feels like I have exhausted my supply of topics for writing.
So, why do you keep going?
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#477

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Easy-Breezy English,
Because I want to. I feel the urge to write.
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#478

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

for what lay ahead
replacing them
Аватара пользователя
acapnotic
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#479

Сообщение acapnotic »

It's probably like buying an expensive tool and then having to use it somehow to justify the expenses. A foreign language is a very expensive asset. Can you just hang it on the wall as a trophy and rest satisfied?

Well, even if it's a trophy, you have to show it to others regularly, to feed your pride.
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paveltashkinov
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#480

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

acapnotic,
Well, spot-on!
flicka
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#481

Сообщение flicka »

I was suddenly recruited into CPE preparation by a friend, and here's my first try. I'd be grateful for your critique of my work.

Read the two texts below.
Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words
throughout as far as possible, and include your own ideas in your answers.
Write your answer in 240 – 280 words.
1 The Excitement of Advertising
Outdoor advertising has to attract, engage and persuade potential customers; it
is the most important way of grabbing customers’ attention and outdoor media
continue to undergo a transformation. At the core of this transformation is the
digital screen media, which encompass everything from giant screens to digital
billboards. The technology is cheap and advertising agencies rave about the
creative possibilities for advertisements which entertain, amuse, inform, make
the environment brighter and enliven the world we live in.
Advertising: an undesirable business
Once upon a time outdoor advertising was straightforward. Posters were stuck up
on anything from a bus shelter to a motorway hoarding. Many people considered
this kind of advertising to be fairly dull, a harmless blot on the landscape and
chose to ignore it. These people now regard digital advertising as a form of
unwanted, creeping commercialisation: it attracts a buzz simply because it is new.
They feel that any advertising which targets children or vulnerable adults is a
dubious practice at the best of times, and digital advertising is, moreover, wasteful,
damaging to the environment and completely unnecessary.
Write your essay

Technical progress is evident in all spheres of human life. What used to be a humble billboard or an outdoor sign has turned into a high-tech spectacle with bright lights and moving images. Is this a change for the better or for the worse?

One of the authors seems to embrace everything digital screen advertising has to offer, citing both economic and aesthetic reasons, The other passage expresses a more sceptical attitude towards the changes that outdoor adviertising has undergone in recent years. Ubiquitous digital billboards and screens catch the eye of those who are least able to resist the temptation of commercial messages: children and the elderly.

In my view, digital screen media can both serve a purpose and be a cause of visual clatter in urban landscapes. While it is true that digital advertising makes information more readily available and is less costly than other advertising media, it also clashes with many architectural styles and could be a distraction for drivers and pedestrians, compromising road safety. What's more, the environmental impact of digital screens must not be underestimated. Nowhere is it more apparent than in the issue of light pollution, which has become a scourge of modern cities, Besides, one should not forget about the damage to the environment caused in the process of manufacturing these devices and after their eventually being discarded.
To conclude, although any kind of advertising has its own advantages and disadvantages, modern digital media appear to have more negative properties. Maybe, it's time to rethink their usage and use them only sparingly.
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#482

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

The extract below was part of an article in a magazine on the debt problem of developing countries. Readers were asked to send in reactions to the article in the form of a latter for publication in next month’s issue. You decide to write a letter responding to the points raised and giving your own views.

At times of extreme natural disaster, it is only natural for individuals and countries to want to help victims of floods, drought and famine by sending food and medical aid. However, providing charity to countries on a regular basis can block development and social progress. The poorer countries need to learn to rely on themselves. For this reason, I am doubtful that cancelling debts owed to richer countries is the basis of a solution to their problems.

