Part 1
Extra writing tasks — Descriptive

Model answer · 147 words

One of my favourite places in my city is the old waterfront park, which is a peaceful green space beside the river in the heart of the city centre. There are tall oak trees that provide shade on hot summer days, wooden benches overlooking the water, and a wide path where people walk, jog, and cycle. In the early morning, the park is quiet and calm, with the soft sound of the river and the smell of freshly cut grass. There is also a small open-air café near the main entrance where local people often stop for tea or coffee. However, the park does have some problems. At weekends, it can become very crowded and noisy, and there is sometimes litter near the bins. Despite this, it remains a special place for me because it is where I feel most relaxed after a long and stressful week.

Model answer · 147 words

The person I admire most in my family is my older sister, who is one of the most determined and warm-hearted people I know. She is tall and slim, with dark hair and a calm, gentle manner that immediately puts people at ease. There is a quiet confidence about her that I have always found inspiring. One of the things I admire most is that she completed her university degree while working part-time to support herself financially, which required enormous dedication and self-discipline. She is also incredibly generous with her time and always willing to help others, whether that means giving advice, listening patiently, or solving a practical problem. However, she sometimes pushes herself too hard and forgets to rest. Despite this, she is a remarkable person who has taught me that with enough determination, it is possible to achieve your goals even when life is difficult.

Model answer · 156 words

The neighbourhood where I live is a lively, mixed residential area on the western edge of the city, and it has a strong sense of community that I genuinely appreciate. There are rows of four-storey apartment blocks alongside older, low-rise houses, and the streets are lined with small shops, a local market, and several tea houses where older residents gather every morning. The area always feels busy and full of life, with the smell of fresh bread from the bakery on the corner and the sound of children playing in the square nearby. There is also a small park with a fountain that is popular with families in the evenings. However, the neighbourhood does have some problems — the traffic can be very heavy during rush hour, and there is a lack of quiet green space for people who want to relax. Overall, it is a warm and welcoming place that I am proud to call home.

Model answer · 149 words

The main library on our university campus is an impressive five-storey building with a modern glass facade that allows natural light to flood through every floor. Inside, there are large open-plan study areas filled with long wooden desks, comfortable chairs, and computer terminals. There is also an extensive collection of academic books, journals, and digital resources that students can access at any time. The atmosphere inside the library is one of calm concentration — you can hear almost nothing except the quiet turning of pages and the soft hum of the ventilation system. However, during the examination period, the building becomes extremely crowded and it can be very difficult to find a quiet seat. There are also not enough private group study rooms, which makes collaborative work challenging. Despite these limitations, the library is my favourite place on campus and the space where I do my most productive academic work.