Exam Writing Guide: Cambridge C1 Advanced

Writing Guide
for the
Cambridge C1 Advanced
Exam
 Table of contents
Section 1. Writing Exam Structure 3
1. 1. Two-part exam 3
1. 2. Writing: 4-step process 3
1. 3. Time management 6
1.4. Register 6
1.5. Grading 9

Section 2. Writing Exam Part 1 10

2.1. Essay 10

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2 15

3.1. Types of texts 15
3.2. Formal letter/email 15
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3.3. Informal letter 21

3.4. Proposal 25
3.5. Report 30
3.6. Review 35

References 40
 Section 1. Writing Exam Structure

1. 1. Two-part exam

Part 1 Essay

Part 2 Choose one:

Formal letter/email e.g. writing a job application or

Informal letter/email e.g. writing to a cousin.

Proposal e.g. suggesting a solution to a problem.

e.g. summarising information and making a
Report
recommendation to your boss.
Review e.g. giving your opinion of a book in a blog.

1. 2. Writing: 4-step process

Writing well has four fundamental steps:

1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check

Step 1. Identify key words

Identify… Helps with… Essential for high grade in…

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…whom are you writing Correct register Communicative achievement

…what you are writing Correct style Communicative achievement
…what ideas you must include Relevant Content Content

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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 Step 2. Organise

Organisation is 25% of the grade in the writing paper. A plan is essential to organise
the content into paragraphs that transmit your ideas clearly.

Here are three methods that are useful in planning proposals, reports, reviews, etc.

1. Brainstorming related ideas:

Idea 1

Central
topic

Idea 3 Idea 2

2. Organising ideas e.g. contrasting positive versus negative aspects of different

ideas:

Positive aspects Negative aspects

Idea 1:

Idea 2:

3. Listing paragraphs:
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 Introduction: Background of topic & introduce ideas 1 & 2.

 Develop idea 1.
 Develop idea 2.
 Conclusion: Evaluation of idea 1 & 2.

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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 Step 3. Write

Write the recommended number of words (220-260): You will NOT be directly
penalised for writing more, or less, than the recommended word limit. However, it
may negatively affect your grade in other areas:

 Writing that is too long:

• Content. You have included content that is irrelevant.
• Language. You have run out of time and are unable to check your work and
correct mistakes.

 Writing that is too short:

• Content. You will lose points if you have not included all the points and
developed your ideas sufficiently.

Before the exam, practise the recommended word limit in

TIP
the time allowed.

Step 4. Check

Stop writing and check your work: It is essential to check, check

and check again to maximise your grade in language.
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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 1. 3. Time management

As can be seen below, writing takes up only 60 % of the time.

Writing Paper exam 90 minutes (2 tasks)

Two writing tasks to complete: 45 minutes per task
1. Reading question and identify content: 2 minutes
2. Organising ideas: 6 minutes
3. Writing: 27 minutes
4. Checking: 10 minutes

TIP When practising, limit your time to that of the exam.

1.4. Register

Formal or informal?

Using the correct style (register) is critical to scoring high in Communicative

Achievement.
Style in writing generally refers to the choices in vocabulary and the accuracy of their use in the
written text.

To determine the style, you first need to decide:

 To whom you are writing.
 What your purpose is.

Therefore, knowing the targeted audience before starting the writing process,
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will have an impact on the stylistic choices. When referring to register in

writing, the choices are usually 'familiar', 'informal', 'formal' and 'ceremonial'.
However, the two registers that are commonly crossed in academic writing are
generally between formal and informal

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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 Formal letter/email Very formal

Essay Formal

Report/Proposal Semi formal/neutral

Review Informal

Letter/email to a friend Very informal

Formal or informal linking words and discourse markers?

Formal and informal discourse markers should NOT be mixed in the same piece of
writing.

Semi-formal/neutral markers can sometimes be adapted to a more, or less, formal

style, if appropriate to context.

Do not over-use, as this can seem artificial.

