Job Discussion Forums

[JPM]

Hi all

I've been teaching CPE for several years, but have just agreed with this year's class that we study the optional book, which is a 'Writing' question in the CPE exam.

We'll be studying the book and film of 'Shakespeare In Love'. Does anyone have any experience of preparing the 'optional book' question? Any good exercises / activities / website links / pitfalls to avoid? I'm really grateful for any replies on this one.

Cheers
John

[naturegirl321]

No , honestly, as it was optional, most students stay away from it. I'm guessing they'd have to discuss main characters, plot, etc. Cliff notes might help

[JPM]

Thanks naturegirl

I'll check out the cliff notes. By the way, I'm thinking of skipping Poland for South America. How's Peru treating you?

John

[Dedicated]

JPM,

Can you get hold of a good student's book for CPE, such as " Towards Proficiency" by Peter May (Oxford Univ Press)? They usually give ideas of the type of questions set on the exam papers. You may find something on the website <www.oup.com/elt>. Otherwise the York notes series are very helpful <www.yorknotes.com>

For question 5 in the Writing paper, possible set book tasks include an essay, article, letter, review or report, and the length is always 300-350 words. So not only do the students need to know the text inside-out, but also the various types of writing genres. They must know description of characters, detailed knowledge of plot and actions in each chapter, relationships between characters, style of language used, novel's ending, and some useful quotations to support ideas. Just watching the film of the book is definitely insufficient.

eg. Imagine you are directing a film version of your chosen book. Decide where you would film it and which actors you would cast in which roles, then write a report, article, letter, etc.,giving details.

To be honest, as a CPE examiner, it does seem to be a more difficult option and really taxes the weaker students, who do not perform very well.

I hope this helps, but PM if you need more information.

[JPM]

Hi Dedicated,

Thanks very much for your kind help: all great advice.

This year, for the first time, I'm teaching from 'Proficiency Masterclass'. Having (belatedly) checked the book's contents I see that there is indeed a useful section listing typical Reading Exam questions.

The students are all strong, dedicated students and so I'm sure they'll be fine. They're already completed several writing exercises: unusual for exam students so long before an exam!

Thanks again
John