Writing Guide for the Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam

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

3.3. Informal letter 21

3.4. Proposal 25

3.5. Report 30

3.6. Review 35

References 40

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 1. Writing Exam Structure

3

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.

Report

e.g. summarising information and making a

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:

Step 1. Identify key words

Identify… Helps with… Essential for high grade in…

…whom are you writing Correct register Communicative achievement

…what you are writing Correct style Communicative achievement

…what ideas you must include Relevant Content Content

1. Identify

2. Organise

3. Write

4. Check

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 1. Writing Exam Structure

4

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:

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

ideas:

Positive aspects Negative aspects

Idea 1:

Idea 2:

3. Listing paragraphs:

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

 Develop idea 1.

 Develop idea 2.

 Conclusion: Evaluation of idea 1 & 2.

Central

topic

Idea 1

Idea 2Idea 3

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 1. Writing Exam Structure

5

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.

TIP

Before the exam, practise the recommended word limit in

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 1. Writing Exam Structure

6

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 1. Writing Exam Structure

7

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.:

Listing

Adding more

information

Contrasting

information

Summarising Referencing

First and

foremost,

Moreover, In contrast, Therefore, Regarding…,

Initially Furthermore, However, Accordingly,

With reference

to…,

Further Additionally, Nonetheless, Consequently,

With regard

to…,

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

Formal letter/email

Essay

Report/Proposal

Review

Letter/email to a friend

Very formal

Formal

Semi formal/neutral

Informal

Very informal

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 1. Writing Exam Structure

8

SEMI FORMAL/NEUTRAL REGISTER e.g.:

Listing

Adding more

information

Contrasting

information

Summarising Referencing

Initially Likewise, Although, Therefore, Generally,

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

Further Additionally, Whereas, Overall,

In most/many

cases,

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

INFORMAL REGISTER e.g.:

Listing

Adding more

information

Contrasting

information

Summarising Referencing

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.

 Informal: I really don’t agree, and, at any rate, what does it matter?

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 1. Writing Exam Structure

9

1.5. Grading

A maximum of five points are awarded for each area:

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

 Use complex clauses and a varied range

of structures.

 Accurate language.

 Be ambitious.

 Paragraphing makes sense.

 Ideas in a clear and logical order.

 Good use of linking devices for

continuity and contrast of ideas.

 Easy to read.

Communicative Achievement

(25%. 0-5 points):

Content (25% 0-5 points):

 Appropriate register and tone.

 Interesting writing.

 Complex ideas expressed clearly.

 All the points are covered and

developed.

 All content is relevant.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2

10

Section 2. Writing Exam Part 1

2.1. Essay

Part 1: Compulsory question

There will only be one question with a short text.

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2

11

Paragraph 1

Introduction

Background: Introduce topic.

Thesis statement: This essay will discuss… [Idea 1 and idea 2].

Paragraph 2

Paragraph leader: Express idea 1 in one sentence.

Paragraph body: Develop idea 1.

Paragraph 3

Paragraph leader: Express idea 2 in one sentence.

Paragraph body: Develop idea 2.

Paragraph 4

Conclusion

Summary: Evaluate ideas 1 and 2.

Future suggestion, comment. Closing comment or question

(optional)

Remember:

Step 1. Identify key words

1. Identify

2. Organise

3. Write

4. Check

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2

12

Step 2. Organise

Paragraph Function What to say

Paragraph 1

Introduction

Background Funding important for schools.

Thesis statement:

Mention idea 1 &

2, and which is

more important,

e.g.:

This essay will

discuss /Here I will

argue….

Playground (developing friendships).

Library (learn to enjoy reading).

Both important in education, though

sometimes forgotten.

Paragraph

2leader

Idea 1 Children learn through play.

Paragraph 2

body

Justify idea 1

Shade to avoid sunburn in summer.

Freedom to express themselves.

Make friends.

Relax in between classes.

Paragraph 3

leader

Idea 2 Books-fundamental for learning.

Paragraph 3

body

Justify idea 2

Explore new ideas.

Discover passion for reading.

Paragraph 4

Conclusion

Summary:

State which idea of

the two is more

important.

Justify selection.

Both time spent in the playground and library

are necessary for child’s full development.

Developing the playground.

Learn life skills through play

Future suggestions Maybe library in future?

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2

13

Paraphrasing,

rather than

repeating words

in the questions,

shows

understanding

Discourse

markers,

followed by

comma,

provide

additional

structure to

the text.

Start with

background

knowledge

Paragraph

leaders clearly

state the main

idea of the

paragraph.

-ing form of

verbs can act

like nouns.

Formal writing

often contains

more nouns.

Step 3. Write

The decision on how to best allocate school funds can greatly affect

the functioning of each educational centre. Here, I will argue that

while traditional schools may mainly focus on formal learning,

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

learning theories support multiple intelligences, such as Inter- and

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

and heatstroke. In a country such as Spain with such high summer

temperatures, playing for prolonged periods of time in the sun can

be dangerous.

Books are a fundamental learning tool for discovering and

exploring new ideas. Providing a well-

stocked library offers the

opportunity for children to discover a passion for reading. Clearly,

children can only develop this pa

ssion if we provide ample

opportunities and repeated exposure to books. We could also

provide a weekly story telling activity for younger children who

cannot yet read.

Therefore, I would argue that both the playground and the library

are among the most important facilities a school can provide, and

both critically require funding in our school. However, due to the

current state of disrepair, a well-developed playground is arguably

the most urgent. If additional funding becomes available in the

future, this could be invested in improving the library.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2

14

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?

 exercise machines

 more classes

 additional staff

Some opinions expressed in the discussion:

“The machines are always busy.”

“I can never join a class as I’m working at that

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

15

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,

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

16

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.

