NARRATIVE - FCE

That day my life change forever. Our local children’s hospital needed to raise money or it would close, so I decided to take part in a six-day sponsored walk along 90km of the Great Wall of China. At the time I didn’t realise what an incredible challenge it would be.

Before I went I thought that I would be walking on a flat surface but when I saw the Great Wall my heart sank. Part of the time we would be trekking up hundreds of 60cm high steps, some of the paths were 30cm wide with steep falls either side and there was nowhere else to go because we were surrounded by mountains and forests. I was terrified, and at the end of the first day my body ached all over. However, on the third day I started to love the experience. I was in one of the most amazing places on earth and the views were incredible.

Every year now I challenge myself to do something that I wouldn’t normally do and this year I’m planning to cycle across Cuba!

INFORMAL LETTER - FCE

Dear Ana

I hear you’re looking for a pen friend and so am I! Let me tell you a little bit about myself and my family.

My name is Ivan and I live in Prague. I used to work for a chemical company but now I’m learning to be a salesman. In the future I want a job where I can travel for my work. I’ve already been to a few places in Europe, but I’ve never been to your country.

I live at home with my parents, which is comfortable as I don’t have to do much housework. My younger brother is studying at university. Although he is four years younger than me , we get on quite well. We both enjoy snow-boarding and music.

What about you? Do you ever get the chance to travel? It would be great to meet you one day. Why don´t you come to Prague next summer? Next time I write I’ll send you a photo.

Best wishes

Ivan

FORMAL LETTER – FCE

LETTER OF APPLICATION
Dear Sir or madam

I am looking for outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the 

position of hotel lifeguard which I saw advertised in my university’s  student newspaper.

I am 20 years old and at present  I  am studying Physical Education. I am a strong swimmer and have recently had first aid training. I very much enjoy working with people and for the last two 

summers I have been working as an assistant ranger in a National Park, where I had to provide 

information to the public about using the park and provide emergency assistance to the users.

Now I am looking for something different.

I think I would be a suitable candidate for the position because I have been described as calm in a crisis an someone who works well with others.

I am available for the whole of August and would be happy to attend an interview at any time. 

I look forward to hearing  from you in the near future.

Yours faithfully

Michael Charles

TRANSACTIONAL LETTER – FORMAL - FCE

Dear Sir or Madam

I am the secretary of my college Science Club. I saw your advertisement for the exhibition “The Next 100 Years” and I am interested in organising a group visit. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about it.

I would be grateful if you could let me know whether we need to book, and if so, how far in advance do we need to say that we will be coming? Our group is quite large, so I would also like to know if there is a maximum size for a group.

Since we will probably coming for the whole day, I would like to know if there is anywhere to buy snacks, or if there is a picnic area where we can eat our own food.

I look forward to hearing from you and visiting your museum.

Yours faithfully

Toni Hidalgo (Ms)

TRANSACTIONAL LETTER – INFORMAL - FCE

Dear Sue,

It was great to hear from you and I’m really excited that you’re coming to visit me. You and Tom don’t need to stay in a hotel – you can both stay at my house.

It’s quite easy to get here from the conference centre as there’s a fast train every hour and it’s only 20 minutes away. If you call me I’ll pick you up at the station.

My town’s fairly small so there isn’t much to do but you really must visit the castle, which is incredibly old. There’s quite a large park, which is a lovely place for a picnic in the summer.

It tends to be very hot here in July, so just bring a few casual clothes such as shorts and T-shirts.

Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know – just call or email. I can’t wait to see you again.

Love

Daisy

MORE USEFUL PHRASES

OFFERING A TENTATIVE OPINION
I'm not sure...
Probably...
Perhaps...
Maybe...
It's very difficult..., but I think...
It's not something I feel very strongly about, but...


DEVELOPING THE DISCUSSION
I'd like to add something...
There's something else I'd like to say...
I couldn't have put it better myself.


OFFERING A STRONG OPINION
Actually, I feel quite strongly that...
I'm quite certain that...
I know for a fact that...
I really don't think it is right that...


EXPRESSING AGREEMENT
Could I just add that...?
Exactly!

SPEAKING - HOW TO START

INITIATING/FOCUSING
So we have to...
Shall we talk about...first?
Shall we start with this picture?
I think we need to...
We have to choose...
What do you think about...?


OPINIONS/VIEWS/IDEAS
What do you think about...?
It seems to me that...
I think...
What do you think?
From what I know...
In my opinion...
As far as I'm concerned...
Personally speaking...
Could I just add that...?
If I might come in here...
Don`t you think...?
I've heard...
I'm sure...


