A Summer Job. Written mediation task

 

WRITTEN MEDIATION TASK

TOPIC: WORK

TASK DESCRIPTION:

Scenario:


One of your classmates, Daniel, is looking for a summer job in order to start making his own pocket money. He is a sociable teenager, very talkative, extremely organised, enthusiastic and responsible. He speaks English eloquently and writes it well too. He loves participating in sport and nature activities. However, he has never had a serious job before. He has only done babysitting for his neighbours. He asks you for some ideas. You find this infographic at your local youth club and think some of the jobs here are just meant for him. 

 
Task:

Select the jobs you find most suitable, explain to him why and expand on them. You can also say why you consider the others less appropriate. Finally, try to positively encourage him to choose one and strongly support him by telling him which aspects you value most about him.

Send him an email
Write about 120 words

 

Sample answer:

Hi Daniel! 

This morning I came across a flyer with summer job offers and believe me, one of the jobs is just perfect for you. It's the position of group leader in a summer camp.

First, they are looking for people who can speak English well, and you do. Secondly, they don't require any previous experience, so don't worry about this aspect. What’s more, you love nature and spending time outdoors, which is part and parcel of this post. 

I’m sure you will excel at it because you are really keen, remarkably energetic, extremely responsible and have an outgoing personality. So seize the opportunity and ask for an interview. You would be a great asset to an organisation like that. 

All the best,

Susan

 

More useful language:

The purpose of this email is to let you know that this morning I went to my youth club and I came across a leaflet with summer job offers. I immediately thought of you. As a matter of fact, several of them would be good for you.  

The only exception would be the position of beach lifeguard. The reasons are that you need to be at least 20 and you also need some experience in this field.

As for the other possible jobs, one of them is a post of Red Cross volunteer. In this job you would have to take care of people who have had accidents or who are homeless or needy. Although they don't ask for any previous experience, they are looking for people who can speak English well. I am sure you wouldn't have any problems in this area.

Another job that you could do is the public relations officer one. If you chose it, your duty would be to advertise businesses online and on the street. Even though they don't require that candidates have any previous experience, they look for people who can not only speak good English but also do public speaking and write very well. Again, these are all skills you are great at. 

That being said, I personally feel that you could apply for the position of group leader in a summer camp. Let me explain why. First and foremost, you will love this job since you will enjoy working with children. A second area to consider is that you fulfil the English requirement. I say that because you really have a flair for English. Don't worry if you have not done anything like this before as they don't require any previous experience. Having said that, you have sometimes told me that you often do babysitting for your neighbours' sons and daughters, therefore it goes without saying that you must have gained some valuable experience working with children. What's more, you must have learnt to be very patient with them. In addition, you always take part in the school sports and outdoor programme. Evidently, this experience will also come in handy.  If this were not enough, you are a punctual and responsible person. And on top of all that, I am sure you will excel at this job because you are really keen, remarkably energetic and have an outgoing personality.

All in all, I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity and ask for an interview. You would be a great asset to an organisation like that. You won't let them down.

All the best, 

Ready for C1 p 24. How to write a Review?

Writing a review is about balancing your personal opinion with objective facts. Whether you are reviewing a book, a movie, a restaurant, or a tech gadget, most professional and helpful reviews follow a standard five-paragraph structure.

Here is a breakdown of the typical paragraphs in a review:

1. The Introduction (The Hook)

This paragraph sets the stage. You should identify what you are reviewing and provide enough background information so the reader understands the context.

• Key elements: Title/Name of the product, creator/brand, release date, and your overall "thesis" (a hint at whether you liked it or not).

• The Hook: Start with an engaging sentence that captures the essence of the experience.

---

2. The Summary (The Facts)

Before diving into your opinion, give the reader a brief overview of what the item is or what the story is about.

• For Media: Summarize the plot without giving away spoilers.

• For Products: Explain the main features and what it’s intended to do.

• For Services: Describe the setting and the primary service provided.

---

3. The Analysis: What Worked (The Pros)

This is the "meat" of the review. Focus on the specific elements that stood out to you in a positive way.

• Evidence: Don't just say something was "good." Explain why. For example, instead of saying "the food was great," say "the steak was perfectly seared and seasoned with a distinct smoky flavor."

• Details: Discuss craftsmanship, usability, acting, or design.

---

4. The Critique: Room for Improvement (The Cons)

No product or experience is perfect. This paragraph provides balance and builds trust with your reader.

