Writing Workshop

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2 style)

Topic: Tax Policy, Inequality & Redistribution Type: Essay

Instructions: You have listened to a radio debate regarding how governments should address the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor. The speakers suggested two main approaches: increasing taxes on high earners to fund public services, or reducing taxes on businesses to encourage investment and job creation.

Write an essay discussing both these approaches. You should explain which approach you think would be more effective in reducing social inequality in the long term.

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

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para un essay, utiliza siempre una estructura de cuatro párrafos: Introducción (presentación del tema), Párrafo 1 (primer enfoque), Párrafo 2 (segundo enfoque) y Conclusión (tu opinión final).
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y académico. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y lenguaje coloquial. Usa la tercera persona o formas impersonales (It is often argued that...) para mantener la objetividad.
• Linking: No te limites a usar and o but. Utiliza conectores de nivel C1 como Furthermore, Nevertheless, Conversely o In light of the above para guiar al lector.
• Hedging (Lenguaje cauteloso): En temas de política económica, no hay verdades absolutas. Usa verbos modales (may, might, could) o expresiones como It is arguably the case that... para evitar sonar demasiado radical o dogmático.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a describir los enfoques. Debes analizar la viabilidad de cada uno. ¿Cuál es la ventaja? ¿Cuál es el riesgo? Esto demuestra pensamiento crítico.
• Time management: En el examen, dedica 5 minutos a planificar tus argumentos antes de escribir. No empieces a redactar sin saber qué conclusión vas a defender.

Useful language

Model answer

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The Dilemma of Wealth Redistribution

In recent years, the widening gap between different socioeconomic classes has become a primary concern for governments worldwide. This essay will examine two contrasting approaches to addressing inequality: increasing taxation on high earners and incentivising business investment through tax cuts.

On the one hand, many argue that progressive taxation is the most direct way to fund essential public services, such as education and healthcare. By redistributing wealth from the affluent to the state, governments can provide a social safety net that promotes upward mobility. While this approach risks discouraging high achievers, it ensures that the basic needs of the population are met, thereby reducing social tension.

Conversely, another school of thought suggests that lowering corporate taxes is a more effective catalyst for growth. The rationale is that such measures encourage investment and job creation, which theoretically benefits everyone through a "trickle-down" effect. However, critics often point out that this can lead to further wealth concentration if the generated capital is not reinvested into the workforce.

In conclusion, while both strategies have merit, I believe that a balanced approach is necessary. Nevertheless, if one must be prioritised, increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals to fund social infrastructure seems more sustainable. While business investment is vital, true equality can only be achieved when the foundational services of society are robustly funded, ensuring that every citizen has a fair starting point in life.

Marking checklist

• Content: Has the student addressed both approaches mentioned in the task and provided a clear opinion on which is more effective?
• Communicative Achievement: Is the tone consistently formal and academic? Does the writing use "hedging" to discuss complex political topics appropriately?
• Organisation: Are the ideas logically sequenced using advanced cohesive devices? Does the essay follow a clear four-paragraph structure?
• Language: Does the student use a wide range of C1-level vocabulary (e.g., socioeconomic, catalyst, upward mobility) and complex grammatical structures without making errors that impede communication?