AGREEING
That's a good point.
I think you are right about that.
I hadn't (really) thought of that.
That's a good idea!
That's exactly what I think.


DISAGREEING
I see what you mean, but don't you think...?
Yes, but isn't it true that...?
I'm not so sure about that. Do you think...?
I don't really agree with you about that because...
But do you really think it's a good idea to...?
That's a good point but I think...beacuse...


CONCLUDING
So, what shall we say...?
So, what do you think?
I think this is the best idea because...
Ok, shall we say...?
Do you agree? 

SPEAKING -USEFUL PHRASES

COMPARING AND CONTRASTING


Both of these...
Neither of these...
One of these...., while the other...
This one......, but on the other hand that one...
This picture..., whereas the other...


SPECULATING


It's hard to say, but I think...
It looks like...
I'd say...
It must be...
It might be...
It could be...
It can't be...
I don't think it...., because


EXPRESSING OPINIONS


Personally, I...
I've never thought about it, but I suppose...
I don't really like...but if I had to choose...
It seems to me that...

SPEAKING - FCE- Pictures

BE PREPARED TO UNDERSTAND AND ANSWER THIS KIND OF QUESTIONS:

Why do you think...is important to the different groups of people?

What do you think the people will...?

How successful might these suggestions be?

Which two would attract more people?

SPEAKING - FCE

YOU MAY BE ASKED:

What do you like about living in your country?

Do you like going to parties?

What kind of work would you like to do in the future?

Do you use the internet to learn new things?

Are you happier doing mental or physical work?

BE PREPARED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT:

• LIKES AND DISLIKES
• EDUCATION AND BRINGING-UP
• LEISURE TIME
• HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL
• THE MEDIA AND ADVERTISING
• LIFESTYLES
• ART
• SPORT
• FAMILY LIFE
• JOBS AND PROFESSIONS
• RELATIONSHIPS
• LIFE IN DIFFERENT PLACES
• TECHNOLOGY
• CHALLLENGES

SPEAKING - FCE

BE PREPARED TO:

• TALK ABOUT YOURSELF
• GIVE OPINIONS
• ASK SOMEONE TO REPEAT OR EXPLAIN
• AGREE AND DISAGREE

SPEAKING - CAE -pictures

BE PREPARED TO UNDERSTAND AND ANSWER THIS KIND OF QUESTIONS:

What different aspects of.....do these pictures show?

How might the people be feeling in each situation?

How do these pictures show........?

Which picture best reflects.....?

Who is/seems to be enjoying the most?

Who seems to need/be needing.....the most?

How important is......in each situation?

Which picture best convey the idea of...?

How difficult may it be for each of them to...?

What might these people's motivation to....be?

What might the occation for.......be?

Which situation would you prefer to be in?

Which picture is the most appropriate to ...?

Which photos are not appropriate to...?

SPEAKING - CAE

THINK ALSO ABOUT YOU IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

You should have something to say about each

SPORTS

LEISURE INTERESTS

WORK AND STUDY

FAMILY

TRAVEL AND HOLIDAYS ENTERTAINMENT

EXPERIENCES

DAILY LIFE

FUTURE PLANS

SPEAKING - CAE

Where are you from?

How long have you been studying English?

What do you enjoy most about learning English?

What are your interests and leisure activities?

What's your happiest memory of school?

If you had the opportunity to learn something new, what would you choose?

Would you consider living abroad permanently?

Are you someone who likes to plan for the future or do you prefer to let things happen?

What part of the day do you enjoy most?

What do you like to do at weekends?

FORMAL LETTER - CAE

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I saw your recent editorial about the Uluru National Park and I am writing to say I cannot agree with your criticisms of the Anangu policy of restricting tourism. Uluru is a sacred site for the Anangu, who have been there for over 20,000 years, and while 400,000 tourists a year may not be huge numbers in national terms, it is still a lot.

I agree that tourism is important to the Anangu, but it needs to be managed so that its sacred sites are respected. For example, the Anangu themselves never climb the rock, and in my view, tourists should be prevented from doing so out of respect for the Anangu's traditions.

I also think the Anangu should have a much greater role in how the site is promoted and in tour organisation. At the moment, most Anangu are only able to get low-paid seasonal employment, and the profits from tourism go to outsiders. However, they are trying, through the Culture Centre, to encourage a greater understanding of all aspects of their culture, not just the rock.

If the Government wants to increase tourism to Uluru, which seems to be its aim, it must do so with the Anangu and implement measures to reduce environmental damage.

