Cambridge English Exams
C1 Advanced Essay Writing: Choosing a Speaker
Example Exam Task
You attended a meeting at a local college about who to invite to come and speak to the students. You have made the notes below:
Who should we invite to come and give the annual Spring Term Talk?
- aspiring actor
- celebrity pop star
- influential scientist
Some opinions expressed during the meeting:
- ‘We need someone that the students will recognise!’
- ‘The celebrity culture is already bad enough without us adding to it!’
- ‘We need someone who can talk to students on the same level.’
Write an essay, discussing two of the people suggested in your notes. You should explain which person would be of most interest to the students, giving reasons in support of your answer.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the meeting, but you should use your own words as far as possible.
Example Essay
Selecting a suitable speaker for the annual Spring Term Talk is an important decision, as the event should both engage students and provide them with meaningful inspiration. During the recent meeting, various suggestions were put forward, including inviting an aspiring actor, a celebrity pop star or an influential scientist. This essay will consider a celebrity pop star and an influential scientist, arguing that the latter would ultimately be of greater interest and value to students.
On the one hand, inviting a celebrity pop star would undoubtedly attract attention. As some participants pointed out, students are more likely to engage with someone they recognise and admire. A well-known performer could draw a large audience and create excitement around the event. Furthermore, such a speaker might share personal experiences about perseverance and success in the music industry. However, there is a risk that the talk would focus more on fame than on substance, reinforcing aspects of celebrity culture that are already highly visible in young people’s lives.
In contrast, an influential scientist could offer students a different and potentially more enriching perspective. By discussing groundbreaking research, innovation and real-world challenges, particularly in fields such as medicine or chemistry, a scientist could inspire curiosity and critical thinking. Moreover, exposure to academic and professional achievements in science may encourage students to pursue ambitious goals in higher education or research-based careers.
In conclusion, while a celebrity pop star might generate immediate enthusiasm, an influential scientist would provide deeper and more lasting benefits. For this reason, inviting a scientist would be the most worthwhile choice for the Spring Term Talk.
Photo: Stanford University campus, California © Stanford University