E.C.P.E. Michigan & C.P.E. Cambridge Proficiency Expression Booster These notes can be used as a basis for boosting your expressions in (C2) E.C.P.E. and C.P.E. compositions and interviews. Αςτέρ οι σημειώσειρ μοπούν να πησιμοοιηθούν ωρ βάση για την ώθηση εκυπάσειρ σαρ σε (C2) ECPE και C.P.E. σςνθέσειρ και σςνεντεύξειρ. Opening phrases: It is often said / argued that ... It is a fact that ... Over the past few years, it seems that ... Recently, we have all become concerned that ... In the past, people ... but now... These days, it seems that / people are becoming aware that ... Time: in contemporary times in modern times in antiquity since the industrial revolution since the dawn of time Examples: To exemplify, … A is an example of B Education, for instance, could be improved. Listing arguments: To begin with,… A second area to consider is ... Another point to consider is ... Finally, … should (also) be considered. Finally, it is clear that ... Results: This, in turn, may lead to … One possible outcome of this situation is that … Thus / Therefore / Hence / Consequently, … This is bound to result in … Problems & Negative Results: the situation has come to a head economic burden count against aggravate / exacerbate the situation take a toll on sth have grievances be in grave danger come to grief wreak havoc on vicious circle be fraught with peril / danger be at stake be in jeopardy be at odds with a double edged sword the situation is getting out of hand people fall into the trap of doing sth serious (/negative) repercussions adverse consequences detrimental effects render sth impossible a negative impact on dire consequences
Changing the topic: Turning to the question of ... With regard to ... On the question of ... Another point to consider is ... Contrast: However / Nonetheless / Nevertheless, … Despite / In spite of … Not withstanding the fact that … Although it is often seen as an insoluble problem, there are viable solutions. Support: subscribe to an idea be a(n) ardent (/fervent/passionate) supporter (/advocate) of (doing) sth Many embrace the idea that… A bewildering number of people advocate that… Many would go to any lengths to prove the opposite. Disagree: go against the grain Many are conscientious objectors to the idea that… Many take exception to the idea that… Many are at odds with this point of view. Action: clamp down on take austere measures ameliorate sth the current situation requires / necessitates immediate action rectify sth put a ban on sth be banned from (doing) sth viable / feasible solution set a plan in motion do sth as a last resort the onus is on sby to do sth Adding to a point: Additionally / Moreover / Furthermore, … A further contributory factor is that … This problem is further exacerbated by … This problem should be considered in conjunction with … A & B go hand in hand Solutions: Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem, one of which is the idea of … There are many ways by which this problem can be dealt with. Firstly, … There are several ways by which people can deal with the problem at hand. One idea is to … . Another is to … . A final solution could be … . Those who are aware of the problem are, by and large, determined to resolve it. This can only be made possible, however, by / if … reap the benefits an effective deterrent innovative ideas implement new policy / legislation instigate changes Conclusions: To recapitulate, it seems that … On balance, it appears that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. By and large, it seems that people have good reason to be quite pessimistic about… Success or failure seems to be contingent on how much the general population really cares. It seems that the onus is on us / the government / the authorities to do something about this issue and redress the balance. On the whole, …
Weighing up arguments: Some of the pluses and minuses should be looked at. The benefits are offset by some major problems. While it is true that ..., it must not be forgotten that ... Although it could be argued that ..., it is also a fact that … . On the one hand ..., but on the other hand ... It is important to balance (a positive point) against (a negative point) Opinions: For my part, It is widely believed that… There is little / no doubt that… It goes without saying that…
