Writing Workshop

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2 style)

Question:

Your local government is considering changing the way representatives are elected in your municipality. They have requested a report exploring the potential impact of moving from a proportional representation system to a first-past-the-post system.

Write a report for the local council. In your report, you should: * Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of both systems regarding political stability and representation. * Recommend which system would be more beneficial for the local community in the long term.

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

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para un report, utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección (e.g., Introduction, Analysis of Systems, Conclusion/Recommendation). Esto ayuda al lector a navegar el texto.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y objetivo. Evita contracciones (don't, can't) y el uso de la primera persona informal. Usa la voz pasiva para sonar más profesional.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores de transición avanzados para guiar el argumento (e.g., Furthermore, Conversely, Notwithstanding). No te limites a And o But.
• Hedging (Cautela): En el nivel C1, evita afirmaciones absolutas. En lugar de decir "This will cause...", usa "This could potentially lead to..." o "It is argued that...". Esto demuestra sofisticación académica.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar hechos. Debes comparar y contrastar. El objetivo no es solo describir los sistemas, sino evaluar su impacto en la democracia.
• Time management: Dedica 5 minutos a planificar la estructura, 35 minutos a la escritura y los últimos 10 minutos a la revisión (especialmente ortografía y concordancia sujeto-verbo).

Useful language

Model answer

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Report on Proposed Changes to the Local Electoral System

Introduction The purpose of this report is to evaluate the implications of transitioning from a proportional representation system to a first-past-the-post (FPTP) model within our municipality. This assessment considers both political stability and the quality of representation.

Analysis of Electoral Systems Proportional representation ensures that the distribution of seats reflects the overall vote share, allowing for a diverse range of political voices. While this promotes inclusivity, it can occasionally lead to fragmented governance and difficulty in forming stable coalitions.

Conversely, the FPTP system tends to produce more decisive outcomes and stable single-party governments. However, it is frequently criticised for creating a "winner-takes-all" environment, which may result in significant portions of the electorate feeling disenfranchised as their votes do not translate into representation.

Comparative Evaluation While FPTP offers streamlined decision-making, it risks undermining democratic engagement if voters feel their preferences are ignored. On the other hand, although proportional systems may appear more complex, they arguably provide a more accurate reflection of the community's diverse political landscape.

Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, although FPTP offers the allure of stability, the potential for voter alienation is a significant drawback. In light of the above, it is recommended that the council maintains the current proportional system. This approach ensures that all sectors of the community remain represented, thereby fostering long-term political legitimacy and social cohesion.

Marking checklist

• Content: Has the candidate addressed all parts of the task? (e.g., Did they analyse both systems AND make a recommendation?).
• Communicative Achievement: Is the tone appropriately formal for a report? Does the candidate use "hedging" to express complex ideas without being too blunt?
• Organisation: Is the report logically structured with clear headings? Are cohesive devices (linking words) used effectively to connect paragraphs?
• Language: Is there a wide range of advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures? Are there errors that impede communication?