1

CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH WRITING GUIDE 2019

JOHAN DE WITT-GYMNASIUM

DORDRECHT

2

3

CONTENTS Writing in general 5

FORMATS Article 6 Contributions 7 Curriculum Vitae 8 E-mail 9 Essay 10 Formal Letter 13 Informal Letter 14 Letter to the editor 15 Proposal 16 Report 17 Review 18 Short story 19 USEFUL PHRASES Useful phrases for formal and informal letters 20 Linking words 23

Useful phrases for essays 26

CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH EXAM REQUIREMENTS Task types in the Cambridge English First Writing Paper (FCE) 27

FCE writing assessment 28

Task types in the Cambridge English: Advanced Writing Paper (CAE) 29

Checklist to improve advanced writing 30

CAE writing assessment 31

Task types in the Cambridge English: Proficiency Writing (CPE) 32

Checklist to improve proficient writing 33

CPE writing assessment 34

SOURCES 35

4

5

Writing in general

Decide on your subject and your main message.

Decide which format you need: e-mail, formal letter, article, report, etc.

Organize your thoughts. Your reader is not going to do that for you. Instead

you want to make it as easy as possible for your reader to follow your train of

thought and therefore you present an organized piece of writing.

Make a writing plan and carry it out.

Any written piece has a beginning, a middle and an end, in other words an

introduction, a body and a conclusion.

After writing, read it through critically. Adjust and mould until you are satisfied,

as if you are working on a sculpture.

Be aware of your target reader and adjust your language. Your reader is

looking for a positive reading experience.

6

Article

An article is mostly written to inform as well as entertain the reader of a magazine

and is built-up as follows:

Title

Use an eye-catching title. The reader has to choose your article above all the others

in the newspaper or magazine.

Lead-in

The opening passage has to be encouraging for your reader to keep reading. So

start your article in an interesting way to make the reader want to read on.

Billboards

The billboard follows the lead and states the main idea in one or two sentences.

Body of article

The information is developed using main ideas and details.

Kicker

Concluding sentence or paragraph. The reader who made the effort of reading the

article all the way to the end, has to be rewarded by a surprising or interesting fact.

The inverted pyramid shows the structure of an article in general.

Writing style

Involve the reader, you can address them directly, especially with questions. Appeal

to the reader’s imagination.

Use an informal, lively style for most magazine articles are aimed at young adult

readers. Avoid a lot of formal language.

Give your opinion if appropriate.

At all times, be aware of your target reader and adapt your writing style accordingly.

7

Contributions

The aim of a contribution may vary. You may be asked to contribute to a tourist guide

book or an information leaflet, for example. Contributions often contain information

but may also include strong advice or recommendations. The report format is useful

for contributions.

Introduction

The guide or leaflet usually starts with a description of the place or event.

Sections with headings

Divide your contribution into sections with clear headings so that it is easy to follow.

Divide sections into paragraphs where appropriate.

Conclusion

Information about places or other highlights often end with special recommendations,

for example festivals where you can go to.

Writing style

Information leaflets are usually written in a fairly formal style. Keep the information

clear by avoiding very long and complicated sentences.

8

CURRICULUM VITAE (American English: Résumé) ( Always sent as an attachment to a letter of application) (Make sure everything fits on 1 single page)

Personal details

Name: (Last name only) First name: (Name you are called by) Full name: (All first and last names in full) Date of birth (Day-Month-Year) Birthplace: (City, Country) Nationality: (e.g. Dutch) Address: (complete address here

as it should be written on an envelope) E-mail address: (use a proper e-mail address here) Phone: Home: +31 (0)78 123456

Mobile: +31 (0)6 12345678

Gender: male/ female/ X

Civil state: married/ unmarried [only mention this when older] Education (Latest diploma or highest achievement on top. Date on the left; diploma on the right) Since 20… Johan de Witt-gymnasium, Dordrecht. Secondary school

preparing for university. Currently in my 6th and final year; exams due May 20….

Profile chosen: Economics & Society; optional courses: …

Work experience (Most recent job on top, work from top to bottom. Date on the left, job on the right) Since 2018 Cashier at department store

From 2016-2018 Babysitting children aged 2-8

Summer of 2015 Paper round during the Summer Personal achievements

(Mention things that make you stand out from the crowd such as: sports prizes; debate club; training a junior hockey team. Fluent in French and Dutch (bilingual). Hobbies/ personal interests

(E.g. Active member of hockey club; I enjoy travelling and reading. I have played the piano for 5 years.)

(add passport photograph if possible)

9

E-mail Electronic mail is used to convey a message that used to be sent by regular mail in

the form of a formal letter or an informal letter.

Format:

For all e-mails: use the format of the (in)formal letter but you can leave out the

sender’s address, the addressee’s address, the date and the signature, as all this

automatically falls into place whenever you send an e-mail.

The subject or reference is also a required field, so this is automatically placed above

your text.

When you send a letter of application by e-mail the modern convention is to write a

short text in the e-mail template and to attach the formal letter of application in one

document and your curriculum vitae in another. When the recipient prints those

documents out they should look exactly like a formal letter.

Writing style:

For messages to people who you know very well: use informal English as you would

in the informal letter.

E-mails to people you have not met before or if you write to people on an official

basis are written in formal English. The writing style of formal letters is applied.

More details about formal and informal letter-writing are to be found on page 20 of

this guide.

10

ESSAY

Writing an essay you have to decide whether you want to write an opinionated

essay, showing only your side of the matter, or an argumentative essay, showing

the opposite side as well. Below you will find instructions for writing an argumentative

or discursive essay.

