Cambridge Writing Task 1 - Essay

ScottsEnglish

The Cambridge English Certification requires written work from the student. Following is a sample question and a sample answer. (Usually, answers are between 150 - 200 words)

1. In your English class you have been talking about films Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay on this topic.

The importance of films in education. Are films useful or just entertainment?

Notes:

Write about:

1. Films as education
2. Films as entertainment
3. .......................................(your own idea).

Click here for a sample essay.

Films can be useful in education. My first example is in literature class. Many plays have been filmed and many books have been made into films. Of course it is good to read a book, but to see how the book looks on the big screen can make the book more interesting, and help us to understand the book. A play is supposed to be acted, but we do not always have access to a theatre showing the play. A film of the play can make the play come alive.

History class can also use films. First, films that are set in historical time periods, like the Middle Ages or the 19th century, can show us what life was like then. Many films have been made about historical people and historical places, and we can learn from these films.

However, films are also often used as entertainment. We know that the fantasy world does not exist, yet we go to see films about dragons and superheroes to be entertained. These films are usually not educational.

I think we go to see films for both reasons. A documentary or a historical film makes us think about things and we learn, while some films are just entertainment.

Click here for another exercise.