Writing Michigan ECCE (LOWER) -> Compositions—–ECCE MICHIGAN

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Writing SectionIn the Writing Section of the exam, students first read
a short extract from a newspaper or letter. This is often in the form
of an article, an extract from an advice column or a memo. They are
then asked to choose between two tasks.
Task A
Task A is always a letter, while Task B is always an essay. Candidates
do only ONE of these tasks. They may write in either pen or pencil.
The Writing Section must be completed in 30 minutes, and
candidates are expected to write approximately 150 to 175 words in
this time. This section is graded on how clearly ideas are expressed.
Attention: We suggest that you first read the topic, then get
a notebook and write the composition and finally read the
model composition to see whether you have covered the
topic sufficiently.This way, you will get better and better in
writing. When you read a Model composition, try to
remember it as much as possible.
Please Read the Local NewsLocal News
Plans to attract more tourists to our area .
Following meetings with members of the Town Council, the Mayor
has announced that he is planning to develop tourism on a wider
scale. Local residents are divided on this issue. Many believe it to be
an excellent idea as it will bring new life to the area. Others are
concerned about the unpleasant consequences that may arise from
an influx of foreign visitors. The editor would like to know more
about readers’ views on this proposal.
You have read this article in your local newspaper. Do you agree
with the Mayor’s proposal? What effects do you think this plan to
develop tourism in your area will have?
Task A: LETTERWrite a letter to the Editor expressing your opinion.
Give reasons/examples to justify your view. Begin your letter “Dear
Editor, …”
Letter A: Model Answer
Dear Editor,
I read your article about the movement to boost tourism in the
Newtown News and, as a local resident, I would like to express my
views. I believe that the results of implementing this plan will be
highly beneficial to our community for several reasons.
To start with, tourism is without doubt an excellent way to improve
the local economy as it would bring in large amounts of foreign
currency. This would happen because visitors spend money on
accommodation, entertainment and souvenirs, all of which can be
made available in our region. Therefore, local hotel and restaurant
owners, as well as manufacturers and crafts people, would be
considerably better off financially.
What is more, an increase in tourism would lead to a rise in the
standard of living for the local population. That is to say, they would
be able to take advantage of the facilities provided for visitors, such
as improved transport services and leisure activities. At the same
time, the horizons of our local people would be widened through
their contact with various cultures from other countries. This would
lead them to have a sense of pride in their own traditions and
heritage.
Given the above, l am in favor of an increase in tourism in our
region as I believe it will enhance the quality of life for all concerned
both from a financial and cultural point of view.
Yours,
Helen Balak
Answer model essay Task B: Write an ESSAY
Tourism has become one of the fastest growing industries in the world today. What
steps can be taken to boost this industry in your area? Discuss this issue giving
specific examples to illustrate and support your ideas.
Visiting new places on vacation has become one of the most popular activities the
world over. The promotion of tourism would be an invaluable strategy to attract
more visitors to our area and could be accomplished in several ways.
To begin with, existing hotel and entertainment facilities should be
improved and modernized. This will attract more tourists to the
region and at the same time, provide extra opportunities for
employment for local residents, especially young people. That is to
say, it will give them a steady source of income and also mean they
do not have to move away to find work.
In addition to this, information about our historical buildings and
archeological sites, not to mention the town’s museum, should be
made more accessible. This can be done in two ways. First of all, an
eye-catching website could be created in several languages to
ensure that these attractions are brought to the notice of a wide
audience. Secondly, local historians can be invited to write leaflets
with interesting facts and anecdotes about these places. This would
arouse curiosity and thus draw more visitors.
As we all know, tourism is one of the most profitable industries in
the world today. If these measures are taken, I believe they will go a
long way to putting our town on the map, to the lasting benefit of
our community.
—
Writing Michigan ECCE 02—ECCE MICHIGANWriting Section
TASK A Please Read the Advice ColumnAdvice column
Dear Agatha,
Until about a “year ago, I had always gotten along well with my
parents, but then we
started to argue about what I should do after I leave school. Our
arguments are even
worse now that I am in my senior year and will be graduating in a
few months.
My problem is that I want to be a carpenter — I am good with my
hands and I have
an eye for design — while my parents want me to go to college and
become a doctor.
Both my parents are physicians and they see it as carrying on a family tradition.
I have never wanted to be a doctor, I would hate every minute of it.
And it is not as if I
have chosen a career where I cannot get a job. How can we resolve
this situation?
Samantha
TASK A Letter
Agatha has asked readers to write giving suggestions on how to deal
with this
problem. She usually publishes some of the letters. Write a Letter
which begins,
Dear Samantha, … .
Model answer: letter
Dear Samantha,
I read about your problem with great interest as it is one I can
sympathize with. A few years ago I was in a similar position myself:
my parents wanted me to go to law school, but realized I didn’t have
to follow in their footsteps, and you don’t, either.
If I were you, I would ask my teachers for help. They might be able
to convince your parents that you are making the right decision.
After all, they probably know where your talents and abilities lie. It
might also help if you discussed the matter with your parents,
explaining why you want to be a carpenter. Point out that job
opportunities for craftspeople are often better than they are for
college graduates.
Furthermore, you will probably be able to earn a good living; a
carpenter can charge high prices for his or her work! And above all,
explain that you would be happier and more fulfilled as a carpenter
than you would be as a doctor.I hope you can resolve your
disagreements and I wish you good luck in your future.A well-wisher

