Writing Workshop

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2 style)

Question: You have read a discussion in an international environmental magazine about the importance of preserving natural habitats. The editor has asked you to write a report for the magazine.

In your report, you should: * Explain the current threats to global biodiversity. * Discuss the consequences of losing key ecosystems. * Suggest effective measures that governments could implement to prevent species extinction.

Write your report. You must use between 220-260 words.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Al ser un report, utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección. Esto ayuda al lector a navegar por la información y demuestra control organizativo.
• 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 estructuras impersonales.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores avanzados para guiar al lector (e.g., Furthermore, Consequently, Notwithstanding). No te limites a And o But.
• Hedging: En temas científicos o de debate, usa el "hedging" (lenguaje cauteloso) para no sonar demasiado absoluto. Usa verbos como suggest, appear to, tend to o modales como could/might.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar problemas. Debes analizar la relación causa-efecto (ej. cómo la pérdida de un ecosistema afecta la economía humana) para alcanzar el nivel C1.
• Time management: No dediques más de 45 minutos a esta tarea. Dedica 5 minutos a planificar los puntos, 30 a escribir y 10 a revisar errores gramaticales y de vocabulario.

Useful language

Model answer

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Report on Global Biodiversity and Ecosystem Preservation

Introduction The purpose of this report is to assess the current state of global biodiversity, evaluate the risks posed by ecosystem degradation, and propose strategic interventions to prevent further species extinction.

Current Threats to Biodiversity It is widely acknowledged that human activity remains the primary driver of biodiversity loss. Habitat fragmentation, caused by urban expansion and intensive agriculture, has disrupted natural corridors. Furthermore, the escalating climate crisis has altered habitats at a pace that exceeds the evolutionary capacity of many species. Consequently, many organisms face an imminent risk of extinction.

Consequences of Ecosystem Loss The implications of losing key ecosystems are twofold. Firstly, the loss of biological diversity weakens the resilience of nature, making ecosystems more susceptible to disease and collapse. Secondly, there are profound socio-economic consequences; the degradation of services such as pollination and water purification threatens global food security. It is often argued that once an ecosystem reaches a tipping point, the damage becomes irreversible.

Proposed Measures To mitigate these threats, governments should implement more stringent land-use regulations to protect remaining wilderness areas. Additionally, investing in large-scale reforestation projects and establishing international wildlife corridors would facilitate species movement. Finally, subsidising sustainable agricultural practices could reduce the pressure on natural habitats.

Conclusion In conclusion, the decline in biodiversity represents a critical threat to planetary stability. It is imperative that governments transition from reactive measures to proactive, large-scale conservation strategies to ensure the survival of diverse species for future generations.

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todos los puntos de la tarea? (Amenazas, consecuencias y medidas). El lector debe quedar totalmente informado.
• Communicative Achievement: ¿Has mantenido el tono de un report? Se evalúa si el registro es formal y si el formato (subtítulos) es adecuado para el género.
• Organisation: ¿La información está organizada de forma lógica? Se evalúa el uso de párrafos, subtítulos y conectores para dar cohesión al texto.
• Language: ¿Has usado vocabulario avanzado y estructuras complejas? Se busca variedad léxica (e.g., fragmentation, irreversible, mitigate) y precisión gramatical (e.g., passive voice, inversion, perfect aspects).