Winter 2023, Paper 2, Variant 2, Sample Answer (Question 1)

Question 1
Imagine you are an employee of a business in which listening to podcasts is not allowed.
Write a letter to persuade your boss that staff should be allowed to listen to podcasts in their
workplace.
In your letter you should:
• evaluate the ideas, attitudes and opinions about podcasts given in both texts
• consider the concerns your boss might have
• suggest some of the benefits of staff listening to podcasts, based on what you have read, for
both the staff and the business.
Base your letter on what you have read in both texts, but be careful to use your own words.
Address all of the bullet points.
Write about 250 to 350 words.
Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer, and up to 25 marks for the
quality of your writing.

Dear Mr. Smith,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to discuss a topic that has garnered much interest and debate in recent times: the listening of podcasts in the workplace. Understanding your concerns about productivity and focus, I believe a closer examination of podcasts’ benefits might offer a new perspective on this matter.

Podcasts have evolved into a significant medium for learning and entertainment, catering to a wide range of interests, including professional development, health, and current events. They represent an efficient way to engage with content, allowing for multitasking and making mundane tasks more enjoyable. This could translate into a more motivated and efficient workforce within our company.