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

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