I am writing to you in response to the recent article dealing with the debt problem of developing countries. The issue of humanitarian and financial aid to such countries is a contentious one; as such, it always spurs some debates, raising the same questions: are such acts of kindness justified? Should the developed countries shoulder the burden of their poorer counterparts?
Commiseration and compassion are experienced by all human beings. A genuine desire to lend a helping hand to those who need it most is indelibly woven into the fabric of our nature. Whenever we hear about a cataclysm taking place in some backward country, we feel at least a modicum of compassion to the afflicted. Our conscience compels us to cast the prejudices and differences aside and step in, with loans and humanitarian aid being funneled into the said country.
It may be said that this virtuous impulse to help the destitute, the homeless, the starving, wherever they may be, is only too natural for us, and too strong to be suppressed. Be that as it may, couldn’t it be that our adherence to that noble cause do more harm than good? Haven’t richer countries become too profligate?
Unfortunately, that may as well be the case. Twentieth-century world history furnishes a wealth of examples when a humanitarian effort not only failed to achieve the desired effect, but only exacerbated the crisis it was supposed to mitigate. Rather than investing in infrastructure and education in an endeavor to keep abreast of the Western countries, to become self-reliant, and to prevent any kind of unrest and disaster from happening again, the governments of the poor countries enriched themselves. Way too often, the funneled funds were embezzled by the local jingoists and warmongers, vociferously apportioning blame on the developed countries, biting the hand that feeds. It was also not uncommon for the local governments to receive the offered humanitarian aid and to demand more later, or even to perceive this magnanimous gesture as a sign of weakness.
The problem of the indebtedness of the poorer countries to the more prosperous ones is too multifaceted to apply any sweeping generalizations thereto. There can be no straightforward solution. Each country is unique; as such, its situation must be considered solely within its specific context. It may be tempting to claim that the debts cannot be written off, no matter what. However, who is to say that had the West not interfered, the sociopolitical unrest in the countries ravaged by natural and man-made disasters would not have spread across a continent and would not have jeopardized the Western civilization itself?
This is not to imply that those debts should be simply forgotten. In this case, they will be taken for granted and fail to serve their purpose. All in, the issue of humanitarian aid resembles a double-edge sword; unless wielded with dexterity, it may cause self-inflicted injuries. Humanitarian and financial and political aid should be used with the interests of the richer countries in mind, for instance, as a political leverage to help the local pro-Western movements. Only when used with those vested interests in mind can such offers be justified, lest they do more harm than good.
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#483

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Your local newspaper is asking its readers to write a review of a restaurant that they have eaten at recently and would recommend to others:
"Which restaurant would you recommend?"
Write your review of the restaurant and the meal that you ate there, and describe some or all of the following points: the atmosphere, attitude of the staff, the quality of the service and whether the restaurant is good value for money.
Write the review for the newspaper readership. (around 280 - 320 words)

La Zodiaco: A pescatarian paradise

Should you find yourself spending your vacation in Rimini, Italy, you will soon discover that this resort doesn’t offer much, the only notable exception being food. If you want to partake of wholesome and exotic food, go no further than La Zodiaco, the cosy restaurant within a hundred yards from the seashore.
Culinary connoisseurs and casual dabblers alike appreciate Italy for its cuisine, featuring a wealth of seafood. This is exactly what this restaurant takes pride in. Offering a veritable cornucopia of molluscs, crustaceans and every imaginable sea creatures, La Zodiaco will ignite your culinary delight in no time. The quality of meals is so impressive that you would like to come back to this place. In fact, I did become a habitue of this restaurant during my whole vacation. As someone with quite broad previous gastronomic experiences, I was duly impressed and surprised.
When we are talking about our dining experiences, very seldom does the food alone, be it ever so good, amount to the overall impression. Oftentimes, it is the ambience and the attitude of the staff that define our aftertaste. With La Zodiaco, it will be a pleasant one. The waiters are welcoming and amiable, ready to help every guest to navigate through the menu. The service is fast, the ambient music is unobtrusive to let you imbibe the atmosphere of the place and the beautiful view on the sea behind the window. The wafting aromas from the kitchen make your mouth water and whet your appetite.
The only fly in the ointment of an otherwise perfect experience is the costs, which to some may seem prohibitive. However, good seafood never comes cheap. However expensive it may be, though, be sure that it is worth every euro you’ll pay for it. I can also mention quite a peculiar problem stemming, surprisingly, from the popularity of the restaurant. Sometimes it is teeming with people and there are no tables available, so it would be definitely not unwise to book one before going there. All in, if you are looking for a praiseworthy gastronomic experience, La Zodiaco will definitely bestow it upon you.
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#484

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

You belong to an English language reading group which recently watched a film based on a previously read novel. You have agreed to write a review of the film for the group’s website. In your review, you should give your opinion of the film and how it compares with the book, and say whether you are generally in favour of film adaptations of novels.

