CAE ESSAY WRITING

Topic 1: You have watched a television discussion about methods governments could
adopt to encourage people to take more exercise. You have made the notes below.

How can governments encourage

people to take more exercise?

 better education Some opinions expressed in the discussion:

 free facilities
'People already know the benefits of exercise but
 exercise time at work
don't do enough about it. '

'Many forms of exercise are free.'

'Employers would benefit from a healthier

workforce.'

1. You are given a question, for example " How can governments encourage people to
take more exercise?"

2. You are given 3 possible answers in bullet points :

 better education
 free facilities
 exercise time at work.

3. You need to say whether you agree or disagree with only two of them.

If you agree with a bullet point, you present this directly as your opinion. For example
you may start a paragraph: "Probably the most important action governments could
take would be to introduce an education programme in all schools", which agrees with
the suggestion made by the first bullet point. Then you should go on to explain why this
action would be effective

If you disagree, fist you have to present the bullet point as something other people
believe , and then say that you disagree. For example:

State what others believe: "It has been suggested that if exercise facilities were free,
there would be an increased public take-up"

Say that you disagree: "In theory, this seems an excellent way of encouraging adults to
exercise, but in practice I am doubtful". And then go on to explain why you disagree.
4. You should say which of the two proposals is more important .The safest method is
to agree with one statement and disagree with the other, as was explained above. Then
in the conclusion, you will say that only the one method (the one you agree with) must
be applied because it will be the most effective.

5. The introduction should be a general statement about the topic, the fact that there
are different proposed methods and your intention to discuss two of them.

6. Part of the topic are also three opinions each relevant to one of the bullet points. In
other words, each opinion either agrees or disagrees with the statement of one bullet
point (which is what you are asked to do in the essay - but only for two of the bullet
points.)

You may adopt these opinions or not. For example the opinion "People already know
the benefits of exercise but don't do enough about it" refers to the first bullet point
"better education" and obviously disagrees with it. In the discussion above, however,
we have taken the opposite point of view, that education would be helpful.

Use these opinions mostly as a means to better understand the bullet points.

Remember that the essay you are going to write should have a formal style, while the
opinions expressed as part of the topic are informal. So, if you agree with what they
state you should adopt a more formal language.

Essay plan

Introduction: Make a general statement about the benefits of exercise and the
suggestion that governments should help. Say you are going to discuss two proposals.

Par. 2 : Agree that an education program aimed at students would be effective. It

should be supplemented with a programme aimed at adults

Par. 3: It is suggested that there should be more free exercise facilities. Express your
disagreement. Walking and cycling are free but people do not use these methods.

Conclusion: An educational programme would be more efficient and cost-effective.

 Model Composition

It is generally accepted that people today take insufficient exercise. This, combined with
a poor diet, can lead to ill health and a poor quality of life. In view of this, it has been
suggested that governments should act to encourage more exercise. I shall consider two
of the proposed methods.

Probably the most important action governments could take would be to introduce an
education programme into all schools. In addition to publicising the benefits of exercise,
this would make exercise a compulsory part of the school curriculum and get young
people used to following an exercise regime. In my view, however, for this to be truly
successful, there should be a corresponding programme aimed at adults. If parents took
part in an exercise programme put on by the school, they would be supporting what
their children were being taught.

It has been suggested that if exercise facilities were free, there would be an increased
public take-up. In theory, this seems an excellent way of encouraging adults to exercise,
but in practice I am doubtful. It is based on the assumption that exercise depends on
money, whereas in fact walking and cycling, two very effective ways of keeping fit, are
free and can be fitted conveniently into most people's daily routine. Therefore, in my
opinion, providing expensive extra facilities is unnecessary and would be a misuse of
public money.

In view of the above arguments, I believe governments should introduce education

programmes aimed at people of all ages because this is the most cost-effective means
of achieving the desired goal.
 Coherence (must be logical) and Cohesion (must be well connected)

The reader must be able to follow your thinking easily. If you fail to achieve this goal,
you will be penalized with a low mark.

Paragraph level: Each paragraph should have one main idea which is introduced in the
topic sentence and supported by the following sentences of the paragraph.

In your writing as a whole: Paragraphs should follow on clearly from each other.

Sentences that guide the reader (usually at the beginning of paragraphs):

I shall consider two of the proposed methods.

Probably the most important action would be...

It has been suggested that...

In view of the above arguments, I believe...

Reference words

This, combined with a poor diet...

In my view, for this to be truly successful...

If parents took part, they would be supporting what their children...

In view of the above arguments....

LEXICAL LINKS (SYNONYMS - NEAR SYNONYMS - WORDS FROM THE SAME

ROOT)
governments should act - the most important action governments should take

benefits of regular exercise - used to following an exercise regime

get young people used to following - what their children were being taught

a programme aimed at adults - if parents took part

Linking words and phrases

but, whereas, therefore, because etc.