TASK B Essay
Some people become very successful in life despite the fact that
they have not
been to college. How important do you think it is to have a degree?
Write an
essay expressing your opinion.
Model answer: essaySuccess is usually measured in terms of high income and
social status. For many young people, the way to obtain both is by getting a good
job, and a college education is seen as the first step to success. However, this
belief is true only to some extent.
It is undoubtedly true that competition for jobs is fierce, and young
people with no skills or qualifications may find themselves
unemployed or stuck in menial jobs. On the other hand, a college
education can open the door to a career in commerce and finance,
or even in an academic post.
However, a college education is not the only way forward. Many
craftsmen and technicians also earn a good living, and some, like
electricians and plumbers, are always in demand. And of course,
many successful artists, entertainers and entrepreneurs have no
college qualifications at all.
On the whole, success depends on a person’s ambition, talent and
energy. Of course, this is not to deny the benefits of a college
education, but this is ultimately not as important as other factors.

Writing Michigan ECCE 03ECCE MICHIGAN

Please read the News
NATIONAL TRIBUNE: GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN TO
ENFORCE STRICTER ROAD SAFETY MEASURES
In an attempt to reduce accidents and keep the roads safe, the
Ministry of Transport is launching a campaign to raise public
awareness of this issue. They are introducing heavier penalties on
drivers who violate traffic regulations in the hope that this will
improve safety on our roads, which are becoming more crowded day
by day. In addition, the raising of the legal age for obtaining a
driver’s license is under serious consideration.—
Task A: LETTER
Write a letter explaining some of the causes of road accidents and
what measures you think should be taken to reduce them. Describe
specific actions that can be taken to improve the situation and give
reasons and examples to justify your suggestions. Begin your letter
“Dear Editor, …”
Model Answer Letter
Dear Editor,
I read the article on the government road safety campaign in your
newspaper. As a frequent road user, I want to suggest measures
that could be taken to make highways less hazardous.
Road accidents are due to various causes. To begin with, people who
drink and drive are far more likely to cause crashes than those who
abstain. Even a little alcohol makes people less alert, yet most
drivers can’t do without a drink when they are out. Another primary
cause of accidents is tiredness. This is because drivers try
unsuccessfully to fight off sleepiness by opening a window or
turning up the radio. Lastly, breaking the speed limit contributes to
thousands of crashes. Young drivers in particular can’t resist the
temptation of driving too fast.
Bearing the above in mind, there are numerous steps that must be
taken. First of all, there should be more frequent and widespread
use of alcohol tests by traffic police. If drivers are aware they will be
stopped for this, they will refrain from drinking. Secondly, drivers
likely to be overcome by tiredness should be targeted in their cars.
This can be accomplished with radio spots and advertising in
highway service areas. Lastly, much heavier penalties must be
introduced for speeding. If road users know they will lose their
license or face a lengthy prison sentence, they will think twice
before accelerating.
All things considered, if measures like these are implemented, the
number of accidents will decrease significantly. Isn’t this what
everyone hopes for?
Yours,
Betty Vagner

Task B: ESSAY
Statistics show that accidents involving young drivers are on the
increase. Should the legal age for obtaining a driver’s license be
raised? Discuss this issue giving specific reasons and examples to
support your view

Model Answer ESSAY Passing the driving test and getting a

license opens up a whole new world of independence to young
people. However, it is a sad fact that an increasing number of
accidents involve young, inexperienced drivers. With this in mind I
am of the opinion that the legal age for obtaining a driving license
should be higher than it is now.
The reason why I believe this is that teenagers are not mature
enough to take on the responsibilities that go with driving a car on
the public highway. They see the fact that they have their license as
an opportunity for greater freedom, to have fun with their friends or
to raise their status in the eyes of their peers. For example, I have
heard about many youngsters who have races on the streets to
show off and who drink so much at parties that they can hardly
manage to drive home afterwards.
Bearing these facts in mind, I believe young people should wait until
they are a little older and more mature before they are allowed to
have a driving license. After all, they have their whole lives ahead of
them. Is it too much for them to wait a bit longer for this privilege?

