Unit 3: Nature & the Environment – Writing Focus

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Topic: Environmental Conservation

Your lecturer has asked you to write a proposal regarding the environmental impact of the university campus and how to improve its sustainability.

Write a proposal setting out: * The current environmental problems on campus. * Possible initiatives to reduce waste and energy consumption. * The long-term benefits of implementing these changes.

Write your proposal in 220–260 words.

Tips (Estrategias para el éxito)

• Structure: Para un proposal, utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección. Esto ayuda al examinador a navegar por tu texto y demuestra control organizativo.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y profesional. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y lenguaje coloquial.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores de transición sofisticados para guiar al lector (ej. Furthermore, Nevertheless, In light of the above).
• Hedging (Lenguaje cauteloso): En el nivel C1, no afirmes cosas de forma absoluta. Usa verbos modales o frases como it is widely believed that o this could lead to para sonar más académico.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar problemas. Evalúa la viabilidad de las soluciones. Un buen proposal equilibra la ambición con el realismo.
• Time management: No dediques todo el tiempo a la planificación. Reserva al menos 5-10 minutos para la revisión final; en C1, los errores de concordancia o de ortografía pueden bajar tu nota drásticamente.

Useful language

Model answer

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Proposal for Enhancing Campus Sustainability

Introduction The aim of this proposal is to outline the current environmental challenges faced by the university campus and to suggest practical measures to improve our ecological footprint.

Current Environmental Issues At present, the campus suffers from excessive waste production, particularly single-use plastics in the cafeteria. Furthermore, energy consumption remains disproportionately high due to outdated lighting systems and inefficient heating in the older lecture halls. These issues not only harm the environment but also result in significant financial loss for the institution.

Proposed Initiatives To address these concerns, it is proposed that the university implements a comprehensive recycling programme and replaces all single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives. Additionally, transitioning to LED lighting and installing motion sensors in communal areas would drastically reduce electricity consumption. While the initial investment might be substantial, these measures are essential for long-term sustainability.

Expected Benefits Should these changes be implemented, the university would see a marked reduction in its carbon footprint. Moreover, such initiatives would enhance the institution's reputation as a forward-thinking, eco-conscious establishment, potentially attracting more environmentally-minded students. In the long run, the reduction in utility costs would offset the initial expenditure.

Conclusion In conclusion, although transitioning to a greener campus requires immediate action and investment, the environmental and reputational benefits are undeniable. It is recommended that the administration approves these measures to ensure a sustainable future for the university community.

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todos los puntos de la tarea? (Problemas, soluciones y beneficios).
• Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y el formato es el de una propuesta (con subtítulos)? ¿Es persuasivo pero profesional?
• Organisation: ¿El texto fluye de forma lógica? ¿Has usado conectores para unir párrafos y secciones?
• Language: ¿Has usado vocabulario avanzado (ej. disproportionately, offset) y estructuras complejas (ej. Should these changes be implemented...) sin errores graves?

Vocabulario para Writing & Speaking

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