Writing Workshop

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Topic: Business Strategy & Expansion

Your company is considering expanding its operations into a new international market. You have been asked to write a proposal to the Board of Directors. In your proposal, you should:

• Evaluate the potential benefits of international expansion.
• Identify the primary risks involved in this strategic move. ly
• Recommend whether the company should proceed with the expansion or focus on domestic growth.

Write your proposal. You must write between 220-260 words.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Utiliza subtítulos claros (e.g., Introduction, Analysis of Risks, Recommendations) para que el lector identifique rápidamente la sección. En un proposal, la estructura debe ser lógica y jerárquica.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y profesional. Evita contracciones (don't, won't) y lenguaje coloquial. Usa un lenguaje objetivo: en lugar de "I think", usa "It is suggested that".
• Linking: Usa conectores de transición sofisticados para guiar al lector a través de tu argumento (e.g., Furthermore, Conversely, Notwithstanding).
• Hedging (Cautious Language): En consultoría, no siempre puedes ser 100% categórico. Usa el "hedging" para suavizar afirmaciones (e.g., It appears that, It is highly probable that) para sonar más profesional y menos arriesgado.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar hechos. Debes analizar el "por qué" y el "qué pasaría si". La diferencia entre un B2 y un C1 es la capacidad de evaluar consecuencias.
• Time management: Dedica 5 minutos a planificar la estructura antes de escribir. En el examen, el tiempo es crítico; no te quedes atrapado en un solo párrafo.

Useful language

Model answer

🔊

Proposal for International Market Expansion

Introduction The purpose of this proposal is to assess the feasibility of expanding our company’s operations into overseas markets and to provide a strategic recommendation to the Board of Directors.

Potential Benefits A primary advantage of international expansion would be the diversification of our revenue streams. By entering new markets, the company can mitigate the risks associated with domestic economic fluctuations. Furthermore, expanding our footprint would allow us to tap into a larger customer base, potentially leading to significant long-term growth and increased brand recognition.

Risk Assessment Despite these advantages, certain risks must be taken into account. The most pressing concern involves the initial capital expenditure required to establish a presence abroad. Additionally, navigating different regulatory frameworks and cultural nuances could lead to unforeseen operational challenges. Should these factors be mismanaged, they could impact our overall profitability.

Conclusion and Recommendation In light of the aforementioned points, it is evident that while the risks are non-negligible, the potential for growth is substantial. It is not recommended that we proceed with a full-scale launch immediately; instead, a phased approach is suggested.

It is therefore recommended that the company initiates a pilot programme in a single, stable market to test our operational capacity. This would allow us to mitigate risks while still pursuing growth opportunities. If this pilot proves successful, a more comprehensive expansion can be planned.

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todos los puntos de la tarea? (Beneficios, riesgos y recomendación).
• Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y profesional (propio de un consultor)? ¿Has usado el formato de proposal (subtítulos)?
• Organisation: ¿La información está organizada de forma lógica con conectores claros? ¿Hay una progresión natural entre la evaluación y la recomendación?
• Language: ¿Has utilizado vocabulario avanzado y estructuras complejas (e.g., should the company decide, non-negligible)? ¿Has evitado errores gramaticales básicos?