MICHIGAN PROFICIENCYCompositions – ESSAY WRITING

PROFICIENY
In the writing section of the ECPE, students are required to write an
essay on a choice of two topics, the style of which will depend on
the topic.You have 30 minutes to write 250-300 words on one of two
topics.Regardless of the style, the general essay plan will remain the
same:
INTRODUCTION, MAIN BODY, CONCLUSION
Attention: We suggest that you first read the topic, then get
a notebook and write the composition and finally read the
model composition to see whether you have covered the
topic sufficiently.This way, you will get better and better in
writing. When you read a Model composition, try to
remember it as much as possible.—
Model Compositions.
Model Composition 1
Some people insist that the main emphasis in foreign language
teaching should be on speaking and writing correctly, while others
feel that teaching learners how to communicate and express their
ideas fluently should be the main goal. What’s your opinion?
Support yow ideas with reasons and examples from your own
language-learning experience.
Which is more important in learning a language:
speaking and writing correctly, or expressing yourself fluently but
inaccurately? Although both are important, if I had to choose, I’d
say developing fluency is a higher priority.
Grammar knowledge alone does not make students competent
language users. I learned this the hard way on my first trip to
France. After two years of grammar based college French, I was
completely unable to make myself understood or do the simplest
things like ask for directions or order food. The problem was that my
training had included plenty of grammar drills, but very little free
practice. In the real world, I kept finding myself in situations that I
hadn’t met in class, and I was so nervous about applying the rules
and not making mistakes that I couldn’t communicate effectively.
This experience made me rethink my ideas about language learning.
I realized that learning to communicate in a new language was a lot
like learning a musical instrument. You can’t learn to play the piano
by just studying music theory. You have to put your fingers on the
keyboard and practice until gradually you begin to play more
smoothly. And just as in learning to play an instrument, making
mistakes when you learn to speak and write a new language should
be a natural part of the learning process. The idea is to practice and
get better at playing the “melody,” which for language learners is
the ability to communicate ideas. Perfection can come later.
Of course, the end goal of language learning should be both fluency
and accuracy, but I feel strongly that learners should be encouraged
to develop fluency first. After all, no one expects a baby to speak in
perfectly grammatical sentences. Babies learn by communicating
simply at first and then developing a gradual mastery of their native
tongue. Language students should be encouraged to develop in a
similar way.

Model Composition 2
Some people feel admission should be free to national museums,
galleries, and major historical sites, while others disagree, arguing
that admission fees are necessary. Discuss the arguments for and
against establishing free admission to national treasures. Which do
you feel is a better policy? Support your ideas with reasons and
examples.
Everyone agrees that museums and other cultural institutions help
to preserve culture and educate people.The question is: Should
admission to such institutions be free, or should a fee be charged to
help fund them?
The issue is far from black and white, so it’s worth looking at both
sides.
On the one hand are those who feel that cultural institutions should
be free of charge. Their main argument is that these institutions
belong to the people. As such, they should be funded by tax dollars
and exist for the betterment of everyone in society. Free access
means that everyone can visit these treasures as often as they
like. In other words, no one is deprived by their inability to pay. It
also means that families and educational institutions can encourage
children to take full advantage of the enriched educational
experience that museums offer.
On the other hand are those who argue against free admission. This
group maintains that while free admission sounds attractive, it is
far from practical. They point out that with government funding
alone, it is difficult for museums to make ends meet — particularly
during economic downturns, when funding might be reduced. A
museum needs to cover operating expenses, make new
acquisitions, and mount new exhibitions, and fees can go a long way
towards reducing the strain on tight budgets.
They also argue that fees do not necessarily mean that less
fortunate people would be deprived. With careful planning, for
example, deeply discounted fees could be set for students, and
inexpensive membership plans established for families and frequent
visitors.
On balance, I feel that although both sides have merit, charging
admission fees is the better option. Without them, we may lose
much of the culture that we are trying to protect. With them,
museums will be able to offer even better programs for school
children and others who would most benefit.

