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.