FORMAL REGISTER, e.g.:

Adding more Contrasting

Listing Summarising Referencing
information information
First and
Moreover, In contrast, Therefore, Regarding…,
foremost,
With reference
Initially Furthermore, However, Accordingly,
to…,
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With regard
Further Additionally, Nonetheless, Consequently,
to…,

Subsequently In addition, Nevertheless, Thus, In relation to…,

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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 SEMI FORMAL/NEUTRAL REGISTER e.g.:

Adding more Contrasting

Listing Summarising Referencing
information information

Initially Likewise, Although, Therefore, Generally,

Subsequently, In addition, Even though, Accordingly, In general,

In most/many
Further Additionally, Whereas, Overall,
cases,

Lastly, Similarly, Besides…, As a result, In relation to…,

INFORMAL REGISTER e.g.:

Adding more Contrasting
Listing Summarising Referencing
information information

After…, Also, But…, Anyway/Anyhow Since…,

Then, As well as…, Or Because, So,

Next, Just as…, Though, At any rate, Well…,

Avoid firstly/secondly/thirdly; on the one hand/on the other hand.

Common positioning and punctuation of discourse markers

Discourse marker at beginning of sentence. Follow with a comma:

 Formal: Further to your letter, I would like to add… (adverbial phrase).
 Informal: Well, you know that pub I went to for my birthday…

Discourse marker in middle of sentence. Precede and follow with comma:

 Formal: I would like to add, however, that I strongly disagree.
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 Informal: I really don’t agree, and, at any rate, what does it matter?

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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 1.5. Grading

A maximum of five points are awarded for each area:

Language (25%. 0–5 points): Organisation (25% 0-5 points):

 Paragraphing makes sense.

 Use complex clauses and a varied range
 Ideas in a clear and logical order.
of structures.
 Good use of linking devices for
 Accurate language.
continuity and contrast of ideas.
 Be ambitious.
 Easy to read.

Communicative Achievement
Content (25% 0-5 points):
(25%. 0-5 points):

 Appropriate register and tone.  All the points are covered and
 Interesting writing. developed.
 Complex ideas expressed clearly.  All content is relevant.
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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 Section 2. Writing Exam Part 1

2.1. Essay

There will only be one question with a short text.

Part 1: Compulsory question
You must write an essay.

Reasons for writing

 Write an essay based on points included in the text.

 Give reasons for your opinion.
 NOTE: It is essential to show your ability to select, defend and evaluate ideas.

Style

 Write in third person throughout, using an objective style.

 Exception: thesis statement (e.g. Here, I will argue that…) and conclusion (e.g. I
would argue that…) may briefly use the first person.
 Use the passive voice where appropriate: it is argued that…. Not: *I believe…

Structure

 An essay is made up of defined parts that provide cohesion to the writing.

 Each part plays a role in providing structure to the argument. See table below.
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Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2
 Paragraph 1 Background: Introduce topic.
Introduction Thesis statement: This essay will discuss… [Idea 1 and idea 2].
Paragraph leader: Express idea 1 in one sentence.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph body: Develop idea 1.
Paragraph leader: Express idea 2 in one sentence.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph body: Develop idea 2.
Summary: Evaluate ideas 1 and 2.
Paragraph 4
Conclusion Future suggestion, comment. Closing comment or question
(optional)

Remember:

1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check

Step 1. Identify key words

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Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 2. Organise

Paragraph Function What to say

Background Funding important for schools.

Thesis statement:
Mention idea 1 &
Paragraph 1
2, and which is Playground (developing friendships).
Introduction
more important, Library (learn to enjoy reading).
e.g.: Both important in education, though
This essay will sometimes forgotten.
discuss /Here I will
argue….
Paragraph
Idea 1 Children learn through play.
2leader
Shade to avoid sunburn in summer.
Paragraph 2 Freedom to express themselves.
Justify idea 1
body Make friends.
Relax in between classes.
Paragraph 3
Idea 2 Books-fundamental for learning.
leader
Paragraph 3 Explore new ideas.
Justify idea 2
body Discover passion for reading.
Summary:
State which idea of Both time spent in the playground and library
the two is more are necessary for child’s full development.
Paragraph 4 important. Developing the playground.
Conclusion Learn life skills through play
Justify selection.
Future suggestions Maybe library in future?
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Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 3. Write

