Exercicis de writing B2 — Anglès 1r Batxillerat

You should commit to one position from the start, and every paragraph in the essay should support that same opinion (unlike the for-and-against essay, which presents both sides equally).

Neutral i objectiu: presenta els arguments a favor i en contra de manera equilibrada. L'opinió personal, si n'hi ha, va només a la conclusió.

Yours faithfully: it pairs with 'Dear Sir or Madam' (when you don't know the name). 'Yours sincerely' pairs with a letter that starts with the person's name (e.g. 'Dear Mr Smith').

La (b) és adequada.
La (a) és informal: usa una contracció (it's) i un mot col·loquial (rubbish). A la (b) hi ha una fórmula d'opinió (In my opinion) i un vocabulari neutre i precís (unrealistic).

Ordre: introduction → arguments for → arguments against → conclusion.
La introducció presenta el tema, els dos paràgrafs desenvolupen cada postura i la conclusió resumeix i, si cal, dona l'opinió personal.

(b) «Hi Laura,».
Als emails informals s'usen salutacions properes (Hi, Hello, Hey) i el nom de la persona. Les altres dues són formals i es reserven per a cartes oficials.

L'última: «In my opinion, phones should be banned in the classroom.»
És la thesis statement (tesi): diu clarament quina posició defensa l'autor. Les dues primeres només presenten el context.

Firstly – In addition – Finally.
Els marcadors ordenen els arguments: el primer obre la sèrie, el segon n'afegeix un altre i l'últim tanca la llista.

(b).
Una topic sentence presenta la idea principal del paràgraf, de manera general. Les altres dues són anècdotes que no introdueixen cap argument.

(a) fact: es pot comprovar.
(b) opinion: és una valoració personal i no es pot comprovar.
En un essay, les opinions s'han de recolzar amb fets i exemples.

Per exemple: 'To conclude, I firmly believe that homework should be kept, as it consolidates what students learn in class.' Reformula la tesi amb una fórmula de conclusió.

'It was raining; therefore, we cancelled the match' (també 'consequently'). 'So' es fa formal amb 'therefore'.

This is a good idea; however, it is expensive. (The contraction 'it's' becomes 'it is', and the informal connector 'but' becomes the more formal 'however'.)

Model: Hi Tom, How are you? Sorry I haven't written for ages! Guess what? Last weekend I went camping in the Pyrenees with my cousins. We hiked up to a lake and swam in freezing water, which was crazy but fun. In the evening we made a fire and told ghost stories until midnight. I was exhausted on Sunday, but it was worth it. What about you? Did you do anything special? Write back soon and tell me all your news! Take care, Marc (unes 90 paraules)

«It is widely believed that homework is useless.»
L'estructura impersonal (It is believed / said / thought that) és pròpia dels textos formals perquè evita el subjecte personal.

Model: «It could be argued that schools are wrong to ban phones.» o «Schools may be wrong to ban phones.»
Les expressions de cautela (could be argued, tend to, may, seems that) eviten afirmacions absolutes i fan l'argument més creïble.

Model: «Although some people claim that zoos protect species, most animals in zoos are not endangered.»
També: «Some people say that zoos protect species. However, only a small number of them take part in conservation programmes.»
L'estructura és: concessió (l'altre argument) + refutació.

Model: «Young people nowadays spend a great deal of time on their phones, which is highly harmful. I believe the government should take action.»
Kids → young people, loads of → a great deal of, really bad → harmful, I reckon → I believe.

(a) advantage; (b) drawback (o downside); (c) benefit.
Advantage i benefit són aspectes positius; drawback i downside són aspectes negatius. Variar el lèxic evita repetir good i bad.

Model: «To sum up, working from home offers flexibility and saves travelling time. However, it can also lead to isolation and a blurred line between work and private life. On balance, I believe a combination of home and office work is the best solution.»
Elements: resum dels dos costats, connector de balanç (on balance) i opinió personal.

Model: «Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing in response to the recent proposal to close the main street of our town centre to traffic. I would like to express my strong support for this plan, as I believe it would make the area safer, quieter and more attractive for both residents and visitors.»
Estructura: salutació, motiu de la carta, opinió clara. Es tanca amb Yours faithfully.

