Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. You have recently attended a cooking class in your community center and you have some suggestions to improve the class. Write a letter to the class instructor. In your letter, you should:- Explain why you are writing - Describe what you enjoyed about the cooking class - Share your suggestions for improvement - Explain why you think these changes would be beneficialRemember to use appropriate salutations at the beginning and end of your letter.
You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Instructor,

I am writing to share my thoughts about the cooking class I attended at the community center. I enjoyed the class a lot. I learned many new recipes and cooking techniques. It was fun and interesting.

I liked how you explained each step of the recipes. It was easy to understand and follow. I also liked the hands-on practice. It helped me to learn better.

I have some ideas to make the class better. First, it would be good if we could have more time to practice. Sometimes, I felt rushed. Second, it would be helpful if we could get the recipes in advance. This way, we can prepare and know what to expect.

I think these changes will help everyone in the class. More practice time will let us learn better. Having the recipes in advance will let us be ready for the class. I hope you will consider my suggestions.

Thank you for your time.

From,
James Smith

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Instructor,

I am writing to share my experience and offer some suggestions about the cooking class I recently attended at our community center.

I thoroughly enjoyed the class, particularly the hands-on approach to learning new recipes. The friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to meet fellow cooking enthusiasts added a lot to the overall experience.

However, I believe there are a few areas where the class could be improved. Firstly, it would be beneficial to have a clearer breakdown of the cooking process. This could be achieved by providing printed recipes for us to follow. Secondly, a little more time could be allocated for questions and answers. This would allow us to better understand the techniques being taught.

Implementing these changes would make the class more interactive and educational. Having a printed recipe would serve as a helpful guide during the class and a valuable reference for later use. Meanwhile, a dedicated Q&A session would ensure our queries are addressed, enhancing our learning.

Thank you for considering my suggestions. I look forward to attending more classes in the future.

Best regards,
John Smith

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Instructor,I am Jane Smith, a recent participant in the cooking class held at our community center. I am writing to express my gratitude for the class and to suggest a few improvements that could potentially enhance the overall experience.The class was indeed a delightful experience. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on approach, which allowed me to experiment with various cooking techniques. The way you explained the recipes was very clear and easy to follow, and the friendly atmosphere made the learning process even more enjoyable.However, I believe there are a few areas that could benefit from improvement. Firstly, it would be helpful if the recipes were distributed prior to the class, allowing us to familiarize ourselves with the ingredients and steps. Secondly, I suggest incorporating a wider variety of cuisines to broaden our culinary horizons. Lastly, it might be beneficial to include a brief session on kitchen safety and hygiene, considering its importance in cooking.Implementing these changes would not only make the class more engaging, but also more informative. Having the recipes beforehand would enable us to mentally prepare for the session, while the introduction of different cuisines would add an element of surprise and excitement. The safety session, on the other hand, would ensure that all participants are aware of the necessary precautions while cooking.Thank you for considering my suggestions. I am confident that these changes would make the class even more enriching for all participants.Best regards,Jane Smith

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Attended (verb): This means you went to the cooking class.
2. Community center (noun): This is like a big house where people in a neighborhood can go to do activities or learn new things.
3. Suggestions (noun): These are ideas you have that you think would make the cooking class better.
4. Improve (verb): This means to make something better.
5. Instructor (noun): This is the person who teaches the cooking class.
6. Enjoyed (verb): This means you liked something or had a good time doing it.
7. Beneficial (adjective): This means something is good or helpful.
8. Appropriate salutations (noun): These are polite or formal ways to say hello or goodbye in a letter.
9. Recently (adverb): This means not long ago, or a short time before now.
10. Explain (verb): This means to make something clear or easy to understand.
11. Describe (verb): This means to tell or write about something in a way that helps people imagine it.
12. Share (verb): This means to tell someone about something.
13. Changes (noun): These are things that are made different.
14. Appreciated (verb): This means you felt thankful or grateful for something.
15. Enhance (verb): This means to increase or improve something in value, quality, or attractiveness.

Tips:

1. Start with a clear purpose: Right at the beginning of your letter, make sure you explain why you are writing. This will help the instructor understand your intentions. You could say something like, "I am writing to provide some feedback and suggestions for the cooking class I recently attended."

2. Be positive: Before you share your suggestions, talk about what you liked about the class. This will show the instructor that you appreciate their efforts and enjoyed the class overall. You could say something like, "I really enjoyed learning new recipes and techniques."

3. Share your suggestions clearly: When giving your suggestions, be clear and specific. Instead of saying "I think the class could be better", say something like "I think it would be helpful if we could have more hands-on practice during the class."

4. Explain your reasons: Don't just give suggestions, but also explain why you think these changes would be good. This will make your suggestions more convincing. You could say something like, "More hands-on practice will help us to better understand and remember the cooking techniques."

5. Be polite and respectful: Remember to be polite and respectful throughout your letter. Even when you're giving suggestions, do it in a kind and respectful way. Also, don't forget to use appropriate salutations at the beginning and end of your letter. You could start with "Dear [Instructor's Name]," and end with "Kind regards, [Your Name]".

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Television is a big part of our life. Many people think it is good for learning about the world. Others think it is bad and can limit our understanding. I think it has both good and bad parts.

Television is good because it can show us many things. We can see different places and people from around the world. For example, I watched a documentary about Africa on TV. I saw the animals, the people, and the land. I learned a lot. I could not go to Africa, but the TV brought Africa to me.

