General tips for Writing C1 & C2

✍️ PART 1: FORMAL & ACADEMIC WRITINGS

Focus: Objectivity, Structure, Persuasion, and Complex Grammar.

1. The Essay

Goal: To construct a coherent argument, discuss a specific issue, and reach a reasoned conclusion. Tone: Academic. No contractions. No emotional language. C1/C2 Tip: Use Inversion ("Rarely has...") and Cleft Sentences ("What is needed is...") to show sophistication.

Topic: “Technological innovation is the only viable solution to the climate crisis. Do you agree?”

📝 Model Answer

Technological Salvation or Hubris?

The question of how best to tackle the escalating climate crisis has sparked fierce debate. While some argue that technological innovation offers the only realistic path to salvation, others contend that relying on future inventions is a dangerous distraction from the need for immediate behavioral change. This essay will argue that while technology is indispensable, it cannot succeed in isolation.

It is undeniable that technological advancement is a cornerstone of any green transition. We have already witnessed the transformative power of renewable energy; the cost of solar photovoltaics has plummeted, making it competitive with fossil fuels. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) promise to mitigate the damage of industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as steel and cement. Without these innovations, achieving net-zero emissions would remain a mathematical impossibility.

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However, viewing technology as a "silver bullet" is perilous. It risks fostering complacency, encouraging the belief that we can continue our current levels of consumption because science will eventually "fix" the problem. This techno-optimism ignores the Jevons paradox, where increased efficiency often leads to increased consumption. Moreover, many proposed solutions, such as geoengineering, are unproven and could carry catastrophic unintended consequences.

Ultimately, technology is merely a tool, not a strategy. It provides the means to generate clean energy, but it cannot legislate against waste or force a shift away from a throwaway culture. Therefore, true sustainability requires a dual approach: aggressive investment in green tech coupled with robust legislation to curb overconsumption. To rely solely on one is to invite failure.

2. The Report

Goal: To analyze a past or present situation based on facts/data and give a recommendation. Tone: Impersonal & Objective. Frequent use of the Passive Voice. Structure: MUST use Headings. C1/C2 Tip: Use Nominalization(turning verbs into nouns). Instead of "We didn't recycle enough," write "A stagnation in recycling rates was observed."

Topic: Assessment of Waste Management in the Municipality

📝 Model Answer

Report on Municipal Waste Management Inefficiencies

Introduction The purpose of this report is to evaluate the current waste management protocols within the district of Sorolla and to identify the primary causes of the recent stagnation in recycling rates. The findings below are based on data collected during the Q3 audit and feedback from local residents.

Current Situation Despite the introduction of the "Green City" initiative last year, recycling rates have plateaued at 40%, significantly below the 60% target. It was observed that the organic waste collection system is particularly underutilized. Furthermore, there is a high incidence of "contamination," where non-recyclable materials are placed in recycling bins, rendering entire batches unprocessable.

Factors Contributing to Poor Performance The audit identified two main drivers for this failure:

• Lack of Infrastructure: The density of recycling points in the northern sector is insufficient. Residents currently have to walk over 500 meters to access specific glass and paper bins, which discourages compliance.

• Public Confusion: The color-coding system for the bins was recently changed. Survey feedback indicates that 65% of residents are unsure which container is appropriate for tetra-packs and soft plastics.

Recommendations In light of these findings, the following measures are proposed:

1. Infrastructure Expansion: Immediate investment is required to double the number of recycling points in the northern sector.

2. Education Campaign: A targeted information campaign should be launched, utilizing clear, visual guides on all bins to eliminate ambiguity regarding waste separation.

Implementation of these steps would likely result in a marked improvement in recycling metrics within six months.

3. The Proposal

Goal: To persuade a superior to approve a future project. Tone: Formal but Persuasive. Structure: MUST use Headings. C1/C2 Tip: Use strong verbs (Urge, Recommend, Advocate) and highlight benefits ("Not only would this reduce costs, but it would also...").

