Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. You have been learning a new language and now wish to find a language exchange partner. Write a letter to a language school to ask about finding a partner who speaks the language you are learning. In your letter, you should:
- Tell the school what language you are learning and why you want to learn it.
- Explain what you are looking for in a language exchange partner.
- Describe your own language skills and how you can help your partner learn your language.
- Ask for information on how the school can help you find such a partner and any costs involved.

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Language School,

My name is Alex Carter. I am learning Spanish because I want to travel to Spain. I like the culture and food. I need to speak Spanish for my trip.

I want to find a partner who speaks Spanish well. They should be patient and like to talk. I want to practice speaking and listening. I can meet in the evening or on weekends.

I speak English very good. I can help someone learn English. I can teach them new words and we can talk in English. This can help them a lot.

Can you help me find a Spanish speaking partner? How does it work? Do I need to pay money for this? Please tell me how much and how to start.

Thank you for your help.

Alex Carter

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Language School,

My name is Alex Tanner, and I've been studying Spanish for the past six months. I'm learning it because I plan to travel to Spain next year, and I want to speak well with the locals.

I'm looking for a language exchange partner who is a native Spanish speaker. I hope to find someone who is patient and enjoys talking about everyday life, like food, music, and sports. It would be great if they're learning English, as I can help them in return.

I speak English fluently, as it's my mother tongue, and I've helped friends with their English before. I'm good at explaining things simply and I'm very patient. I think I can help someone improve their English speaking and listening skills.

Could you please let me know how your school can help me find a language exchange partner? Also, I'd like to know if there are any costs for this service. Thank you for your help.

Warm regards,
Alex Tanner

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Language School Coordinator,

I am reaching out to inquire about the possibility of finding a language exchange partner through your esteemed institution. I have been diligently learning Spanish for the past year as I am keen on immersing myself in the rich Hispanic culture and plan to travel extensively across Latin America. Additionally, I believe that acquiring proficiency in Spanish will enhance my career opportunities in international relations.

In a language exchange partner, I am seeking someone who is a native Spanish speaker, preferably with interests in the arts and current affairs, as these are topics I am passionate about. It is important that my partner is patient and has a keen interest in learning English, as I am in Spanish. I would appreciate a partner who is open to meeting regularly, perhaps twice a week, for mutual language practice.

As for my own language skills, I am a native English speaker with a degree in English Literature, and I have experience tutoring English to non-native speakers. I am confident that I can offer structured and engaging language sessions, tailored to my partner's learning objectives and interests.

Could you please provide me with information on how your school facilitates language exchange partnerships? I am interested in understanding the process, any potential costs, and the measures in place to ensure a beneficial exchange for both parties involved.

I look forward to your response and hope to start this enriching experience soon.

Warmest regards,
Eleanor Rigby

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Fluency (noun): This means being able to speak or write a language very well, without stopping or making mistakes.
2. Enthusiastic (adjective): It's when you are really excited or interested in something.
3. Cultural exchange (noun phrase): This is when people from different places share their ways of life, like traditions or languages, to learn from each other.
4. Compatibility (noun): It's like when two things fit together well or work well together.
5. Collaborate (verb): It means to work together with someone to do or create something.
6. Proficiency (noun): This is being really good at doing something, like speaking a language well.
7. Conversational skills (noun phrase): These are the abilities you need to talk to people in a relaxed and easy way.
8. Native speaker (noun phrase): Someone who speaks a language as their first language, which they learned when they were a child.
9. Immerse (verb): It's like diving into something completely, like surrounding yourself with a language to learn it better.
10. Correspondence (noun): This is a fancy word for writing letters or emails back and forth with someone.
11. Language proficiency assessment (noun phrase): A test to see how well someone can use a language.
12. Exchange program (noun phrase): A special plan that lets people from different places swap places or do something together, like learning each other's languages.
13. Mutually beneficial (adjective phrase): It's when something is good for both people or groups involved.
14. Inquire (verb): This is a more formal way to say 'ask about something'.
15. Registration fee (noun phrase): The money you have to pay to sign up for something, like a language class.

