Formal letter

Writing task 16/4/19 Formal letter                   REVISED                      Ana Guilabert H.

CENSORSHIP AND THE INTERNET

-Limiting the exposure to extreme viewpoints is more important than preserving freedom of speech.

-As most people don’t have enough self-control to censor their own Internet use, governments should do it for them.

-People under the age of eighteen are especially vulnerable and their access to the Internet should be severely limited through a reliable proof-of-age scheme.


Dear editor,


I am writing in response to Magdalena Mira’s article about censorship and the Internet which appeared in the online edition of your newspaper. While I agree with some pertinent points the author mentions in it, I would like to enlighten readers about some aspects missed.


It goes without saying that preserving freedom of speech is essential in a democratic society but, should we not limit exposure to extreme viewpoints? Is it not the case that governments have to protect people from hate and extremism? It would be difficult to argue that we did not protect our society from those using the Internet against its deepest values.


Of course it is true that the Internet has opened a wide range of opportunities for business, relationships, knowledge and that it has been changing the way we approach the world we live in in the last years. But, as too many people are not capable of self-control, some lines have to be drawn so as not to damage the other people’s rights. We should not be afraid of addressing this contentious issue, what is more, it will be extremely beneficial for the Internet if we want it to last so many years the way we know it today.


There is a key point not mentioned at all in the article and it is the access of children and under-eighteen people to the Internet. It is well known that the number of children using the Internet regularly has boosted in the last years. They are the most vulnerable when talking about inappropriate content and they are exposed to serious danger. Teenagers cannot be forgotten here as they are reckon to spend an average of more than six hours per day staring at the screens of their mobile phones or their computers, using apps or software connected to the net. And it is a given that most of them are under the age required to use this software or social networks, so that strict measures have to be taken to be sure no child nor teenager accesses a platform without being the obligatory age.


To sum up, some limits have to be set so as to protect the youngest and the values on where our democracy rests.

Assignment 20/3/19 Essay

Ana Guilabert Hernández 20/3/19 Essay


How youth unemployment can be solved


-More vocational training at schools

-Increase financial incentives for employers to take on young people

-Mentoring young people as they apply for jobs



It is generally maintained that the youth unemployment is one of the problems one country is more urgently pushed to solve. However, it is not a straightforward task.


In the first place we have the education system. It is often said that schools don’t provide the work market with the required profiles. A case in point is the vocational training, which is essential in countries with a very low percentage of youth unemployment. What this means is that the investment in vocational training has to be adjusted to the needs of the industry and the service sector of a country. The only downside is that it takes several years to change the academic programmes so as to adapt them to the current needs.


Another solution could well be to increase financial benefits for employers when taking on young people. This is always a contentious issue but what is most important to consider is whether taking steps in that direction will lead us to decrease the unemployment among the youngest. This is not to say that it would make a miracle but it is worth noting that this kind of measures have worked in many countries struggling the same problem.


And the third idea to discuss is that there are still many employers unable to find the right candidate for a job so that many positions are vacant for months. And on the other hand there are thousands of young people trying to get their foot in the door. That is to say that they don’t find each other. It would be advantageous to create a network to mentor the young people applying for a job so as not to scupper their chances.


Taking everything into account it can be concluded that a considerable amount of money has to be invested in order to reverse this worrying situation. But there is no doubt that it would be seen a return, though. What is clear is that impact measures have to be taken.

Assignment. Writing pg 25 6 Studying abroad

Is spending a year studying abroad a valuable thing for university students to do? Write an article of 300-350 words for a student website giving arguments for and against and standing your view.
(two direct questions, one direct address to the reader, at least one quotation and an exclamation)

Thinking about studying abroad for a year? We analyze the pros and cons for you, so you might discover whether it will suit you or not and the final decision is up to you.

