EOI B1&B2 Module 1: MEDIATION. Tips

🌍 Mediation Masterclass: Environment & Energy

What is Mediation? Mediation is not translation. It is the ability to read information in one language (Spanish) and make it accessible to someone in another language (English).

The Golden Rule: Always ask yourself Who (audience), What (content), and Why (purpose).

🟢 LEVEL B1: Intermediate Mediation

Topic: Saving Energy at Home

1. The Exam Task

Context: Your English friend, Tom, is living in Spain and is worried because his electricity bills are very high. You found a simple infographic in Spanish with tips. Task: Write a WhatsApp message or a short email (approx. 100 words) giving him 3-4 key tips to save money based on the text.

Input Text (Spanish):

Guía rápida: Ahorra en tu factura: No pongas la calefacción a más de 21°C. Cada grado extra sube el gasto un 7%.Stand-by: Apaga del todo la tele y el ordenador. La "luz roja" consume aunque no los uses. Electrodomésticos: Usa la lavadora con agua fría y solo cuando esté llena. Horas Valle: Si tienes tarifa regulada, pon los aparatos por la noche o el fin de semana.

2. Strategy & Tips for B1

Keep it Simple: No intentes traducir "Climatización". Di "Heating".
Focus on Action: Usa imperativos (Do this, Don’t do that).
Selection: No necesitas explicar qué es la "tarifa regulada", solo dile cuándo es más barato usar los aparatos.

3. Model Answer (B1)

Hi Tom! I saw you’re worried about your electricity bills. I found some tips in a Spanish guide that might help you: First, check your heating. The guide says 21°C is enough; if you go higher, it gets much more expensive. Also, remember to turn off your TV and computer completely. Don't leave the "red light" on (stand-by mode) because it still uses power! Regarding the washing machine, try to use cold water and only start it when it’s full. Finally, if you can, use your appliances at night or during the weekend, as electricity is cheaper then. I hope this helps! Best, [Your Name]

🔵 LEVEL B2: Upper-Intermediate Mediation

Topic: Renewable Energy in the City (Energías Renovables)

1. The Exam Task

Context: You are working on a university project about sustainability with a British classmate, Lucy. You found an article about how your city is changing its energy model. Task: Write an email (approx. 120-150 words) summarizing the main points of the article so she can include them in the project.

Input Text (Spanish):

Artículo: El futuro verde de nuestra ciudad La ciudad apuesta por la transición energética. El ayuntamiento ha anunciado la instalación de puntos de recarga gratuita para coches eléctricos en parkings públicos para fomentar el transporte limpio. Además, se van a ofrecer bonificaciones fiscales (descuentos en el IBI) para aquellos ciudadanos que instalen placas solares en sus casas particulares. Por último, se creará una oficina de asesoramiento para ayudar a los vecinos a entender sus facturas y mejorar el aislamiento de sus ventanas para no perder calor.

2. Strategy & Tips for B2

Use Connectors: Usa Furthermore, In addition, Finally para dar estructura.
Paraphrase: No copies "puntos de recarga". Usa "charging stations". No copies "bonificaciones fiscales", usa "tax reductions" o "tax breaks".
Summarize: Agrupa las ideas (transporte, ahorro en casa, ayuda oficial).

3. Model Answer (B2)

Hi Lucy, I’ve just read an interesting article about the city’s new green energy plan that could be great for our project. The main goal is to encourage a "green transition." First, the local government is installing free charging stations for electric vehicles in public car parks to promote cleaner transport. Regarding housing, they are offering tax incentives (specifically on property tax) for people who install solar panels at home. This is a huge move to make renewable energy more affordable for families. Lastly, they are opening a support office. This office will provide advice to citizens on how to interpret their electricity bills and, more importantly, how to improve home insulation to prevent heat loss. I think these points show how the city is involving both the public and private sectors. What do you think? Best, [Your Name]