Introducció: el debat existeix i alguns països ja ho han fet.
A favor: (1) a 16 anys ja es paguen impostos si es treballa i es prenen decisions importants; (2) votar aviat crea l'hàbit de participar.
En contra: (1) molts joves encara no tenen prou informació política; (2) poden ser més influenciables per la família o les xarxes.
Conclusió: resum equilibrat i, si es vol, una opinió moderada (per exemple, provar-ho en eleccions municipals).

'I am writing to complain about a pair of headphones I ordered from your website on 3 March (order number 4527). Unfortunately, the left earphone stopped working after only two days. I would be grateful if you could send me a replacement or refund the full price. I look forward to hearing from you within the next fourteen days.'

Email model (95 paraules):
Hi Jordi,
Thanks for your message! It was great to hear about your new school. You asked me about the summer, so here is my news. In July I worked at a summer camp near the mountains. It was exhausting at times, but the kids were fantastic, and I learnt to stay calm when everything goes wrong! In August my family and I went camping in Galicia. It rained a lot, but the beaches were amazing. Anyway, what about you? Are you still playing basketball? Write back soon and tell me everything.
Take care,
Laia
Trets informals: salutació 'Hi', contraccions, exclamacions, connectors col·loquials ('Anyway', 'so'), preguntes directes i comiat 'Take care'.

Model: «Hi Marc, Thanks for your email! It sounds like a tough decision. Personally, I think you should go for the bigger university. For one thing, you'd have more courses to choose from, and you'd meet people from all over the country. Besides, living away from home teaches you to be independent. Of course, I know you'd miss your family and it might be expensive. But you could visit them at weekends, couldn't you? Anyway, why don't you visit both places before deciding? Let me know what you think! Take care, Laura»
Elements: salutació, resposta al motiu, opinió amb arguments, contraargument, pregunta/suggeriment i comiat informal.

Model:
Introduction: context + tesi («I strongly believe zoos should be banned»).
Reason 1: animals suffer in small spaces (example: big cats pacing in cages).
Reason 2: education can be done by documentaries and nature reserves.
Counter-argument + refutation: «Some argue zoos protect endangered species; however, few zoos take part in real conservation.»
Conclusion: reafirma la tesi amb altres paraules.
Un opinion essay defensa una sola posició a tot arreu.

Model: «Firstly, social media can damage young people's mental health. Many teenagers compare their lives with the perfect images they see online, and this often makes them feel anxious or insecure. For example, a student who spends hours looking at other people's holidays may feel his own life is boring. As a result, he may become less confident and more isolated. This clearly shows that social media does more harm than good.»
Estructura: topic sentence – raó – exemple – conseqüència – enllaç amb la tesi.

Punts febles: (1) generalitzacions absolutes (everybody, all); (2) afirmacions sense proves ni exemples; (3) registre massa informal i col·loquial (kids, stupid); (4) falta de connectors i de matisos.
Reescriptura: «Many people argue that video games can have a negative effect on young players.»

Model: «Every morning, millions of students around the world put on their school uniform. Although this is a long-standing tradition in many countries, it is still a controversial issue. This essay will consider both the advantages and the disadvantages of wearing a uniform at school.»
Falta l'opinió personal: en un for-and-against es reserva per a la conclusió.

Model: «Traffic is a major problem in most cities. Some people believe cars should be banned from city centres, while others disagree. This essay will examine both sides.
On the one hand, banning cars would reduce air pollution and noise. Moreover, streets would be safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Finally, the space could be used for parks, markets and terraces.
On the other hand, some people depend on their cars to get to work, especially if public transport is limited. In addition, shops might lose customers who find it difficult to carry heavy bags without a car. Furthermore, delivery services would need special permits.
To sum up, a ban has clear environmental benefits, but it could cause problems for workers and businesses. In my opinion, the best solution is to restrict cars gradually while improving public transport.»
Comprova: 4 paràgrafs, connectors, to formal i opinió només a la conclusió.

