FIRST CERTIFICATE EXAM PREPARATION: EXAM ESSENTIALS

WRITING PART ONE: ESSAY

Growing up in a large family is better than being brought up in a small one.

In today’s society, the debate over whether growing up in a large family is

superior to being raised in a small one is a subject of contention, so that the
following essay will take a look at different key aspects closely related to said
topic.

Firstly, in a large family, it can be challenging for parents to provide individual

attention to each child due to the sheer number of offspring. In contrast, children
in smaller families may receive more focused attention. However, this does not
necessarily mean that one is better than the other; it depends on the quality of
attention and emotional support.

On the other hand, the relationships with siblings differ in large and small
families. In a large family, there are more siblings to interact with, fostering the
development of strong bonds and social skills. Conversely, in smaller families,
the relationships may be closer but with fewer opportunities for diverse
interactions.

In my opinion, the ideal family size depends on individual preferences and

circumstances. Some may thrive in the hustle and bustle of a large family, while
others may prefer the intimacy of a smaller one.

To sum up, both large and small families have their merits and drawbacks. The
quality of parenting, the personalities of the children, and other factors play a
crucial role in determining which is better. Personally, I believe that neither is
universally superior, as the right family size varies from person to person.
WRITING PART TWO: INFORMAL EMAIL

Dear Kim,

I hope this email finds you well. It’s great to hear from you! Yes, I have indeed
moved from the city to a charming little country village, and the change has
been quite remarkable.

Living in a small country village is a world apart from city life. One of the most
noticeable differences is the pace of life. In the city, everything was fast-paced
and bustling, whereas here, it’s much more relaxed. There’s a stronger sense of
community in the village, where everyone knows each other, and people are
more willing to lend a helping hand.

Nature is another significant change. In the city, green spaces were limited, but
here, I wake up to the sounds of birdsong and enjoy scenic countryside walks.
The air is cleaner, and the stars are more visible at night.

As for the change in lifestyle, I must admit it took some time getting used to, but
I now appreciate the simpler, more wholesome way of life. There are fewer
entertainment options, but that encourages me to explore new hobbies and
connect with people in meaningful ways.

Overall, I feel positive about the change in lifestyle, It’s offered me a chance to
experience a different side of life, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the
value of community. I hope you can come and visit soon to experience it for
yourself.

Take Care,

Johnny