Sample # 1

MY LOVELY SALTA

Victoria

14 October, 2020

Hello, my loyal followers! It´s been a crazy week. I know I promised daily posts but school finals are
about to start and I’m freaking out. I apologise! However, today´s post is special. If you HAVE followED
me since the beginning. You know that what I enjoy the most is traveling. And ever since I’ve been
wishing to guide my followers through every corner of my country. That´s why whenever I can, I do so.
This gave me the opportunity to visit new places and meet new people. By getting in touch with many
different cultures.

I´m sure I’ve mentionED in previous posts that I’m currently living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. So, I’m
totally a city girl. In the city centre there is no tranquility. The lights are never off. Can you believe that?
Therefore, when I travel, I usually choose specifically cities that contrast Buenos Aires. To enrich and
take full advantage of my experience.

This time, my destination was Salta, or how we call it “Salta la Linda”. The city of Salta is the capital of
Salta province in northwest Argentina. It is located in the Lerma Valley right at the foothills of the Andes.
It is a small but beautiful city full of a unique mix of colonial architecture and Incan influence.

But enough of the logistics. Here’s a bit more about my experience. Although I wish I would have stayed
longer, it was a short weekend get away with my family. We stayed at the “Marilian Hotel”, simple but
cosy. Enjoying a central location in the city of Salta. As it is located one block from Plaza 9 de Julio. I
noticed, there is no need to book a hotel, most of the time they have a high availability. Also, the prices
are very accessible. So you can definitely find something within your price range.

On my first day, I visited the “Salinas grandes”. It was a long journey inBY bus, two hours from Salta.
Luckily, we stopped to eat in an incredible restaurant called “La Salteña”, where obviously I tried the
famous “empanadas salteñas”. I admit that it is a spicy flavour. That it is a typical Salta food and that all
tourists are dying to try. After a couple of those we continued our journey. The Salinas are immense, I
never imagined seeing such a white and smooth floor. I'll give you some advice, take a lot of pictures,
you won't regret it!

At night, we went to “Una Peña”. A characteristic place where regional musicians play folklore. This is a
traditional rhythm that is very familiar around the country. Although, it’s not the music that we usually
listen to at parties, but the residents of this area do. They teach them from a young age to sing it, play it
and dance it out. Isn’t it amazing?
The next and last day, we went to buy souvenirs. At first, we didn't know where to go. Later we realized
that Salta was full of handicrafts. From clothes, shoes, key chains, and magnets. I become aware now
that I over-bought, but I can swear it's worth it. You’ll see with the love and dedication their products
are made.

My trip was whirlwind of traditional folk music, stunning views, handicrafts and traditional foods. Hence
I learned a lot. First, about Salta’s culture. Traveling allows me to learn from different traditions. But not
only learning is important, but also respecting them. That they are different is what from my point of
view makes them special.

Well, by for now… Don’t forget to like my post and check my pics! Leave a comment below and tell me
what you want my next post to be about!

Criterion Score Comments

B:Message /12

C:Conceptual /6
Understanding

Feedback
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Sample #2

Dear Sir/Madam,

This blog post is to inform about choosing subjects after school, which is a very important topic that
cannot be discussed fully here and maybe is not for everyone anyway. People should pick something
sensible because jobs are many and also not so many, so a balanced option is required. It is said that
science is good, arts is good too, but sometimes neither is best, therefore the decision must be
postponed until later time when things are clearer and there is more information that I do not have
now.

First point: money matters are existing in every family, therefore a student should consider finance,
prestige and other etc. Second point: universities have reputations which are famous, which means
success will probably happen, although not guaranteed, so that’s that. Another point is about passion;
following the passion can be risky and safe simultaneously; in conclusion it depends. For example, some
graduates work in jobs unrelated to major because economy changes constantly all the time, which
proves the previous idea that the topic is complicated and simple as well.

Readers, if there are readers, should avoid commenting because comments sometimes distract from
neutrality. I am not providing links or stories since anecdotes are not objective and also personal. Visuals
like photos, headings, tags are unnecessary for the current aim of the text. Advice is to think carefully
and also quickly, and consult a committee or guardian or website later.

Thank you for your attention.

Criterion Score Comments

B:Message /12
 C:Conceptual /6
Understanding

Feedback
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Sample #3

Question/prompt: You have just graduated from high school and want to write to other teens,

and their parents, about what you have decided to do after graduating. Write a text in which

you state your decision and explain it to them.

Text type options: Blog, email, speech

Sam’s Blog

What Do You Mean You’re Not Going to Uni??!!

by Sam (Who else? It is called Sam’s Blog...)

When people ask the question (you recent high-school grads know what the question is), they have this
look of expectation on their face, like they’re looking forward to congratulating you, or pretending to
congratulate you, while they judge you for going to that uni.