The decision on how to best allocate school funds can greatly affect
Paraphrasing,
rather than the functioning of each educational centre. Here, I will argue that
repeating words
in the questions, while traditional schools may mainly focus on formal learning,
shows
understanding both the playground and the library are pivotal in education, and
indeed, to a child’s full development.
Schools should include facilities such as playgrounds. Recent
Start with
background learning theories support multiple intelligences, such as Inter- and
knowledge
intrapersonal skills. These are fundamental life skills which children
learn through play. Moreover, if we invest in a sunshade as
suggested in the meeting, we protect young children from sunburn
Paragraph
leaders clearly and heatstroke. In a country such as Spain with such high summer
state the main
temperatures, playing for prolonged periods of time in the sun can
idea of the
paragraph. be dangerous.
Books are a fundamental learning tool for discovering and
exploring new ideas. Providing a well-stocked library offers the
-ing form of
verbs can act opportunity for children to discover a passion for reading. Clearly,
like nouns.
Formal writing children can only develop this passion if we provide ample
often contains
more nouns. opportunities and repeated exposure to books. We could also
provide a weekly story telling activity for younger children who
cannot yet read.

Discourse Therefore, I would argue that both the playground and the library
markers,
are among the most important facilities a school can provide, and
followed by
comma, both critically require funding in our school. However, due to the
provide
additional current state of disrepair, a well-developed playground is arguably
structure to
the most urgent. If additional funding becomes available in the
the text.
future, this could be invested in improving the library.
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Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 4. Check

Practice! Read the following questions and write an essay in 45 minutes.

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 220-260 words in an
appropriate style. You have 45 minutes.

1. Your local sports club has received a donation. You have attended a meeting to
discuss how the money should best be spent. You have made the notes below:
How should the donation be spent? Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
 exercise machines “The machines are always busy.”
 more classes “I can never join a class as I’m working at that
 additional staff time!”
“There aren’t enough monitors to help members.”

Write an essay discussing two of the possible ways to spend the donation from your
notes. You should explain which improvement is more important for the club
members, giving reasons in support of your answer.
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Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2
 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

3.1. Types of texts

Choose one from a selection of three. The possible models are:

 Formal or informal letter/email (e.g. writing a job application or writing to a
cousin).
 Proposal (e.g. suggesting a solution to a problem).
 Report (e.g. summarising information and making a recommendation to your
boss). Review (e.g. give your opinion of a book or film in a blog).

3.2. Formal letter/email

Reason for writing

To reassure someone, justify a course of action, or correct a misunderstanding. For

example:
 Letter or email of application (for a job).
 Letter or email of complaint.

Style

A letter of application (for a job etc.) is one of the most formal of all writing styles,
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with very strict conventions in its opening and closing sentences.

An email of application will still follow a formal style but may use less strict
conventions.

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Write in the first person where appropriate.

Structure

Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas:

Opening Dear…

Paragraph 1 Introduce the topic/ state reason for writing.

Develop the topic.
Paragraph 2
Give description and details.

Paragraph 3 Further discussion if necessary.

Discuss the desired result of the letter.

Paragraph 4
Suggestions, recommendations, closing comments.

Sign off Yours sincerely, faithfully (depending on title used).

Starting and ending the letter

Start End

Dear Sir/Madam,
Yours faithfully,
If you don’t know the name

Dear Mr X, Yours sincerely,

Useful language
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Opening sentences (letter of application)

I am writing to apply for the post / position of ... as advertised in (newspaper/ date)...
I am writing in reference to your advertisement, from the (newspaper/ date)...

