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19 May 2011

FCE - An Essay

You have had a class discussion on how interested young people are in health and fitness. Now, your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinions on the following statement:

Young people generally don't pay enough attention to their health and fitness.

Health and Fitness

Nowadays, health and fitness is a matter of great importance. Health problems caused by our sedentary lifestyles are very common these days, especially in young people who generally don’t pay enough attention to it. As a consequence of this, ignoring the negative effects on their daily lives can lead to a not very favourable result.

Young people tend to spend too much time in front of a computer late at night and don’t have enough sleeping hours. What is more, they usually have a small breakfast before going to their daily activities and at the end of the day they feel stressed because they lack of energy which was not supplied by a decent breakfast or meal during the day.

However, a big percentage of young people are interested in getting fit. They care about their diet and go to a gym or do any sort of exercises which keeps them in shape.

Whatever your age, it’s important to get enough exercise. So think about joining a gym or go for a regular walk or run.

word count: 176

18 May 2011

FCE - A Letter

This is a reply to a friend who is thinking of visiting your country and has asked you to advise her where to go, what to see and what is the best way to get there.

Dear Valerie,

I’m very glad to hear that you’re thinking of visiting my country this summer. You can enjoy striking countryside and scenery in many parts of the country, although Peru's climate varies considerably by region and altitude.

If you want somewhere where weather is temperate, I’d advise you to go to Canta, in the northeast of Lima. It’s a typical village where you can find some nice waterfalls scattered throughout the land as the Velo de la Novia in the highest part of the territory.

If you want to see wildlife, there is no question that Manu is the best bet. I'm sure you will love to see the dolphins in the rivers and many monkey species.

The most common route to get to Canta, starting from Lima is via the Panamericana Norte Highway, heading to the Avenida Universitaria to then exit through Carabayllo entering a road that will take you to the northeast, towards Canta.

I hope you enjoy your holiday and have good weather!

Best wishes,

Altair

word count: 170

25 April 2011

FCE - A Story

Writing task:

You have decided to enter a short story competition in an English-language magazine. The competition rules say that the story must end with these words:

That one meeting made it a day I will never forget.

And here it goes my own composition for this writing task in advanced 4.

Tittle

At the age of eight, I clearly remember my father getting ready to go through a thick forest to visit my grandmother. It was a sunny morning in Requena, a village in Ucayali. I just was thrilled about the idea of having that adventure that I got ready as soon as he told me to go with him.

During the journey everything seemed to go well, when suddenly some clouds gathered over the forest and it started to drizzle, however, we kept on walking. Once we arrived in a little cottage, I was so tired that I got slept while my father went out to hunt.

Later when I woke up, I realized that I was alone. At that time, I was so frightened that I decided to look for him around the cottage. A woman came to me and told me that she knew where my father was. I followed her, but couldn’t see her face. Then my father appeared with a little deer on his shoulders. That one meeting made it a day I will never forget.

word count: 179

20 March 2011

FCE - A Review

This was the writing task I did in advanced 2, Let me know if you found any mistake.

Writing task:
You have seen this announcement in your local English-language newspaper.

Have you eaten at a local restaurant? If so, why not write a review for our Food section, telling other readers what the restaurant and its food is like?

San Caferino Restaurant

I love Italian food, especially pasta, so I decided to try San Caferino which is on 2 de Mayo Avenue.

For me, first impressions count, and when I got into the restaurant, it made me feel comfortable as though it was home. The lighting was harmoniously arranged, everything was neat and tidy. The waiters were welcoming and hospitable, and not cold as is often the case in some of the city’s more popular restaurants.

As I was eating a tasty starter with and special friend, we managed to sample the specialty of the house and I must say that it was easily the most delectable Italian dish I have ever tried.

My friend and I felt that we were given really good value for money, because the meal came to about $20 per person which we thought was very reasonable.

In my opinion, the things that made it the most enduring experience were definitely the warm atmosphere and the quality of service. I highly recommend visiting it.

word count: 167

16 March 2011

FCE - An Article

I regret I'm not good at giving titles to my compositions so here you have an article sample I presented in advanced 3. As always, let me know if you found any grammar slip, I'll be very grateful.

Title

We are responsible for the future of our planet; however, over the last fifty years the Earth has experienced changes that have terrible effects on the present. One of them is the global warming and the other is relevant to natural resources’ depletion.

From my perspective, one way to reduce atmospheric pollution is by investing great amounts of money in scientific research in order to find and develop an alternative energy source, for example solar panels. Just a few countries have this technology widely spread because it is quite expensive.

The second big problem is about the depletion of natural resources as wood from rainforests. It seems that there is no serious agreement on this issue, and therefore, in perhaps twenty years time; people will have to buy fresh artificial air to survive.

I personally think that we are not ready to handle with these and many other problems, but all is not lost and we can enhance the life quality our children will have by looking for ways to not waste energy.

word count: 171

FCE - An Application Letter

This is a simple application letter I presented as part of the writing task in advanced 3. Please, if you found any mistake, just let me know.

Dear Mr Reid,

I am writing to apply for the position of sports supervisor which I saw advertised on the internet.

I am a 24-year-old student from Peru. I am currently doing a course in teaching methodology and I have an advanced command of English. I regret I have had no experience of this kind of work; however, I have worked as a teacher in a music academy aimed at children.

I am interested in doing this job since it would give me the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and greatly enrich my cultural background. I think I would be a suitable candidate for this job as I am a very caring and good-natured person.

Could you please tell me what salary you are offering for this job? I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience. Please contact me to provide references if you have any further queries.

Yours sincerely,
Altair

02 March 2011

FCE - An Email

This is my own answer to the writing task in advanced 1. There were four points to deal with and it was written in a slightly informal register.

Hi Laryssa,

Thanks for your email. I’m thrilled at the idea that you're coming to Lima. Personally, I think the best time to come is at the beginning of the year when things are cheaper.

If you want to meet young people, I recommend that you visit a university campus. It would be great too if you come to my neighbourhood, so I could organise a small party. The weather is slightly warm, so you should bring just light clothes, sunglasses and some hats to avoid a sunburn.

Thanks for inviting me to spend time with your friends I’m eager to meet them. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fun together. I’ll take you to meet many places in my town I'm sure you will enjoy. Let me know when you’re coming!

Best wishes,
Altair