The Golden Compass by P.Pullman
The fantasy genre seems to be undergoing a revival, its popularity surging. Hardly a year passes by without an announcement of yet another film adaptation of some well-known phantasy books. There is already a vast array of such films. Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, American Gods… You name it. It is, perhaps, easy to overlook some less-known gems amidst this welter of films and TV series. And The Golden Compass is one of those gems deserving much greater popularity.
Based on the first book of Philip Pullman’s famous trilogy His Dark Materials, The Golden Compass features a story of a young brave girl Lyra, who lives in a world, parallel to ours. In that parallel universe, people are always accompanied by their daemons, the sentient external animal-like embodiment of their souls; great white ferocious bears wear armour and wage wars, both internecine and as mercenaries, where the omnipotent Magisterium (a devious Church-like organization) hatch their plans to gain unparalleled power.
With the panoply of characters so impressive and the plot so twisted and dense with events, some omissions and deviations from the original plot may seem excusable, almost inevitable. Were all features to be included, the film would have been unbearably tedious to sit through. Yet, the editors have done a splendid job of transposing the events featured in the book onto the canvas of the film. As a result, not only is the movie reasonably long, but it also enthrals and keeps the audience on tenterhooks throughout all its length as much as the book does.
As for the acting, some kudos should be given where kudos are due. It is superb. Perhaps, it couldn’t have been otherwise with the names like Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig on the cast list. Perhaps. I must admit that I have never had any preconceived notions about what actors should play what roles. That said, I seem to be struggling to imagine some other actors playing these roles, so great and natural is the acting of the cast, so effortlessly do they slip into the shoes of their characters. Hats off.
Too often, film adaptations of novels are being criticized for their lack of verisimilitude, their lack of resemblance to the respective novels, and a lacklustre acting. I am glad to have found out that The Golden Compass is a pleasant exception.
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#485

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Изображение


The life cycle of the salmon comprises seven stages.
The salmon eggs hatch in about three months, yielding alevins. The alevins feed off the remainder of the eggs (the yolk-sac) for several weeks, whereupon they mature into fries. Unlike their predecessors, the fries bear a resemblance to an adult fish, and acquire the ability to swim. After several more months have elapsed, the fries will have turned into parrs. Apart from a slightly bigger size, the parrs can be distinguished from the fries by the ‘finger’ markings across their bodies.
The next stage of the life cycle of the salmon is the smolt. The smolts are 1-3 years old. Only at this stage of development do the salmons flock together and head out to sea. The adult salmons will spend the following 1 to 8 years before spawning. Then, the salmons spawn and die shortly thereafter, within the course of two weeks.
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#486

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Opting for a vocational education
The government’s aim to establish vocational education as an option for school-age children seems, in theory, very praiseworthy. Attractive, too, to prospective employers, who bemoan the inability of school-leavers to function effectively in the workplace. However, in introducing this, aren’t we about to churn out a generation of robots, lacking in the numeracy and literary skills which are also necessary to cope with the demands of the real world? Additionally, considering the number of times adults actually change job nowadays, some teachers have voiced their concerns about the dangers of specialising too soon.

A need for change
A recent study has shown that the majority of young people believe their schools are ill-equipped to prepare them for the workplace of adult life. Not only do they feel they are not being taught the skills required to secure a good job, but they are also not being offered the appropriate preparation for coping with the responsibilities of adulthood. Better facilities, an improved curriculum and higher teaching standards, as well as practical lessons about driving, childcare and money management would surely all help.


The two texts shed light on the issue of vocational education. While Text 1 raises a concern that vocation trainings may come at the expense of academic skills and may be of dubious value, Text 2 advocated the necessity of vocational courses.
On the face of it, vocational education is supposed to provide school-age children with all the tools for their future success at the job market. This is more than urgent nowadays, when employees consistently complain about school-leavers’ social ineptness and inability to handle even the simplest assignments.
However praiseworthy this concept may be, it has its downsides that have drawn criticism. First, should vocational courses be introduced, they will take up some time that would have otherwise been spent on the development of the core subjects, e.g. maths and languages, which are also indispensable. Furthermore, how can we expect schoolchildren to have already figured out their specialisation at so young an age in our era, when adults hop from one job to another?
This does not imply that the idea of vocational courses being offered to young people should be entirely dismissed. As a matter of fact, there seems to be a growing demand for that change in the curriculum. The contemporary educational system places too much emphasis on the academic subjects. However, very seldom does it teach students how the responsibilities of adulthood should be handled. As a result, students have their heads crammed with academic knowledge, yet they do not know the basics of more practical, down-to-earth skills such as budgeting and driving.
Concluding, vocational education should be incorporated into the curriculum. Not only would that change bode well for the job prospects of yesterday’s schoolchildren, but it would also be conducive for their well-round development as individuals. However, this change should be carefully planned and executed, lest it do more harm than good and leave young people less academically prepared and more disoriented in this world. All things considered, schools must strive to maintain a balance between the practical skills and academic knowledge that they instill into students.
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#487

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

The earth is black and soft; it smells of a warm sunny day. I see some cracks and fissures here and there where the Sun must have been scorching some time ago. I am strolling down this path. carelessly, with my eyes closed. My palms and my fingers are touching some herbs and flowers here and there; they do not tickle. I hear a bumblebee buzzing about its business; I accidentally touch it, and its fur tickles my fingertip.
I open my eyes; I see a vast field of clover stretching afar. The sky is a palette of variegated colours, of the azure, of the blue, of the pink, of the orange interspersed with the white fluffy clouds here and there. I stand here, motionless, breathing in and out. A gentle wind touches my face, and I feel its warmth with every pore.
No sooner had I described this scenery than the picture I bore in mind vanished. Sometimes, a figment of imagination should remain in its realms where it belongs.
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#488