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Opening sentences (letter of complaint)

I am writing with regard to the article entitled (when/where) to express my concern

about /disapproval of (reason for writing)…
I am writing in reference to the article entitled (when/where) to express my
disappointment with/dissatisfaction with (reason for writing)…

Body (letter of application)

I am sure that I would be successful in this post as I…

I am particularly interested in completing (the course) as…

Body (letter of complaint)

Firstly, / To begin with, / I would like to state that/ I would like to point out that…
In fact, / furthermore, / moreover, / in addition, / finally,
According to (your article),
Your (article) states that ... However,

Closing sentences of a letter of application

I very much hope you will (desired result)

I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would (desired result)
I look forward to receiving/seeing (desired result)

Desired result a letter of complaint

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I trust you will (desired result)

It seems only fair that you should (desired action)
Considering the above, (I feel I am entitled to a full refund and a formal apology)

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Remember:

1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check

Step 1. Identify key words

Step 2. Organise

Who to? Newspaper editor.

Register? Very Formal. No name. Dear Sir/Madam.

Paragraph 1 Disagree with opinion about young people.

Paragraph 2 Article was wholly negative. Should have included positive points.
Describe good points- not just mobile phones also: sport, music.
Paragraph 3
Good with technology.
Paragraph 4 Not badly behaved. Example: volunteer work.

Paragraph 4 Recommendation-publish another article with more balanced view.

Sign off Yours faithfully.

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 3. Write

Correctly follows Dear Sir/Madam,

formal letter
I am writing in reference to the article entitled “The young
writing
conventions problem” which appeared in the latest edition of your magazine to
when opening
the letter express my dissatisfaction with the image presented of young
people today.
Firstly, I consider that the article presents a wholly negative view
of today’s young people. In my experience, there are many positive
points that could have been made in the article.
We all know that young people have been born in a technological
society surrounded by smart phones, however they are also
Formal
discourse engaged in far more extracurricular activities, such as sport, music,
markers
and language activities. Their command of technology will create
and
cohesion more opportunities to find a good job.
Furthermore, it is not true that all young people are badly-
behaved. Many young people show respect for others in different
situations and they are involved in voluntary work when they finish
their degrees. Additionally, in many schools they can participate
with less fortunate people who are sick in hospitals.
In my
Whyopinion, a good education when they are children will solve
these problems and they will be well-behaved and use technology

Correctly correctly.
follows formal I am a dedicated reader of your magazine and I would be grateful
letter writing
conventions if you would consider publishing an article taking into account this
to sign off
alternative point of view in the future editions of your magazine.
Yours faithfully.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 4. Check

Starting the paragraph in a formal letter can be the trickiest part.

TIP
Learn 1 or 2 opening sentences to help you.

Practice! Write a formal email/letter in 45 minutes.

You recently bought tickets for a tour of a historic site while on holiday. You feel that the tour
was unsatisfactory as the driver was late picking you up from the hotel. As a result, you had
less time to spend at the site before returning. You have decided to write a letter to the tour
company, stating your dissatisfaction and suggesting a possible solution.
Write your letter.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 3.3. Informal letter

Reason for writing

 Email/letter to family member or friend.

 Ask for a favour/ a request for help.

Style

 A relaxed style with a very light tone.

 Mimic your style of speaking.
 Use exclamation marks and informal punctuation.
 Keep it fun/light-hearted if appropriate.
 Write in the first person.

Structure

Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas:

Paragraph 1 Greeting. Setting up response for paragraph 2.

Paragraph 2 Idea 1 of required content + justification.

Paragraph 3 Idea 2 of required content + justification.

Paragraph 4 Closing sentences. Signing off.

Useful language
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Start End

Dear… Regards (email-neutral)

From (letter-neutral)
Hi there! Love (family & best friends)

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Opening paragraph Closing paragraph

Great to hear from you! Write back as soon as you can.

Can’t wait to hear what happens!
Hey! How are you? Write soon!

Remember:

1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check

Step 1. Identify key words

Step 2. Organise

Topic Weekend trip to my town.

Who to? Friend.

Register? Very informal.

Where to go? Castle. Pub.

When to go? Early or late. Book a table if evening.

