ECPE’s Writing Section lasts for 45 minutes and requires test takers to write one response from a choice of two tasks: an article or proposal, or an essay. Read on to learn more about essay questions in ECPE Writing.
Essay questions in ECPE Writing typically include a topic and a specific question to answer.
Some essay tasks may ask specifically about the positive and negative effects of the given situation (see Example 1 below). Others may ask test takers to address a particular perspective (see Examples 2 and 3 below).
It is important to note whether the question provides a specific perspective to focus on in the response as in the examples below. This will ensure that the response addresses the prompt-specific topic as referenced in the Task Completion category of the ECPE Writing Rating Scale. To maximize the score for Task Completion, test takers should read the question carefully and ensure they are directly addressing the topic in the prompt and fully answering the question they are asked.
Three sources are provided, and test takers must incorporate at least one of these sources into their response.
Example ECPE Essay Questions
Example 1
Task 2: Essay
Many cities are removing green spaces, such as parks and gardens. What positive and negative impact might this have? Write an essay addressing this topic and share your opinion about it. Include at least one piece of information given above to support your response.
In the above example, the topic is the removal of green spaces in cities. The question asks test takers to consider the positive and negative impact of removing green spaces, such as parks and gardens, and share their own opinion. The written response should therefore address both sides of the topic – the possible positive and negative impacts – and present a personal opinion with enough detail to fully support that view.
Example 2
Task 2: Essay
Some people believe that travel is connected to happiness. What impact do you think traveling has on people? Write an essay addressing this topic, and share your opinion about it. Include at least one piece of information given above to support your response.
In the above example, the topic is the connection between travel and happiness. The question asks test takers to consider the impact travel has on people and share their own opinion. For this question, test takers should construct a response that considers the impact of travel on people specifically, as well as their own personal opinion about the topic. It is important to note that this question specifically asks about the impact of travel on people, so this must be directly addressed in the response.
Example 3
Task 2: Essay
Use of social media has led to a decline in the reading of books and other print materials. What impact might this have on society? Write an essay addressing this topic and give your opinion about it. Include at least one piece of information given above to support your response.
In this example, the topic is the use of social media leading to people reading books and other print materials less. The question asks about the impact this could have on society. Therefore, the response must be directly relevant to the societal impact of a decline in reading books and other print materials.
There will be multiple ways to address the topic successfully in ECPE Writing, as long as the response is clearly and logically organized, well-supported with examples and details, and addresses the specific topic and question in the prompt.
Whether choosing Task 1 or Task 2, ECPE test takers should always ensure they do the following:
- Read the question carefully to ensure that they are fully completing the task and addressing the prompt-specific topic.
- Include at least one of the provided pieces of information in the response.
- Develop their response with well-supported ideas that are organized clearly and logically.
- Use their most sophisticated vocabulary and grammar accurately and appropriately.
- Present original ideas and use devices to engage the reader.
Check the Writing Resources available in the ECPE Preparation Resource library for more advice and help with ECPE Writing.
Good luck on ECPE!