Topic: Proposal for a "Car-Free" City Center

📝 Model Answer

Proposal for the Pedestrianization of the City Center

Introduction In response to the deteriorating air quality levels recorded in the city center, this proposal outlines a plan to pedestrianize the historic quarter. The aim is to reduce particulate emissions, improve public health, and revitalize the local economy.

The Current Problem The historic center is currently choked by traffic. Nitrogen dioxide levels frequently exceed WHO safety limits, posing a severe health risk to residents. Furthermore, the noise pollution and congestion have made the area unattractive to shoppers, leading to a decline in footfall for local businesses. The current model is environmentally and economically unsustainable.

The Proposed Solution I propose a phased restriction of private vehicles in the zone bounded by Ring Road A, effective from next January.

• Phase 1: Access restricted to residents, delivery vehicles, and public transport between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

• Phase 2: Implementation of a "Park and Ride" scheme on the city outskirts, serviced by a fleet of electric shuttle buses.

• Phase 3: Transformation of parking spaces into green "parklets" and outdoor dining areas.

Projected Benefits The benefits of this initiative would be manifold. Environmentally, we project a 30% reduction in local emissions within the first year. Socially, reclaiming the streets for pedestrians will foster a vibrant café culture, similar to successful models in cities like Pontevedra and Ghent. While there may be initial resistance from motorists, the long-term gain in quality of life is undeniable.

Conclusion To conclude, transitioning to a car-free center is a bold but necessary step. It would signal our city's commitment to a greener future while simultaneously boosting the local high street.

4. The Formal Letter

Goal: To complain, request, or explain to an external organization. Tone: Polite but firm. C1/C2 Tip: Use the Subjunctive ("It is essential that the council take action") and Indirect Questions ("I would be grateful if you could clarify...").

Topic: Complaint about Excessive Packaging

📝 Model Answer

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my profound dissatisfaction regarding the packaging practices employed by your company, specifically in relation to my recent order (#45992).

As a loyal customer of TechSupplies, I have always admired your stated commitment to sustainability. However, the reality of my recent delivery stood in stark contradiction to these claims. The item I ordered—a small USB drive measuring no more than 5cm—arrived in a cardboard box large enough to house a microwave. Inside, the product was swathed in layers of non-recyclable bubble wrap and plastic air pillows.

This excessive use of materials is not only environmentally irresponsible but also frustrating for the consumer, who is left with the burden of disposing of this waste. In an era where reducing plastic pollution is a global priority, such negligence is unacceptable. It suggests a "greenwashing" marketing strategy rather than a genuine corporate ethos.

I urge you to review your logistics protocols immediately. There are numerous biodegradable and appropriately sized alternatives available that would protect your products without inflicting unnecessary damage on the planet.

Unless I see a tangible improvement in your packaging standards, I shall be forced to take my business to a more environmentally conscious competitor.

I look forward to receiving a detailed explanation of your packaging policy.

Yours faithfully,

[Name]

🎨 PART 2: ENGAGING & DESCRIPTIVE WRITINGS

Focus: Opinion, Narrative, Reader Connection, and Idiomatic Language.

5. The Review

Goal: To describe and evaluate an experience. Tone: Semi-formal. Descriptive. Personal opinion is required. C1/C2 Tip: Use Compound Adjectives ("Breath-taking," "Thought-provoking") and Evaluative Adverbs ("Bitterly disappointed," "Pleasantly surprised").

Topic: Review of an Eco-Lodge

📝 Model Answer

Paradise with a Conscience: A Stay at The Green Canopy

When one thinks of "eco-tourism," images of uncomfortable yurts and cold showers often spring to mind. However, The Green Canopy, nestled deep in the cloud forest, completely dismantles this stereotype, proving that luxury need not cost the earth.

From the moment you arrive, the hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident but unobtrusive. The architecture is a masterclass in low-impact design; the structures are built entirely from reclaimed timber and elevated on stilts to protect the forest floor. Power is generated by a discreet hydroelectric system in the nearby stream, and the water is solar-heated. It is a seamless integration of comfort and conservation.