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

An international magazine recently published an article in which the author posed the question ‘Does higher education beat vocational training in preparing graduates for the workplace?’. The magazine has asked readers to respond to the question expressing their views. You should also state your preference and assess the extent to which it is of more value. Write your letter. (280-320 words).
Does vocational training beat higher education in preparing students for the workplace?
Dear Sir,
I am writing to you in response to the recently featured article juxtaposing the relative value of higher education with that of vocational training. Which of these options is more likely to help graduates prepare themselves for the challengers of the workplace?
Higher education is often viewed to be a be-all-and-end-all, a prerequisite for success in the workplace. On the surface, this viewpoint seems valid. Higher education provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge upon which they may build their careers later. Apart from imparting the knowledge of some specific subjects, whichever these may be, higher educational institutions foster critical thinking skills. In so doing, they enable students to perceive some links and connections between seemingly unrelated subjects. In other words, they equip students with a powerful arsenal of tools that, if used judiciously, may help them carve out a career of their dream.
Compared to higher education, vocational training seems to be more practical and down-to-earth. The advocates of vocational training claim that it is more feasible and applicable. Consequently, it may be expected that former vocational trainees are more likely to secure a job with a steady income, even if less prestigious one, than their academically educated counterparts. Furthermore, vocational training may be exceptionally empowering. Isn’t it rewarding to ripe the fruit of your labour after it’s just been finished?
Call me old-fashioned, but I my preferences lie in the realm of classical education with its pompous professors, dusty libraries, chalkboards and other paraphernalia. Although it may be conceded that vocational training is more practical, the stark reality of the contemporary job market dictates its own rules. Unfortunately, many vocational trainees, during their job interviews, seem to be having a hard time s explaining what it was that they were doing during the last couple of years and how relevant to the job at hand their experience might be. On the other hand, college graduates are more malleable. Moreover, they boast a vast array of skills like critical thinking, the ability to learn, and greater flexibility that may enhance their chance of successfully navigating through the challenges of the workplace ahead. That’s why classical education remains unassailable.
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#489

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

An international magazine has recently published a feature entitled ‘Higher education is valuable for a young person’s future as it provides more opportunities.’ The editor has asked readers to submit letters describing their own or someone else’s experiences on the topic. You should also assess the extent to which higher education is a valuable experience for young people. Write your letter in 280-320 words.

Dear Sir,
I am writing in response to the recently published article about the value of higher education for a young person’s future. I would like to outline my views on the subject, as well as assess the extent to which higher education may be indispensable for young people.
Higher education helps young people secure their place in the Sun in the extremely volatile and competitive modern job market. This impact seems to be at least two fold. Not only does higher education instill some knowledge in the minds of young people, but it also prepares them for the adversity they are bound to encounter later in life. While studying at universities, students are faced with a lot of challenges that must be surmounted. In other words, the academic milieu is instrumental in fostering diligence, assiduity, and thinking-outside-the-box. Opportunity-wise, these features will render yesterday’s alumni eligible for a wider array of job offers.
Casting my mind back to my days at university, I feel glad to have been there. These were my formative years, a stepping stone towards becoming an accomplished individual with a well-rounded personality. It was during this time that I realized what the passion of my life was. I was engrossed in the subject of my research. I was ready to go the extra mile. And, I guess, I was lucky. The fusion of these components made me stand out. I got noticed.
At some point, some offers for better academic prospects started to trickle in. The more results I delivered, the better the offers were. Although I regrettably had to leave academia for good, the analytical mindset that higher education imparted to me turned out to be indispensable later in my life when I embarked upon my career as an application engineer. The desire for continuous development and the ability to thrive on pressure , which seemed to have come to the fore back in my university days, were equally essential .
It is often said that having a degree just adds another social role young people are going to play. Be that as it may, the impact of higher education cannot be circumscribed by this purely utilitarian dimension. Most importantly, higher education profoundly alters the mindset and adds another facet to the personalities of young people. This feeling is incredibly empowering; as such, it may give young people the key with which they may open the closed doors to a better life and a better world. That is why higher education is extremely valuable.
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#490

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

An English language magazine is inviting readers to submit letters in response to the following excerpt from an article: ‘Remote working will become more common in the future.’ You decide to submit a letter expressing your views. You should briefly describe a remote working experience that you or someone you know has had. Explain the reasons why it will become more common in the future and assess the impact it will have on businesses.

