Cambridge English Exams
C1 Advanced Essay Writing: Local Spending Priorities
Example Exam Task
You attended a debate at the town hall which discussed how new government money for the town should be spent. You have made the notes below:
How should the new government money be spent locally?
- Reduce local taxes by 1%
- More sports facilities
- New books and teachers for schools
Some opinions expressed during the debate:
- ‘We pay too much tax; a tax cut helps everyone!’
- ‘Having a healthier local population is more important than money.’
- ‘I don’t play sports, what’s in this for me?’
Write an essay, discussing two of the proposals in your notes. You should explain which proposal would help the town most, giving reasons in support of your answer. Write 220 – 260 words in an appropriate style.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the debate, but you should use your own words as far as possible.
Example Essay
It is widely acknowledged that deciding how public funds should be allocated is a challenging task, as local authorities must balance the immediate needs of residents with long-term economic and social priorities, often under strict budget constraints. During the town hall debate, several proposals were discussed, including reducing local taxes, investing in sports facilities, and improving schools. This essay will consider the benefits of investing in sports facilities and reducing local taxes, and argue that the latter would ultimately be more beneficial for the town.
On the one hand, investing in sports facilities can contribute to a healthier population and provide opportunities for social interaction. Modern sports centres, swimming pools or gyms may encourage residents to be more physically active and strengthen community ties. However, such projects are extremely costly to build and maintain, and their benefits are often limited to those who actively use them. They also require continuous financial support from the local budget, which limits the funds available for other essential services. As a result, a significant proportion of residents may not feel that these investments directly improve their daily lives.
On the other hand, reducing local taxes by 1% would benefit a much wider group of people. Even a small tax cut can increase disposable income, especially for families and small business owners who are struggling with rising living costs. This additional money is likely to be spent locally, which would support shops and services and stimulate the local economy. Moreover, lower taxes may make the town more attractive to new residents and investors, contributing to long-term economic growth.
In conclusion, while sports facilities can have positive social effects, a reduction in local taxes would provide broader and more immediate benefits. Reducing local taxes would support households and stimulate economic activity, which in turn would bring greater benefits to the town than investing in sports infrastructure.
Photo: The City Hall building next to Royal Victoria Dock and the London Cable Car © Greater London Authority