Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have enrolled in an evening course but you have found that you are too busy to continue and would like to take the course next term instead.
Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter:
- explain the situation and why you cannot continue the course
- say what you would like to do about your studies
- ask for advice about what you can do about the situation
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear…
Write at least 150 words.
Dear Mr Williams,
I am writing with regards my attendance at your Business Marketing course. Although I have found the last seven weeks of this course to be extremely informative, I am afraid that I will be unable to continue as a family situation has arisen and I will be out of town for the foreseeable future.
As I have already completed three of the five course assignments and I am only missing the final 4 weeks of the semester, I was hoping that I would be able to return later in the year and join another intake of students in their final month rather than repeat the entire course.
If you feel that this would not be advisable or you have any other suggestions, I would be very keen to hear them.
Once again, my apologies for the enforced absence and I hope to complete the course soon.
Looking forward to hearing from you regarding my options,
Yours sincerely,
Samuel Winburbe
(162 words)
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Education is very important. How can children who are disinterested in study be motivated to learn?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Starting as young as aged 5, students are often expected to maintain a desire to learn for upwards of 10 years. For some students, this inevitably leads to a lack of interest in education, as will now be discussed.
A primary reason why some students are not focused during class is the direct result of more traditional forms of teaching which lacks any real interactivity. More active participation by the student during classroom sessions will make the topic more engaging and subsequently motivates the participants to learn. Such interactivity can include field trips, student presentations and other students-driven learning.
There are also many different learning styles, and it would be unrealistic to expect all students to learn in the same manner. Certain subjects and pedagogical styles will suit some students better than others, so it is essential that a teacher vary their teaching style so as to interest the widest variety of students at least some part of each school day.
A final point is that the desire to learn is not simply an issue that should be addressed in schools. Like much of our behaviour, the influence of family, especially parents, is vital. By establishing an environment in which learning is considered positive, rather than simply a duty or necessity, motivation is far less of an issue. This can be achieved by rewarding learning, or the use of educational toys and games.
In short, the motivation of children in an educational context is a complex mix of providing a conducive home environment as well as the environment at school. With more focus on these areas, it can be expected that interest in learning, not only at school age but also throughout life, will continue.
(285 words)