Then you tell them, ‘Oh, I’m not going to uni.’ And their smile fades. They look down. You can see them
trying not to sound puzzled, or worried, or critical.

‘Oh… So what will you do, then?’ they ask, straining to sound friendly.

Now, if you want to really have some fun, and if you, like me, enjoy making people uncomfortable, you
tell them, ‘Don’t know. Don’t have any plans.’ Smile when you say that. Look happy.

Generally, they squirm a little bit (that’s the fun part), and then they offer, ‘Oh, well, I’m sure you’ll
figure something out. Maybe you’ll do a gap year.’ They think they’re making you feel better.

‘Yea I guess. Maybe not. Who knows?’ This is where the conversation usually ends. I mean, if I said I was
doing a gap year, they could ask me where and I could say ‘France’ or ‘Australia’ or wherever, and they
could tell me about when they were young and they went to this incredible… But no, I don’t even give
them that. Just silence, and eventually, an awkward goodbye.

Why am I not going? you might ask. Didn’t have the grades for uni? (I did). Family doesn’t have the
money? (I’m very lucky – they do). Just don’t know what you want to study? (Probably not, but neither
does pretty much anyone else and they’re still going to uni).

To be honest, I don’t know why I’m not going. But I don’t really know why I would, either. I haven’t
completely ruled out uni yet, but I haven’t completely ruled it in, either. I’m famously indecisive. Just try
to order food with me sometime. I will make you HATE me.

Maybe that’s the thing, then: I don’t want to decide when I’m not ready to. I don’t want to decide just
because other people think I should. Just to make those people who ask you what uni you’re going to
feel comfortable.

I want to decide when I know what I want to do, and why I want to do it. I don’t think there’s anything
wrong with going to university. I’m not opposed to it. But maybe it’s not for me. Maybe. Just give me a
little time and I’ll make up my mind. Eventually. I promise.

Criterion Score Comments

B:Message /12
 C:Conceptual /6
Understanding

Feedback
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Sample #4

30 November, 2020

STAY ACTIVE, STAY HEALTHY

Unknown author

Did you recently feel bogged down, lacking in vitality or generally sick? I have to confess I may have the
key for your uncomfortability. Let’s see if you can guess it: it is related to movement, weights and (team)
work, but it is not physics (although it can be easily misunderstood; D) You are right, we are talking
about physical exercise!

I know, thinking about spending the little free time we have during the week due to school in something
else than chilling on the sofa is not really motivating. But I promise having an active routine is quite
enriching and enjoyable.

Why should you practice sport?

The main reason to change your life style is health. The body needs to be active in order to perform and
develop all its functions. Thanks to sport you will gain physical health. It is likely to think about getting fit
or losing weight, but I would rather focus on improving your metabolism. It has been proven (proved)
that regular exercise reduces the chance of illnesses and disorders to appear. Some of the most
common reduced risks (that are reduced?) are diabetes, heart diseases and strokes. These are problems
which don’t really bother us, as we enjoy from our teenage condition. But they should be of your
concern, considering them from a distinct point of view. For example, cardiovascular health is involved
in many everyday requirements like running to catch the bus, climb the stairs or lifting boxes during a
wardrobe change, of course. If you have find yourself hyperventilating after any of this situations, I am
sorry to announce that you are in trouble. But do not be alarmed, it is easy to solve: start training! In
addition to physical benefits, being active also provides individuals with mental and social health.
Practicing some game (games) you love or sweating for a while with cardio allow you to disconnect. It is
a pleasure to take your mind away from the usual agitation and stress of the demanding studying
programe or any personal issue which causes you unease. Often, it even helps to clear ideas or twist
your perspective.

How can I start?

Accepting that you need to do some exercise is a big first step. Now that you know you should include
some kind of of (missing) activity in your routine, I am going to share some options and facilities for you
to continue with this overcoming process. Have you ever stopped to look at the green facade next to the
school’s back entrance? It is a sports club, named “3,2,1.. Go!”. It is a friendly space where a ( not
coherent ) coaches, trainers and athletes ( or athletes in process) cooperate together to enjoy sport and
share an active community sprit (spirit). There are uncountable activities and games to choose: sumo,
fútbol (football), pilates, hiit, athletics, street dance… and much more. Make sure to take a look at its
schedules and groups next time you stay around. So, it is time to think in what type of activity you are
interested in (missing) . By the way, do not underestimate your capacity or any sport. Maybe you are a
talented swimmer but you haven’t realized yet.

I hope my advice helped you to consider to start, or retake a healthier moved (active) life. Leave your
comments about how you feel about the (my) advise, as well as if you were thinking about doing
exercise before; and the most important: let me know what sport you are trying on the “3,2,1...Go!”, I
am sure we will see around there.

Criterion Score Comments

C:Conceptual /6
Understanding

Feedback
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________