This is a high-scoring sample answer for the following Cambridge C1 Advanced writing Part 1 essay question on the value of travelling to other countries. What do you think? Collocations about the travel can be found here. Below, also, is a list of less common vocabulary with definitions. Read the sample answer, then send me your essay in the comments. I will give you a quick score and also some comments if I have time. Why not start today?
C1 Advanced Task 1 Essay Sample Answer
You have listened to a discussion about the value of travelling to other countries.
You have made the notes below.
What’s the greatest benefit of travelling to other countries?
• education
• experience
• convenience
Some opinions expressed during the discussion:
‘You learn so much when you travel, even if you’re only in a place for a few hours.’
‘There’s no substitute for the feeling of actually being in a place.’
‘It’s so much cheaper and more convenient to watch TV at home – what’s the point in
the hassle of travelling?’
Write an essay discussing two of the points in your notes. You should explain which is the greatest benefit of travelling to other countries, giving reasons in support of your answer. You may. if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion, but you should use your own words as far as possible. Write your answer in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
There is much debate over the advantages of travelling overseas. In my view, it is immensely beneficial in two fundamental ways: educational and experience.
Travelling teaches the traveller more than any book or TV show can. Firstly, feeling how hot or how cold the weather is, how strong the wind is or how mountainous somewhere is makes the traveller empathise with the locals and so understand a little about their lives. Visiting Greece, for instance, often teaches how the glare of the strong sun and persistent winds give a different impression from that gained from a glossy magazine photograph. In addition, eating authentic meals in a foreign country usually demonstrates how domestic tastes are catered for in the same meal at home.
Learning about these different aspects of a destination is common, but a much deeper experience is also evident. How the climate, the food and the tourists themselves shape a culture is often eye-opening. The local people often have no choice but to cook dishes using the ingredients they can grow, which in turn are dictated by the climate and geography. Furthermore, dealing with these locals never leaves the traveller completely untouched, affecting their outlook and broadening their point of view permanently.
In conclusion, despite what travelling teaches, the wealth of experience gained and the long-lasting effect on self-confidence as well as having a broader point of view is by far more beneficial.
Remember to post your essay in the comments at the bottom of this page so I can give you a score!
Less Common Vocabulary for C1 Advanced Writing
immensely – extremely
mountainous – to have many mountains
empathise – to understand and share the feelings of others
glare– to shine with a strong or dazzling light
persistent– continuing to occur over a long period of time
glossy magazines– magazines with shiny covers, usually about fashion, property or sport
authentic – not a copy, genuine
domestic – of the country where you come from
catered for – to provide or supply something that is desired
eye-opening – unexpectedly enlightening
to dictate – state as a command
Even more vocabulary on travel is available here.
Remember to post your essay in the comments at the bottom of this page so I can give you a score!
Related Content
B2 First Writing Part 2 Quiz
Test your knowledge of B2 First writing Part 2 by taking this extensive quiz. Do you know all the answers? Will you get a perfect score? Try it and see!
B2 First Writing Part 1 Quiz
Make sure you know as much as you should for your B2 First Writing Part 1 by taking this quiz. It could make the difference between success and failure!
B2 First Writing Part 2 Information and Advice
Home > B2 First > Writing > Part 2 Many students seem to miss basic facts about B2 First Writing Part 2, so this page is to fill in some…
B2 First Writing Part 1 Information and Advice
Home > B2 First > Writing > Part 1 Many students seem to miss basic facts about B2 First Writing Part 1, so this page is to fill in some…
B2 First Writing Information and Advice
Many students seem to miss basic facts about the B2 First Writing test, so this page is to fill in some of that missing information. There are also separate pages…
How to Avoid Making Sweeping Statements
Sweeping statements are statements which cover a broad topic in a concise or even terse manner. They make it seem as if everybody does something. This is really common in…
Writing a B2 First Report
Home > B2 First > Writing > Part 2 Writing a B2 First report is one of the options in the second part of the B2 First Writing exam. You…
Tone / Formality for Better Letters and Emails – B2 First
Home > B2 First > Writing > Part 2 Emails are considered to be less formal than letters, but these days letters are not used very often, so formal emails…
Essay Planning for a High Score in B2 First
Home > B2 First > Writing > Part 1 Essay planning starts long before you take your writing test. You should know your strengths and weaknesses as well as your…