Dear Sir,
Having read your article on the issue of remote working in the future, I felt obliged to put forth my ideas and views on the subject. Once being confined to the realm of dreams, remote working has broken through into our reality, and, in my view, it is definitely here to stay.
As a remote worker, I have some relevant and largely positive experience with working from home. For me, remote working means flexible schedule, a lack of micromanagement, and a greater degree of freedom unattainable at the conventional 9-to-5 workplace. It is great to be able to drive home off work as soon as you have got your stint of work done, without any superiors and other I-know-better’s meddling into the way you do it.
Sceptics may say that this freedom often comes at the expense of employees’ performance, because some members of the staff may be slacking. However, this argument seems not to withstand the test of reality. Usually, at remote workplaces, with a greater degree of freedom comes a greater degree of responsibility, and more is demanded of employees. Consequently, shirkers and underachievers are usually swiftly identified and given a pink slip.
Nevertheless, the perks of working flexible hours greatly outweigh this drawback. People working flexible hours have the luxury of tailoring their schedule according to their needs. For instance, they may squeeze their personal chores into their working hours and enjoy this privilege, unavailable to people working some office humdrum jobs. As an outcome, employees enjoy this freedom, feel empowered and more content jobwise. In their turn, employers ripe their share of benefits, such as greater retention of staff.
What is more, now that flexible work schedules have become more and more widespread with a great number of employers having shifted towards remote working, this trend has spurred greater competitiveness on the job market. Competitiveness is a catalyst of progress. As a net result, enterprises thrive, employees prosper, innovations come thick and fast. It’s a win-win situation for every party involved.
The shifting sands of the job market dictate their own rules. Any business which fails to embrace the change is unlikely to succeed in the future. It is therefore of paramount importance that businesses become more flexible and delegate more freedom and incentive to their employees in order to stay afloat.
Thank you for considering my views.
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#491

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Question
The following comments were made during a discussion by members of the training department at your company about whether or not the department should replace classroom-based training with online training. Your manager has asked you to write a report on implementing online training, including: the benefits, the pitfalls and what your recommendation(s) would be:

Comments

"Just-in-time training is great - it can take place anywhere, even in bed!"

"The company will save money by getting rid of our traditional way of training."

"Will our employees miss the interaction with a real person?"


Write the report for your manager. (around 280 - 320 words)

Report on online training implementation
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to outline the possible benefits and drawbacks of the shift from classroom-based training towards online training as well as suggest some recommendations which may be of use should the scheme be implemented.
The benefits of online training
Switching towards online training would give employees more flexibility and enable them to tailor their schedule according to their own needs. This shift would also have some benefits economically-wise. Most importantly, doing away with the existent classroom-based scheme and replacing it with online training may reduce related costs and free up some funds that may be allocated elsewhere.
The drawbacks of online training
During the recent discussion on the subject, the board of the training department raised several potentially troublesome issues. First, while taking online trainings, many employees might be missing the social component found in their classroom-based counterpart. Second, online trainings have an inherent limitation in that they cannot substitute proper face-to-face communication between coaches and trainees. Nor is there a guarantee that the content of online courses would be comprehensive. While employees may ask some questions during or after classroom-based trainings, they cannot do so during online trainings. As such, their comprehension may be not as good as in the case of classroom-based trainings.
Conclusion
In light of the observations drawn above, it is suggested that the online training scheme be gradually rolled out during the following weeks. It is also advisable to communicate the need to the staff during the follow-up meeting next week. To achieve a seamless transition from classroom-based trainings to online trainings, it is worth recommending that the procurement department issue staff with laptops for familiarizing themselves with training applications and for their subsequent learning at home.
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#492

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Death in Rome: A review
Set against the backdrop of the post-war Rome, Koeppen’s novel is a poignant examination of the lust for vengeance, angst and anguish that haunted Germany and the Germans after the Second World War.
A German family, made up of a former SS general Judejahn, his aloof wife, still bereaving the demise of the Tausendjähriges Reich, and their son, who has denounced Nazism, replacing it with religion. These characters are accompanied by Judejahn’s in-law and his son. His other son is a composer who lives in Rome, where the family meets up.
Each of these bizarre characters is symbolic, representing a particular German archetype of that era. The former SS general, Judejahn is as remorseless and adherent to his Nazi Weltanschauung as he has always been. Unable to apply himself in the civil life, he is ready to sell his deadly craft to whomever may need it. Judejahn’s wife, Eva, is also still latching onto the Nazi values and is still dreaming about the resurrection of the Reich. And then, there’s the rest of the family: the will-be priest Adolf, seeking solace in religion, the composer Siegfried, who tries to disavow his family background by looking for truth in music, and the selfish careerist Dietrich, a law student.
The paths of all those characters cross in Rome, yet, their perceptions of the city are drastically different. Judejahn seems to look for things reminding him of Fascist Italy. Yet, it is not only Rome that is presented from different angles. The book offers a glimpse on sex from various perspectives, highlighting some aspects of sex being wielded as a tool for dominance. In an atmosphere so intense, things reach an intense climax.
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#493

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Text 1. Advertising and young people.


