REPORT CPE

REPORT ON THE CURRENT STATE OF THE LOCAL PARK

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the characteristics of the park located in the center of the town, in addition to giving recommendations regarding aspects to change in order to make it more appealing to the public. It is based on the findings of an extensive survey completed by residents and regular goers. 

STRENGTHS

The park is considered to be a meeting point for numerous families and teenage  groups. In fact, a large percentage of interviewees regard it as a reference place to have a picnic and spend the weekend in a relaxed environment.  Its lake is particularly attractive due to the fact that its crystal clear water with ducks makes it not only fun for children, but also suitable for those who enjoy taking photographs.

Moreover, there is widespread agreement that the facilities which it provides to exercise, namely  several ping-pong tables, a bicycle lane and two basketball courts, are highly beneficial for citizens of all ages.

WEAKNESSES

Despite the strong points mentioned above, there are still some areas that require attention, such as the lack of a food establishment  and  the little space reserved to animals. As for the latter issue, pet owners complain that they have to share it with runners, which results in frequent arguments among users.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To solve the aformentioned issues, I suggest that the following measures be taken:

-Offer stalls where to buy food and beverages.

-Enlarge the park surface, creating specific zones with sand for dogs and cats, so as to avoid disputes.

-Increase the opening hours, which may result in crowds being less frequent.

CONCLUSION

In light of the above,  the local park is something that the town can be proud of, although there is still room for improvement. Should the recommendations outlined in this report be carried out, I have no doubt that it will be an even more resounding success.

ARTICLE

ARTICLE

THE POSITION OF THE INDIVIDUAL WITHIN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

  Does living in contemporary society entail being subject to inescapable threats to liberty of choice? This question is often answered in the affirmative by  those concerned about human rights, while it is regarded as pointless by more optimistic sectors of the population. This article weighs up both sides of the argument, as well as analysing the state of the matter in Spain as a case in point.

In general terms, few would dispute the fact that physical integrity, dignity and universal access to proper schooling are indispensable for every individual, regardless of their ethnic or social origin. Gone are the days when the acceptance of slavery was debatable, and values such the inviolability of life, the possibility of choosing a job  and the right for single parents to enjoy workplace flexibility, for instance, are guaranteed in all western constitutions, among which is that of Spain. This situation is bound to be sustainable as long as everyone abides by the law and respects the others in turn.

At the same time, technological advances have resulted in a potential invasion to privacy. More and more cameras are being installed in public buildings; safety and productivity are usually the main reasons put forward to defend this measure.  However, what is likely to happen is that anonymity is lost at the expense of social control.  More worryingly, bank fraud, identity theft, extortion and cyberbullying are on the increase, so it is vital for the authorities to raise awareness of these new kinds of crime on the internet, which ought to be invariably prosecuted.

  All the aspects mentioned above have surely led to a more ambitious scenario, where freedom is not merely exercised by a few privileged. Desirable as this may be, it is not exempt from risks that might prevent some individuals from living in peace. Whether social and legal systems are able to keep the balance or not only time will tell.

CPE ESSAY

THE PERFECT MANAGENT STYLE

It is often claimed that leadership is decisive in order to determine whether an organisation is likely to achieve its aims or not. The texts proposed tackle the two major management approaches, namely the Affiliative Style and the Pacesetting Style. Whereas the former relies on group cohesion, so as to prevent staff from leaving the company,  those defending the latter advocate the pivotal role of authority to ensure effectiveness and productivity. 

One aspect to consider is motivation and satisfaction. As the first passage acknowledges, the Affiliative Leader succeeds in establishing healthy relationships among employees, whose happiness is always given priority. Conversely, the pacesetter fails to respect the human factor, which may lead to workers feeling that their contributions are ignored. To my mind, were I to experience this hindrance to my development, it would undoubtedly be an upsetting situation.

Regarding independence and creativity, the Affiliative Style  results in lateral thinking and problem solving skills blossoming within the company. However, this strategy runs the risk of producing low productivity, which is perpetuated due to a  lack of feedback and corrective measures. In contrast, and according to the second text, the pacesetter is bound to train and oblige his or her staff to reach goals and meet deadlines, but, regrettably, at the expense of independence and employee resourcefulness. Arguably, the most optimus solution could be that which keeps a balance between both extremes.

In light of the above, it may be argued that, in order to attain an ideal human resources policy, not every single decision should be made by the board of directors. That said, it seems reasonable that employees should be provided with as much assessment and guidance as necessary. 

Jorge Sánchez López

FCE  BOOK REVIEW

A MONSTER CALLS

Seldom do I find the time to read these days. However, when I do take time out of my hectic schedule, I like nothing more than enjoying a fantasy novel.  Being a bit of a bookworm, the news that Patrick Ness had released a new book , ‘A Monster Calls’, made me go to a bookstore and buy a copy.

Set in present-day  England, its plot follows the life events of Connor, a boy who has to suffer the consequences of his mother’s terminal cancer; he is frequently visited at night by a monster who tells him stories.

What struck me most about the characters was that they were really believable because of their complexity.  For instance, the protagonist  is an innocent  victim, although a tough child at the same time. Likewise, the monster is skillfully depicted by the author as cruel but helpful and wise.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to any young adult with a love of drama and fairy tales, as they are likely to get impressed by its startling originality.
__----_--------------------------_----------
Nouns and adjectives to express praise (if it were criticism-> disappointing, two- dimensional characters, dull plot…).
Linkers (used to give arguments)
Set expressions to create the text structure
Topic vocabulary

  Writer’s skill at creating characters
Explain why you would recommend the novel to people of your own age.