• Constructive Criticism: Identify what didn't work for you. Was the interface clunky? Was the third act of the movie too slow?

• Comparison: It can be helpful to compare the item to a competitor or a previous version to highlight where it fell short.

---

5. The Conclusion (The Verdict)

Summarize your main points and give a final recommendation.

• The Recommendation: Who is this for? (e.g., "This is a must-buy for horror fans," or "Budget-conscious travelers might want to look elsewhere.")

• The Rating: If you use a scale (like 1–5 stars), this is where you officially lock it in.

---

Pro Tip: Try to use the "Sandwich Method" for your critique—start with something positive, address the negatives in the middle, and end on a clear, summarizing note about the value of the experience.

 

 

Sequence:



Firstly,...First,... In the first place,… To begin with,…To start with,… First of all,…
Secondly,... Thirdly,...
Then... In addition to that,… Apart from that,… Besides… Furthermore,... Moreover,... If this were not enough,.... On top of all this,... To make matters worse,...



Appearance and reality:



At first sight … but in fact…. 
Apparently…but they were really/actually...
The fact is that… 
As a matter of fact…



Cause and effect: 



Due to…  
Consequently,... 
As a result… 
In consequence,… 
For this reason… For these reasons… 
For one reason or another…



Contrast and concession: 



Although... Even though...
However,... Nevertheless,...
Despite... In spite of...
On one hand....On the other hand,...



Expressions to compare and contrast



Nowhere near as exciting as...
Considerably/much/far more thought-provoking than...
By far the most moving advert....
Bear a close/a striking/a strong/a slight/little/no resemblance to: e.g. Her latest novel, a tale of unrequited love, bears little resemblance to her earlier, more philosophical work.

Resemble each other
There is little to choose between (hardly any difference between) the two CDs in terms of quality of production.
The plot of this advert develops along very different lines from that of last year's advert.
There are several obvious/striking similarities between the two adverts.
There is a world of difference between the two adverts, despite their shared Christmas influences.
What sets the advert apart from others of the same subject is its ability to make us laugh.
A considerable/huge/marked/slight difference
A close/remarkable/striking/ similarity
Be dissimilar from/to: E.g. Dissimilar from other adverts
Be very much alike
Be unlike another advert
One advert Differs from the other in one respect.
One thing compares (un)favourably/ well/badly with another
Develop in a different way from
Have a great deal/little/nothing in common with

It is in their thematic content that the two adverts resemble each other most. Both focus on the topic of Christmas.
Also common to both adverts is the fact that we witness the spirit of Christmas

To point something out:



In particular… Especially… Above all… . Let alone... Not to mention…  In other words… In any case… 



Referring to someone or something:

With regard to… In regard to...  As regards... Regarding...As for... As to... As far as adverts are concerned

Descriptive language:

Positive descriptions

It has a catchy slogan
The advert offers alluring images of
It’s fairly entertaining
I found it very absorbing. 
The ad is completely engrossing from start to finish.
I found the storyline so intriguing – I had absolutely no idea what was going to happen next.
The advert has a gripping storyline.  It is gripping to the very end and also brilliantly acted.
You’ll love the ad – it’s riveting stuff. The boy gives a riveting performance.
I find adverts like these compulsive viewing.
I found the advert very compelling.
It is hands down (easily and without any doubt) the best ad this year.
The kid gives a compelling/ memorable/ stunning performance.
Her performance is mesmerizing. 
The acting is very convincing.
The advert is intense and exciting from beginning to end.
The acting is excellent and it is beautifully filmed with close-ups of...
It is both entertaining and educational.
It is highly enlightening/inspiring/
Nevertheless, it's an original, thought-provoking advert and certainly worth seeing.
It is food for thought.
The advert provides a fascinating insight (understanding,vision) into the lifestyle in small villages. 
No wonder the film has captured the imagination of audiences all over the world.
It's a deeply moving advert.
I admire the outstanding performance of the kid.
The ad conveys a powerful message
It's an innovative ad.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in human values.
One particular strength of the advert is...
The design/production/ performance/ advert is second to none (the best). 
I would strongly advise you to see it. 
Do not be put off (to make sb lose interest in or enthusiasm for sth. Sp. Desanimar)by the topic/critics/song. 
It will have you roaring with laughter (laugh very loudly). 
Hats off to the kid who gives a stunning performance. He is remarkably convincing 
For me, The strength of this ad lies in its powerful acting and mundane (ordinary) realism.
This ad is a definite must-see. 
You won't be disappointed.
I would urge you to watch it.
Don't miss it!

