EOI B1/B2 Mediación. Model 2: Summarising from English to English .

🏛️ EOI WRITTEN MEDIATION TASK – LEVEL B1 & B2

🎵 TOPIC: Digital Music or Vinyl?

Context: Your British friend James loves music and wants to buy some albums. He can’t decide whether to buy digital downloads or start collecting vinyl records. You’ve read two short articles comparing both options. Write him an email explaining the main ideas from the texts and giving your personal opinion.

🕐 Write between 70–90 words (B1) or 90–110 words (B2).💡 Don’t copy phrases directly — summarise the ideas clearly in your own words.

💽 Text 1 – Digital Music: easy and modern

Digital music is the most popular way to listen to songs today. You can download or stream almost any album instantly, and it’s much cheaper than buying records. You can also listen anywhere — on your phone, computer, or in the car. However, many people say the sound quality isn’t as rich as vinyl, and owning digital files doesn’t feel as special as having a real collection. Some also think constant streaming reduces the value of music.

🎧 Text 2 – Vinyl: quality and nostalgia

Vinyl records have made a big comeback in recent years. Many people enjoy the warm sound, the large album covers, and the feeling of putting a record on a turntable. Collecting vinyl can be exciting and personal. Still, vinyl is more expensive and takes up space at home. Records can be fragile, and not everyone has a player. For some, it’s a passion; for others, it’s just not practical.

✉️ TASK

Write an email to James explaining what the two articles say about digital and vinyl music, and tell him which option you would choose and why.

💬 MODEL ANSWER (B1 – 89 words)

Hi James, I’ve read about both options. Digital music is very easy to use — you can listen anywhere, and it’s cheaper than buying records. But the sound is not so good, and it doesn’t feel like a real collection. Vinyl has better sound and looks more special, but it’s expensive and takes a lot of space. You also need a record player. Personally, I’d choose digital music because it’s simple and you can have thousands of songs without spending too much.

💬 MODEL ANSWER (B2 – 108 words)

Hi James, both formats have their advantages. Digital music is quick, cheap, and convenient — you can access almost any song instantly and carry it everywhere. However, it lacks the physical and emotional connection that vinyl offers. Vinyl records provide superior sound quality and a sense of nostalgia, but they are costly, require equipment, and take up room. If you enjoy collecting and appreciating music as an experience, vinyl might be worth it. But if you prefer practicality and variety, digital is the smarter choice. Personally, I’d go for digital — it suits modern life perfectly.

🧭 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MEDIATION (B1–B2)

LEVEL	✅ DO	❌ DON’T	USEFUL LANGUAGE
B1	Use short, clear sentences. Explain both sides briefly. Give one reason for your choice.	Don’t copy sentences from the text.	“The first text says…”, “The other one explains…”, “I think digital is better because…”
B2	Use connectors and richer vocabulary. Show contrast and reasoning.	Don’t overcomplicate your sentences or translate literally.	“Although / However / While / In contrast / Personally, I’d recommend…”

Structure tips:

1. ✉️ Greeting + reason for writing

2. 🎶 Summarise both viewpoints clearly

3. 💡 Give your personal recommendation and explain why

Useful connectors:

• On the one hand / On the other hand / In contrast / However / Whereas / Personally, I think…

Useful vocabulary:

• streaming – download – sound quality – collection – nostalgic – practical – affordable – convenient – turntable – experience