CEPA Writing Prompt 1
You should spend about 30 minutes on this part of the test.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
Many people believe that computer games are enjoyable and educational. Other people think
that they are a waste of time and have negative effects.
Say what you think, and explain why.
You could support your opinion by writing about:
 the cost (time, money) of computer games
 the effects of computer games on young people
 what you learn from computer games (good or bad)
.
Much has been said about computer games. Some people say that computer games are
enjoyable and educational. However, others think that they are costly and have negative effects.
Those who are for the games believe that they are a good way to spend free time .Besides,
they make kids happy , expand their imagination , increase their knowledge , improve their language,
supply them with technical techniques and enhance sport ethics such as feeling of success , challenge
and competition in the kids.
On the other hand , many people oppose computer games as expensive and has negative
effects on kids. They argue that the games are money-consuming as kids constantly want to upgrade
their electronic devices and their cds. In addition , many games teach kids violence , bad conduct and
values contrary to their own culture.
In fact , I can say that computer games are a mixed blessing. For sure they have advantages
, especially spending free time . Yet they are dangerous as they make children violent and sometimes
introduce cultural threats.
CEPA Writing Prompt 2
You should spend about 30 minutes on this part of the test.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
Each year, millions of tourists visit the UAE, and the number is growing. Some people think
that this is great for the country, but others worry about the problems that tourism may cause.
Say what you think, and explain why.
You could support your opinion by writing about:
 the effects of mixing cultures
 the effects of tourism on the economy
 the changes to the cities, such as traffic or construction of buildings
Much has been said about tourism and naturally there are two opposing views . On one hand
there are people who are for tourism and believe that it has a good impact on the country. On another
hand, there are people who are against tourism and fear its negative influences.
Those who are for tourism think that it has lots of advantages. For example, it generates huge
amounts of money and this is reflected on all spheres of economy. Tourists spend money on food at
restaurants , clothes , car rent and gifts .Thus a wide range of individuals benefit . In addition mixing
with people from other cultures enhance mutual and better understanding between nations towards a
more peaceful globe.
On the other hand, there are many people who are against tourism and believe that it has
negative effects on the society's health and culture. They argue that some tourists bring new diseases
never known before. This cost the country amounts of money many times than the tourists may
spend. Others introduce habits , behaviour and values that are dangerous to the local community.
In fact , I find myself aligned with the first view of tourism. For I believe tourism has
economical benefits. Furthermore, it increases cultural exchange and international understanding.
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CEPA Writing Prompt 3
You should spend about 30 minutes on the writing task.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
Some people believe that hosting an international event like the Olympics would be good for the
UAE. Others feel that it would not be beneficial.
Say what you think, and explain why.
You could support your opinion by writing about:
 tourism
 economy
 value of sports
 crowds
There has been much debate between people on the issue of hosting an international event
like the Olympics. As usual there are two contradictory views. Some people are for the idea and
believe that it is good for the country. Whereas the people who are against argue that it is bad and
has lots of disadvantages.
Those who are for the idea , believe that hosting such an international event is good and has a
number of benefits. First , it promotes tourism and activates the economy of the country. Think of
thousands of people coming to the country and staying in hotels, eating and buying . This means that
many people will benefit from the guests and their spending on every thing. Besides, economical
advantages, there are also others. Hosting such an event, introduces a good image of the country to
the international community as a peace loving country that sponsors world events which increase
cooperation and understanding between people. It also insures the values of sports such as honorable
competition and challenge .
However the are people who opposes the idea and think that it costs too much money which
is better spent on the welfare of local people instead of preparing international stadiums . Moreover,
they think that mixing with so many people from various cultures brings strange customs contrary to
the culture of the country.
In fact I find myself aligned to the first view because holding such a world event is an honour
that countries compete for and it means that our country is a signpost in the world of sports.
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CEPA Writing Prompt 4
You should spend about 30 minutes on the writing task.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
Some people think a university degree is essential. Others think it is not necessary.
Which view do you agree with?
You could support your opinion by writing about:
 value of education
 work experience
 earning money
 social life
There is much debate on this issue. Some people think a university degree is essential.
They say that a university degree is an indication of the value of education .Moreover, it is
important for social status. However, others think it is not necessary. They argue that earning
money is more important. In addition , working experience can be acquired through practice
rather than reading books and attending lectures.
Those who advocate holding a university degree believe that due to the rapid increase of
information and technology there is a need to study for a long time to manage with the different
theories and facts in science. Besides , the job market demands a university degree as a prerequirement for applying to any job.
On the other extreme, those who belittle having a university degree , argue that work
experience is more important than having a degree. University degrees sometimes fail to satisfy
the needs and demands of the job market in a changing technological age. They often need too
much training and practice before they can start their jobs.
In fact , I cannot align with any of them. I believe that having a university degree along with
work experience is the key to guarantee a good job and secure a better social status.
CEPA Writing Prompt 5
You should spend about 30 minutes on the writing task.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
The UAE government is planning to build a railway that will pass through several of its
cities.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this plan?
Some of the things you might write about are:
 pollution
 cost
 convenience
 safety
Since the government has unrevealed the plan of building a railway that will pass
through several of its cities. There have been many comments on it.