Task: Write the above essay topic. You should:

1. Disagree that better education would lead to better fitness levels

2. Agree that exercise time at work would be beneficial and consider it the best option.

Before attempting the task you should read the following articles:

1. Why Don't We Do the Things We Know Are Good for Us?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bj-gallagher/why-dont-we-do-the-
things_b_409428.html

2. Working Out at Work:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/working-out-at-work

You are expected to read the articles carefully and prove you have done so, using ideas,
words and phrases taken from them in your essay. You SHOULD NOT copy whole
sentences or paragraphs.
1. Why Don't We Do the Things We Know Are Good for Us?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bj-gallagher/why-dont-we-do-the-
things_b_409428.html

Mark Twain was a keen observer of human nature - making him a great
storyteller, a folksy philosopher, and a moralist for modern times. As we begin
2010 with our lists of resolutions, I’m reminded of Twain’s quote: “To promise not
to do a thing is the surest way in the world to make a body want to go and do that
very thing.”
Twain wasn’t the first to point this out. St. Paul wrote about the same paradox: “I
don’t understand myself. I want to do what is right but I do not do it. Instead, I do
the very thing I hate ... It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what’s
right, I inevitably do what’s wrong.” (Romans 7:15)
What IS it with us humans? Why do we act so contrary to our own self-
interest ... and so often?
Our problem isn’t lack of information. Bookstores are stocked with countless
books about how to eat less and exercise more; dozens of experts advise us to
save and invest our money; wise friends warn us to stay away from troublesome
lovers. We have plenty of information on getting rid of clutter, managing time,
taking care of our bodies, managing our finances, fulfilling our career dreams.
But all this information doesn’t change our behavior. We know what to do but we
still don’t do it.
In fact, sometimes we do just the opposite of what we know is good for us! We
overeat and under-exercise; we spend every last nickel (or more); we pick the
wrong partners to fall in love with (again and again). We buy stuff we don’t need,
procrastinate and fritter away time, neglect our bodies, mismanage our money,
and bail out on ourselves in countless ways. If anyone else treated us the way
we treat ourselves, we’d be outraged!
Why don’t we do the things we know are good for us? And what can we do
to change it?
Therapist and author Dr. Pat Allen says, “The only way you know you love
yourself — or anyone else — is by the commitments you are willing to make and
keep.” I know this sounds like a cliche, but one of the main reasons we don’t
keep our resolutions and commitments is that we don’t love ourselves. Heck,
sometimes we don’t even like ourselves!
We are our own worst critics — berating ourselves for flaws and foibles. Who
among us is not haunted by failings and mistakes? The seven deadly sins of lust,
greed, gluttony, sloth, envy, anger and pride are alive and well in all of us —
along with fear, resentment, pettiness, gossip, and all the rest. It’s hard to love
ourselves when we’re all-too-aware of our dark sides.
Another reason we also have difficulty acting in our own best interest is because
immediate pleasure exerts a stronger influence than concern for long-term
health. Chocolate now is more appealing than weight loss later. A
purchase today feels more pleasurable than a savings account balance at the
end of the month. We Americans, in particular, have a hard time delaying
gratification. We want what we want when we want it — now.
Additional factors influence our self-care practices: gender issues (women are
socialized to put everyone else first); religious traditions (self-sacrifice is seen as
a virtue in many religions); family history and lack of good role models also play
an important role in shaping our own choices and habits. In short, there is no one
reason why we don’t do what’s good for us — there are many reasons.
So, what’s the solution?
Changing a habit is simple — but not easy. Here are a few ideas to get you
started:
Re-train yourself with love. When I adopted my first dog a few years ago, a
friend advised me about training. “Dogs respond best to training with love,” he
said,” just like people.” Wise advice. Teaching ourselves new habits works best
with it’s done lovingly.
Drop “should” and “ought” from your vocabulary. “Should” and “ought” are
moralistic, negative words — certain to de-motivate you. Instead of “should” and
“ought,” try using “want.” It’s a positive word that is more likely to get good
results. Example: “I want to be fit and trim,” instead of, “I should lose weight.” See
the difference?
KISS: Keep It Small and Simple. Set yourself up to succeed — set small,
achievable goals. Ask yourself, “What three simple things could I do today that
would make a positive difference in my life?” Wash your car; clean out one
drawer, try fruit instead of candy for snacks, take a walk at lunch. You’ll be
surprised at how small changes can make a big difference.
No one can do it for you, but you can’t do it alone. Ask for help. Get an action
buddy, an exercise pal, or someone to keep you company doing things you don’t
like to do. Consider hiring a personal trainer, a life coach, a professional
organizer, a therapist — someone to help you keep your commitments to
yourself.
Success is about progress, not perfection. As long as you’re moving in the
direction you desire, you’re successful. Give yourself credit; pat yourself on the
back; acknowledge the changes you’re making, even if they’re tiny changes.
Catch yourself doing something right — or, approximately right.
As Mark Twain wisely pointed out: “A habit cannot be tossed out the window. It
must be coaxed down the stairs one step at a time.” Happy New Year, everyone!
 Working Out at Work