As a Christmas fan...
Being a mad Christmas enthusiast... 
I am especially pleased with... 
The highlight for me is...
What catches my attention in particular is...
It is certainly worth seeing.
It's well worth a watch.
It certainly made me look at Christmas in a different way!



Negative descriptions

The only drawback is...
I feel less happy about...
It doesn't live up to expectations
It probably won't appeal to...
I found the advert rather underwhelming
It's a clichéd /ˈkliːʃeɪd/ Christmas ad.
There are two versions of this excruciating /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪtɪŋ/ ad.  
The ad is excruciatingly boring.
Implausible: Not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince; not believable. Sp. Inverosímil. E.g. A rather implausible story.
Overhyped: promoted or publicized to excess exaggerating its good qualities, in order to get a lot of public attention for it: Influencers overhyped the ad.
Sentimental: producing emotions such as pity, romantic love or sadness, which may be too strong or not appropriate; feeling these emotions too much. Sp. Sensiblero: a slushy, sentimental story
Slushy: stories, films / movies or feelings that are considered to be silly and without value because they are too emotional and romantic. Corny. Sp. Sensiblero: e.g. a slushy Christmas ad
cheesy:  
1. not very good or original, and without style, in a way that is embarrassing but amusing. E.g. a cheesy ad. That’s the cheesiest storyline I’ve ever seen.
2. too emotional or romantic, in a way that is embarrassing. E.g. a cheesy love song. a cheesy ad.
drippy: boring, stupid and weak or sentimental. E.g. her drippy boyfriend. A drippy advert.
 
Tedious: lasting or taking too long and not interesting. Boring. E.g. A very long and tedious advert.
Unconvincing: not seeming true or real; not making you believe that sth is true: e.g.
I find the characters in the ad very unconvincing.
However, I found the plot rather predictable/disappointing.
I felt dissatisfied and slightly depressed by the advert's message.
I found the plot a little too simple.
The girl's character is too over-the-top to be convincing.
The advert has an unusual and rather old-fashioned message.
One particular weakness of the film is...
The music is not its best feature 
I would strongly advise you not to see it. 
I would definitely give it a miss (decide not to do sth.)
Don't waste your time! 
 

Conclusion:



Finally,... Lastly,…To sum up,... All things considered,... All in all,…(with everything considered) In conclusion,... In general,… On the whole…



Expressing personal opinion:



For my part,...  In my view… As I saw it,... To my mind,...

More useful language for reviews
Providing background

As a science fiction fan, I would like to say that...

Not having read a book about loss before, I must point out that...

Being an avid reader myself, I would like to recommend reading...

Liking

I was specially pleased with...

The highlight of the novel for me was...

...was one of the high spots of the book.

What caught my attention in particular was...

Most of us like to discuss movies and shows that we have seen and books that we have read. This post provides you with a range of adjectives and phrases for describing what you have seen and read in a way that is precise and varied.
We often want to say that we found a movie or a book enjoyable. Two very useful ‘-able’ adjectives here are readable and watchable. Books that are readable are easy and enjoyable to read (sometimes despite being about subjects that might seem difficult or boring): It’s a very readable account of the history of this great city.
Movies and shows that are watchable give you pleasure when you watch them: It’s probably not his best movie but it’s very watchable. An adjective with a similar meaning is entertaining: It’s not a great novel but it’s fairly entertaining.
Meanwhile, a book that is very enjoyable may be described as a good read: I’d really recommend his latest novel – it’s a good read.
A number of adjectives describe movies and books that are very interesting. Absorbing is used for a movie or book that is so interesting, it completely holds your attention: I really liked her last novel – I found it very absorbing.
Engrossing means the same, but is stronger: The movie was completely engrossing from start to finish.
A movie or book that is intriguing, meanwhile, is very interesting in a way that is unusual or mysterious: I found the storyline so intriguing – I had absolutely no idea what was going to happen next.
Other adjectives and phrases describe books and movies that are very exciting: Gripping is one such adjective and riveting another:
This is a series with great characters and a gripping storyline.
You’ll love the novel – it’s riveting stuff.
Compulsive is used to describe movies and books that are so exciting, you cannot stop watching or reading them. The adjective is often used in the phrases (for movies, shows, etc) compulsive viewing and (for books) compulsive reading:
His latest book is compulsive reading.
I find hospital documentaries like these compulsive viewing.
The adjective compelling means the same: I found the whole series very compelling.
Meanwhile, a book that is (informal) unputdownable is so exciting, you cannot stop reading it (you cannot ‘put it down’): His last novel was totally unputdownable. I read it over two days.
We hope that you read something unputdownable or watch something riveting this week!