Paragraph 2

Develop the topic.

Give description and details.

Paragraph 3 Further discussion if necessary.

Paragraph 4

Discuss the desired result of the letter.

Suggestions, recommendations, closing comments.

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

Starting and ending the letter

Useful language

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)...

Dear Sir/Madam,

If you don’t know the name

Yours faithfully,

Dear Mr X, Yours sincerely,

Start

End

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

17

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

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)

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

18

Remember:

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.

Paragraph 3

Describe good points- not just mobile phones also: sport, music.

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.

1. Identify

2. Organise

3. Write

4. Check

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

19

Why

Correctly follows

formal letter

writing

conventions

when opening

the letter

Step 3. Write

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in reference to the article entitled “The young

problem” which appeared in the latest edition of your magazine to

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

engaged in far more extracurricular activities, such as sport, music,

and language activities. Their command of technology will create

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 opinion, a good education when they are children will solve

these problems and they will be well-behaved and use technology

correctly.

I am a dedicated reader of your magazine and I would be grateful

if you would consider publishing an article taking into account this

alternative point of view in the future editions of your magazine.

Yours faithfully.

Formal

discourse

markers

and

cohesion

Correctly

follows formal

letter writing

conventions

to sign off

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

20

Step 4. Check

TIP

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

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

21

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

Dear…

Hi there!

Regards (email-neutral)

From (letter-neutral)

Love (family & best friends)

Start

End

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

22

Remember:

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.

Why?

Spectacular views.

Avoid crowds.

Good food. Cheap.

Very busy.

Great to hear from you!

Hey! How are you?

Write back as soon as you can.

Can’t wait to hear what happens!

Write soon!

Opening paragraph

Closing paragraph

1. Identify

2. Organise

3. Write

4. Check

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

23

Use

contractions in

informal texts

Ommission of

I’m upon starting

sentence is very

coloquial.

Why

Where

Consistently

chatty informal

style

throughout

When

Step 3. Write

Hi there!

Great about your job! I’m so pleased for you! I know you were really

worried about starting at the office. Really excited that you are

coming here! I can’t wait —

haven’t seen you in ages. Are you

coming with your colleagues or alone? If you are coming alone, you

can stay at my place. Let me know if you need picking up from the

station.

Places to go? Well, there’s no missing the castle up on the hill. It’s a

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

one of those Disney castles! Best avoid the crowds as it gets really

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

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.

I think they might be turning on the Christmas lights that week, so

if you are lucky you’ll get to see the display over the harbour —that

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!

Can’t wait to see you!

Lots of love,

Rhetorical

questions

maintain

informal style

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

24

Step 4. Check

TIP

Do NOT use formal language and discourse markers to show off

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

25

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

Opening

 Use a very simple title (Proposal for __________)

 The first section should describe the problem and the possible solutions.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

26

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:

1. Identify

2. Organise

3. Write

4. Check

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

27

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.

Paragraph 2

Beginning. Publish on school website. People register

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

28

Concise

headings

allow easy

reference

Clear

title

Step 3. Write

PROPOSAL FOR A CLUB TO PLAY MUSIC

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

kind of music they like. As soon as we have this clear, we could make

the groups.

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

29

Step 4. Check

TIP

Clear headings can substitute discourse markers at the beginning

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

30

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

31

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

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

32

Step 1. Identify key words

Step 2. Organise

Who to? Company manager.

Register? Semi-formal.

Paragraph 1

Introduce topic. Evaluate catering facilities. Company

staff. Problems: no food. Insufficient quality.

Paragraph 2

Problem 1: Failure to provide food due to error-

caterers thought bank holiday.

Paragraph 3

Solution 1. Talk to company. Only close national

holidays.

Paragraph 4

Problem 2: insufficient quantity due to extra personnel

on training.

Paragraph 5

Solution 2: company dept. must provide caterers with

dates for training.

Paragraph 6 Conclusion. Not necessary to change catering firm.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

33

Each problem

has a heading

for easy

reference.

Format

allows easy

reference.

Short

conclusion

provides

summary and

final

evaluation.

Step 3. Write

To: Company Manager

From: Marcos García

Subject: Evaluation and recommendation regarding the staff catering

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.

Failure to provide food

When contacted, the firm provided the following explanation: due to an

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

company of any training sessions to avoid this happening again.

Accordingly, I believe these episodes were isolated incidents and have

been resolved satisfactorily. I do not believe it necessary to change the

catering firm.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

34

Step 4. Check

TIP

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

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.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

35

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:

1

st

paragraph

Overview of book/film/holiday/restaurant etc.

2

nd

paragraph

Greater detail on a book/film/holiday/restaurant etc.

3

rd

paragraph

Evaluate and make recommendation.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

36

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

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

37

Step 1. Identify key words

Step 2. Organise

Who to? Travel blog.

Register? Semi-formal.

Paragraph 1

Background of resort: Palm beach resort, 5-star, 5

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.

Paragraph 6

Evaluation? Would recommend, but only with good

deal. Not worth full price. Only for relaxing holiday.

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

38

Informal

discourse

markers suit

semi-informal

style

Short

summary to

evaluate

resort.

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,

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.

Personally, I’d say the décor was a little old-fashioned and not really

suited to a beach resort. It seemed to be catering for older guests. The

balcony, though, was great with spectacular views overlooking the

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.

All in all, I would recommend Palm Beach Resort as long as you can get

a good deal —I definitely wouldn’t pay full price. Provided you aren’t

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!

Exam Writing Guide C1

Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2

39

Step 4. Check

TIP

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

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.

Subject

Unit x. Test

40

References

Cambridge Assessment (UCLES), (2018). Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) [web

file]. Retrieved from: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/advanced/