Tips:

1. Be clear about your language goals: Start your letter by stating which language you're learning and the reasons behind your interest. Maybe you love the culture, plan to travel, or want to connect with friends or family. Keep it straightforward and personal.

2. Detail your ideal partner: Describe the qualities you're looking for in a language exchange partner. Mention if you prefer someone with similar interests, or maybe a patient person because you're just starting. It's like making a wishlist for the perfect study buddy!

3. Showcase your strengths: Talk about your own language abilities and how you can help your partner. If you're awesome at grammar, or if speaking is your superpower, let the school know! It's your chance to show how you can be a great partner too.

4. Ask the important questions: Politely request information on how the school can connect you with a partner. Don't be shy to ask about any fees you might need to pay, or if there are special programs you should know about. It's like asking for a treasure map to find your language buddy.

5. Wrap it up warmly: End your letter with a friendly goodbye and a thank you. You can say something like, "I'm looking forward to your help," and mention how excited you are to meet a new friend to share languages with. It's the cherry on top of your letter sundae!

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Some people think having physical education in schools is very good for kids. They say it helps children to be healthy and strong. When kids do sports, they can run and play and this is good for their bodies. Also, when they play games together, they learn to work as a team and make friends. This is nice because it helps them to not be shy and to talk to other kids.

But other people say that physical education takes time away from subjects like math, science, and reading. They think these subjects are more important for the kids' future jobs. They say that kids need to spend more time on these subjects to get good jobs when they grow up.

I think physical education is very important too. When I was a kid, my name is Alex, I remember that I liked to run and play soccer with my friends at school. It made me feel happy and I could concentrate better in class after playing. It is good for the brain too. Kids need to move and not just sit all day. It helps them to think better.

In conclusion, I think kids should have physical education in school because it is good for their health and their minds. It is also fun and helps them to learn to work with other kids. But it is also important to learn math and reading. So, schools should make sure there is time for everything.

Band 7 Example Answer:

Physical education, often called PE, is a subject in school that gets kids moving and playing sports. Some people think PE is super important for learning, while others believe it takes away time from subjects like math or science that are seen as more important.

Let's talk about why some folks think PE is key. First, it helps kids stay healthy. Running, jumping, and playing games make our hearts strong and keep our bodies fit. Also, PE is a break from sitting and thinking hard. It lets kids have fun and burn off energy, so when they go back to class, they can focus better. Plus, in PE, kids learn about teamwork and how to get along with others, which is just as important as learning to read or do math.

On the other hand, some people say PE takes away time from learning other big subjects. They worry that if kids spend too much time playing games, they won't do as well in subjects that might help them get a job later on. They think schools should focus more on subjects like reading, writing, and math because they are used a lot in the real world.

I think PE is really important for kids. I remember when I was young, my friend Alex and I always looked forward to PE. It was our favorite part of the day! We learned how to play together and stay active. It made us happy and helped us do better in other classes because we weren't so restless.

In conclusion, while it's true that reading and math are super important, PE is also a big part of growing up healthy and happy. It teaches us about teamwork and gives us a chance to move around, which is good for our brains too. So, I believe PE should stay as a key part of school for all kids.

Band 9 Example Answer:

Physical education, often abbreviated as PE, is a subject that sparks a fair amount of debate when it comes to its role in the academic curriculum. Some argue that PE is crucial for the holistic development of children, while others believe it detracts from more academically focused subjects. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives before sharing my own viewpoint on the matter.

On one hand, proponents of PE in schools argue that it is essential for the physical well-being of students. In an era where sedentary lifestyles are becoming increasingly common, PE provides a structured opportunity for children to engage in physical activity. This can help combat obesity and promote healthier habits that can last a lifetime. Moreover, PE also contributes to the development of motor skills, coordination, and overall physical fitness. For instance, my cousin, Samantha, who struggled with weight issues, found that regular PE sessions improved not only her physical health but also her self-esteem and social skills.