Spectacular views. Good food. Cheap.
Why?
Avoid crowds. Very busy.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 3. Write

Hi there!
Ommission of
I’m upon starting
Great about your job! I’m so pleased for you! I know you were really
sentence is very worried about starting at the office. Really excited that you are
coloquial.
coming here! I can’t wait — haven’t seen you in ages. Are you

Rhetorical
coming with your colleagues or alone? If you are coming alone, you
questions can stay at my place. Let me know if you need picking up from the
maintain
informal style station.
Places to go? Well, there’s no missing the castle up on the hill. It’s a
Where
nightmare to walk all the way up there, but it will worth it! The views
are spectacular! And the castle is really well-maintained. Looks like
Use one of those Disney castles! Best avoid the crowds as it gets really
contractions in
informal texts packed, so I’d go either first thing or last thing in the evening.
Where else? Well, you know that pub I went for my birthday? I sent
Why
you a selfie of me outside. It was built in the 1600s so it’s a really
attractive place. They’ve got fabulous food, and it’s pretty good
value —not pricey at all. I’d definitely phone up and book though, if
you go in the evening. It’s impossible to get a table otherwise. Not
quite so busy at lunchtime, so maybe better then.
Consistently
chatty informal
I think they might be turning on the Christmas lights that week, so
style if you are lucky you’ll get to see the display over the harbour —that
throughout
can be amazing at night. But you know how cold it gets over here in
December —make sure you wrap up! You’ll freeze, if not!
When Can’t wait to see you!
Lots of love,
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 4. Check

Do NOT use formal language and discourse markers to show off

TIP
your knowledge. Keep a chatty informal style throughout.

Practice! Read the following question and write an informal email/letter

in 45 minutes.

You have received an email from an English friend:

… Don’t worry! Of course I’ll look after your sister while you’re away. Especially as you say
she is really looking forward to staying with me!
As she is going to be here over the weekend, let me know what she enjoys doing. And tell me
about what she likes to eat! I’ll go shopping before she gets here, and I’ll buy her favourite
treats!

Enjoy your trip!

Write your email in reply. You do not need to include the email address.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 3.4. Proposal

Reason for writing

 Suggest a solution to a problem.

 Written for your manager, a professional group or a school administrator.

Style

 Support your suggestion with factual information and be persuasive.

 Semi- formal or neutral language.
 Use headings/bullet points to aid organisation for easy reference.
 Make sure you answer the who/what, why and how of the problem.

Structure

Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas:

Paragraph 1 Introduction. General background

Paragraph 2 Reason for problem.

Paragraph 3 Recommendation/suggestion to solve problem.

Paragraph 4 Further details of recommendation/suggestion.

Paragraph 5 Concluding comments.

Useful language
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Opening
 Use a very simple title (Proposal for __________)
 The first section should describe the problem and the possible solutions.

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Closing
 Make your recommendation.

Presenting and contrasting arguments

The main argument in favour / against is…
First of all, I should like to consider…
The first point I would like to consider/to be considered is…
To make the problem clear, I would like to present some examples of…
Apart from that…
Even though / In spite of…
What is more…
What matters most in this case is…
There is no doubt that…

Reasoning
Because of / As a result of
On account of…
Owing to / Due to / Therefore

Concluding
To sum up, it could be said that…
On this basis, I can conclude that…
Having proved this, I would like to…
In conclusion, I would like to stress that…
Given this, it can be concluded that…

Remember:
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1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 1. Identify key words

Step 2. Organise

Who to? School committee.

Register? Semi-formal.

Paragraph 1 Propose playing music club. Everyone can do it.

Beginning. Publish on school website. People register
Paragraph 2
with instrument.
Paragraph 3 What and how. I can volunteer. Low cost. Enjoy music.

Paragraph 4 Where and when. Meeting room. Twice month.

Paragraph 5 Why? Conclusion. Music is special art.

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 3. Write

PROPOSAL FOR A CLUB TO PLAY MUSIC

Clear
title Playing an instrument is another way of communication and, overall, it
is an art which everybody could be interested in. There is a belief about
how difficult it is, but it is not true. Many people who work here can plan
an instrument: guitar, violin, piano, flute, percussion… and even a
ukulele!

