Section A: Directed Writing Read both texts and answer Question 1. Text A Pierre, 20 years [Social media interface, with profile icon 'P', 'Status', 'Photo', 'Log in' icons, '2 comments', 'Like', 'Comment', 'Share' buttons] P Pierre 2d After finishing school, my friends and I decided that we wanted to spend the long summer break travelling to as many different places as possible before starting university. It was the best time of my life! I had been in education for over 10 years and I needed some time out to relax and do something entirely different. We travelled and explored parts of my country I hadn't visited before. I loved experiencing the cultures of these different regions, trying new foods and joining in with local customs. Not only this, but my friends and I had so much fun and made memories that will last a lifetime. Travelling with my friends definitely helped me to be more independent because my parents weren't there to help me solve problems and overcome challenges. I also learnt life skills like managing my money, and this was certainly useful when we returned from our travels and went to university. I know some people would say that travelling during the long summer break is a waste of time, but I would argue that it helps you to gain experiences and develop life skills that can't be taught in a classroom, so my advice would be 'Go for it!' [Like, Comment, Share buttons] Text B Maryam, 16 years [Social media interface, with profile icon 'M', 'Status', 'Photo', 'Log in' icons, '3 comments', 'Like', 'Comment', 'Share' buttons] M Maryam 1d I really don't understand why anyone would want to go travelling during the long summer break. It seems a ridiculous idea to me when there are far more useful ways to spend the summer. Firstly, everything when you travel, like trans-port, accommodation and activities, is expensive, and the money could be used instead to help with the cost of further study. I know from my older sister that being at university costs a lot, so wasting all that money just on travel doesn't seem like a good idea to me. Surely it's better to stay at home and get some work experience, whether that's a summer job, voluntary work or helping in a family business. Work experience can teach you life skills that will help you in the future, for example how to communicate with different kinds of people and how to manage your time. You could even earn some money or perhaps make some useful contacts with people who could help you in your future career. If you want to travel, do it when you're older and can afford it – you'll enjoy it more and get more out of it. The long summer break at the end of your time at school is a golden opportu-nity to prepare for your future. Plan it properly and make the most of it – or you may regret it! [Like, Comment, Share buttons] Your cousin is about to finish school and is considering whether to go travelling during the long summer break before going to university. After reading two blog posts, you decide to write an email to your cousin giving your views on what your cousin should do during the long summer break.