Writing Feedback / General Training, Task 2 - Type: Direct Questions - Subject: Prepare students for the world of work [2]

In some countries in Europe, some children from the age of 11 or 13 go to schools to learn more practical skills that will help them get a job. Other children stay in schools which provide a more general academic education.

What should schools do to prepare students for the world of work?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

In some European countries, some young children aged 11to 13 attend schools that offer vocational education that will help them to secure a job in the future, while others are still going to schools that prioritise a more generalised education. In my opinion, at a tender age, schools should focus on the overall academic development, introducing professional learning at high school.

Before teaching practical skills to children, schools should teach essential academic subjects. At the age of 11 to 13, youngsters should have their thought shaped, their learning ability improved, and an elementary knowledge of all subjects consolidated. For example, in my primary school, I had a strong schooling education, mixed with the learning of skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and computer knowledge. This educational methodology was fundamental for my career as well as my life.

It must be also pointed out that vocational training should be made compulsory for high school students only. Children aged 11 to 13 are not mature enough to understand the needs of the job market and instilling vocational training in them will only pressurise their young minds. For instance, I initiated my vocational programs when I was in high school, in an age in which I was prepared to absorb that information and use it in an appropriate way. Having a successful career, I could say that by having consolidated general academic knowledge before learning practical skills, I was properly prepared for the world of work.

In conclusion, taking these factors into consideration, I am inclined to believe that schools should respect each students' phase. At an early age, a generalised education is more appropriated because children have to develop knowledge that might be applied for any professional field. Therefore, having these concepts consolidated will be essential when they start to learn practical skills in high school, giving them more conditions to get ready for work.

Writing Feedback / General Training - Task 1 - Type: Informal Letter - Subject: Staying in a relative house [3]

You are planning a short visit to a city where one of your relatives lives.

Write a letter to your relative. In your letter:

· Explain when and how long you will be in town.

· Ask whether you can stay at their home.

· Offer to pay for yourself.

Dear Rafa,

How are you cousin? I hope it finds you well. It's been long since I last saw you. I am writing because in August I'm going to be attending a business conference in Sydney, and I was wondering if I could stay at your place for a couple of days.

My arrival is going to be on 5th August and I'm going to stay for 5 days, but I would be happy at spending a few days extra so that we can have fun together.

The event is just two blocks from your home, so I thought I could kill two birds with one stone if could stay at your place. It is a convenient location and we would be more time together. Isn't it perfect?

Cousin, I could pay you for my stay, because the expenditures might be cover by the company. We could be together and I pay you as if I was in a hotel. So it is a win-win.

Please let me know if you could be available to welcome me.

Hugs,

Marcelo Xavier.

Writing Feedback / General Training, Task 2 - Type: Direct Questions - Subject: Labour-saving and communication devices [2]

Is technology beneficial?

Labour-saving devices such as dishwashers and communication tools such as computers are supposed to make our lives easier. However, some people argue that these devices only make them more difficult.

Does modern technology reduce or increase stress?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Technological gadgets have not only facilitated people's lives but also have played a pivotal role in reducing stress. However, some individuals believe that inventions such as dishwashers and computers, which were developed to save time and improve communication, only make daily routines harder and stressful.

To begin with, the lack of knowledge of some people to understand state-of-art devices' functionalities is the main reason for complaints. Some persons have immense difficulties to deal with technology because they were not used to live with it. As a result, they fell stressed for not having such an important ability. For example, my mother used to work as a secretary using basically telephone and paper. Nevertheless, computers, smartphones, and other equipments of communication were introduced in her work routines and she did not have conditions to sharpen her skills, which led her to lose great job opportunities. Therefore, like many other individuals, she believes that modern tools only increase her stress levels.

However, it must be pointed out that for who have a busy lifestyle household devices and communication tools are fundamental. Washing clothes, making dishes, booking appointments, buying products are some day-to-day activities that became easier after the invention of advanced machines. For instance, my sister who works eight hours per day and has two children. She would not be able to find time for leisure if she could not rely on labour-saving gadgets to make her home duties. In addition, she can make use of communication devices to solving personal problems such as to communicate with her children's school, sparing her free time to spend with her family. Hence, other people like my sister argue that these technological improvements reduced considerably their stress level.

In conclusion, technology has to be seen as beneficial. Although some people, who struggle to update their technological knowledge, think in the opposite way, devices such as dishwashers and computers have provided people with more time for entertainment as well as facilitated their ways of communication and work. As a consequence, advanced machines are making people's lives easier and less stressful.

Writing Feedback / General Training - Task 1 - Type: Letter of Interest - Subject: Walking tour in the mountains [2]

writing letter to the tour operator

You saw a brochure for a one-week walking tour in the mountains. You're very interested in taking part, but you're not very fit and are worried you wouldn't be able to keep up. Write to the tour operator. In your letter:

· Explain why you're interested in the tour.

· Ask for information about dates and prices.

· Express your concerns about your fitness level.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing with regard to a one-week hiking tour in the mountains, recently advertised in one of your brochures. Years ago, I used to go walking daily, having this exercise as my favourite hobby. However, what grabbed my attention to take part in this adventure was the possibility of enjoying spectacular sceneries as well as making new friends.

Your leaflet provided me with precise details about the tour, congratulations on the excellent work. Nevertheless, I could not find the dates that the hiking will take place and the range of packages available, including their prices. Hence, I would be delighted if you could send me this information.

I also have a concern about my physical condition. I have been leading a sedentary lifestyle, and although I am not obese, I am quite overweight. Therefore, I would like to check if there are any restrictions about the participants' fitness level that might impede myself to participate in the walking.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Gaucho.