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/working-out-at-work

Too busy or just too plain tired to work out after you get home from the office?
More and more businesses are building fitness opportunities into the workplace
as a way to help employees stay fit, healthy, and -- not least of all-- happy. The
hope is that this will, in turn, make good business sense, as well.
"If we concentrate on our co-workers, they'll take care of our customers," says Art
Friedson, vice president of co-worker services for CDW Computer Centers,
headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois. CDW built a state-of-the-art gym for its
employees. The 20,000-square-foot facility houses, among other things,
a swimmingpool, racquetball court, fitness floor, and all the high-tech exercise
machines you could ask for. On-site trainers, nutritionists,
and massage therapists are available, dance andyoga classes are offered, and
you can even join a golf, volleyball, or basketball league.
"The center is convenient and cheap," says Friedson. "For those who want to
take advantage of it, it's a great perk."
CDW is not alone in offering a fitness program to its employees. According to the
2000 Benefits Survey produced by the Society for Human Resource
Management in Alexandria, Virginia, 24% of the 606 companies that responded
to the survey provide a fitness center or gym subsidy to employees, and 19%
actually have an on-site fitness center.

Making Fitness Convenient

"Regular exercise is clearly linked to improved health," says Dr. Peter Snell, an
exercise physiologist and assistant professor of internal medicine at the
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Still, Snell adds,
about 60% of adults do not exercise, and only 25% get the recommended
amount. Exercise recommendations range from 30 to 60 minutes a day -- on
most, if not all, days of the week. Forty percent of adults who don't exercise say
they don't have enough time.
"The availability of facilities to exercise at the work site removes many of the
barriers to exercise," says Snell. These include
 Finding time
 Being self-conscious at public health clubs
 Safety
 Convenience
 Social atmosphere
 Weather conditions
 Expense
Having a place to exercise during lunch can be a real bonus especially for
women with children, who may find it difficult to exercise before or after work,
says Snell.
Making Fitness Convenient continued...
Not all companies can afford a full-service fitness center, but that doesn't mean
they're not providing some fitness options. At Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin,
 Elaine Coll, professor emeritus of physical education, organized a faculty-staff
noontime workout called "Ultimate Fitness." The idea originally started with a
volleyball coach who began the program for physical education students. When
the coach moved away, a number of faculty and staff who had been "auditing"
the program were left, well, a bit less fit.
So Coll stepped up to the plate. She leads Ripon faculty and staff in an exercise
routine that includes a 5-minute warm-up and then a circuit of ten to 12 stations,
each of which focuses on an upper- or lower-body exercise or an aerobic
exercise. After each station, the workers run one lap around the gym to the next
station, and so on, until all stations have been visited. This is followed by a 10-
minute stretch-and-cool-down period.
All this goes on to some "really ghastly music," says Coll, "but we have a great
time."
Participation Is Key
Workplace exercise and health programs may seem like a great benefit, but do
they really work? Apparently the jury's still out.
According to Roy Shephard, PhD, professor emeritus of applied physiology on
the University of Toronto's faculty of physical education and health, work-site
exercise and health programs are widely believed to be a way to keep
employees healthy, thereby increasing a company's productivity while
controlling health insurance costs.
Participation in work-site wellness programs can yield a variety of health benefits,
Shephard writes in a February 1999 article, "Do Work-Site Exercise and Health
Programs Work?" (published in the journal The Physician and Sportsmedicine):
The potential benefits include:
 Weight loss
 Increased cardiovascular health
 Increased muscle strength
 Increased flexibility
 Improved mood
 Lower medical insurance claims
But Shephard, who is also a past president of the ACSM, also reports that "few, if
any, programs have delivered all of the expected benefits." The reason,
according to his research, is that most employees don't join them.
That certainly doesn't seem to be the case at CDW Computer Centers, however,
where about 1,000 of the company's main-campus 1,800 employees (there are
another 900 in other locations) take advantage of CDW's on-site fitness center.
Participation Is Key continued...
"Our co-workers love it," says Friedson. "It gives them the opportunity to get
together in a relaxed setting." An added bonus, says Friedson, is that working out
is becoming "contagious."
Friedson is well aware that company-sponsored fitness programs are thought to
contain medical costs by keeping employees healthy and fit, but he himself has
no measurable figures to back that up. It doesn't really matter to him though.
"We're really more interested in keeping our co-workers engaged, motivated, and
happy. We don't focus on whether we're saving a dollar or two per person on sick
time."