The highlight of the stay, undoubtedly, was the cuisine. The "farm-to-table" concept is taken literally here, with almost all ingredients sourced from the lodge's own permaculture gardens. Dining on the terrace, surrounded by the cacophony of the jungle while eating food that traveled zero miles, was a truly grounding experience.

If I were to pick a flaw, it would be the connectivity. The Wi-Fi is patchy at best, though perhaps that is a deliberate feature rather than a bug. It forces you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the physical one.

In conclusion, The Green Canopy is a triumph. It offers a blueprint for how tourism can support, rather than exploit, the environment. I would unreservedly recommend it to anyone looking to escape the rat race without leaving a heavy footprint.

6. The Article

Goal: To entertain and engage a magazine reader. Tone: Semi-formal/Informal. Use Direct Address ("Have you ever...?"). C1/C2 Tip: Start with a Hook (a question or bold statement). Use vivid vocabulary ("Eco-warrior," "Climate skeptic").

Topic: Fast Fashion vs. The Planet

📝 Model Answer

Is Your Wardrobe Killing the Planet?

Open your wardrobe. How many items do you see that you haven't worn in the last year? If you’re like most people, the answer is "too many." We are living in the age of Fast Fashion, a dizzying cycle of trends where clothes are produced cheaply, bought impulsively, and discarded effortlessly. But have you ever stopped to consider the true cost of that €5 t-shirt?

The reality is grim. The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, responsible for more carbon emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. It is a thirsty beast, too; producing a single pair of jeans requires around 7,500 liters of water. And that’s before we even discuss the microplastics shed by synthetic fibers, which are now found in the deepest oceans and the highest peaks.

So, why do we keep buying? It’s a psychological trap. We are bombarded with advertising that equates "newness" with happiness. We treat clothing as disposable packaging for our bodies rather than durable goods.

However, the tide is turning. A "slow fashion" movement is gaining momentum, championing quality over quantity. It encourages us to buy vintage, repair what we own, and choose sustainable fabrics. It’s about shifting our mindset from "consumer" to "custodian" of our clothes.

The next time you feel the urge to splurge on a cheap trend, ask yourself: do I really need this? Or is it just another piece of future landfill? The planet—and your wallet—will thank you for walking away.

7. The Informal Email

Goal: To advise or persuade a friend. Tone: Informal. Warm. C1/C2 Tip: Use Idioms ("I'm over the moon," "It drives me up the wall") and Phrasal Verbs ("Look into," "Sort out").

Topic: Persuading a friend to join a "Green Challenge"

📝 Model Answer

Subject: Up for a challenge? 🌱

Hey Alex,

Great to hear from you! I’m glad the new job is going well—it sounds intense but rewarding.

Listen, I’m writing because I’ve just signed up for this thing called "Plastic-Free July," and I thought it might be right up your street. I know, I know, it sounds like a bit of a hassle, but hear me out!

Basically, the idea is to go a whole month without buying any single-use plastics. I’ve been reading up on it, and honestly, the stats on plastic waste are terrifying. I felt like I had to do something more than just recycling the odd bottle. It’s been three days so far, and it’s actually kind of fun—like a puzzle trying to figure out how to buy groceries without wrapping everything in plastic film.

I was wondering if you’d want to do it with me? I know you’re super busy, but we could keep each other accountable. Plus, think of how smug we can feel at the end of the month! It doesn’t have to be perfect; even just cutting out takeaway coffee cups and water bottles would be a massive win.

Let me know what you think. No pressure, obviously, but it’d be way more fun to have a partner in crime!

Catch up properly soon,

Jamie

🕵️ Teacher Cheat Sheet: Which One to Choose?

Task Type	Key Purpose	Key Feature to Grade
Essay	Argue a point	Inversion, Linkers, Balanced View
Report	Analyze the Past/Present	Headings, Passive Voice, Nominalization
Proposal	Suggest for the Future	Headings, Persuasive Verbs (Urge, Recommend)
Review	Describe & Judge	Compound Adjectives, Recommendation
Article	Entertain	Catchy Title, Direct Address ("Have you...?")
Letter (Formal)	Complain/Request	Subjunctive, Indirect Questions