CPE Writing Part 1 Example Answer

Posted on April 3, 2014

by Desktop English
in Competitions, Exams, Exercises, Latest News, Proficiency
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Here is the first in our series of model answers for the first part of the Cambridge English
Proficiency exam. The exam question below is taken from the 2013 Cambridge English
Proficiency Practice Tests book. The answer that follows has been carefully constructed to
score band 5 in each assessed area.
You can also post your answer to the question as a comment and one of our teachers will reply
to you with their suggestions.
Question
Read the two texts below:
Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own
words throughout as far as possible, and include your own idea in your answer.
Write your answer in 240-280 words
Movie Magic
It has often been claimed that people flock to the cinema primarily to escape from the
boredom, or sometimes even the misery of their everyday lives. Remarkable technological
advances have made the experience of watching a movie ever more magical and emotionally
powerful, increasing the appeal and impact of the cinema for each new generation. Yet movies
have a power that goes far beyond their capacity to transport us to another world, since they
can influence audiences to change their attitudes or behaviour in significant ways, making
them consider complex moral and social issues such as war, poverty, and prejudice.
Is the cinema in decline?
The inescapable truth is that the cinema, one of the greatest cultural achievements of the
twentieth century, has reached a new low point in recent years. All but a few movies are,
frankly, not worth anyones valuable time. Audiences are increasingly presented with childish
comedies, predictable action films and disappointing sequels. There is also the absurd idea
that a film with an inflated budget of millions is a substitute for a well-acted, imaginative and
original film. Film studios now spend almost as much money on marketing their films as
producing them, which tends to suggest their concern is with profit rather than quality.
Sample Answer
Is the film industry failing to scale the cultural heights of yesteryear? Is the studios
preoccupation with profit, which is reflected in their marketing expenditure, stifling originality?
The cinema has long provided an escape from the banality of daily life. It has, since its
invention, fed our imagination through its ability to bring our wildest fantasies one step closer to
reality. It has transformed the way we view the world and our place in it by addressing the
issues of the day, provoking debate and weaving new and powerful narratives. And as special
effects have evolved, cinema has found new ways to grip audiences, leaving successive
generations awestruck by its unrivaled capacity to convince and inspire.
Yet despite modern cinema having reached the height of its power, in terms of its technological
potential, it is arguable that todays films lack the originality and charm of their predecessors.
As film budgets have grown, it seems that Hollywood has learned that avoiding risk is of
paramount importance in recouping the investment. Some argue that it is those very
technological advances that have relegated into second place other aspects of cinema, such
as the quality of plot and actors.
It would be hard to argue that cinema hadnt reached the pinnacle of its potential. But it is
equally inescapable that its contribution to culture does not match this. If the big studios were
more willing to take risks on original films, rather than tried and trusted formula-movies,
perhaps cinema could enjoy another golden age. I advocate that Hollywood adopt a more
courageous production policy; one that we, as the cinema-going public, could and should
support.