Writing Feedback / General Training, Task 2 - Type: Cause and Effect - Subject: Children's obesity in wealthy countries [2]

More children in developed countries are becoming overweight. This is a serious problem for wealthy countries.

Discuss some causes and effects of this problem. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

The number of children falling prey to obesity is rising every day in affluent nations. Unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are some of the reasons for this urgent issue. This essay will discuss the causes and effect of this epidemic.

To begin with, it is fair to state that unhealthy food habits increase the risk of obesity among children. The excessive consumption of calories, sugars and carbohydrates have led youngsters to get weight. For example, if in my childhood we used to eat homemade food such as salad, rice, and beans, new children's generation has eaten junk food more than ever. Recent researches showed that school children in developing nations accounted for a whopping more than half of the customer share of McDonald's. As a consequence, youth in these countries are precociously suffering from diseases such as high pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.

It must be also pointed out that a decline in the culture of outdoor sports has contributed to this epidemic problem. Youngers are choosing to stay home rather than to indulge in any physical activity. This has largely contributed to obesity amongst them, mainly in wealthy countries in which access to state-of-art entertainment such as video games and smartphones is facilitated. For instance, in a survey conducted by an American university, it was demonstrated that vast majority of children prefer playing virtual games to any outdoor activity, and this alarming statistic might considerably increase in the next years motivated by the rapid technological development. This has resulted in the rise of a generation that is not only lazy and obese but also lethargic and unhealthy, suffering from several health problems.

In conclusion, it is a fact that rich countries provide children with a wide variety of fast food restaurants and technological leisure options, which has influenced youngsters on keeping an unhealthy food habit as well as a sedentary lifestyle. The lack of a balanced diet and physical activities has made children overweight, being affected by serious diseases.

Writing Feedback / General Training - Task 2 - Type: Agree or Disagree - Subject: ban smoke, public areas, countries [3]

more strict rules for smokers?

Aimed score 7 or above

In many countries, it is now illegal to smoke in public places. It is only fair that people who wish to smoke should have to leave the building.

Do you agree or disagree?

Smoking in public locals has been banned in many nations and people have to go to designated areas to smoke. In my opinion, this is a good practice because not only will it save non-smokers from the evils of passive smoking, but it will also prevent young people from getting into the habit of smoking.

To begin with, smoking can be a choice for many people but the others who are around them also have to face hazardous health consequences when they inhale the cigarettes' smoke unknowingly. For instance, a study has shown that 60% of the passive smokers, who stay around active smokers, suffer from severe diseases such as lung cancer and respiratory issues. Therefore, by restricting people from smoking in public areas, non-smokers will get benefited.

It must be also pointed out that young people generally start smoking because they are influenced by older smokers. For example, teenagers who are close to people who smoke can get into the habit of smoking because adults are showing them that this is normal behaviour. Although they may be aware of the consequences of smoking, youngsters might be inspired by people who exert influence on them. For that reason, restricting the liberty of smoking anywhere can prevent juveniles from becoming addicted to tobacco and having to face the nicotine evils in their organisms.

In conclusion, smokers are aware of the serious consequences of smoking and in spite of this, they smoke. Hence, the government has banned smoking in public places. From my point of view, this is an appropriate approach that will prevent passive smokers from developing health issues as well as young people from becoming a smoker.

Writing Feedback / General Training - Task 1 - Type: Job Application - Subject: Social events' organiser [2]

PS: My aim in the writing test is 7 or above.

letter to the Training Organiser

You are going on a month training programme to the UK and know that the head of the course would like one of the participants to be the social events' organiser.

Write a letter to the Training Organiser. In your letter
· expressing your interest in the role
· requesting more information about it
· explaining what experience you have
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ...,

Dear Mr Smith,

I am excited to be enrolled in the environment and disaster management training programme that you are organising next month in London. I noticed from a follow-up email that you are looking for someone to arrange the social events during the training's period. Therefore, I would like to offer myself for the role.

I have extensive experience in organising such events. I have worked for five years as an event promoter, being in charge of huge arrangements such as married, festivals, and others. By having such experience, I am currently responsible for organising the social events in my office. Therefore, I see myself qualified for this position.

I would, therefore, kindly request additional information about the events. I would be delighted if you could inform how many events I will probably be in charge as well as the expected time and days of them. As I will be attending the training programme I need to organise myself to meet your expectations without interfering with my studies' development.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Gaúcho.

Writing Feedback / General Training - Task 2 - Type: Agree or Disagree - Subject: television, laziness, socialisation [3]

TELEVISION DOMINATES THE FREE-TIME OF TOO MANY PEOPLE. IT CAN MAKE PEOPLE LAZY AND PREVENT THEM FROM SOCIALISING WITH OTHERS. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE?

Television has been the most popular choice of many people to enjoy their leisure time. As a consequence, people have become more indolent and they are no longer socialising with others. I strongly agree with this opinion.

To begin with, concerning the matter of individuals are getting lazier because of watching television excessively, it is a fact that if years ago people used to use their free time with outdoor activities, nowadays being in front of the screen is the most convenient choice for the majority. For example, people have a busy lifestyle and are unable to take the time to go out for any kind of entertainment. In addition, the innumerable channels and programmes available are very attractive. Therefore, people tend to be home watching their favourites programmes. This behaviour gives rise to laziness which might also lead to health problems.

It must also be pointed out that television means being indoors most of the time and no social activity is involved. For instance, I remember that in my childhood I used to spend my free time doing sports or socialising with my friends. However, nowadays children are more and more addicted to television, which leads to them turning into introverts and losing social skills.

In conclusion, taking these factors into consideration, I am inclined to believe that television has made people physically inactive as well as limited their social skills. Although other factors such as the Internet contribute to this behaviour, the popularity of television is one of the main causes.