BEGINNING
We can start by publishing a notice on the website with an e-mail
address and by asking people which instrument they play and which
Concise kind of music they like. As soon as we have this clear, we could make
headings the groups.
allow easy
reference
WHAT AND HOW
The idea is that pupils can meet, get to know other people, and enjoy
making music. The best thing is that as I love music, I could voluntarily
conduct the groups or the orchestra by myself, and as people have their
own instruments, the cost of this club would be quite low.
Another advantage is the fact that we could perform at local and school
events. It will make people closer, and it will be good publicity for our
establishment, too.

WHERE AND WHEN

I think the best place for our rehearsals is the meeting room on the
second floor, where we could play on Friday afternoon after work
without disturbing anybody. We could take turns and play once or twice
a month, depending on each band’s preferences.

WHY
Music is a special art that makes us better people, and we have the
option to develop this activity under our roof, so I can assure you that
choosing this club would be a good decision.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 4. Check

Clear headings can substitute discourse markers at the beginning

TIP
of the paragraph.

Practice! Read the following question and write a proposal in 45

minutes.

There are plans to develop an old and badly maintained park in the town where you live. You
feel that the park should be saved. You decide to write a proposal for the town council
explaining why you think the park should be preserved, suggesting what could be done to
modernize it and saying how the park could benefit local people.
Write your proposal.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 3.5. Report

Reason for writing

 Evaluate your experience.

 Summarise information.
 Make a recommendation based on your evaluation.
 Written for your manager, a professional group, or a school administrator.

Style

 Semi- formal or neutral language.

 Concise and well organised.
 Use headings/bullet points to aid organisation for easy reference.

Structure

Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas:

Paragraph 1 Introduction. General background

Paragraph 2 Positive aspects of point 1.

Paragraph 3 Negative aspects of point 1.

Paragraph 4 Positive aspects of point 2.

Paragraph 5 Negative aspects of point 2.

Paragraph 6 Conclusion.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Useful language

Presenting and contrasting arguments:

The main argument in favour/ against is…
First, I should like to consider…
The first thing (I would like to consider) to be considered is…
To make the problem clear, I would like to present some examples of …
Apart from that…
In spite of…
On the other hand…
What is more…
What matters most in this case is…
There is no doubt that…

Reasoning:
As a result of / On account of /Owing to /Due to

Remember:

1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 1. Identify key words

Step 2. Organise

Who to? Company manager.

Register? Semi-formal.
Introduce topic. Evaluate catering facilities. Company
Paragraph 1
staff. Problems: no food. Insufficient quality.
Problem 1: Failure to provide food due to error-
Paragraph 2
caterers thought bank holiday.
Solution 1. Talk to company. Only close national
Paragraph 3
holidays.

Problem 2: insufficient quantity due to extra personnel

Paragraph 4
on training.
Solution 2: company dept. must provide caterers with
Paragraph 5
dates for training.
Paragraph 6 Conclusion. Not necessary to change catering firm.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 3. Write

To: Company Manager

From: Marcos García
Format
allows easy Subject: Evaluation and recommendation regarding the staff catering
reference. facilities in Avila office

The aim of this report is to evaluate the staff catering facilities provided
at the local office in Avila. The services are currently provided by an
external company and are used by almost 100% of the personnel on a
daily basis. Recently, two problems have been detected: failure to
provide any food on one day, and insufficient quantity on another two
days.
Each problem
has a heading Failure to provide food
for easy When contacted, the firm provided the following explanation: due to an
reference.
error, the catering company had assumed that our premises would be
closed on local public holidays, and had therefore not provided any
catering. We have since explained that, as a nationwide company, we
do not close on local public holidays, only national bank holidays. We
have been assured that this error will not reoccur.

Insufficient quantity
Following two training periods where extra personnel from other offices
had eaten at the Avila office, 12 people were not provided with food in
the staff canteen. As a result, the company had to contact a take-away
food service. Upon investigation, the catering company had not been
informed beforehand of the training sessions, and had therefore not
been able to provide sufficient portions. The company department
responsible for this had been advised that they must inform the catering
Short company of any training sessions to avoid this happening again.
conclusion
provides Accordingly, I believe these episodes were isolated incidents and have
summary and been resolved satisfactorily. I do not believe it necessary to change the
final
evaluation. catering firm.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 4. Check

Providing a subject at the beginning of the report helps you to

TIP
clarify argument.

