Read the instructions for the task. With the information given, produce
a text using your own words. (approximately 200 words)
Task description:
Write a blog entry for your website based on two texts that you
have recently read and analyse the role of community development in our society
as you inform your readers about the special position of community development workers
and how challenging social problems can be resolved. Include your own ideas in
your answer.
1) Text 1
Collective Action
The idea behind community development is simple: residents come together
to generate solutions to common problems. Engagement in community service
generates a participatory energy that makes people feel integrated and
involved. This sense of community brings out the best in people, and inspires
them to do more for themselves and their communities. In working together they
not only improve the quality of their lives but also of those that need it the
most as they address social issues related to poverty, crime and health, which
has a positive impact on society at large.
2) Text 2
Social Work
The role of a community development worker depends on the needs of the
people they serve. Their main objective is to generate community involvement
programs that allow local citizens to contribute to their community's
development plans. Some administer programmes designed to help specific groups
as well as assess community needs on a larger scale. As counsellors, they have
an important role in helping communities overcome grave social issues by
providing the energy that empowers residents to use their knowledge and
resources to make a difference in their communities by volunteering for social
causes.
Sample answer:
Many Hands
Make Light Work. Open Cloze test:
Have you ever stopped to consider how we can create a
better future? Are you willing to play an active role in it?
The saying "many hands make light work" is
an example of how our very language reveals the level of importance placed (1)___________
cooperation. Likewise, both the
collective action involved in community development and the workers (2)___________
facilitate it have powerful positive influences.
First of all, we can all obtain substantial
benefits (3)___________ people are working together to solve problems in
their communities. This form of community development is said to make citizens feel (4)__________ important members of a
group when they play a meaningful role
in community projects, which improves their well-being. At the same (5)_________, this
participation helps to resolve challenging social problems, which helps the
whole community. These points provide a convincing
argument for the good that comes from collective
action. An additional benefit is
that solutions reached by a community working together are more (6)__________
to persist because each individual understands and values them.
Secondly, we should not lose (7)__________
of the special responsibilities of the community development worker, who
are the people who make plans and create effective ways to engage all members
of a community (8)_________ development projects. Additionally, they also have the duty of supporting individuals and
help them develop the mental strength to work with their community towards
solutions, which seems to be an accurate
portrayal of this essential role. Furthermore,
it is (9)_________ adding that they
also guide the process of conflict
resolution, whenever necessary, to help residents reach agreements (10)_________ the
best way forward.
All in all,I agree with the view thatit is ofparamount importance that all citizens work together for community
development, and that community development workers have a special position in
the process. (11)___________ we all engage in this way, surely we can create a better future.
A
friend of yours from England is going to give a TED talk about historical figures in different parts of the world. While doing his
research, he
came across these pictures of Spanish historical characters on
Google.
He sends them to you so that you can shed some light on them. Your friend also asks you some questions about
this topic. You
decide to
send your friend a voice message with an explanation of 2 minutes.
1. Have a look at the photos above. Discuss what you know about these historical characters.
2. If you had to choose one for a presentation who would you choose? Why? How would you prepare your presentation?
3. Which historical characters from your country would you include in a similar selection of pictures? Why?
4. Think of someone you know- or know of (it could be a member of your family) – that you feel had an interesting life and give a little talk about this person.
5. “History is written by victors” – Do you agree with this famous quote by Walter Benjamin? What do you think it means?
6. Who is – in you opinion – the person of the year in your area? Why?
7. How – in your opinion – should History be taught at schools?
Ideas:
Spain has given the world immensely
talented painters, writers, athletes, and leaders. These outstanding individualshave influenced billions of people
through power, sport, and culture. Widely considered to be one of the
greatest tennis players in the world, Rafael “Rafa” Nadal has won..., making him only the second man to earn ....
He is known for his particular skill on
clay courts, ... While he plays
left-handed he is actually
ambidextrous. In addition to his
on-court success, Nadal has founded several schools for youth tennis, including one as part of his charity,
the Rafa Nadal Foundation.
Salvador Dali is oneof the most recognized painters of the
modern era. In addition to
painting, Dali delved into other art
forms, including sculpture, film,
and photography. Probably Dali’s best-known piece, The Persistence of
Memory, features soft, melting watches across a bleak landscape. One rarely thinks of art without
thinking of Pablo Picasso. He is
considered to be one of the most influential artists in the 20th century, establishing the Cubism movement. One of the masters of Baroque painting,
Diego Velazquez is one of the most famous portrait artists in history. Velazquez
influenced a great many painters, but particularly Edouard Manet, who notably described Velazquez as “the painter of painters.” His most well-known painting is Las Meninas
– Pablo Picasso painted 58 versions!
Miguel de Cervantes was a writer known
for his influence on the Spanish language. His greatest work, Don Quixote,
is widely considered to be the first modern novel, and it has influenced cultural works ...