It's been estimated that young people today shell out nearly £50 a week on clothing, entertainment, and fast food. And that's not all. It's now beginning to dawn on advertisers that, through nagging power, young people not only influence the purchases of the goods and services that appeal to them, but they also influence many of the purchases in the entire household, even down to the family car. This is an advertiser's dream. People especially in the 13—19 age group, buy on impulse. They are less likely than others to weigh up price differences or get recommendations. They buy based on what their friends are buying, what will make them more popular with their peer group, or what a celebrity they are into says they need.

Text 2. Advertising : exploiting the vulnerable?

Concern about young people's lack of life skills and cognitive ability to evaluate advertisements has provided much scope for research and heated debate. Embedded within the discussion is the contention that advertising to this group is inherently unfair. However, many now believe that the vulnerabilities of the young people are often overstated and that, having grown up with the constant barrage of advertising, they are able to pay it little or no attention. There is also the argument that, by providing product information, advertising helps young people make more informed choices.


The two texts present two diametrically opposite stances on the relationship between the advertising industry and young people.
Text 1 claims that young people constitute the most attractive target audience due to the number of reasons. Not only do youngsters coax their parents into purchasing some items that they may find appealing, but they also lack practicality in their own choices. Furthermore, by virtue of being susceptible to peer pressure, adolescents tend to buy some items, however devoid of practical value, which may bolster their image within their peer group.
Text 2 takes issue with this dismal picture and the notion that advertisers adroitly exploit the gullibility of the young. Having been inundated with the flood of advertisements since their childhood, young people nonetheless seem to have stayed afloat, and now they pay no attention to ads. Furthermore, the author claims that advertising to young people may be of some educational value in that it helps them make more reasonable consumer choices.
In my view, the issue of advertising to young people is multifarious. Indisputably, some advertisers, driven by their desire to make a profit, deliberately prey upon the insecurities of young people and nudge them towards buying the advertised goods. Be that as it may, nowadays, this approach seems to be widely frowned upon as unethical. Although it used to be widely employed in the past, the advertising industry has gone a long way since then. These days, more and more advertisers are coming to realise that they have a vested interest in coming up with advertisements that educate, entertain, and help young people make more informed choices. Since this approach is reciprocally beneficial for every party involved, advertisers, manufacturers, consumers, it is definitely here to stay.
paveltashkinov
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#494

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Write, for publication in a English-speaking magazine, a set of tips for students who are preparing for the CPE exam.

Being the most difficult EFL exam out there, CPE is often believed to be the be-all-and-end-all, the pinnacle of language mastery. I will leave it up to you to make up your mind on how true such claims are. Rather, I would like to focus on how to prepare for CPE.
Know the framework. Unless you happen to have already taken any other Cambridge exams, it is necessary that you familiarize yourself with the structure of each paper and the assessment criteria before diving in your studies. The official past papers may offer you a glimpse of what is to be expected. Likewise, you may find some preparation books, although there seem to be fewer of them than there are for low-level exams.
Don’t get discouraged. Initially, you may feel like some tasks are beyond your ken. This is a perfectly normal response. However, don’t let it weigh you down. Naturally, you’ll be gradually increasing your knowledge as you progress through the course. Take it one day at a time. It’s okay to spend hours revising drafts of your essays and searching for better choice of words. Remember that mastery comes with consistent practice and undaunted perseverance. Forge ahead.
Find some like-minded people. To help yourself stay on track, it is wise to join a group of fellow enthusiasts preparing for the exam. There is a plethora of communities on social networks, so it is definitely a must that you check them out and find some people who would be glad to join forces with you. Not only does this tactic help language-wise, but it also makes you more disciplined. You may set up some speaking sessions on Skype as well as exchange your writings with other students. Most importantly, this cooperation will help you get to know some duly amazing people you would never have known otherwise.
Read and listen extensively. Reading is enlightening and entertaining. Moreover, it does wonders to your language. There seems to be a correlation between how much you read and listen and how well you write and speak. Familiarize yourself with a variety of styles. Articles, highbrow prose, contemporary literature. Likewise, watch or listen to different things. In my opinion, podcasts are better than TV series and movies in that you don’t have any visual clues to rely on, and consequently, you need to zone in on what is being said.
Learn vocabulary in context. Do not try to grasp the ungraspable. Don’t waste your time drilling some words and idioms which you are never going to use. Read authentic sources, underline some words and expressions that catch your attention.
Have fun. Sometimes, you will feel as if you went astray on your sinuous journey towards C2. It is perfectly natural. At times like this, remind yourself to take it easy and get some joy out of it. Let me reassure you that there is a lot of fun ahead of you.
paveltashkinov
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#495

