Writing Workshop

Unit 50: Pollution, Waste & the Circular Economy

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Topic: Environmental Sustainability

Your local government is considering a new policy to transition the city towards a "Zero Waste" model. This would involve banning certain single-use plastics and implementing mandatory composting for all households. Some residents argue this is too expensive and inconvenient, while others believe it is essential for the planet.

Write a report for the City Council. In your report, you should: * Evaluate the potential benefits of the zero-waste policy for the local community. * Discuss the practical challenges that might arise during implementation. * Recommend whether the council should proceed with this initiative.

Write your report in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para un report, utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección. Esto ayuda al lector a navegar por la información de forma profesional.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y objetivo. Evita contracciones (use it is instead of it's) y evita el lenguaje coloquial.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores de transición avanzados para guiar al lector (e.g., Furthermore, Nevertheless, In light of the above) para que el texto fluya de forma natural.
• Hedging (Lenguaje cauteloso): En el nivel C1, no debes ser demasiado tajante. Usa expresiones como it is widely believed that o it could be argued that para mostrar matiz y sofisticación.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar hechos. Debes analizar pros y contras. El objetivo no es solo informar, sino evaluar la viabilidad de la propuesta.
• Time management: No dediques todo el tiempo a la planificación. Dedica 5-10 minutos a organizar tus ideas, 30-35 a escribir y los últimos 5 a revisar errores gramaticales y de ortografía.

Useful language

Model answer

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Report on the Proposed Zero-Waste Initiative

Introduction The purpose of this report is to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed "Zero Waste" policy for our city. This document will examine the potential benefits, address implementation challenges, and provide a final recommendation to the Council.

Potential Benefits Transitioning to a circular economy offers significant environmental advantages. By banning single-use plastics, the city would see a substantial reduction in landfill waste and local pollution. Furthermore, mandatory composting could foster a culture of sustainability, potentially reducing waste management costs in the long term. Such a move would also position our city as a leader in environmental responsibility.

Implementation Challenges Despite these benefits, certain practical hurdles must be addressed. The initial cost of implementing new waste collection systems may be prohibitive for some households. Additionally, there might be public resistance due to the perceived inconvenience of composting. There is also the concern that local businesses may struggle to adapt to the ban on specific materials without significant financial investment.

Conclusion and Recommendation In light of the points discussed, it is clear that while the transition presents logistical and financial challenges, the environmental necessity is paramount. It is recommended that the Council proceeds with the initiative, but adopts a phased approach. This would allow residents and businesses time to adapt, thereby mitigating resistance. If implemented gradually, the city can successfully transition to a more sustainable future.

Marking checklist

• Content: Has the writer addressed all three bullet points from the task? Is the information relevant to the Council?
• Communicative Achievement: Is the tone sufficiently formal for a report? Does the writer use "hedging" to discuss complex issues professionally?
• Organisation: Are there clear headings? Does the report follow a logical progression from introduction to recommendation?
• Language: Is there a range of advanced vocabulary (e.g., prohibitive, paramount, mitigating)? Are there complex grammatical structures (e.g., passive voice, conditional sentences)?