Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)

Part 1

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 ideas in your answers.

Wrife your answer in 240-280 words.

1.

Dress and Image

When professionals such as bank managers or lawyers wear formal clothes, they are often sending out a clear signal that they wish to maintain a degree of distance and detachment from those they serve. Their style of dress suggests that the atmosphere is unlikely to be light-hearted or relaxed. In fact, there is no doubt that many of us would be somewhat uncomfortable if we walked into the office of a bank manager or lawyer who was dressed casually. Somehow, formal clothes communicate the message ‘I am competent and you can trust me', and naturally we feel reassured by this.

2.

The Impact of Dress

Many jobs involve wearing a uniform but the authority this suggests can be intimidating to some people who may instinctively feel that they are put at a disadvantage. For some purposes therefore, such as when police have to deal with particularly vulnerable people, informal clothes may be more appropriate. Of course, there are some important public occasions, such as coronations and state funerals, for which the wearing of elaborate formal dress is an integral part of the ceremony; it might be deemed disrespectful if this critical custom were not observed.

Part 2

Write an answer to one of the questions 2 – 4 in this part. Write your answer in 220 – 260 words in an appropriate style.

2. An English language magazine is running a series on the topic of  You decide to send in an article. You should briefly describe one or two situations in which you have experienced a sense of happiness. You should also analyse what contributes to feelings of happiness for many people, and suggest whether the pursuit of happiness is a worthwhile aim.

Write your article.

3.  A cultural magazine is planning a series on historical exhibitions organised by museums that have captured the imagination of the You decide to submit a review of an exhibition with a historical theme that has impressed you. Your review should briefly describe the exhibition, explain why you think it was successful, and assess the importance of such exhibitions in educating the public about history.

Write your review.

4. An international newspaper is inviting readers to contribute letters on the topic of speakers who have inspired them. You decide to write a letter about a speaker you heard recently. You should explain what was particularly inspiring about this speaker and assess the value of listening to inspirational speakers in general.

Write your letter.

5. Write an answer to one of the following two questions based on one of the titles below. Write 5(a) or 5(b) at the beginning of your answer.

• A. Chinua Achebe: Things Fall Apart

Members of your reading group have been asked to review books which deal with the theme of justice in different societies. You decide to write a review of Things Fall Apart. Your review should briefly consider the approach to justice taken by Okonkwo's clan and assess the impact that approach has on people's lives.

Write your review.                                            .

• B. Priestley: An Inspector Calls

As a member of your college drama group you have been asked to write a report for the group in preparation for their production of An Inspector Calls. Your report should briefly describe the ways in which the Birling family respond to the Inspector's questions, and how the attitudes of Mr. and Mrs. Birling contrast with those of their children.

Write your report.