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

1 To nap, or not to nap
A recent study suggests that taking a short nap during the day may boost people's short-term memory. A group of adults tackled a demanding learning task, achieving similar results. Then, half of them were allowed to take a short nap, after which the tests were repeated. Those who had slept scored higher than those who had not. It seems that sleep enables the brain to assimilate incoming information and file it away in the memory, at the same time freeing up space for further incoming messages. So, students cramming for exams should perhaps take note!
2 Does coffee help you concentrate?
Some studies have found that drinking coffee tends to make an individual's brain more alert, enabling swatting students to stay awake for long hours during examination periods. However, the evidence that caffeine in coffee enhances concentration is as yet inconclusive. Some research suggests that drinking coffee improves the attention span of sleep-deprived students, while other studies have concluded that drinking a lot of coffee makes people more easily distracted, and can have adverse effects on their sleep patterns. It would seem, therefore, that coffee affects individuals in different ways. One thing researchers generally do agree on, however, is that caffeine intake does not improve a person's memory.


The two texts shed light on two ways to make an individual’s brain more alert. Text 1 advocates the benefits of taking a nap during the day. Text 2 focuses on the alleged efficiency of caffeine as a stimulant.
There is a mounting body of scientific evidence claiming that a short sleep or rest during the day may be beneficial for people’s short-term memory. It has been demonstrated that when people have a midday nap, their brains actively recycle the information they have received before, compartmentalising it and decluttering themselves for more input down the line.
Another extremely popular way to boost our mental productivity is a proverbial cup of coffee. However, the evidence on that matter remains quite contradictory thus far. Whilst some scientists claim that caffeine invigorates us, others suggest that its potential side effects cancel out its benefits. Admittedly, a morning cup of coffee does boost our energy and mental agility. This, however, cannot be said about binge-drinking, which only makes us more irritable and wreaks havoc with our sleeping patterns. Summarising, the effects of caffeine on our alertness seem to be concentration-dependent.
The ways to enhance our mental productivity are multiple, yet, neither of them is universal. What works miracles for some people may do more harm than good to others. Whereas some people may discover that having a short nap during the day makes them more productive and alert, others will find that it only makes them drowsy and unable to concentrate on the task at hand. By the same token, it would be wrong to ascribe some miraculous energizing properties to coffee and other stimulants. Although they do help some people remain productive, their effect is not long-lasting, nor does it wean off without consequences.
paveltashkinov
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#496

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

An English-language magazine is inviting readers to submit letters in response to the following excerpt from an article: ‘These days young people are willing to work unpaid in order to get valuable experience.’ You decide to submit a letter. You should briefly describe if you or someone you know has had such an experience. You should also assess the extent to which gaining experience is valuable for future job prospects. Write your letter in 280-320 words.


Dear Sir,
Having read your article on the popularity of voluntary work among young people, I would like to share my views on the subject. Being a young adult, I still have some fresh and fond memories of my related experience, which proved to be quite an enriching endeavour.
Few if any subjects have fascinated me more than chemistry, which, unsurprisingly, became the subject I chose as a major. When the third year in university was about to start, I found out that a position of lab technician was vacant. The dean seemed not to have found a replacement. On the spur of the moment, I decided to give it a try and suggested that I be taken on. To my amazement, my request was granted, even if on condition that I work voluntarily.
The next three months were spent revising the laboratory handbooks of best operational practices, checking the inventory of flasks and chemicals, drafting miscellaneous reports, supervising the practical lessons in organic chemistry. My lab coat mercilessly reeked of a weird concoction of seemingly all imaginable disagreeable smells. Throughout this time, I clocked up 300 hours of extracurricular work, not including the time spent on preparation for the lessons themselves.
Were this hassle and time worth it? I can whole-heartedly say ‘yes’ just as I would back then. But for voluntary work, where else could I have tried my hand at something I liked and got valuable experience? I am firmly convinced that the sooner young people take up some voluntary work, the higher their chances of success later. My own experience bears testament to the veracity of this statement. First, it gave me a taste of what would lie ahead if I were to keep pursuing my lifelong ambition of becoming a full-fledged chemist. Moreover, it served me well down the line when I left the university and found myself looking for a job. In those days, decent job offers were few and far between, and the competition amongst the applicants was ferocious. My voluntary work experience made my offer stand out amidst a welter of others and helped me secure my first job.
paveltashkinov
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#497

