Writing Workshop
Guided writing practice with model answer, structure and useful language.
Lesson objectives
- Plan and structure a stronger Cambridge C1 writing response.
- Use clearer argument, linking and register control.
- Recycle the unit language around business communication & negotiation into sustained writing.
Listen to the model audio before you answer the lesson tasks.
Unit 13: Business Communication & Negotiation
Writing: The Formal Proposal
Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)
Question: You work for a multinational company that is planning to move towards a more flexible working model. Your manager has asked you to write a proposal outlining how the company could implement a hybrid working scheme.
In your proposal, you should: * Suggest how many days employees should work from home and how many from the office. * Propose how communication and team cohesion can be maintained. * Explain how this change might affect productivity and employee retention.
Write your proposal. Word count: 220–260 words.
Tips (en español)
- Structure: Utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección (e.g., Introduction, Proposed Scheme, Impact on Productivity). Esto es vital en un proposal para que el lector encuentre la información rápidamente.
- Register: Mantén un tono formal y profesional. Evita contracciones (don't, won't) y lenguaje coloquial. Usa la voz pasiva para sonar más objetivo.
- Linking: Usa conectores de transición avanzados para guiar al lector entre ideas. No te limites a and o but; usa furthermore, nevertheless o consequently.
- Hedging: En negocios, no siempre puedes ser tajante. Usa "hedging" (lenguaje cauteloso) como it is highly probable that... o this could potentially lead to... para mostrar profesionalismo.
- Evaluación de ideas: No solo presentes hechos; evalúa las consecuencias. No digas solo "trabajaremos desde casa", di "esto permitirá un equilibrio vida-trabajo que aumentará la lealtad".
- Time management: Dedica 5 minutos a planificar la estructura antes de escribir. En el examen, el tiempo es oro; no te quedes atrapado en un párrafo.
Useful language
| # | Expression | Español | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What immediately stands out is... | Lo que destaca enseguida es... | 🔊 |
| 2 | At first glance, the scene appears to... | A primera vista, la escena parece... | 🔊 |
| 3 | Whereas the first image suggests..., the second one points to... | Mientras que la primera imagen sugiere..., la segunda apunta a... | 🔊 |
| 4 | There is a striking contrast between... and... | Hay un contraste marcado entre... y... | 🔊 |
| 5 | The people seem to be dealing with... | Las personas parecen estar lidiando con... | 🔊 |
| 6 | It is highly likely that... | Es muy probable que... | 🔊 |
| 7 | One could infer that... | Se podría inferir que... | 🔊 |
| 8 | This might reflect a broader issue: ... | Esto podría reflejar un problema más amplio: ... | 🔊 |
| 9 | Although the setting is different, both images convey... | Aunque el contexto es distinto, ambas imágenes transmiten... | 🔊 |
| 10 | The overall impression is one of... | La impresión general es de... | 🔊 |
| 11 | This would be a useful example of... | Esto sería un ejemplo útil de... | 🔊 |
| 12 | I would argue that the second image feels more... | Diría que la segunda imagen resulta más... | 🔊 |
Model answer
🔊
Proposal for the Implementation of a Hybrid Working Model
Introduction The purpose of this proposal is to outline a transition towards a hybrid working model within the company. This document suggests a structured approach to balance flexibility with operational efficiency.
Proposed Working Arrangement It is suggested that employees adopt a three-two model: three days of in-office presence and two days of remote work per week. This arrangement ensures that core collaborative tasks are performed face-to-face, while providing employees with the autonomy to manage their personal commitments. To maintain team cohesion, it is vital that all staff members are present in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to facilitate weekly department meetings.
Communication and Productivity To address the potential risks of isolation, the company should implement advanced digital communication tools. While it is true that remote work can sometimes lead to fragmentation, the use of integrated project management software could mitigate this risk. Furthermore, regular video conferences will ensure that team spirit remains intact. It is highly likely that this flexibility will lead to an increase in productivity, as employees can focus on deep-work tasks in a quiet home environment.
Impact on Retention Regarding employee retention, offering a hybrid model is a significant competitive advantage. In the current job market, flexibility is often as valued as salary. Consequently, adopting this scheme could significantly reduce turnover rates.
Conclusion In conclusion, I recommend the immediate adoption of this hybrid model. By balancing office presence with remote flexibility, the company will likely see improved morale and sustained productivity.
Marking checklist
- Content: Has the candidate addressed all three bullet points from the task? Is the information relevant to the reader (the manager)?
- Communicative Achievement: Is the tone appropriately formal and professional? Does the text follow the conventions of a proposal (using headings and an objective tone)?
- Organisation: Is the text logically organised into clear paragraphs with headings? Are cohesive devices (linking words) used to connect ideas smoothly?
- Language: Is there a wide range of advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures? Are there errors that impede communication?