Many people who advocate the idea think it has a lot of advantages. First , it decreases
pollution which is caused by the excessive usage of vehicles as a means of transport. Indeed many
people will quit their private cars in favour of the railway to avoid waiting for hours in congested
streets .Second , it would be more economical for people to use such a cheap means of transport.
Third, using the train would be safer than using roads full of reckless drivers and their acrobatic
shows.
In fact I clearly align myself with the idea for the mentioned reasons . Moreover, I believe
that the project will help us get rid of a main cause of pollution which leads to a clean and
healthy environment.
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CEPA Writing Prompt 6
You should spend about 30 minutes on the writing task.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
Some parents believe their children should be involved in after-school activities such as sports,
language learning, and music lessons. Others disagree.
Say whether you think after-school activities are a good thing or a bad thing, and explain why.
You could support your opinion by writing about:
 learning a skill
 keeping busy
 relaxation and play
 the ability to learn
Much has been said about children's involvement in after-school activities such as sports,
language learning, and music lessons. As usual , opinions are divided for and against this matter and
each has their views.
Those who advocate the idea think that after-school activities are essential for many reasons.
First, they help kids to acquire new learning skills . Second they help kids spend their free time
constructively. Third , they provide the kids with a chance to learn through fun and attractive
surroundings. They also allow kids to relax and play in an educational atmosphere. Finally , afterschool activities enhance the kids' abilities to learn through providing them with technical skills
necessary for self-reliance.
However, some people have negative view of those activities especially if they aren't free.
Thus , they add new burden to their budget. Besides , they waste a lot of the kid's time which should
be used for further study. In addition to that , kids are likely to learn bad habits as a result of being
away from their parents' control
In fact , I find myself aligned to the first opinion because I do believe that kids need a balanced
approach of teaching and learning. It's true that kids need school to learn , but other activities are also
needed to make kids like school and view it as an attractive place.
CEPA Writing Prompt 7
You should spend about 30 minutes on the writing task.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
Every year, more and more shopping malls are being built in the UAE.
Do you think that this is a good development or a bad one? Explain why.
You could support your opinion by writing about:
 where people shopped in the past
 what people like/do not like about shopping malls
 what people like/do not like about small shops or souks
 what shopping malls have that old shops do not
Much has been said about the continuous building of shopping malls in the country. In fact
people are sharply divided on this issue. Some people think that this is a good development whereas
others believe that it's a bad aspect of consumption.
Those who are for building more shopping malls believe that this useful for many reasons.
First , traders compete to attract the customers and thus they offer lots of sales and promotional
campaigns. This leads to cheaper prices and people may save money. Second , more malls means
more recreation facilities which are needed in a busy world full of work .Third, malls offer a wide
range of collections which address the diverse needs of people who come from different cultures.
On the other hand, people who oppose the idea believe that more malls are a negative aspect
of the society. They argue that more malls encourage people to spend more because wherever you
go you find malls. They say that we don't need so many malls because they offer the same items and
recreational facilities.
In fact I find myself aligned to the second view because we are fed up with malls. Moreover ,
let people have a chance to get to nature for relaxation rather than being deafened by buzzing malls.
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CEPA Writing Prompt 8
You should spend about 30 minutes on the writing task.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
People drop out of high school for many different reasons.
Describe some of them and give your opinion on them.
For each one you should:
 Describe the reason
 Say whether it is a good reason to drop out of school
 Say why you think this.
There is a common unhealthy phenomenon in our society which is dropping out high school .
In fact there are several reasons for this and I'll talk about them in my essay.
First there are some slow learners who fail to pass their academic years successfully. Those
people got disappointed and look for other choices to earn a living. They think that they do not fit for
school and thus school is a waste of time.
Second there some people who think that it's no use to waste so long time in studying at high
school then at university . They believe that getting a job and earning money is better than studying
and paying money.
Another group of people who are too poor to afford the high expenses of higher education
find themselves obliged to look for work to help their families and themselves.
In fact I am not convinced of any of these cases because I believe that higher education is a
must in a technological age which needs educated and skilled people. Moreover, I think it's the
responsibility of the society and the civil organizations to explore this issue and help those who are
forced to drop out of school.
CEPA Writing Prompt 9
You should spend about 30 minutes on the writing task.
Write an essay of 150 to 200 words on the following topic:
After the Wafi Centre robbery, some people suggested that closed circuit TV (CCTV)
cameras should be put in the streets and the malls of the UAE.
Do you agree or disagree with this view? Explain why.
You could support your opinion by writing about:
 safety
 crime prevention
 cost
 personal privacy
The latest Wafi Centre robbery generated too much debate in the UAE society over the security
of people and their properties. Some people suggested that closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras
should be put in the streets and the malls of the UAE. However, others took an extremely opposite
view and claimed that such procedure is a violation of personal privacy.
In fact , closed circuit TV cameras installment on trees and malls across the country is
necessary for many reasons. First , installing those cameras allow better observation and inspection
for police to examine suspects and would-be thieves .This ensures the individual's safety and
prevents crimes.
On the other hand , there are people who think that such a matter is a violation of the
individual's privacy and freedom. There are times a person hates being watched and scrutinized
.Besides , installing those cameras is too costly and burdens the government's budget.
In fact , although I'm for the freedom of the individual , I believe that installing those cameras
is an inevitable evil that helps secure people and their properties.
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