Model de resposta (uns 160 mots):
Social networks are part of teenagers' daily lives, but in my opinion access to them should be banned for under-16s.
First of all, young adolescents are particularly vulnerable to online pressure. Constant comparison with edited photographs can damage their self-esteem and, according to several studies, increase anxiety. Secondly, social media is designed to be addictive, so children often lose hours that should be devoted to sleep and homework. As a result, their school performance suffers. In addition, they are constantly exposed to content that is unsuitable for their age.
Admittedly, some people argue that a ban would be impossible to enforce and that it would cut teenagers off from their friends. However, age verification is already used in other sectors, and young people can stay in touch through messaging apps supervised by their families.
To sum up, I firmly believe that protecting children's well-being is more important than their convenience. Therefore, governments should require platforms to verify the age of their users.
Claus de correcció: (1) tesi clara des de la introducció; (2) arguments desenvolupats i contraargument rebatut; (3) registre formal, connectors variats i extensió dins del marge.

Model de resposta (uns 125 mots):
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the council's plan to close the public library in our neighbourhood in order to save money.
Firstly, the library is much more than a place to borrow books. Many students without a quiet room at home depend on it to study, and elderly residents attend its free workshops. Furthermore, closing it would mean that the nearest library would be a forty-minute bus ride away, which is unrealistic for many families.
I understand that the council must balance its budget; nevertheless, culture and education should not be the first areas to suffer cuts. I therefore urge the council to explore alternatives, such as reduced opening hours.
Yours faithfully,
A concerned resident
Claus de correcció: (1) 'Dear Sir or Madam' + 'Yours faithfully'; (2) motiu, arguments i petició clara; (3) registre formal sense contraccions.

a) Punts febles: (1) obertura tòpica ('Nowadays everybody'); (2) la tesi és circular ('bad because they are bad') i no dona cap motiu; (3) anuncia el tema en lloc de plantejar el debat; (4) el 'Thanks for reading' és inadequat en un text formal.
b) Model: Mobile phones have transformed the way teenagers communicate, study and spend their free time. Although they undoubtedly offer convenience, I believe that their constant use is damaging young people's concentration and sleep. This essay will argue that schools and families should set clear limits on phone use.
Clau: la nova versió té context, concessió i tesi amb el seu fonament.

Model de resposta (uns 65 mots):
Cycling to school has clear benefits. To begin with, it provides daily exercise, which improves both health and concentration. In addition, it saves families the cost of bus tickets and reduces pollution. Admittedly, dangerous roads and bad weather can discourage some students. Nevertheless, safe cycle lanes and waterproof clothing can overcome these obstacles, so overall I believe that cycling is the best way to get to school.
Claus: frase temàtica, tots els punts de les notes, connectors de seqüència i de contrast, i una conclusió que torna a la tesi.

Respostes model (altres versions equivalents són vàlides):
a) It could be argued that violent video games may contribute to aggressive behaviour in some teenagers.
b) It is widely believed that homework has limited value.
c) Fewer young people seem to read books than in the past.
d) Tourism can have a negative impact on small towns when it is not managed properly.
e) Teachers play a key role in solving this problem, although they are unlikely to succeed alone.
Claus: eliminar 'everybody', 'nobody', 'only'; fer servir modals (may, can), 'seem', 'tend' i estructures impersonals.

Model de resposta (uns 60 mots):
Some people claim that a later start would force parents to adjust their working hours. This concern is understandable; however, it overlooks the evidence that teenagers learn better when they have slept enough. Moreover, many companies already offer flexible schedules, so families could adapt gradually. In short, the benefits to students' health and results outweigh the inconvenience for adults.
Estructura: (1) presentar l'argument contrari, (2) reconèixer-ne la part de raó, (3) rebatre'l amb dades o lògica, (4) tornar a la tesi.

Model de resposta (uns 130 mots):
Subject: Application for volunteer work at the summer camp
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for a volunteer position at this year's summer camp. I am a seventeen-year-old student and I am very interested in working with children.
I believe I am suitable for the post because I have helped as an assistant in a primary school football team for two years. Moreover, I am patient, organised and used to working in a group.
I am available from the first of July until the end of August, except for the last week of July. Could you please let me know whether any training is required before the camp starts?
I would be grateful for a reply at your earliest convenience.
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
Claus de correcció: assumpte, registre formal, quatre punts coberts i comiat adequat.