MODEL composition 3
The only way to solve a serious crisis between two nations is
by going to war. What is your opinion?
Even though the twentieth century saw two world wars, the threat of
war is something which hangs over us all the time, and is
particularly acute in times of international crisis, It is my belief that
war is not the answer and should only be declared as a last resort.
Avoidance is the key word.
It is a sad fact that war is being waged somewhere in the world
every day of the year. Obviously, without disarmament on a global
scale this is the way it will always be. Without weapons, countries
would not be able to fight but, instead, would be forced to reach a
peaceful compromise.
It seems that it is the world’s superpowers who play an important
role in making sure that war is averted. By not abusing
their strength, and respecting the rights of minor countries to self-
determination many conflicts could be avoided. They should also
stay out of the internal affairs of other countries.
Disagreeing with the politics of another country does not give the
superpowers the right to invade it. It is also their responsibility to
halt the arms race by setting the example. For instance, should they
themselves dismantle their existing missile systems and put a stop
to the testing of nuclear weapons then other countries would be
forced to follow suit.
The importance of setting major disputes such as those regarding a
country’s borders or the fair distribution of resources such as oil and
water is paramount in preventing some wars from breaking out.
Should two countries involved in a dispute fail to resolve the issue,
the United Nations, an international organization, should be called in
to arbitrate. Any talks will then be conducted through an
intermediary body which will assist the countries in reaching a
settlement.
There are those countries though, who feel they can fully justify
their reasons for engaging in warfare. Having to overthrow an
oppressive regime is just one of them. Another is being forced to
defend their land against aggressors. Of course, no country can be
expected just to stand by while they are being invaded.
In conclusion, it appears that we are still a long way from achieving
world peace. Although many of us have either witnessed or are
aware of the evils of war it seems in some cases to still be the only
option. Unfortunately, it is usually the innocent who are forced to
pay the price for other people’s selfishness and greed. War is rarely,
if ever, the answer and our children should be taught this from an
early age through our own example. After all, hate breeds hate.

MODEL composition 4
It has often been said that there is a lot of money to be
made in encouraging people to perfect their appearance.
Discuss this idea, using your own personal experiences to
explain your points.
Today, more than ever, people in the West have probably never
been more affluent. However, instead of enjoying ourselves we
seem to spend most of our time worrying about how we look to
others. Of course, there is no lack of people who are quick to make
money out of and even fuel this obsession.
With the help of the media, modern society dictates that in order for
us to be successful on both a personal and a professional level we
need to look like Hollywood stars. Even though we are all fully aware
that their appearances have been enhanced by the help of a
surgeon’s knife or by eating barely enough to keep a sparrow alive,
we still strive for perfection.
A colleague of mine, Maria Valiou, being naturally on the plump side
was forever on one diet or another. She even signed up for a diet
delivery, but all she lost was her money. Then she made the
decision to have liposuction done on various parts of her body. The
results were apparent almost immediately. However, this did not
really bring her the happiness we had expected it to, due to the fact
that she had diverted her attention to her slightly oversized nose! In
the meantime, she had joined the gym, paid for with her credit card.
The physical features having been dealt with, it is the fashion
industry’s turn to make some money. The fact is that clothes are no
longer just worn for their intended purpose — to keep us warm while
hiding our modesty. They are, in fact, meant to say something about
the wearer — this idea being fed to us by fashion designers. Most of
us in the West spend large chunks of our earnings on the latest
fashions.
This, we believe, is money well spent as it will put us into the
«trendy” category, disregarding the fact that these clothes will be
relegated to the back of the wardrobe within three months. The
trendsetters again — our Hollywood idols!
This was the case for my childhood friend, Christine, who always
had to be the most fashionable girl in the school. This meant that
she could only be seen sporting designer labels. Of course, her
parents could not afford this extravagance so she was forced to find
a part-time job to fund it.
In conclusion, it would seem that many different lines of business
have realized how to exploit people’s vulnerability in order to make
money. Appearance seems to be the current selling point in the
West. Driven by a desire to look as perfect as those they look up to,
whether it be movie stars or sports personalities, people will go to
great lengths to look like them in the hope that they will be able to
share in their success. Sadly, the one thing that cannot be sold as a
commodity is emotional fulfillment.

MODEL COMPOSITION 5
Nowadays, many students opt to study at a foreign
university.
What are some of the factors that motivate this decision?
Studying abroad is sometimes a matter of necessity. In some
countries, places in institutions of higher learning are limited and
competition for these places is fierce. This means that many
students may not secure a place at a university in their own country
and must, therefore, look elsewhere. In my country, students who
want to study subjects like law or engineering must meet very high
admission requirements, and many capable students fail to make
the grade. However, these students may get accepted at a foreign
university to study the subject they want.
Another important consideration that may lead a student to study
abroad is the reputation a foreign university has. Many leading
universities abroad are renowned for their high educational
standards. because these universities are often well funded, they
are able to offer students a range of benefits, such as a wider choice
of subjects and more high-tech facilities. For students who can
afford it, a period of study at a foreign university with international
prestige may be an attractive option.
Finally, students who decide to study abroad have a unique
opportunity to develop skills they will need in their chosen careers.
While at a foreign university, students can improve their grasp of a
second language, and they will get used to living and working in a
different cultural environment. These skills are important in fields
such as tourism or international business, in which people often
have dealings with people from abroad. I therefore firmly believe
that for students who want to work in these professions, there is
good reason to enroll at a foreign university.
In conclusion, going abroad to study may be considered a wise
move for a number of reasons. Students can have more options
when it comes to entering higher education, and more experiences
that will help them professionally. This, in my view, can make their
university experience even more worthwhile.
end of demo compositions