DAY 1

WRITING 1
Directions: Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. Type your
response in the box at the bottom of the screen. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your
response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents
the key points in the passage.
Costa Ricans, as any other people, are complex and full of surprises. Racially speaking, the country is
one of the most homogenous of the region. Costa Ricans don't like to consider themselves as racists,
but they also enjoy talking about their unique whiteness, when compared to other Latin American
countries. The 1989 census classified 98% of the people as white and 2% as black or indigenous.
Even though racial problems don't exist to the extent that they do in the U.S. or in some European
countries, some Ticos look down upon darker-skinned people. However, racial confrontations are
extremely rare and prejudice, even though it exists, is displayed in indirect and careful ways.
Costa Rica is also homogenous when it comes to social classes. Most of the population can be
placed in a middle-class, and even though extreme poverty exists, it's not as large a problem as it is in
other Latin countries. By the standards of a developed country, Costa Rican incomes are very low, but
when compared to other neighbours, salaries and earnings prove to be much better. Besides the poor
and middle classes, there is an upper class, which is very elitist. Even with the existence of extremely
rich or poor individuals, Costa Rican society is composed mostly by a middle-class, which causes the
impression of class and social homogeneity.
Write your answer (5-75 words)
Question 2 of 4
Directions: Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. Type your
response in the box at the bottom of the screen. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your
response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response
presents the key points in the passage.
It is natural to be healthy, but we have wandered so far astray that disease is the rule and good
health the exception. Of course, most people are well enough to attend to their work, but nearly all
are suffering from some ill, mental or physical, acute or chronic, which deprives them of a part of
their power. There is too much illness, too much suffering and too many premature deaths. We are
losing every year a vast army of individuals who are in their productive prime. The average individual
is of less value to himself, to his family and to society than he could be. His bad habits, of which he
is often not aware, have brought weakness and disease upon him. These conditions prevent him
from doing his best mentally and physically.
This abnormal condition has a bad effect upon his descendants, who may not be born with any
special defects, but have less resistance at birth than is their due, and consequently fall prey to
disease very easily. This state of impaired resistance has been passed on from generation to
generation, and we of today are passing it on as a heritage to our children. Yet it is within the power
of each individual to prolong his life beyond what is now considered old age. Barring accidents,
which should be less numerous when people fully realize that unreasonable haste and speed are
wasteful and that life is more valuable than accumulated wealth, human life could and should be a
certainty.+