Model de resposta (uns 155 mots):
Since the pandemic, online learning has become a common alternative to traditional classes. This essay considers the advantages and disadvantages of studying from home.
On the one hand, online courses offer flexibility. Students can follow lessons at their own pace and from any place, which is especially useful for those who live far from school. Moreover, recorded lessons can be watched repeatedly, which helps in revising difficult topics. Finally, the savings on transport can make education accessible to far more people.
On the other hand, there are significant drawbacks. Learners need considerable self-discipline, and many struggle to stay motivated without a teacher present. In addition, spending hours alone in front of a screen may leave students feeling isolated and deprive them of the social contact that school provides.
In conclusion, online learning has clear benefits, but it is unlikely to replace face-to-face teaching completely. In my opinion, a combination of both is the most effective option.
Claus de correcció: to neutre al cos, un paràgraf per als avantatges i un altre per als inconvenients, opinió només al final.

Model de resposta (uns 195 mots):
Obesity rates among children have risen alarmingly in recent decades, and sugary drinks are widely regarded as one of the main causes. In my view, governments are fully justified in imposing a specific tax on them.
The most compelling argument is public health. Studies in several countries suggest that taxes of this kind reduce consumption, particularly among low-income households, where the risk of diet-related diseases is highest. Fewer cases of diabetes and heart disease would, in turn, relieve the pressure on health services. Furthermore, the revenue could be reinvested in school meals and sports facilities, so that the measure would benefit those who need it most.
Opponents claim that such a tax is unfair because it penalises people who cannot afford healthier alternatives. While this objection deserves to be taken seriously, it overlooks the fact that the poorest families bear the greatest burden of obesity-related illness. In addition, a tax that encourages manufacturers to reduce the sugar content of their products produces benefits for everybody.
To conclude, a tax on sugary drinks is a modest but effective tool. Provided that the revenue is used wisely, I am convinced that the advantages clearly outweigh the drawbacks.
Claus de correcció: (1) tesi precisa; (2) arguments recolzats en dades o raonaments, no en anècdotes; (3) contraargument reconegut i rebatut; (4) registre formal i connectors variats.

Model de resposta (uns 190 mots):
Tourism is a major source of income for many coastal towns, yet it also brings pressures that local residents find increasingly hard to bear. This essay examines whether limiting the number of visitors would be a sensible solution.
On the one hand, restrictions could protect the environment and improve residents' quality of life. Overcrowded beaches suffer erosion and litter, and water and energy supplies are put under severe strain during the summer. Furthermore, a cap on visitors could reduce the rise in housing prices, which has made it difficult for young local people to find an affordable home.
On the other hand, limiting tourist numbers could harm the local economy. Hotels, restaurants and shops depend heavily on seasonal income, and a drop in visitors might lead to job losses. In addition, it is far from clear how such a limit could be enforced fairly without discouraging the very people who bring prosperity.
In conclusion, both sides raise valid concerns. On balance, I believe that towns should not impose a rigid limit but rather manage tourism through measures such as higher prices in peak season and better distribution of visitors throughout the year.
Claus de correcció: introducció que plantegi el debat, paràgrafs diferenciats d'avantatges i inconvenients en to objectiu, i conclusió amb opinió matisada.

Model de resposta (uns 155 mots):
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing in response to your recent article advocating compulsory voting. While I agree that low turnout is a worrying sign for democracy, I do not believe that obliging citizens to vote is the right remedy.
Firstly, voting is a right, and a right implies the freedom not to exercise it. Forcing people to the polls may therefore be regarded as an infringement of individual liberty. Secondly, citizens who vote reluctantly and without information are likely to cast random or protest ballots, which would distort rather than improve the representation of public opinion.
A more effective approach would be to address the causes of abstention. Civic education in schools, simpler registration procedures and clearer political programmes would encourage participation without resorting to penalties.
In short, a healthy democracy needs engaged citizens, not coerced ones. I hope that your readers will consider these alternatives.
Yours faithfully,
A concerned reader
Claus de correcció: motiu de la carta, concessió, arguments ordenats, alternativa i comiat formal.

