Writing Workshop

Unit 76: Corruption, Transparency & Accountability

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Question: Your lecturer has asked you to write a report regarding the level of transparency and accountability within your local government. You should address the following points: * The current state of transparency in local decision-making processes. * The impact of corruption or lack of accountability on the local community. * Recommendations for improving oversight and public trust.

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

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para 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 lenguaje coloquial. Usa la voz pasiva para sonar más profesional.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores de transición sofisticados para guiar al lector entre ideas (e.g., Furthermore, In contrast, With regard to).
• Hedging: En el nivel C1, no afirmes cosas de forma absoluta si no hay pruebas. Usa "hedging" (lenguaje cauteloso) como It appears that... o It could be argued that... para mostrar matices.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar problemas. Evalúa las consecuencias de la falta de transparencia para que el reporte tenga profundidad analítica.
• Time management: Dedica unos 5-10 minutos a planificar la estructura antes de escribir. No escribas más de 260 palabras; si te pasas, perderás tiempo de revisión y podrías perder puntos por falta de concisión.

Useful language

Model answer

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Report on Local Government Transparency and Accountability

Introduction The purpose of this report is to assess the current state of transparency within the local government and to evaluate the implications of recent accountability issues. It also aims to propose measures to restore public trust.

Current State of Transparency At present, decision-making processes within the local council appear somewhat opaque. While financial records are technically public, the criteria used to award local contracts are often unclear. It is widely recognised that the lack of clear communication regarding budget allocations has led to significant public scepticism.

Impact on the Community The absence of robust accountability has had a detrimental effect on the community. When citizens perceive that decisions are made behind closed doors, engagement in local democracy declines. Furthermore, the perceived lack of integrity in certain administrative sectors has resulted in a growing sense of disillusionment, which could potentially lead to social unrest if left unaddressed.

Recommendations To mitigate these issues, the following measures are highly recommended: 1. Digital Transparency Portal: The implementation of an online platform where all contract bidding and budget expenditures are updated in real-time. 2. Independent Oversight Committee: The establishment of an external body to audit local decisions and ensure compliance with ethical standards.

Conclusion In conclusion, while the current level of transparency is insufficient, implementing stricter oversight and digital tools would significantly enhance accountability. Taking these steps is essential to rebuilding the bond between the government and its constituents.

(258 words)

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todos los puntos de la tarea? El lector debe quedar totalmente informado sin tener que buscar información faltante.
• Communicative Achievement: ¿Has mantenido el tono de un report (formal/objetivo)? ¿Has usado el lenguaje adecuado para tratar temas serios como la corrupción?
• Organisation: ¿El texto está dividido en párrafos lógicos con subtítulos? ¿La progresión de las ideas es fluida gracias al uso de conectores?
• Language: ¿Has utilizado vocabulario avanzado y estructuras gramaticales complejas (pasiva, condicionales, hedging)? ¿Hay errores que dificulten la comprensión?