Writing Workshop

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Topic: Drug Policy, Harm Reduction & Addiction

Task: You have read a discussion in an international magazine about how governments should approach the issue of drug addiction. Some argue that strict criminalisation is the only way to deter use, while others suggest that harm reduction (such as needle exchanges or supervised clinics) is more effective at saving lives.

Write a REPORT for the Ministry of Health, evaluating the effectiveness of different approaches to drug policy. You should discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both criminalisation and harm reduction, and recommend which approach should be prioritised to improve public health.

Word count: 220–260 words.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para un report, utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección (e.g., Introduction, Current Approaches, Conclusion/Recommendations). Esto ayuda a organizar la información de forma profesional.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y objetivo. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y lenguaje coloquial. Al ser un reporte para un Ministerio, debe sonar autoritario pero diplomático.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores de transición avanzados para guiar al lector (e.g., Furthermore, Conversely, In light of the above). No te limites a and o but.
• Hedging (Lenguaje cauteloso): En temas sensibles como las drogas, no uses afirmaciones absolutas. Usa hedging para sonar más académico (e.g., It could be argued that... o This may lead to... en lugar de This leads to...).
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar pros y contras. Debes comparar las ideas entre sí. El objetivo no es solo informar, sino evaluar qué estrategia es más viable.
• Time management: En el examen, dedica 5 minutos a planificar la estructura y los argumentos, 35 minutos a escribir y 5 minutos finales a revisar la gramática y la ortografía.

Useful language

Model answer

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Report: Evaluation of Drug Policy Strategies

Introduction The purpose of this report is to assess the effectiveness of criminalisation versus harm reduction strategies in addressing drug addiction. This evaluation aims to provide recommendations for future public health policy.

Criminalisation vs. Harm Reduction Historically, many governments have relied on strict criminalisation to deter drug use. Proponents argue that punitive measures serve as a necessary deterrent. However, it could be argued that such policies often lead to higher rates of recidivism and social marginalisation, failing to address the root causes of addiction.

Conversely, harm reduction strategies, such as needle exchange programmes, focus on minimising the health risks associated with drug use. While critics suggest that these measures might inadvertently encourage substance use, evidence suggests that they significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases and lower overdose rates. Therefore, while criminalisation focuses on punishment, harm reduction prioritises public health and life preservation.

Conclusion and Recommendations In conclusion, while criminalisation may offer a sense of social order, it often fails to mitigate the health crises associated with addiction. Harm reduction, despite being more controversial, provides a more pragmatic approach to saving lives and managing public health.

In light of these findings, it is recommended that the Ministry prioritises harm reduction programmes. Integrating these with rehabilitation services would create a more holistic approach, addressing both the medical and social aspects of addiction.

Marking checklist

• Content: Have you addressed all parts of the task (criminalisation, harm reduction, and a recommendation)? Is the information relevant to the Ministry of Health?
• Communicative Achievement: Is the tone appropriately formal for a report? Have you used the correct format (subheadings)? Is the argument persuasive and professional?
• Organisation: Are the ideas logically sequenced? Do you use effective cohesive devices (linking words) to connect paragraphs and sentences?
• Language: Have you used a range of advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures? Are there any errors in spelling or punctuation that affect clarity?