Model de resposta (uns 65 mots):
Many people believe that young people spend an excessive amount of time on their mobile phones, and this view appears to be justified. Phones interfere with homework, and numerous teenagers suffer from poor sleep as a result of using them. Nevertheless, an outright ban would be impractical. It would be preferable for parents to discuss with their children how much time they should devote to their devices.
Claus: sense contraccions ni col·loquialismes (loads of, way too, reckon, basically, anyway); preguntes retòriques col·loquials eliminades; connector formal.

a) (1) redundància: 'In my opinion I think'. (2) generalització sense proves. (3) anècdota personal en lloc d'evidència. (4) errors de llengua ('can't to live') i connector 'also' mal col·locat; 'because' no justifica res. (5) llenguatge col·loquial i desqualificador ('rubbish'), 'persons' en lloc de 'people', i contraargument no rebatut. (6) conclusió abrupta, informal i sense resum.
b) (1) In my opinion, zoos are an unacceptable form of captivity. (També 'I believe that...'.)
(5) Although some people argue that zoos help to protect endangered species, only a small proportion of the animals kept in captivity are ever released into the wild.
Claus: eliminar redundàncies, apuntalar amb dades i refutar el contraargument amb un to cortès.

a) C: pren posició (schools should embrace), reconeix una limitació (concessió) i anticipa dos arguments (personalització i temps dels docents). A és una afirmació buida; B no pren partit; D només anuncia el tema.
b) Model: Although mobile phones can be useful tools for older students, they should be banned in primary schools because they distract young children and hinder face-to-face social development.
Claus: una bona tesi té postura, matís i raons.

1. 'the technology have' → technology has (sense article, 3a persona del singular).
2. 'it exist' → there are (serious doubts).
3. 'Despite of the fact' → Despite the fact (o 'In spite of the fact').
4. 'during long periods' → for long periods ('for' amb durada).
5. 'teachers says' → teachers say.
6. 'In the other hand' → On the other hand.
7. 'I'd say' → I would argue (registre formal, sense contracció).
8. 'controled' → controlled (es dobla la l).

Respostes model:
a) If we do not protect our beaches, who will? (o 'How can we call ourselves responsible if we neglect our beaches?').
b) Cities need to be cleaner, safer and quieter.
c) Although electric cars are expensive, they are undoubtedly the future.
d) What we need is better public transport.
Claus: cada recurs ha de ser identificable i mantenir el sentit.

Respostes model (altres sinònims precisos són acceptables):
big → serious / pressing / major.
get (new laws) → introduce / pass / enact.
do something about → tackle / address / combat.
bad (pollution) → severe / harmful / widespread.
a lot of → a great many / numerous / a large number of.
think that → believe / assume / are convinced that.
needs → requires / calls for.
Clau: evitar els verbs i adjectius genèrics (get, do, big, bad) i escollir paraules que col·loquin bé (tackle a problem, introduce legislation).

Model de resposta (uns 65 mots):
Every year, thousands of Catalan students spend months preparing for the university entrance exams, and their final marks decide which degree they can study. Although a numerical system is undoubtedly transparent, I believe that access to university should not depend exclusively on exam results. This essay will argue that other factors, such as continuous assessment and motivation, give a fairer picture of a student's potential.
Claus: gancho concret, context, concessió i tesi amb l'anunci dels arguments.

Model de resposta (uns 55 mots):
To sum up, teaching young people how to manage money is not a luxury but a necessity. By understanding budgets, loans and savings, students can avoid unnecessary debt and gain the independence they will need as adults. Schools therefore have a responsibility to include this subject in the curriculum, and governments should act without delay.
Claus: reformulació (no copia), resum dels dos arguments i recomanació final; no introdueix idees noves.

a) Pla model. Tesi: students should not work during term time. Argument 1: tiredness reduces concentration and lowers marks. Argument 2: free time is needed for rest, sport and social life. Contraargument: working brings money and experience. Refutació: those benefits can be obtained in the holidays without harming studies. Conclusió: reafirma la tesi i proposa treballar a l'estiu.
b) Model (uns 55 mots): It is true that part-time jobs give students money and experience. However, these benefits can be obtained just as well during the summer holidays, when young people can work without sacrificing their studies. Furthermore, the skills acquired in a temporary job rarely compensate for the damage caused by exhaustion during the school year.
Clau: tria un costat, no repeteix la llista neutra.