"The Value of Public Debate" is a C2 Proficiency Writing practice task (letter). Cambridge assesses content, communicative achievement, organisation and language on a scale from 0 to 5 per criterion. Plan before you write: identify the target reader, the required register and the number of points you must address. At C2, examiners expect sophisticated vocabulary used accurately, varied sentence structures and clear paragraphing.
Plan the letter before writing, address every prompt point, keep the expected register, respect the word limit, and use feedback to improve content, organisation, grammar range, and vocabulary precision.
Your university has cancelled a series of public talks because some speakers are expected to attract strong disagreement. Write a formal letter to the Vice-Chancellor. Explain your concerns about the decision, acknowledge the need for safety and respect, and propose a policy that would protect open debate responsibly. Write 280–320 words.
Word limit: 280 words