On the other hand, some critics argue that the time allocated to PE could be better spent on subjects like math, science, and languages, which are traditionally viewed as more intellectually rigorous and directly linked to academic and career success. They contend that the academic pressures and competition for college admissions are so high that every minute of the school day should be optimized for academic learning. A friend of mine, Alex, felt that his time in PE could have been used to deepen his understanding of physics, a subject he was passionate about and which ultimately shaped his career path.

Despite these arguments, I believe that physical education is of paramount importance in the development of children. It not only fosters physical health but also teaches important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. In my own experience, PE was a respite from the academic rigors of school, providing a much-needed balance to my day. It was during PE that I learned the value of teamwork and developed friendships that have endured over the years. Furthermore, the lessons of discipline and goal-setting in sports have been directly applicable to my academic pursuits.

In conclusion, while it is important to prioritize academic subjects for intellectual development, it is equally important to recognize the multifaceted benefits of physical education. PE plays a critical role in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also physically fit and socially adept. Balancing both academic and physical education is key to the holistic development of children, preparing them for the diverse challenges of life.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Integral (adjective): Extremely important, necessary for completeness. Like a key part of a machine without which it won't work.
2. Enhances (verb): Improves or adds value to something. Like adding seasoning to a dish to make it tastier.
3. Cognitive development (noun phrase): Growth in our ability to think, understand, and learn as we get older.
4. Detract from (verb phrase): To reduce the quality or value of something. Like a stain on a beautiful dress making it less appealing.
5. Well-rounded education (noun phrase): Education that covers a broad range of subjects, developing varied skills and knowledge.
6. Academic performance (noun phrase): How well someone does in their educational pursuits, like grades or understanding of subjects.
7. Physical well-being (noun phrase): The state of being healthy and fit, physically. Like feeling strong and energetic.
8. Extracurricular activities (noun phrase): Activities outside of regular academic curriculum, like sports or arts.
9. Sedentary lifestyle (noun phrase): A way of life that involves little physical activity, often associated with sitting for long periods.
10. Obesity (noun): A condition of being significantly overweight, which can affect health.
11. Stamina (noun): The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort. Like being able to jog for a long time without getting tired.
12. Teamwork (noun): Working cooperatively with others towards a common goal. Like a sports team playing together to win a game.
13. Discipline (noun): The practice of training oneself to do things in a controlled and habitual way. Like studying regularly to improve knowledge.
14. Overemphasis (noun): Placing too much importance on one aspect of something, potentially neglecting other important aspects.
15. Counterproductive (adjective): Having the opposite effect of what is desired or intended. Like staying up late to study but being too tired to focus the next day.

Tips:

1. Balance both views: Even if you have a strong opinion about physical education, the question asks you to discuss both sides. So, make sure to spend time talking about why some people think it's important and why others don't. You need to show that you've thought about both points of view before you share your own opinion.

2. Structure your essay: A good essay has an introduction, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Start by introducing the topic, then have one or two paragraphs for each view, and finish with your own opinion and conclusion. This will help keep your writing organized and make it easier for the reader to follow your ideas.

3. Use clear topic sentences: At the start of each paragraph, use a sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about. This is called a topic sentence. It helps to guide the reader and makes your essay clearer. For example, you could start with "Some people believe that physical education is crucial because..." and then explain that reason.

4. Include personal reflections: When you share your own thoughts, don't be afraid to talk about your own experiences with physical education. Maybe you loved PE at school, or maybe you didn't. Either way, your personal story can help explain why you think the way you do and make your essay more interesting.

5. Proofread your essay: After you finish writing, take a few minutes to read your essay again and look for mistakes. Check that you've used punctuation correctly, like full stops and commas, and look out for any words that you might have spelled wrong. A clean, error-free essay will always make a better impression.