Balancing Length, Range and Risk
Mira is choosing between two written tasks. Task A is an email to a friend about a recent holiday; she finds it easy and could write it comfortably in 180 words with simple, safe vocabulary. Task B is an argumentative text on Sollten Schülerinnen und Schüler ein Praktikumsjahr machen?; it is harder, requires varied structures (subordinate clauses, connectors like einerseits/andererseits, dennoch), and the required length is 250–300 words. Mira's grammar is solid but her range is limited, and she tends to run out of ideas. Both tasks carry equal marks. She has 45 minutes.
1. Analyse the trade-off Mira faces and recommend a choice, justifying it against the written criteria.
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The trade-off is between safety (Task A: easy, low risk, but limited opportunity to show range) and reward (Task B: higher demand, but more scope to demonstrate varied structures and developed argument).
Because both tasks carry equal marks and the criteria reward range and complexity of language as well as accuracy, Task A may cap her range score even if it is error-free - simple vocabulary and structures show less. Task B lets her display connectors, subordinate clauses and two-sided argument, which the criteria value.
However, Task B's 250–300 word requirement and idea generation are risks given her tendency to run dry. The recommendation depends on whether she can plan quickly: if she can outline three points in five minutes, Task B offers the higher ceiling. If not, a well-executed Task A is safer. On balance, Task B is the better choice if she plans first, because it gives more opportunity to meet the range criterion.
2. Assume Mira chooses Task B. Outline a five-minute planning approach and one language strategy that protects her accuracy while showing range.
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Planning (5 minutes):
- Decide a clear position (e.g. Ja, aber mit Einschränkungen).
- Jot three paragraph points: Vorteile (Berufserfahrung, Motivation), Nachteile (Zeitverlust, Überforderung), Fazit/Kompromiss.
- Note 4–5 target connectors (einerseits, andererseits, dennoch, außerdem, zusammenfassend) to ensure range.
Language strategy: use a 'controlled complexity' rule - include one subordinate clause per paragraph (e.g. weil, obwohl, dass) and check verb-final order before moving on. This deliberately demonstrates range while keeping the structures she can control accurate, protecting her accuracy mark.