Writing Workshop

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2 style)

Question: Your lecturer has asked you to write an essay discussing the impact of social class on career progression.

Write an essay discussing two of the following points: 1. The influence of family background and connections. 2. The role of higher education in promoting social mobility.

You should discuss both points and explain which factor has a more significant impact on an individual's professional success.

Write your answer in 220-260 words.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para un essay, utiliza siempre una estructura de cuatro párrafos: Introducción, Párrafo de Desarrollo 1 (punto 1), Párrafo de Desarrollo 2 (punto 2) y Conclusión.
• Register: Mantén un tono académico y formal. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y lenguaje coloquial.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores sofisticados para guiar al lector (e.g., Furthermore, Conversely, In light of the above). No te limites a and o but.
• Hedging: En el nivel C1, no afirmes cosas de forma absoluta. Usa "hedging" (lenguaje cauteloso) como it is often argued that o tends to para sonar más académico y objetivo.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a describir los puntos. Debes analizar la importancia de cada uno y compararlos para llegar a una conclusión lógica.
• Time management: No pases más de 45 minutos en esta tarea. Dedica 5 minutos a planificar, 35 a escribir y 5 a revisar errores gramaticales o de ortografía.

Useful language

Model answer

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It is often asserted that an individual's professional trajectory is determined more by their socio-economic origins than by their own merit. This essay will examine the influence of family connections and the role of higher education in facilitating social mobility.

Firstly, the impact of family background cannot be overlooked. In many societies, social capital—the networks and connections one inherits—plays a decisive role in securing high-level employment. Those born into privileged circles often benefit from mentorship and "insider" opportunities that remain inaccessible to others. Consequently, while talent is distributed equally, opportunity is not, often resulting in a cycle of privilege that reinforces existing class structures.

Secondly, higher education is frequently viewed as the great equaliser. It is widely believed that obtaining a degree provides the necessary credentials to transcend one's social class. While academic success can certainly open doors, it is important to note that even within academia, students from wealthier backgrounds often have access to better resources and extracurricular advantages, which can skew the playing field.

In conclusion, both factors play vital roles in career progression. However, while higher education provides the tools for advancement, I believe that family background remains the more significant influence. This is because connections often dictate access to the very opportunities that allow one to utilise their education effectively. Ultimately, without social capital, even the most prestigious degree may fail to bridge the gap between classes.

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a ambos puntos de la tarea? ¿Has indicado claramente cuál de los dos factores es más importante?
• Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y académico? ¿Has usado técnicas de "hedging" para presentar argumentos de forma profesional?
• Organisation: ¿Los párrafos están bien estructurados y conectados mediante conectores lógicos? ¿Hay una progresión clara de ideas?
• Language: ¿Has utilizado vocabulario avanzado (e.g., socio-economic, decisive, transcend) y estructuras gramaticales complejas sin cometer errores básicos?