The 2016 College English Test Band 4 Writing Task英语专业四级报名入口
In recent years the College English Test Band 4 has become an important part of the academic landscape in China as it is a requirement for graduation for many university students  The writing section of this test is particularly challenging as it requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to express themselves clearly and coherently in English on a given topic within a limited time frame  This essay will discuss the 2016 CET-4 writing task and provide an analysis of the key elements that candidates need to address in order to succeed
The 2016 CET-4 writing task required candidates to write an essay discussing the topic of whether it is better for university students to live on campus or off campus  This is a common theme that often appears in English proficiency tests as it touches on an issue that is relevant and relatable for many test takers  The task provides some background information and prompts candidates to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both
on-campus and off-campus accommodation for university students  Candidates are required to express a clear position on the topic and support their views with relevant examples and reasoning
One of the key things that candidates need to demonstrate in this type of writing task is the ability to present a coherent and well-structured argument  This means organising the essay into an introduction body and conclusion and using appropriate transitional phrases to guide the reader through the different stages of the argument  In the introduction candidates should briefly outline the topic provide some background information and clearly state their position  The body paragraphs should then develop the argument by discussing the key points in more detail using relevant examples to support the claims being made  Finally the conclusion should summarise the main arguments reiterate the position taken and perhaps suggest some broader implications or recommendations
Another important element is the ability to discuss both sides of the issue in a balanced and objective manner  While candidates are required to express a clear position they shoul
d also acknowledge and address the opposing viewpoint  This demonstrates a more sophisticated understanding of the topic and shows the ability to think critically about the issues involved  Candidates who simply state their opinion without considering alternative perspectives are unlikely to score highly
The language used in the essay is also crucial  Candidates need to ensure that their writing is accurate in terms of grammar vocabulary and spelling  They should also aim to use a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate to the academic nature of the task  Overusing simple sentence structures or relying too heavily on basic vocabulary will limit the impression of language proficiency  At the same time candidates should avoid overly complex language that could lead to errors or impede clarity  Finding the right balance is key
In terms of the content of the essay there are a number of key points that candidates could discuss when addressing the topic of on-campus versus off-campus accommodation  Some of the potential advantages of on-campus living include greater access to university f
acilities and resources such as libraries laboratories and sports facilities  Students living on campus may also benefit from a stronger sense of community and opportunities for social interaction and extracurricular activities  On the other hand off-campus accommodation may offer students more independence and privacy as well as the chance to develop practical life skills such as budgeting and household management  Living off-campus could also provide opportunities to explore the local community and potentially reduce living costs depending on the location
Ultimately the decision of whether to live on campus or off campus is a personal one that will depend on the individual circumstances and preferences of the student  There are valid arguments on both sides and candidates who are able to discuss these in a clear and balanced way while maintaining a strong overall position are likely to perform well in the CET-4 writing task  By demonstrating their ability to present a coherent and well-reasoned argument while also using accurate and appropriate language candidates can maximise their chances of achieving a high score