Cambridge English Exams
C1 Advanced Essay Writing: Facilities
Example Exam Task
Your class has attended a radio discussion programme about facilities which should receive money from local authorities. You have made the notes below:
Which facilities should receive money from local authorities?
- museums
- sports centres
- public gardens
Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
- “Museums aren’t popular with everybody!”
- “Sports centres mean healthier people.”
- “A town needs green spaces – parks are great for everybody.”
Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the facilities in your notes. You should explain which facility it is more important for your local authorities to give money to, giving reasons to support your answer. Write 220 – 260 words in an appropriate style.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion, but you should use your own words as far as possible.
Example Essay
Local authorities are often faced with difficult decisions about how to distribute limited public funds. Among the facilities most frequently discussed are museums, sports centres and public gardens. This essay will consider sports centres and public gardens, and argue that investing in green spaces should be the higher priority.
There is no doubt that sports centres bring clear benefits to the local community. Regular physical activity improves both physical and mental health, helping to reduce obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses. Well-funded sports facilities can also encourage young people to spend their free time in a productive way rather than engaging in unhealthy habits. For these reasons, many people believe that sports centres are a valuable investment for local authorities.
However, public gardens serve an even broader section of the population. Unlike sports centres, which are often used only by those interested in exercise, green spaces are accessible to everyone regardless of age, income or physical ability. Parks provide residents with a place to relax, socialise and escape the stress of urban life. In addition, well-maintained public gardens contribute to environmental protection by improving air quality and supporting local biodiversity.
In comparison, while sports centres promote active lifestyles, their impact is more limited in terms of accessibility and daily use. Public gardens, on the other hand, benefit the entire community on a regular basis and help make towns more attractive and liveable.
In conclusion, although sports centres play an important role in promoting health, it is more important for local authorities to prioritise funding for public gardens, as they offer widespread social, environmental and psychological advantages for all residents.
Photo: Buckingham Palace and gardens area of St James’s Park © St James’s Park