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Introduction to C2 Proficiency Writing Task 1 with TED talks: a case study

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  Sometimes introduction to exam preparation can (and arguably should) be integrated seamlessly into General English classes. In this post, I want to share an essay written by my wonderful student  Olga who is in my wonderful General English C1+ group. The essay is based on two TED talks, so it turned out to be a great introduction to C2 Proficiency Writing Task 1.  Preparation It's not uncommon for me to use TED talks in class. But rather than work with one, I chose two talks this time:   1. Larry Smith " Why you will fail to have a great career " 2. Benjamin Todd " To find work you love, don't follow your passion ." The talks discuss the same topic - a great career - but from different perspectives.   I gave one talk to one to half of the group and the second one to the second half.  I asked the students to prepare a summary of their talk for their partner and a vocabulary list that would help them present the summary.  In class, what st...