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Many people worry that innovative technology will supplant humans in all future workplaces, whether industrial, administrative or creative. Others, however, insist that while technology is an invaluable tool, it could never replace people. Which side of this argument do you agree with, and why? Write your essay (300 words)

As the first quarter of the 21st century is closing in, the impact of technology on our lives becomes more and more apparent. To such an extent have we become dependent on innovations that many people these days raise a concern about technology potentially replacing people. This essay purports to answer whether such fears are justified.
It may indeed be tempting to say that technology is going to reign supreme in future workplaces. Whichever industry or aspect of economy we may choose, the benefits of technological progress are apparent. By virtue of enormous computational capacity, technology may streamline industrial processes. Likewise, widespread automation excludes human factor, thereby reducing the number of occupational hazards and significantly improving safety in the workplace. Improved production output and fewer risks would contribute to the overall efficiency of different industries and would propel national economies forward.
Be that as it may, is technology as omnipotent as to completely squeeze people out of the workplace? After all, there are many jobs revolving around human interaction, creativity and ingenuity. A good case in point is teachers. Nowhere else does the importance of interpersonal communication thrust itself into attention as forcefully as in their job. Teaching is always more than just a mere passing of knowledge on to other people. Teaching is as much about communication, rapport, interaction, contagious enthusiasm as it is about a subject taught. If the equation of quality education is to be solved, all these variables must be present. This is exactly what technology seems to lack. This is the reason why it will never render certain professions obsolete.
To recapitulate, while it is true that innovative technologies do play an important role in the workplace, they are unlikely to displace human workers. Rather, they will assist the workforce in a number of tasks that cannot be performed by humans. Whether this is going to change in the future is open to debate.
paveltashkinov
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#498

Сообщение paveltashkinov »

Lying is part of life


Honesty, we say, is the best policy. And yet, it’s hardly news to anyone that in much of our lives, dishonesty rules. Salespeople lie about the benefits of one product over another, partners lie about whether they liked dinner and, of course, politicians lie about the colour of the sky and the existence of stones. We look down on dishonesty, yet we lie all the time. We all know that ‘little white lies’ are a kind of social lubricant, making everything run that much more smoothly. Why have a fight when it’s so much easier to say what the other person wants to hear?
The Cost of Lying
The problem with lying is it is a short-term gain, which increases the likelihood of long-term pain. Others, of course, learn who lies to them and who does not, and they will have no respect for you if they know you lie. That is a very big burden for you to carry. When you lie, you are behaving without integrity, and that is very very expensive for you because it costs you your self-respect. If you do not want to tell the truth to someone, that is absolutely fine; they cannot demand you tell them more than you wish to say, but lying is not the way to get around telling the truth.

The two texts consider the impact of lie on our lives.
The focus of Text 1 lies on our seemingly self-contradictory attitudes to lies. Although we pontificate the virtue of honesty, we nonetheless lie all the time. The reasons behind our lies assume different proportions. For instance, there are those proverbial ‘little while lies’ which make our lives bearable and which seem innocuous. Another reason behind our lies is some gain we might have in sight. Such is the case of politicians and salespeople. Even spouses resort to lying in order to avoid a conflict or get an upper hand should there arise one.
Text 2 addresses some ethical problems associated with lying. According to the author’s viewpoint, lying may be perceived as some trade-off. Although deceptive people may get a short-term gain, they are nonetheless bound to lose more down the line. Moreover, lying is a double-edged sword: not only does it breed contempt of the people who have been lied to, but it also jeopardizes the integrity of the liars themselves. Telling a lie is akin to filing a stone off from a respectable splendid building of our self-respect.
However reluctant we may be to admit it, lies are inextricably woven into the fabric of our nature. This is not to say that lying is justified. In my view, we should draw a line between the kind of lies that act as a social lubricant and oil the cogs in the machine of social interaction and the kind of lies that are said with nefarious purposes. Moreover, although it may be said that lying may bring some unfair advantage to the liars, I tend to believe that very few people are as conniving and full on Machiavellian as to be able to successfully weave the web of lies around others in order to advance their own position. Their cases are indeed exceptional and, perhaps, deserve contempt. However, people without psychopathic or power-driven tendencies know that their lies are likely to come to light later, and they feel apprehensive about lying to other people. They seldom have any ulterior motives and usually resort to lying to simply facilitate communication with their peers.
Storyteller
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#499

Сообщение Storyteller »

Hi paveltashkinov, why did you stop writing?
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