Exam Writing Guide: Cambridge C1 Advanced

Writing Guide
for the
Table of contents
Cambridge C1 Advanced Section 1. Writing Exam Structure 3

Exam 1. 1. Two-part exam

1. 2. Writing: 4-step process
3
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
 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
 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.

To determine the style, you first need to decide:

 To whom you are writing.
 What your purpose is.
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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 Formal letter/email Very formal SEMI FORMAL/NEUTRAL REGISTER e.g.:

Adding more Contrasting

Listing Summarising Referencing
information information
Essay Formal
Initially Likewise, Although, Therefore, Generally,

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

Report/Proposal Semi formal/neutral
In most/many
Further Additionally, Whereas, Overall,
cases,

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

Very informal INFORMAL REGISTER e.g.:

Letter/email to a friend
Adding more Contrasting
Listing Summarising Referencing
information information
Formal or informal linking words and discourse markers? After…, Also, But…, Anyway/Anyhow Since…,

Then, As well as…, Or Because, So,

Formal and informal discourse markers should NOT be mixed in the same piece of
writing. Next, Just as…, Though, At any rate, Well…,

Semi-formal/neutral markers can sometimes be adapted to a more, or less, formal Avoid firstly/secondly/thirdly; on the one hand/on the other hand.
style, if appropriate to context.

Common positioning and punctuation of discourse markers

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

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

FORMAL REGISTER, e.g.:  Formal: Further to your letter, I would like to add… (adverbial phrase).

Adding more Contrasting  Informal: Well, you know that pub I went to for my birthday…
Listing Summarising Referencing
information information
First and
Moreover, In contrast, Therefore, Regarding…, Discourse marker in middle of sentence. Precede and follow with comma:
foremost,
With reference  Formal: I would like to add, however, that I strongly disagree.
Initially Furthermore, However, Accordingly,
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to…,
With regard  Informal: I really don’t agree, and, at any rate, what does it matter?
Further Additionally, Nonetheless, Consequently,
to…,

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

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Section 1. Writing Exam Structure Section 1. Writing Exam Structure
 1.5. Grading Section 2. Writing Exam Part 1
A maximum of five points are awarded for each area:
2.1. Essay
Language (25%. 0–5 points): Organisation (25% 0-5 points):
There will only be one question with a short text.
 Paragraphing makes sense. Part 1: Compulsory question
 Use complex clauses and a varied range You must write an essay.
 Ideas in a clear and logical order.
of structures.
 Good use of linking devices for
 Accurate language.
continuity and contrast of ideas. Reasons for writing
 Be ambitious.
 Easy to read.

Communicative Achievement
Content (25% 0-5 points):
(25%. 0-5 points):  Write an essay based on points included in the text.
 Appropriate register and tone.  All the points are covered and  Give reasons for your opinion.
 Interesting writing. developed.
 Complex ideas expressed clearly.  All content is relevant.  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 1. Writing Exam Structure 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
 Write in the first person where appropriate.
Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2
Structure
3.1. Types of texts
Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas:

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

Opening Dear…
 Formal or informal letter/email (e.g. writing a job application or writing to a
cousin). Paragraph 1 Introduce the topic/ state reason for writing.

 Proposal (e.g. suggesting a solution to a problem). Develop the topic.

Paragraph 2
Give description and details.
 Report (e.g. summarising information and making a recommendation to your
Paragraph 3 Further discussion if necessary.
boss). Review (e.g. give your opinion of a book or film in a blog).
Discuss the desired result of the letter.
Paragraph 4
Suggestions, recommendations, closing comments.

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

3.2. Formal letter/email

Starting and ending the letter

Reason for writing Start End

Dear Sir/Madam,
To reassure someone, justify a course of action, or correct a misunderstanding. For Yours faithfully,
If you don’t know the name
example:
 Letter or email of application (for a job).
Dear Mr X, Yours sincerely,
 Letter or email of complaint.

Style

Useful language
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.

Opening sentences (letter of application)

An email of application will still follow a formal style but may use less strict
I am writing to apply for the post / position of ... as advertised in (newspaper/ date)...
conventions.
I am writing in reference to your advertisement, from the (newspaper/ date)...

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

Step 2. Organise 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
Who to? School committee.
headings the groups.
Register? Semi-formal. allow easy
reference
WHAT AND HOW
Paragraph 1 Propose playing music club. Everyone can do it.
The idea is that pupils can meet, get to know other people, and enjoy
Beginning. Publish on school website. People register making music. The best thing is that as I love music, I could voluntarily
Paragraph 2
with instrument.
conduct the groups or the orchestra by myself, and as people have their
Paragraph 3 What and how. I can volunteer. Low cost. Enjoy music. own instruments, the cost of this club would be quite low.
Another advantage is the fact that we could perform at local and school
Paragraph 4 Where and when. Meeting room. Twice month.
events. It will make people closer, and it will be good publicity for our
Paragraph 5 Why? Conclusion. Music is special art. 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 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
 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
 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
 Step 1. Identify key words Step 3. Write

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,
Step 2. Organise when your rooms are not available it can seem like a nightmare instead
of a dream holiday!

Who to? Travel blog. 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.
Register? Semi-formal. 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
Background of resort: Palm beach resort, 5-star, 5
Paragraph 1 markers suit
pools. Garden. semi-informal balcony, though, was great with spectacular views overlooking the
style ocean- well worth the supplement. There was a lounging area which
Paragraph 2 Bad start. Plane delayed. Hotel room not ready.
was ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail!
Paragraph 3 Décor old fashioned but comfortable. Older guests?
We had breakfast included in the price of the room. The breakfast buffet
Paragraph 4 Great breakfasts. Pancakes! Good variety. can only be described as plentiful and varied. Eggs and bacon were
Paragraph 5 Surrounding area- shops pricey. cooked in front of you, though the best part for me was definitely the
pancake stand.
Evaluation? Would recommend, but only with good
Paragraph 6
deal. Not worth full price. Only for relaxing holiday. 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 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
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Unit x. Test