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

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🗺️ TOPIC: Discovering the City of Cape Town

Context: Your friend Alex is planning a trip to South Africa and has heard that Cape Town is a must-see city. He doesn’t have time to read a long article you’ve found about it, so he asks you to summarise the main points and tell him what makes the city special.

🕐 Write between 70–90 words (B1) or 90–110 words (B2).💡 Don’t copy exact sentences — use your own words and focus on the key ideas.

📰 ARTICLE – “Cape Town: A City Between Mountains and Sea” (≈ 200 words)

Cape Town, located at the southern tip of Africa, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It sits between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views and a mix of cultures, flavours, and traditions.

The city is famous for its natural beauty. Tourists can take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramas, visit the Cape of Good Hope, or relax on white-sand beaches like Camps Bay. Outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and wine tasting are popular all year round thanks to the mild climate.

Cape Town is also rich in history. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, is now a museum symbolising peace and freedom. The city’s colourful neighbourhoods, such as Bo-Kaap, reflect its multicultural past and friendly atmosphere.

Despite social and economic challenges, Cape Town remains a lively, creative city full of art, music, and energy. Whether you’re exploring its food markets, enjoying the nightlife, or discovering its wildlife nearby, Cape Town offers an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and relaxation all in one place.

✉️ TASK

Write an email to Alex explaining what makes Cape Town worth visiting. Include the main attractions, atmosphere, and activities, and briefly give your opinion.

💬 MODEL ANSWER (B1 – 87 words)

Hi Alex, I’ve read an article about Cape Town, and it sounds amazing! The city is between the mountains and the sea, so the views are beautiful. You can go up Table Mountain, visit beaches, and see where Nelson Mandela was in prison on Robben Island. There are many things to do, like hiking, surfing, and trying local food. People are friendly and the culture is very mixed. I think it’s a perfect place if you want nature, history, and fun at the same time.

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💬 MODEL ANSWER (B2 – 108 words)

Hi Alex,I just read an interesting article about Cape Town, and I think you’d love it. The city is in a unique location between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, offering amazing scenery and a rich cultural mix. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, or wine tasting, and explore important historical sites such as Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Neighbourhoods like Bo-Kaap show its colourful, multicultural identity. Although it faces some economic problems, the city is vibrant, creative, and full of life. I’d definitely recommend visiting for its combination of nature, culture, and energy.

🧭 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MEDIATION (B1 & B2)

LEVEL	✅ DO	❌ DON’T	USEFUL LANGUAGE
B1	Focus on 3–4 key ideas. Use simple sentences.	Don’t copy long phrases or details.	“The article says that…”, “It’s famous for…”, “You can visit…”
B2	Use connectors and express ideas smoothly.	Don’t include personal stories or unrelated info.	“According to the article…”, “It offers a mix of…”, “Although / While…”

Structure Tip:

1. ✉️ Greeting + introduce the topic

2. 🏞️ Summarise the main attractions and key facts

3. 💡 Add your opinion or recommendation

Useful Vocabulary:

• breathtaking views – multicultural – historical sites – lively atmosphere – outdoor activities – unique location – must-see – wildlife – freedom – unforgettable experience