These are the first two compositions.

FEBRUARY 2012. REVIEW.

An international magazine for learners of English has asked its readers to submit a review of a book they found particularly useful or enjoyable. You may include any genre: novel, poetry, biography, textbook, cookery-book, manual....)

MARCH 2012. INFORMATION SHEET.

After reading the following article, you have been asked to write an information sheet for older people on how to get the best out of their new televisions.

Smart TV: Is it old fashioned dumb TV made more complicated?

At the recent 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, manufacturers showed off their various visions for the future of TV watching.  Despite some minor differences in approach, all of them shared a central idea of expanded content selection and anytime delivery grouped under the handy nickname of "smart TV."

This catchy but ambiguous concept encompasses on-demand streaming, intelligent recording capabilities and access to non-traditional video archives like YouTube.  It promises a world of greater choices and audience empowerment. But as this technological ship begins to sail, it's worth remembering the old adage to be wary of what you want, because you may get it.

All Those Channels, But...

For those of us who grew up watching TV before cable, home satellite dishes arrived on the scene, lack of viewing choice is a clear and unhappy memory.  Back then, a good rooftop antenna might get you all six -- six! -- of the available channels. Bad weather might mean no clear TV that night and an early bedtime.

As cable TV gained ground in the 1970s and 80s, your choices multiplied into dozens, and when the VCR debuted, you were no longer tied to pre-determined viewing times.  Then came video rental shops, then satellite TV and hundreds more choices, followed by digital broadcasting and through the rise of broadband, the world of Internet TV.  The old cry of "hundreds of channels and nothing to watch" finally rang hollow

Here are our compositions for the next term. You'll be given a photocopy for the first one. Remember to use the models in your textbook and stick to the number of words required.

FEBRUARY 2012. Transactional letter- use the notes on your photocopy.

MARCH 2012. Story: Your English teacher has asked you to write a story for the college magazine. It must BEGIN with the following words,

"When Stella walked into the house, she was astonished to see a suitcase in the hall....."

APRIL 2012. Review: You recently saw this notice in an international travel magazine.

"We would like our readers to send in reviews of good or bad hotels.Write about a hotel anywhere in the world, describing why you did or did not enjoy staying there."

MAY 2012. Essay: Either A) " Famous sports people earn far too much money nowadays"

Or     B) "There should be a complete ban on the advertising of dangerous products                                         like cigarettes and alcohol"

Discuss arguments for and against these statements, concluding with your own opinion.

These are the set texts for the Writing paper.

You have 2 optional set tasks if you decide to prepare this part of the paper in advance. If you wish to do this, please consult, as this involves tutorial aid.

FCE. UNTIL DEC. 2012

• VANITY FAIR- William Thackeray
• THIS ROUGH MAGIC- Mary Stewart

CAE. UNTIL DEC. 2012

• LORD OF THE FLIES- Wlliam Golding
• THE LIGHTHOUSE- P.D.James

Here's an alternative title for Unit 4 Composition. When you see it, you'll understand why!! If, however, you do decide to attempt the one in your textbook, be kind....

• After a class discussion, your English teacher has asked you to write a report describing different ways to improve your English in your free time.
• Write your report saying which way is the best and why.