Also, TV can teach us about different cultures and traditions. I watched a show about Chinese New Year. I learned about their food, their music, and their customs. It was very interesting. I did not know about this before I watched the TV show.

But, television also has bad parts. Sometimes, it shows too much violence and bad behavior. This can influence people in a bad way. For example, my little brother watched a movie with a lot of fighting. After that, he started to fight with his friends. It was not good.

Also, TV can make people lazy. They sit and watch for hours and do not do anything else. My friend, John, watches TV all day. He does not exercise or read books. I think this is not healthy.

In conclusion, television can be both good and bad. It can teach us about the world, but it can also influence us in a bad way. I think we should watch TV carefully and choose good programs. We should also remember to do other things, like reading and playing outside.

Band 7 Example Answer:

Television is a powerful tool that gives us the chance to learn about different places, people, and ideas. However, like any tool, it can also have bad effects if not used wisely.

On the positive side, television can be a great source of knowledge. It can show us things that we could never see in person. For example, nature documentaries can take us to the deepest parts of the ocean or the highest peaks of mountains. News programs can help us understand what is happening in other parts of the world. Educational shows can teach us about science, history, and culture. I remember when I was a kid, I learned a lot about animals from a show called "The Animal Planet".

On the other hand, television can also limit our understanding of the world. Sometimes, it only shows one side of a story, which can lead to misunderstandings. Also, too much television can make us lazy. Instead of going out and experiencing the world ourselves, we might just sit at home and watch TV. This can make us less active and less curious about the world.

In my opinion, television can be both good and bad. It all depends on how we use it. If we choose to watch educational shows and news programs, and if we remember to question what we see, then television can be a great way to learn. But if we spend all our time watching TV and don't get out and experience the world, then it can be harmful. So, like with many things in life, balance is key.

In conclusion, television can be a window to the world, but we should not let it be our only source of learning. We should also read books, talk to people, and explore the world ourselves. That way, we can get a fuller understanding of the world.

Band 9 Example Answer:

Television, an invention that has revolutionized the way we perceive the world, is often seen as a double-edged sword. While some people consider it a valuable source of information, others argue that it can distort our understanding of the world.

On the positive side, television provides us with a window to the world. It brings us live coverage of events happening around the globe, making us aware of different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. For instance, travel shows like 'Planet Earth' offer us a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of our planet, something which would be impossible for most of us to experience firsthand. Moreover, educational programs on channels like National Geographic or Discovery Channel can stimulate our curiosity and foster a love for learning.

However, there are also negative aspects to consider. The information presented on television is often simplified and sensationalized to attract viewers. This can lead to a skewed perception of reality. For example, news channels often focus on negative events such as wars, crimes, and disasters, creating an overly pessimistic view of the world. Additionally, the excessive advertising on television promotes materialism and creates unrealistic expectations about lifestyle and body image.

In my viewpoint, the impact of television on our understanding of the world largely depends on how we use it. If we approach it critically, discerning fact from fiction and understanding the motivations behind the content, it can be a useful tool for learning. However, we should also supplement our knowledge with other sources like books, newspapers, and firsthand experiences to get a more comprehensive and balanced understanding.

In conclusion, while television has the potential to broaden our horizons, it can also limit our understanding if consumed uncritically. Therefore, it is essential to use it wisely and supplement it with other sources of information. As the saying goes, "Don't believe everything you see on TV."

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Influence (noun): This word means the power or effect that something or someone has on another. It can be used to talk about how television can impact people's understanding of the world.
2. Exposure (noun): This means the state of being exposed to something. In this context, it refers to the amount of time spent watching television and the kind of content viewed.
3. Distort (verb): This means to change something so it is no longer true or accurate. It can be used to describe how television might present a false or misleading picture of the world.
4. Commercialization (noun): This is the process of using something for profit. It can be used to talk about how television shows are often made to make money, not necessarily to educate.
5. Engrossing (adjective): This means very interesting or completely taking your attention. It can be used to explain why people might prefer to learn through television.
6. Passive learning (expression): This is a way of learning where you just receive information without actively trying to understand it. Watching television is often a form of passive learning.
7. Reality distortion (expression): This means a situation where the truth is changed or twisted. It can be used to talk about how television might present a misleading view of the world.
8. Mind-expanding (adjective): This means something that makes you think in a new or different way. It can be used to describe the positive effects of watching educational television programs.
9. Unfiltered content (expression): This refers to information that hasn't been checked or controlled. It can be used to discuss the potential dangers of watching television.
10. Stimulate critical thinking (expression): This means to encourage someone to think carefully and deeply about things. This can be used to argue that some television programs can help people develop their thinking skills.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: First, make sure you completely understand what the question is asking. It wants you to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of learning through television, and also provide your own viewpoint. So, you need to talk about both sides and not just one.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, spend a few minutes planning your answer. Think about the main points you want to make for both the positives and negatives of learning through television. Also, decide what your own viewpoint is, and how you can back it up with reasons and examples.

3. Use Clear Paragraphs: Each main point you make should be in its own paragraph. This will make your answer easier to read and understand. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states what the paragraph is about.

4. Support Your Points: The question asks you to support your response with reasons and examples. So make sure each point you make is backed up with a reason why you think it's true, and an example that illustrates it. The examples can be from your own experience or general knowledge.

5. Don't Forget Your Viewpoint: After discussing the positives and negatives, don't forget to clearly state your own viewpoint. Explain why you hold this viewpoint and make sure it's supported with reasons and examples, just like your other points.