Example of CPE Essay Cambridge 2016

Submitted by Ramon Llull

Number of words: 270

Task:

Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible, and include your own idea in your answer.

Write your answer in 240-280 words

Movie Magic

It has often been claimed that people flock to the cinema primarily to escape from the boredom, or sometimes even the misery of their everyday lives. Remarkable technological advances have made the experience of watching a movie ever more magical and emotionally powerful, increasing the appeal and impact of the cinema for each new generation. Yet movies have a power that goes far beyond their capacity to transport us to another world, since they can influence audiences to change their attitudes or behaviour in significant ways, making them consider complex moral and social issues such as war, poverty, and prejudice.

Is the cinema in decline?

The inescapable truth is that the cinema, one of the greatest cultural achievements of the twentieth century, has reached a new low point in recent years. All but a few movies are, frankly, not worth anyone’s valuable time. Audiences are increasingly presented with childish comedies, predictable action films and disappointing sequels. There is also the absurd idea that a film with an inflated budget of millions is a substitute for a well-acted, imaginative and original film. Film studios now spend almost as much money on marketing their films as producing them, which tends to suggest their concern is with profit rather than quality.

Essay on the cinema nowadays

Since the early 20^th century, the cinema has played an essential role in our lives. There is no better way to unwind and while away the time than watching a box-office hit on a big screen. Films arouse people´s curiosity and are incredibly entertaining. Yet, in the past few decades, the quality of films has been decreasing. Both extracts discuss the nature of these notions, but from divergent perspectives.

The first passage puts forward the idea that humans escape their day-to-day lives by going to the cinema. With all the new tech, movies have become even more compelling and influential than before. Good films have the ability to win the general public over and to make them ponder about the problems our world is facing. There is no doubt in my mind that the effect cinema has on mankind is paramount, seeing as when we watch films, we not only have a whale of a time, but we also broaden our horizons.

The second text asserts that the quality of films has plummeted in recent years. The author goes as far as to stating that outstanding films are nowadays close to none. Companies spend ludicrous amounts of money on commercial productions which often lack intelligent plots and good acting performances. I personally tend to agree with this affirmation, and share the fear that the future of cinema is bleak.

In a nutshell, the cinema plays still an important role in our lives. It gives our brain a workout and allows us to kick back and relax. However, we may soon not be able to enjoy superb films if we continue on supporting unworthy blockbusters.