Practice! Read the following question and write an informal email/letter

in 45 minutes.

You have been asked to write a report for your company manager about the quality of the
staff sports facilities provided at your head office. In your report you should discuss how
frequently the facilities are used, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages for the
company and staff, and suggest improvements.
Write your report.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 3.6. Review

Reason for writing

 Review a book, article, film, holiday etc.

 Describe and give your opinion.
 Written for a magazine, newspaper, or blog.

Style

 Use semi- informal language.

 Use first person where appropriate (I think, I believe…).
 Use headings/bullet points to aid organisation, if preferred.
 Make it enjoyable and interesting to read.
 Use exciting language to capture the reader’s interest.
 Use rhetorical questions.

Structure

Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas:

1st paragraph Overview of book/film/holiday/restaurant etc.

2nd paragraph Greater detail on a book/film/holiday/restaurant etc.

3rd paragraph Evaluate and make recommendation.

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Useful language

Expressing opinions
In my opinion
Personally, I believe that…
I agree/disagree with…
I am in favour of…
I am against the idea of…
In my view…
If you ask me…
I believe that…
I sympathize with…
It seems to me that…

Rhetorical questions
Have you ever…?
Are you one of those people who think that…?
What would life be like if…?
What do you think about…?
Are you one of those people who…?

Remember:

1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check

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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 1. Identify key words

Step 2. Organise

Who to? Travel blog.

Register? Semi-formal.
Background of resort: Palm beach resort, 5-star, 5
Paragraph 1
pools. Garden.

Paragraph 2 Bad start. Plane delayed. Hotel room not ready.

Paragraph 3 Décor old fashioned but comfortable. Older guests?

Paragraph 4 Great breakfasts. Pancakes! Good variety.

Paragraph 5 Surrounding area- shops pricey.

Evaluation? Would recommend, but only with good

Paragraph 6
deal. Not worth full price. Only for relaxing holiday.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 3. Write
Do not forget to write a tittle

Palm Beach Resort appears in the brochure as an ideal holiday get-

away. It is a five-star hotel right on the seafront that boasts 5 swimming
pools and a large garden complex. A place to relax and enjoy yourself.
The reality for us was somewhat different. We had a bad start to the
holiday with the plane being delayed for six hours. And while that
wasn’t the hotel’s fault and arriving at a hotel at midnight is never easy,
when your rooms are not available it can seem like a nightmare instead
of a dream holiday!

Still, once that problem was sorted and we’d had a good night’s sleep,
things started looking up. The rooms were comfortable and spacious.
Informal Personally, I’d say the décor was a little old-fashioned and not really
discourse suited to a beach resort. It seemed to be catering for older guests. The
markers suit
semi-informal balcony, though, was great with spectacular views overlooking the
style ocean- well worth the supplement. There was a lounging area which
was ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail!

We had breakfast included in the price of the room. The breakfast buffet
can only be described as plentiful and varied. Eggs and bacon were
cooked in front of you, though the best part for me was definitely the
pancake stand.

There area around the hotel contains mainly boutiques and some very
small and expensive food shops —speciality foods, really, rather than a
local supermarket to buy a baguette and beers to take to the beach.

Short All in all, I would recommend Palm Beach Resort as long as you can get
summary to
evaluate a good deal —I definitely wouldn’t pay full price. Provided you aren’t
resort. looking to live up dancing to the small hours and prefer a calm and
relaxing break, this is a great choice —just hope you don’t arrive late!
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 Step 4. Check

Think of and write about a real town/book/film that appeals to

TIP
you. It will be easier to write about and more interesting to read.

Practice! Read the following question and write an informal email/letter

in 45 minutes.

A travel magazine is looking for reviews of cities that are suitable to advertise as short city
breaks. You decide to write about a town you know well. Explain the kind of holiday maker
this break would appeal to, which places you would most recommend visiting, and why.
Write your review.
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Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
 References
Cambridge Assessment (UCLES), (2018). Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) [web
file]. Retrieved from: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/advanced/
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Subject
40
Unit x. Test