REPORT - CAE

JULY FUND-RAISING DAY

INTRODUCTION

This report is intended to:

1 give an overview of our recent fund-raising dayfor your charity;

2 indicate who raised the money and how;

3 make recommendations for next year.

OVERVIEW

On 22 july this year, a substantial sum of money was raised for the charity. The total raised for disadvantaged children exceeded the sum achieved last year. In the main, the day was very successful.

PARTICIPATION

Most of the 50 volunteers were students from university.

HOW THE MONEY WAS RAISED

The largest part of the total raised (40%) came from visiting houses and knocking on doors.

Collections were also carried out in the street,accounting for 30%, and we raised a further 20% from a jumble sale. The remainder came from a variety of sources.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In the light of this year's experience, I would make the following recommendations:

1 that we organise a wider variety of activities, including street parties (if we could make them work successfully);

2 since some members of the public thought our street collectors were not legitimate fund raisers, we should, in future, issue them with special badges to avoid misunderstanding-

CONCLUSION

To sum up, I would say that this year's fund-raising day was a great success and that we could make it even more successful next year.

CHARACTER REFERENCES - CAE

Anna Kurtz

I have known Anna Kurtz for six years, both as a colleague and a friend. We first met at secondary school when we did two weeks' work experience together in a local kindergarten. Since then, I have got to know her very well and have come to appreciate her many talents. At present, we are both at the same teaching training college, learning to become primary-level teachers.

Whatever she does, Anna brings two outstanding qualities to her work_ a sense of responsibility and her ability to handle new and unexpected situations calmly and sensibly. She has always proved herself to be honest and hard-working in whatever professional situation she finds herself in, and gives the impression that she is acting in the best interest of others.

With children, Anna inspires confidence. She has a strong sense of discipline, yet children find her fun. In schools where we work, she is much liked and respected.

I regret having to say anything negative about Anna, but in the classroom she is not always very tidy. As a colleague this can sometimes be irritating, and it is all the more surprising because her bedroom in college is meticulously neat and clean. Nevertheless, it is not a major problem and doesn't really interfere with Anna's ability to do a good job.

For the reasons I have given, I have no hesitation in supporting Anna's application as an au pair. I believe she would care for your two young children very well.

REVIEW FOR AN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC MAGAZINE - CAE

REVIEW OF TWO DIFFERENT AUDIO CDs

You might think that Diana Krall and Eminem could have nothing in common, but you'd be wrong.
In The Girl in the Other Room, Diana Krall, the marvellously talented jazz pianist with the wonderful singing voice, explore her musical depths in a number of moving interpretations of modern standards. In the Eminem Show, the notorious rapper, whose controversial lyrics have shocked the world, produces tracks that are raw with thundering rhythms. While Krall's music takes us back to an earlier era and appeals to the mature young and middle-aged audience who like their music safe, Eminence seems to threaten society as we know it and is the standard-bearer for angry, dispossessed youth. And yet both have a kind of sincerity and honesty in what they do, as they try to explore the possibilities of their art. In this album, Krall is experimenting with different formats and exposing her audience to new material in an attempt to create something that is truly original. These beautifully recorded songs are a mixture of her own and adaptations of such singers as Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt. Each song is wonderful, and Krall's voice and style fits in perfectly with each song she sings. Although they are quite sad, they are no way depressing. Eminen, too, likes his material downbeat, as he explores his life, loves and failures with surprising insight and honesty. In every song there is genius. So, two very different artists, but what they have in common is creativity and integrity. They are two great talents.

REVIEW FOR AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MAGAZINE - CAE

TWO TV PROGRAMMES OF SIMILAR GENRE

If you like to watch ordinary people make fool of themselves, then these two programmes could be for you.
In Big Brother, ten contestants are locked into a house, with no contact with the outside world.
Every week the TV audience vote one of them out, and the final person left in the house wins the prize. During the week the producers give the contestants tasks to make the show interesting. Of course, how interesting the programme is depends on the personalities and how they get on. Some people have found the show riveting, but personally I found it excruciatingly boring.
Survivor is considerably more interesting and, at its best, is absolutely hilarious. While Big Brother stretches over an interminable nine weeks, Survivor lasts only 39 days and has 16 contestants, thrown together in a remote part of the world. The basic idea is that they have to compete against each other and survive a number of physical and psychological challenges, then vote each other out of the game one by one. Of course, hidden cameras pick up everything, and there are some terrific shots, not only of the contestants making fools of themselves, but of exotic wildlife, too.
However, despite the many amusing moments, I have to admit I found the programme a bit flat at times, depending on which personality was being focused on.
If I had to choose one programme, though, there's no doubt which one I'd choose. Quite simply, Survivor is fun, Big Brother is a bore!

