Writing Task Writing Paper Part 2.

Task Type: Article Adolescence

Question

You have recently read an article from a youth magazine on the problem of
inactivity in young people. The magazine has invited its readers to respond to the
topic by writing a short article of their own, which answers the following questions:

Why are our young people becoming

'couch potatoes', and what can we do to
solve the problem?
You should focus on young people in your country (or a country that you know
well).
Write the article for the readers of the magazine. (around 280- 320 words)
What you need to include to pass
Check our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good
answer.
Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

Make a list of reasons why young people are less active than previous
generations:
- indoor activities more popular (e.g. computer games, TV etc.)
- parents don't encourage children to do enough exercise
- media encourages an unhealthy lifestyle

What solutions are there to the problem? Are they realistic or not?
Example:
Parents need to supervise children more - but impractical if they are out at
work
Work through your list and decide which suggestions you really want to
include. Choose between three and four.

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You are writing an article rather than a report or discursive essay. What does
this imply about the style and tone of your writing? (Answer: you can afford to
experiment with different levels of formality or use direct questions to engage
the reader)
Example:
What are we going to do about our kids today?

How are you going to conclude your article - on an optimistic or pessimistic

note?

Drafting and proofreading your work

You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

Have you answered the question fully?

Is the layout and organisation appropriate?

Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?

Is the style appropriate and consistent for your article?

Will it be genuinely informative for the reader as well as being interesting to

read?
If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more
drafting!

Writing Checklist
Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Article
Content
Should include a discussion of the reasons why young people are
becoming couch potatoes (i.e. less active) and how the situation can be
remedied. The discussion should focus on a particular (named) country.
Range
Language of description, evaluation, recommendation and/or advice.
Topic vocabulary and expressions relating to leisure, fitness, illness or

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exercise could be included.

(e.g. 'heart disease', 'expanding waistlines', 'sitting in front of the
television', etc.)
Organisation
The article must be divided into clear paragraphs (suggested format: one
paragraph on reasons, and another for solutions). Magazine articles
often try to catch the attention of the reader in the opening sentences.
Register
Could range from formal to reasonably informal, as long as the register
is consistent throughout the article.
Target reader
The magazine editor would be informed and would consider that the
article is suitable for publication (i.e. of interest to its readers).
Language accuracy
Does not have to be completely accurate but any errors should be
minimal.

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Tutoras Especiales
Den Funes 981 Piso 8vo. Dpto. C X5000AAS Ciudad de Crdoba
Crdoba-ARGENTINA -Telfono #:
(00)(54) 0351- 4263718
/
Celular: + 54 9 351 5513625