Queen Isabella I of Castile was
responsible for the 1492 Columbus expedition, as well as the Spanish Inquisition, which led to the forced conversion or expulsion of Jews and Muslims
from Spain. These actions contributed to
Isabella leading Spain into a globally dominant position for over a century.
1. MONOLOGUE. Prepare a talk of AT LEAST 5 minutes on the subject. You may use the pictures above and the contents below if you wish:
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and
compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the
world...would do this, it would change the earth.”
-William Faulkner-1897- 1962
1. Do you think the people who cheat others can ever have a clear conscience?
2. Would you revolt against an unfair and unjust system?
3. Are the rights of any sectors of our society oppressed?
4. Do you think popular uprisings should be brutally suppressed so that they don't escalate?
5. What do you think of striking workers picketing airports and railway stations?
6. What kind of protest marches would you be in favour of staging?
7. What recent protest rallies have attracted a mass turnout in your country?
You may make some notes for your talk to take into the exam. These should not exceed five lines.
2. INTERACTION In this part of the test, the examiner will ask you some questions about issues related to the TOPIC. Remember that you are expected to have a conversation as natural as possible and give full answers. This part of the examination will last AT LEAST 5 minutes. You will not see the questions below. ________________________________________
TEACHER'S QUESTIONS
1. On what occasions, if ever, should violence against innocent people or animals be condoned?
2. Do you know any politician who just blatantly lied about something? What about?Are there any occasion on which it is understandable that politicians blatantly lie?
3. Can you think of one of the biggest killers in the western world which is sometimes disregarded?
4. Could it be argued that extreme political correctness assaults the rights to freedom of speech?
5. What exhibition would you mount to raise awareness on social issues?
6. Is there a disgusting smell of effluent near the sewage works of your area?
7. Should the government disburse scholarships to students who need them? What other projects should the local authorities annually disburse money on?
8. What benefits and drawbacks do whistle-blowers' press releases have for our society?
9. About what callous remarks do some people have a real chip on their shoulder?
10. On what projects would you be willing to bestow your benevolence?
11. Do you think good rulers should be merciful?
12. What should be the sentence for a brutal attack on a school?
13. Should nursing homes be better supervised to ensure the elderly are living in humane conditions?
14. What leads to prejudiced viewsagainst people who are different?
15. If you lost your job, what skills do you have to fall back on to easily find another job?
16. What complaints do governments run up against when they plan to raise taxes?
17. What does your choice of holiday come down to?
18. What should our governments do away with?
19. Do you think there will always be inexperienced people ready to jump on the bandwagon and start
teaching classes in whatever is fashionable?
20. Regarding what issues are authorities continuing to bury their heads in the sand?
21. What kind of volunteer work usually brings out the best in people?
22. What workers' demands have fallen on deaf ears?
23. Who should get behind the immigration crisis so that our country doesn't have to deal with it alone?
Mr. President, Dr. Biden, Madam Vice President, Mr. Emhoff, Americans, and the world.
When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never ending (1)__________? The loss we carry, a sea we must (2)______________. We've braved the belly of the beast. We've learned that quiet isn't always peace. In the norms and notions of what just is, isn't always justice. And yet the (3)____________ is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it. Somehow we've weathered and witnessed a nation that isn't broken, but simply unfinished. We,
the successors of a country and the time where a skinny Black girl
descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of
becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one. And yes, we are far from polished, far from (4)______________, but that doesn't mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to (5)_____________ our union with purpose.
To compose a country, (6)____________ to all cultures, colours, characters, and conditions of man. And so we lift our (7)__________, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us We close the divide because we know, to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside. We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to none and harmony for all. Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we (8)____________, we grew. That even as we hurt, we hoped. That even as we tired, we tried That we'll forever be tied together, victorious. Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again (9)_________ division. Scripture tells us to (10)____________ that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid. If we're to live up to our own time, then victory won't lie in the (11)____________, but in all the bridges we've made. That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb, if only we dare. It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it. We’ve seen a force that would (12)___________ our nation rather than share it. Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy. This effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be (13)_______________ delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith, we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us. This is the era of just (14)_______________. We feared it at its (15)_______________. We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour, but within it, we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves. So
while once we asked, ‘How could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?’
now we (16)________, ‘How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?’
We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: A country that is (17)______________ but whole, benevolent but (18)___________, fierce and free. We
will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we
know our inaction and (19)____________ will be the inheritance of the next
generation. Our (20)_______________ become their burdens. But one thing is certain: If we (21)______________ mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change, our children’s (22)_______________.