It is hands down (easily and without any doubt) the best movie this year.

Action-packed: full of exciting events and activity: e.g. an action-packed weekend.
Atmospheric: creating an exciting or emotional mood: e.g. atmospheric music
Compelling: that makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting: e.g. Her latest book makes compelling reading. A compelling film. She gives a compelling/memorable performance as a village doctor.
Convincing: The acting is very convincing
Enthusiastic and vivid descriptions of the scenery
It's an excellent read. It is both entertaining and educational.
Exhilarating: /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ very exciting and enjoyable. Sp. Emocionante: e.g. My first parachute jump was an exhilarating experience.
Provides a fascinating/valuable/revealing insight into: e.g. the novel provides a fascinating insight (understanding,vision) into the customs in Mexico.
Gripping: exciting or interesting in a way that keeps your attention. Sp. Emocionante, fascinante, absorbente.

mesmerizing: /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/ having such a strong effect on you that you cannot give your attention to anything else. E.g. Her performance was mesmerizing.
   
Impressive: making you feel admiration, because they are very large, good, skilful, etc. Sp. Impresionante, imponente, excelente:an impressive performance. One of the most impressive novels of recent years She was very impressive in the interview.
Moving: causing you to have deep feelings of sadness or sympathy. Sp. Conmovedor: e.g. a deeply moving experience.
Outstanding: extremely good; excellent. E.g. Outstanding performance.
Powerful: effective. E.g. Powerful acting
Stunning: impressive: gave a stunning performance.
mesmerizing: /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/ having such a strong effect on you that you cannot give your attention to anything else. E.g. Her performance was mesmerizing.
Credible
Entertaining
Fast-moving
Innovative
Memorable

Unputdownable: (of a book) so exciting or interesting that you cannot stop reading it.

capture someone's imagination (or attention): fascinate someone.E.g. the project has captured the imagination of the local public. No wonder the film has captured the imagination of audiences all over the world.

enlightening: /ɪnˈlaɪtnɪŋ/ giving information so that you can understand something better. It was a very enlightening movie. 

inspiring: exciting and encouraging you to do or feel something. E.g. an inspiring teacher. The book is less than inspiring.
 

Disliking
The only drawback was...

I felt less happy about...

The plot didn't live up to expectations.

It probably won't appeal to teenagers.

 





Other expressions
 

It's a definite must-read.

You won't be disappointed. 

I would urge you to read it.

 

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the human mind.
One particular strength/ weakness of the film is
The design/production is second to none (the best).
The characterization is not its best feature.
I would strongly advise you (not) to go out and buy/see it.
Do not be put off (to make sb lose interest in or enthusiasm for sth. Sp. Desanimar)by the title/critics/cover.
It will have you roaring with laughter (laugh very loudly).
I would definitely give it a miss (decide not to do sth.)

in the nick of time: at the very last moment; just in time before something bad happens. E.g. They escaped from the smoke-filled house just in the nick of time. An unprecedented catastrophe had been avoided just in the nick of time.

A blockbuster /ˈblɒkbʌstə(r)/ something very successful, especially a very successful book or film/movie. E.g. a Hollywood blockbuster.

An art film: (also art house film) is typically a serious, independent film not aimed at a mass market audience. An art film is intended to be a serious artistic work, often experimental and not designed for mass appeal.


art house: a movie theater that specializes in films that are artistic or experimental rather than merely entertaining.