CPE- ESSAY ON MUSIC- II

ESSAY 

A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR MUSIC

It is often said that music is food for our soul.  In all likelihood, a life without its existence would be unthinkable, as it is deeply ingrained in our mind and in cultural spheres. The two texts presented argue that its reputation is more and more under threat, albeit from different perspectives.

The first passage acknowledges the ubiquity of music in our lives as a global phenomenon. Nevertheless, according to the author, this overwhelming presence does not result in artists being valued as they deserve, but, contrariwise, in their quite frequently being despised.

Few would dispute the fact that choosing such a career may spell personal unfulfillment due to financial disaster, since music is not currently being supported by institutions. To my mind , the chances are that the situation will be worsened by the lack of legal response to piracy and plagiarism.

Likewise, in the second text the writer regrets the disappearance of musical training in schools, surpassed as it has been by more traditional subjects.

Arguably, this may involve a decrease in academic performance among students from an early age, given that it significantly contributes to both their sociability and their global functioning of the brain. Weighed against this is the limited time and scarcity of resources that schools often have to face.

In light of the above, it seems clear that music should be given a chance to start anew. Not only should children be encouraged to play an instrument or interpret music, but also performers ought to be allowed to make a living out of their special skills. Both objectives are bound to be attained provided that states and communities work to make this desideratum possible.

CPE ESSAY SAMPLE ON MUSIC

CPE ESSAY SAMPLE ON MUSIC

Taken from: http://cpesamplewritings.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/cpe-essay-sample-2012-exam.html

Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible, and include you own ideas in your answers.  

The effects of music

We humans are a musical species no less than a linguistic one. This takes many different forms. All of us (with very few exceptions) can perceive music, harmony and rhythm. We integrate all of these using many different parts of the brain. And to this largely unconscious appreciation of music is added an often intense and profound emotional reaction. Shakespeare referred to music as the "food of love", and for most people their lives would be poorer without music. Music is capable of stimulating both passion and compassion, speaking to our very core and taking us to the heights and depths of emotion.

Music in schools? 

There is little doubt that regular exposure to music, and especially active participation in music, may stimulate development of other abilities. Some argue that music is as important educationally as reading or writing, and suggest that a musical education advantages those with mathematical aptitude. What people do not agree about, however, is which kind of music is the most educationally valuable. Some regard classical music as the only kind of music that should be taught in schools. However, leaving aside the problem of defining "classical" in different cultural contexts, there is a strong case that all types of music are equally valid in stimulating an individual's potential.

Write your essay. (220-280 words)


THE POWER OF MUSIC

It is widely acknowledged that music has been ingrained in our brains since primeval times, accompanying  mankind  throughout history as a core stimulus. Both texts analyse its global effects on  human psyche and personal development, although from different perspectives.

According to the first passage, not only does music enrich our sensorial experience, but it may also be regarded as vital to facilitate emotional intelligence, social relationships and even moral sensitivity.  Not surprisingly, the author pinpoints its universal power when it comes to awakening a wide range of feelings, which is an influence from which few can escape.

In contrast, the second text seems to be biased towards convincing the readers of the usefulness of melodic sense in order to enhance  those cognitive skills which are primordial to achieve academic success, including logical and abstract reasoning.  Moreover, it argues that schools should devote as much attention to music as to traditional subjects, on the basis of its interaction with a wide range of abilities, to whose improvement it significantly contributes. As a case in point, dexterity with numbers is said to be promoted by the sense of rhythm that the awareness and study of musical patterns provide.

On the whole, it may be stated that both approaches to music are not incompatible, as its use as a tool to favour mental balance and cultural understanding does not necessarily hinder the possibilities of different kinds of songs to allow for faster advancement of school performance.  However, relegating it to a practical instrument  to reach the most valued goals within a materialistic society may lead to a lack of respect for the emotional side of music, thus annihilating its presumed transversal character as a hallmark of our mind.

© All rights reserved.  Jorge Sánchez López

REDRESS

Tonight I'm giving you some of my poetry. It's something that is part of me. I hope you enjoy it.
For those of you interested in poetry, I invite you to visit my blog www.ondasaladas.blogspot.com.es (mainly in Spanish). Have a nice weekend.

REDRESS

For the true grit in dunes of sand

a daily birth when there’s no sun to worship,

loose ends

as loose fitting memories of a life untold

I want to be your staircase

The cry sidestepping the horizon

To turn the page

to turn the page

among white sheets

further development

through gentle rolling hills

till the roughcast foam comes home

drenched in us

Each day renewed and stronger.

Jorge S.L.

REPARACIÓN

Por una  mota en las dunas

cada día un parto cuando no hay sol al que adorar

cabos sueltos

como holgados recuerdos de una vida incalculable

yo quiero ser tu escalera

el alarido que esquiva el horizonte

Pasar página

pasar página

entre sábanas blancas

desarrollo ulterior

sobre suaves colinas onduladas

hasta que la áspera espuma vuelva a casa

empapada en nosotros,

renovada y más fuerte cada día.

Pun (Juego de palabras): grit: “mota” y “agallas”