So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left. With every breath from my bronze pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a (23)______________ one. We will rise from the golden hills of the west. We will rise from the (24)_________________ north-east where our forefathers first realized revolution. We will rise from the lake (25)_____________ cities of the midwestern states. We will rise from the sun-baked south. We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover. In every known (26)_____________ of our nation, in every corner called our country, our people, diverse and beautiful, will emerge, (27)_______________ and beautiful. When day comes, we step out of the shade, (28)____________ and unafraid. The new dawn (29)___________ as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough (30)__________.
KEY
1. shade
2. wade
wade: to walk with an effort through something, especially water or mud. E.g. Sometimes they had to wade waist-deep through mud.
brave somebody/somethingto have to deal with somebody/something difficult or unpleasant in order to achieve something.
He did not feel up to braving the journalists at the airport.
Over a thousand people braved the elements(= went outside in spite of the bad weather) to attend the march.
3. dawn
4. pristine
pristine: /ˈprɪstiːn/ fresh and clean, as if new. Immaculate. E.g. The car is in pristine condition.
5. forge
forge: create. Sp. forjar. E.g. Emily is forging a new future for herself. Emily está forjándose un nuevo futuro.
6. committed (dedicated. Sp. comprometido)
7. gaze
gaze: a long, steady look at somebody/something
He met her gaze(= looked at her while she looked at him).
8. grieved
grieve: to feel very sad, especially because somebody has died. Sp. llorar la muerte de.
grieve (for/over somebody/something)They are still grieving for their dead child.
9. sow
10. envision (imagine)
11. blade (sword)
glade: An open space in a wood or forest.
America would establish a glade on the hill (i.e. the
difficult way) America has to climb. In other words a place of calm
where each person can be him- or herself. The glade being the open space in the forest of difficulty Americans face.
12. shatter (break in pieces)
13. periodically/ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪkli/
14. redemption/rɪˈdempʃn/ the state of being freed from the power of evil.
15. inception (beginning)
16. assert
17. bruised
18. bold (brave)
19. inertia
inertia/ɪˈnɜːʃə/: lack of energy; lack of desire or ability to move or change
I can't seem to throw off this feeling of inertia.
the forces of institutional inertia in the school system
20. blunders
blunder: a stupid or careless mistake. Sp. metedura de pata. E.g. Tilly was humiliated by her blunder at work.
21. merge merge /mɜːdʒ/ to combine or make two or more things combine to form a single thing. E.g. His department will merge with mine.
22. birthright/ˈbɜːθraɪt/
23. wondrous/ˈwʌndrəs/ (wonderful)
24. windswept
windswept/ˈwɪndswept/ having strong winds and little protection from them. Sp. barrido por el viento.
the windswept Atlantic coast
E.g. It was a wondrous thing to see the sea for the first time.
25. rimmed (Sp. bordeado)
rim somethingto form an edge around something.
26. nook
nook: /nʊk/a small quiet place or corner that is sheltered or hidden from other people. Sp. rincón.
a shady nook in the garden
dark woods full of secret nooks and crannies
27. battered
battered /ˈbætəd/ attacked violently or repeatedly and injured. Sp. golpeado
battered women/children
The child had suffered what has become known as ‘battered baby syndrome.’
She felt emotionally battered.
The team is feeling a little battered and bruised right now.
28. aflame
aflame: /əˈfleɪm/full of bright colours and lights. On fire. Sp. encendido, en llamas. E.g. The woods were aflame with autumn colours. The whole building was soon aflame.
29. blooms (flourish)
30. to be it
Mr. President, Dr. Biden, Madam Vice President, Mr. Emhoff, Americans, and the world.
When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade. We've braved the belly of the beast. We've learned that quiet isn't always peace. In the norms and notions of what just is, isn't always justice. And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it. Somehow we've weathered and witnessed a nation that isn't broken, but simply unfinished. We,
the successors of a country and the time where a skinny Black girl
descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of
becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one. And yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn't mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge our union with purpose.
To compose a country, committed to all cultures, colours, characters, and conditions of man. And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us We close the divide because we know, to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside. We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to none and harmony for all. Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved, we grew. That even as we hurt, we hoped. That even as we tired, we tried That we'll forever be tied together, victorious. Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division. Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid. If we're to live up to our own time, then victory won't lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we've made.That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb, if only we dare. It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it. We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it. Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy. This effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith, we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us. This is the era of just redemption. We feared it at its inception. We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour, but within it, we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves. So
while once we asked, ‘How could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?’
now we assert, ‘How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?’
We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free. We
will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we
know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next
generation. Our blunders become their burdens. But one thing is certain: If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change, our children’s birthright.
So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left. With every breath from my bronze pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one. We will rise from the golden hills of the west. We will rise from the wind-swept north-east where our forefathers first realized revolution. We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states. We will rise from the sun-baked south. We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover. In every known nook of our nation, in every corner called our country, our people, diverse and beautiful, will emerge, battered and beautiful. When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.