Sample sentences
The real-life struggle (a hard fight in which people try to obtain or achieve sth, especially sth that sb else does not want them to have. Sp. Lucha) of brilliant minds with schizophrenia /ˌskɪtsəʊˈfriːniə/ and Alzheimer's /ˈæltshaɪməz/ disease may not sound like the ingredients of an entertaining afternoon's viewing.
Russell Crowe's stunning performance as mathematical genius John Nash and Judi Dench's moving portrayal of novelist Iris Murdoch will have you rushing out to buy the books on which these two films are based.
It is in their thematic content that the two films resemble each other most. Both focus on the withdrawal (the act of moving or taking sth away or back. Sp. Retirada) of the protagonists into their own inner world and the effect this has on their long-suffering but devoted marital partners. Also common to both films is the fact that we witness the two academics in their youth and old age. Hats off here to Crowe's make up team- he is remarkably convincing as the sixty-six-year-old Nash receiving his Nobel Prize.
Iris differs from A Beautiful Mind in this respect, relying instead on other actors to play the vivacious (having a lively, attractive personality) young Iris - a very credible Kate Winslet- and her stuttering (having difficulty speaking because he cannot stop himself from repeating the first sound of some words several times; stammering) companion. In addition, unlike the more linear American film, flashbacks are used to good effect to switch (change from one thing to another) backwards and forwards between the two contrasting stages of Murdoch's life.
The strength of Iris lies in its powerful acting and mundane (ordinary) realism, with the novelist seen in her cluttered (full of a lot of things and untidy) Oxford house. However, if, as I do, you favour something more visually appealing, but no less plausible, then A Beautiful Mind is a definite must-see.

Sample answer 2:
"Now, in the last 12 months the world of music has lost some incredible talent."
"Words like 'icon', 'pioneer' and 'innovator' are often overused, but not when it comes to one man who tragically left us last month. Tonight the Brits honour the remarkable David Bowie. Please welcome Annie Lennox." 
"On the 10th of January this year, the world was stunned and shaken by the news that David Bowie had suddenly passed away.

I suspect that everyone is still trying to process this sadly unexpected event...

Even if they didn't know him personally - many people must feel as if things will never be quite the same again.

He had that special kind of significance.

For me, it's almost impossible to mention Bowie's name in the past tense.

Everything he represented as an artist was and always will be - vital and incredibly present.

As a cutting edge artistic genius, he continues to live on through his music.

David Bowie is deeply embedded in the heart of British culture, as a fixture within our collective inner psyche, influencing every decade from the moment he first appeared on the airwaves with "Space Oddity" in 1969, right up to the present day.

Like the miraculous moon landing that inspired the song, he drew us away from our suburban lives, expanding our horizons - turning everything on its head into gloriously subversive technicolour.

As an innovative writer, performer and Rock star... there was no one and nothing else like him. He was truly unique.

A quintessential visionary, pushing the limits of his shape-shifting persona.

The ultimate iconoclast - gracious, dangerous and legendary…..

The legacy of his extraordinary sound and vision will be loved and revered for as long as the earth still spins.

The BRITs Icon Award is only presented to unparalleled artists - whose writing, recording and performance set them apart as having made a lasting impact on the nation’s culture, recognising the very highest level of British music achievement." 

To accept the award, I'd now like to invite David's dear friend Gary Oldman to the stage.

Thank you. We are all coming to terms with the magnitude of David's passing. The Jones family lost a husband and a father, those closest to David lost a dear friend and the world lost a man and artist of transcendent talent.
As Annie so gracefully said, David's contribution, his influence on popular music, on culture itself, has no equal. He was the very definition, the living embodiment of that singular word "icon" and I am so deeply touched and honoured to be here tonight to accept this award for David and his family. In recent years, David sparingly spoke about music and his process, but in one of these rare instances, he graciously and eloquently expounded,  "Music has given me over 40 years of extraordinary experiences. I can't say that life's pains or more tragic episodes have been diminished because of it, but it has allowed me so many moments of companionship when I have been lonely and a sublime means of communication when I have wanted to touch people. It has been both my doorway of perception and the house that I live in. Over his career, David challenged and changed our understanding of the medium. Whether in music or in life, he emphasised originality, experimentation, exploration, and in his very unique way, he also reminded us to never take ourselves too seriously.
David was funny, hilariously so. And the laughs were many and massive. And I shall miss them.
A related story. A few years ago we were standing on a street corner. And he was approached by this big fellow, rocker type, long hair, you know, leather clad, and he offered up this piece of paper for David's autograph. David signed the piece of paper, and as the fella walked away, he turned to me, and said, "He's gonna be disappointed." I said, "Why?" He said, "Cos I just signed it 'Gary Oldman'". His outlook was always positive and I never once heard him complain.
I can share with you that David faced his illness with enormous courage, dignity, grace and customary humour. Even in dire circumstances. When he wrote to tell me the bad news that he had cancer, he added 'the good news is I've got my cheekbones back'. He was the sweetest soul ever, with the best cheekbones, until it was done. David, you were mortal but your potential was superhuman and your remarkable music is living on. We love you and we thank you.   
Watch video here 

Read more

https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2016/09/21/its-very-entertaining-words-for-describing-movies-and-books/