PROPOSAL - CAE

PROPOSALS FOR INCREASING CENTRE ATTENDANCE
Introduction
The main aim of this proposal is to make suggestions for improving sales. Having look at customer feedback I have considered whether it is necessary to extend our facilities and looked at different ways of increasing our public profile.

Suggestions and recommendations
Facilities
It is clear from feedback that our customers think that our facilities are already of a high standard, sufficient in number and do not have to be extended.
Publicity material
With regards to our website, the general view seems to be that it is inefficient. Search engines frequently fail to locate it, and it is poorly designed and very slow making it difficult for customers to find their way around. We propose getting a web-design company to overhaul the sight.
Special events
The centre has not been featured in the local media for some time, and we are therefore currently underexposed. It would be a good idea to invite local journalists to the centre on a regular basis.
Perhaps the most effective way of increasing visitor numbers would be to offer discounted rates for school parties at quiet times.

Conclusion
If the centre is to increase sales, it is vital that we introduce some, if not all, of the above measures.

ARTICLES - CAE

Thanks to her role as Peggy on television's Alimony Street, hers is a household name. And much like the TV character she plays, she exudes an air of innocence and helplessness that has found her a place in the general public's heart and which has taken her so far in such a short space of time. However, initial appeareance can be deceptive, and I soon learnt what people mean when they say that we shouldn't take others at face value. After only ten minutes in her presence, I began to suspect that under the childlike veneer she employs so well on the screen there lurks a mature and determined woman who doesn't suffer fools gladly, enjoys having power over others and never, ever takes "no" for an answer. So it didn't come as too much of a shock to me when I found myself on her wrong side by asking about her current boyfriend. Without warning, she dropped the sweet, innocent act and told me,in no uncertain terms, to "change the subject right now or get out". Here, then, there's a private wolf in public sheep's clothing.

ARTICLES - CAE

The public has an insatiable appetite for news of their favourite celebrities, and I must admit that I was quite excited to get the chance to interview her. Here, after all, was the most glamorous female star to have appear on our cinema screens for years. But what we see on film and what we get in reality are often two different things, and this was no exception. Not for me the tall, slim, sharp-dressed starlet with a twinkle in her eyes, a toothpaste smile and charming manners. When I was shown into her dressing-room, I got a rather short,slightly overweight, bad-tempered teenage girl in scruffy casual clothes who scowled at me all the way through the interview, refused to answer half my questions and couldn't pay attention for more than a few minutes. It certainly gave me a different perspective on fame. I guess rudeness goes hand in hand with those like her who achieve celebrity status!

ARTICLES - CAE

ARTICLE
He's made a big-screen living playing a vast array of violent roles, whether as a gangster, a corrupt policeman or a sadistic army sergeant. So to meet him in the flesh really came as a pleasant surprise. Here is a polite, intelligent young man who, unlike others, hasn't let face go to his head. Not for him the intolerable rudeness and arrogance that celebrity can bring. And despite his reputation for avoiding public scrutiny (which presumably means journalists like myself probing into his private life), he seemed quite happy to sit and answer all my questions. True, he has strong religious convictions and political beliefs,but he doesn't ram them down your throat, and he spoke objectively about the things he feels pasionate about. It all made a refreshing change from interviewing the usual self-centred celebrities who feel our screens, newspapers and magazines, and our interview was the most enjoyable two hours I've spent in ages.

ARTICLES - CAE

TOPIC: CELEBRITIES
TYPE: ARTICLES

The popular press describe him as a suave, sophisticated, demi-god with charm, personality and intelligence. When I met him, however, I began to wonder whether any of these journalists had actually met him, or were just playing a joke on their reading public. What struck me the most was his complete lack of any of these qualities, with social skills coming right at the bottom of the list.
Although he is in his late twenties, I felt like I was interviewing an adolescent schoolboy. He couldn't sit still, couldn't concentrate for more than two minutes at a time, answered my questions in monosyllabic grunts, and not once made eye contact with me.
There was also an air of barely suppressed anger about him, and it seemed that, at the slightest inconvenience or provocation, he would blow his top like a volcano.
I guess a more sympathetic person would feel sorry for him, but I couldn't see beyond the spoilt child that he really is, and although I have looked hard for his "appeal factor", I am still thouroughly perplexed at the blind devotion he receives from his fans.