Unit 33: Migration, Asylum & Borders

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Question: You have read the following text in an international news magazine.

The Global Migration Crisis: A Challenge for Modern States Many nations are currently struggling to manage the movement of people across their borders. While some argue that migration is essential for economic growth and tackling ageing populations, others believe it places an unsustainable strain on public services and national identity.

Write a report for the editor of the magazine. You should analyse the potential benefits and drawbacks of increased migration and suggest how governments can manage border control more effectively while maintaining humanitarian standards.

Write your report (220–260 words).

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para un report, utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección. Esto ayuda al lector a navegar por tus ideas y demuestra control estructural.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y objetivo. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y evita el uso excesivo de la primera persona (I think); prefiere formas impersonales (It is argued that).
• Linking: Utiliza conectores avanzados para guiar al lector entre los beneficios y los inconvenientes (e.g., Conversely, Furthermore, Notwithstanding).
• Hedging (Lenguaje cauteloso): En temas polémicos como la migración, no uses afirmaciones absolutas. Usa hedging para sonar más académico (e.g., it could be argued that, tends to, arguably).
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar pros y contras. Debes analizar la relación entre ellos para llegar a una conclusión lógica y equilibrada.
• Time management: No dediques más de 45 minutos a esta tarea. Dedica 5 minutos a planificar los subtítulos y 5 minutos al final para revisar errores de gramática y ortografía.

Useful language

Model answer

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Report on Migration Trends and Border Management

Introduction The purpose of this report is to examine the socio-economic implications of migration and to propose strategies for effective border management. This analysis considers both the opportunities and the challenges presented by current migratory flows.

Economic and Social Implications It is widely recognised that migration can provide a significant boost to national economies, particularly in countries with ageing populations. An influx of workers can fill critical labour shortages and stimulate innovation. However, it is also argued that rapid demographic shifts may place an immense strain on public infrastructure, such as healthcare and housing. This tension often leads to social friction regarding national identity and resource allocation.

Effective Border Management To mitigate these challenges, governments must implement a dual-track approach. Firstly, digitising border processes could streamline legal migration, ensuring efficiency while maintaining security. Secondly, to address humanitarian concerns, it is essential to strengthen international cooperation to manage asylum seekers. By establishing clear, transparent legal pathways, states can reduce irregular crossings and ensure that humanitarian standards are upheld.

Conclusion and Recommendations In conclusion, while migration presents undeniable logistical and social challenges, its economic benefits are substantial if managed correctly. It is recommended that governments invest in robust technological infrastructure to secure borders and increase diplomatic engagement to manage refugee flows. Such measures would allow nations to balance security requirements with humanitarian obligations effectively.

(254 words)

Marking checklist

• Content: Have you addressed all parts of the task (benefits, drawbacks, and management suggestions)? Is the information relevant to the reader?
• Communicative Achievement: Is the tone formal and appropriate for a report? Does it use the correct format (subheadings)? Is the argument persuasive yet objective?
• Organisation: Are the ideas logically sequenced? Do you use cohesive devices (linking words) to connect paragraphs and sentences smoothly?
• Language: Have you used a wide range of C1-level vocabulary and complex grammatical structures? Are there any errors in spelling or punctuation?