For those who get cold feet when thinking of spending a year abroad for studying, we would suggest to ask people who have lived this experience. According to the data provided by SEPIE, the number of Spanish students who decide to study abroad has boosted in the last eight years and, do you know what? Hardly nobody regrets. Stepping outside of their comfort zone, knowing new people and cultures or becoming more open minded are some of the most valuable achievements those people remark. But, if your purpose is not making friends and you are worried about how to broaden your CV, you must know that this kind of experiences are substantianly appreciated by nowadays companies. Moreover it could be an unparalleled chance to learn a new language or to improve one you already know.

Having said all that, you must be aware of some disadvantages you can find in your way if you are considering to make this leap into the unknown. First of all you must get through some administrative hurdles. The new culture you are facing with may be shocking and the climate could well be another obstacle. You must bear in mind that studying abroad requires a lot of independent effort and you should not forget the financial issue. If you don't get a grant the cost of your adventure could be exorbitant. And one more thing, thinking you are beyond prepared to breeze through any problem can be a risky attitude. So you must weight up your possibilities and utilise pre-existing networks to give it serious thought.

So all things considered, we would encorage all those teetering on the edge to take this opportunity when it appears in front of you. You will never know whether the grass will be greener on the other side or not, but it is worth a try!

Composition. Answer to a classmate

I haven't got a clue about how to improve my listening skill. What do you suggest me to do? 

As it is one of the most common difficulties English learners face, I suggest that you take a proactive approach. For instance, every moment to spare you have you should be exposed to English. You could turn on the radio in English, watch series in English with English subtitles or listen to the ever-reliable BBC learning English programs.

Improving your listening skill requires a lot of independent effort so you must actively look for opportunities to get familiar with English.

It would also be invaluable to listen to contents you are interested in. That has a series of pros and cons. Some contents might be hard to come by, or your lack of some vocabulary could kick in but, in a while, understanding English  will become second nature. (129)

I would like to have a hope of passing my oral exam, but I don't feel confident while speaking in the exam. Words don't come to me naturally. What can I do? 

For those who get cold feet when oral exams are looming, I would suggest activities such as recording yourself giving previously prepared speeches or reading aloud all the books under the sun.

It would also be a help to find a method in the madness and work out a timetable leading up to the exam.

As you are taking the C1 oral exam you need to top up your English vocabulary, otherwise you won't have a wide range of knowledge.

Regarding the exam day make sure that you get a good night sleep and feel confident. All of a sudden, if you are relaxed, you will breeze through the exam.

Modal verbs sheet

Assignement 1 C1 Writing formal letter

Assignment 2-Cover letter

(My) Assignment 2

Dear [name],
With the utmost enthusiasm, I would like to express my interest in the [position title] position at [company]. My interest in [field] has taken me from [experience] to [experience]. I believe that my passion for [aspect of your field or background], strong commitment to [aspect of your field or background], and interest in [aspect of your field or background] make me an ideal candidate to join the [department] staff at [company].
As a candidate, here’s what I could immediately bring to the table:
An effective [descriptor that reflects transferable skill #1]: In my role at [previous job], I [action or accomplishment]. I was also able to showcase my [skill] abilities as a [role] in [project name] project by [what you did].
A disciplined [descriptor that reflects transferable skill #2]: I have always displayed my careful approach to [job duty] by [action]. At [previous company], I frequently [action]. In addition, I had the opportunity to [action or accomplishment], which further shows my dedication to [aspect of your field].
A passionate [descriptor that reflects transferable skill #3]: Everything I have engaged in so far has all been driven by my keen interest in [aspect of your field]. Even as a [previous role], I made sure to dedicate some part of my day to [action]. It is this passion that has driven every one of my career decisions thus far.
I look forward to contributing my skills and experiences to the [position title] position at [company] and hope to have the opportunity to speak with you further about how I can be an asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your name]




8 examples

I have developed a keen interest in data science during my years working various political campaigns (as my past supervisor once said, I love Excel more than anyone she knows).
Here’s what, specifically, I can deliver in this role.