Writing Workshop

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Writing Task: Essay

Your lecturer has asked you to write an essay discussing the impact of chronic illness on an individual's quality of life. You should consider the following two points: 1. The psychological impact of long-term health conditions. 2. The role of social support and lifestyle changes.

Write an essay discussing both these points. You should include your own ideas and conclusions.

Word count: 220–260 words.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para un essay, utiliza siempre una estructura de cuatro párrafos: Introducción (presentación del tema sin dar tu opinión final aún), Cuerpo 1 (punto 1), Cuerpo 2 (punto 2) y Conclusión (resumen y tu postura final).
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y académico. Evita contracciones (don't, can't) y lenguaje coloquial. Usa la tercera persona o estructuras impersonales (It is often argued that...) en lugar de "I think".
• Linking: No te limites a usar and o but. Utiliza conectores avanzados de transición (Furthermore, Conversely, In light of this) para que el texto fluya de forma lógica.
• Hedging (Cautela): En el nivel C1, no afirmes cosas de forma absoluta. Usa el "hedging" para sonar más académico: en lugar de "Chronic illness causes depression", usa "Chronic illness can lead to significant psychological distress".
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar hechos. Debes analizar la relación entre los puntos. Por ejemplo, cómo el apoyo social (punto 2) mitiga el impacto psicológico (punto 1).
• Time management: Dedica 5 minutos a planificar (brainstorming), 35 minutos a escribir y 10 minutos finales a revisar errores gramaticales y de ortografía.

Useful language

Model answer

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The Impact of Chronic Illness on Quality of Life

In contemporary society, the prevalence of chronic illnesses has become a significant concern, affecting millions of individuals globally. While medical advancements have extended life expectancy, the impact on an individual's quality of life remains a complex issue. This essay will examine the psychological implications of long-term health conditions and the importance of social support.

Primarily, the psychological burden of a chronic diagnosis cannot be overstated. Living with a persistent ailment often leads to heightened levels of anxiety and depression, as patients must constantly navigate physical limitations and unpredictable symptoms. This emotional strain can result in a loss of identity, where the individual feels defined by their condition rather than their personality.

Furthermore, the role of social support and lifestyle adjustments is crucial in mitigating these effects. A robust support network—comprising family and friends—can provide the emotional resilience necessary to cope with daily challenges. Additionally, proactive lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments or regular exercise, can empower patients, granting them a sense of control over their circumstances.

In conclusion, while chronic illness poses profound psychological challenges, the severity of these issues can be managed through effective coping mechanisms. It is evident that while the physical symptoms are unavoidable, the integration of strong social ties and healthy lifestyle choices is fundamental to maintaining a high quality of life. Ultimately, a holistic approach to health is essential for those managing long-term conditions.

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a ambos puntos de la tarea y has incluido tu propia opinión? Se evalúa si la información es relevante y completa.
• Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y el estilo es adecuado para un ensayo académico? Se evalúa si el lenguaje cumple con el propósito de informar y analizar de forma profesional.
• Organisation: ¿El texto está bien estructurado con párrafos claros y conectores lógicos? Se evalúa la cohesión y la progresión de las ideas.
• Language: ¿Has usado vocabulario avanzado y estructuras gramaticales complejas (como el hedging) sin errores graves? Se evalúa la precisión y la variedad léxica.