1. The title

It seems logical to start with the title. It’s better, however, to come up with one after

having finished the essay. A good title should attract attention, but don’t overdo it – a

title mustn’t be more interesting than the actual essay. Use capitals for all principal

words in your title but do not use a period after it.

2. The introduction

This is perhaps the most important part of your essay. Start in a general way, with

something we all know. Don’t refer directly to the title.

Towards the end of your introduction it should be clear what your essay is going to be

about. Concentrate on one issue. Don’t mention four or five points which seem to be

worth discussing; mention only one. If you have difficulties in narrowing down your

subject-matter, it might be a good idea to end the introduction with a question, the

question which will be central to your essay.

3. The intermediate paragraphs

In two or three paragraphs you should discuss the topic of the essay from various

points of view. Separate the arguments in favour from the arguments against. It

makes very confusing reading if arguments in favour and against appear within the

same paragraph.

If you are convinced that the topic of your essay should be understood in a certain

way, it seems logical to only make use of arguments that support your opinion. Still,

you shouldn’t do so. It makes your essay more balanced if you include one or two

arguments that seem to contradict the point you’re making.

4. The conclusion

Usually the conclusion can be rather short – it briefly summarizes the writer’s opinion,

building on the paragraphs that precede. Don’t come up with new information in the

conclusion; you should base your opinion on the arguments that have been

discussed in the essay so far.

11

A good conclusion refers back to the introduction: it answers the question raised in

those first lines. After writing the conclusion always check if you have indeed

answered the central question of your essay.

5. The essay format

a. Clearly indicate when a new paragraph begins, and be consistent. Either

indent or skip a line, each time you start a new paragraph.

b. Don’t leave parts of lines open within paragraphs. In other words: don’t start

anew within a paragraph.

c. Write legibly.

6. Use of quotations.

If you include quotations in your essay, make sure your reader will understand why

you used them. A quotation should naturally fit into your essay. Use them sparingly,

no one is interested in reading quotation-stuffed essays. Always mention the source

of the quotation or else your work might be interpreted as plagiarism.

This is the way to write down short quotes: A famous writer once said, “A good essay

must have this permanent quality about it; it must draw its curtain round us, but it

must be a curtain that shuts us in not out (Virginia Woolf)”.

If a quotation is more than three lines long, and you want to insert it all into your

essay, set it off as block quotation, like these lines written by the American poet Emily

Dickinson:

Title

Introduction

Body (each idea or topic

gets a new paragraph)

Conclusion

12

A thought went up my mind to-day

That I have had before, But did not finish,--some way back, I could not fix the year, Nor where it went, nor why it came

The second time to me, Nor definitely what it was, Have I the art to say. But somewhere in my soul, I know

I've met the thing before; It just reminded me--'t was all-- And came my way no more.

Most long quotations had better be paraphrased, which means retelling the quote in

your own words. Again, do not forget to mention your source.

13

Formal Letter

1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

14

Letter format Formal letter Informal letter E-mail

1. Sender’s address

Only your address, not your name

Only your address, not your name

x

2. Date For example: 31 March 2013 March 31, 2013 31st March 2013 March 31st, 2013

For example: 31 March 2013 March 31, 2013 31st March 2013 March 31st, 2013

x

3. Addressee’s name + address

For example: Waterstone’s Attn Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss R.G. Smith Number before street name Zip code after place name

x x

4. Salutation (= greeting) Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Smith, Dear Sirs, (to a company Sir, (to newspaper editor)

Dear Aunt Grace Dear John My dear John (very good friend) Hi! (very informal)

Dear Charlie Hi Susan Hello Peter [Note: if e-mail is used for formal purpose: use more formal writing style and format]

5. Message Introduction (say why you write) Body (each topic in separate paragraph) Conclusion (if you expect a reply: “I look forward to hearing from you.”) Letters can start with “I” No contractions, write words in full: I am, we do not, etc.

Introduction (say why you write, mention the correspondence you received) Body (each topic in separate short paragraph) Conclusion Informal language, contractions, exclamation marks are used.

Introduction (say why you write) Body (each topic in separate paragraph) Conclusion Depending on the situation use formal or informal English.

6. Close No name: Dear Sir/Madam > Yours faithfully, With name: Dear Mr Smith/ Dear John > Yours sincerely,

Kind regards, Best wishes, Best regards, Warm regards, All the best , Take care, Love (from), Lots of love, Say hi to everyone, Bye,

7. Signature Hand-written Hand-written x

8. Sender’s name Full name Women: Miss/ Mrs / Ms Sarah Key

First name or Full name

First name or Full name

9. Enclosures Encl. 1 (If CV or any other form is enclosed + add number of enclosures)

x Documents can be attached

15

The Opinion Letter/ Letter to the Editor

A letter to the editor is a reader’s response to a publication which, according to him,

is inaccurate or untrue. The reader reacts on this because he feels he is an expert on

the subject or he knows from experience.

An opinion letter consists of the following components:

The letter opens with: ‘Dear Sir,’ or ‘Sir,’.

It starts with the point of reference: this is usually a previously published article, as

is most often the case in a letter to the editor.

The statement of position: this is the writer’s reaction to the point of view expressed

in the article.

The arguments are mainly personal observations which support the writer’s position.

The arguments lead to the conclusion that the information in the previous

publication was incorrect.

The writer underscores the personal aspect of the letter by using the first person

pronoun ‘I’, the first person perspective.

In professional or academic writing the third person perspective is very useful as it is

much more authoritative, direct and shorter and will strike the reader as more

objective.

16

Proposal

A proposal is often directed at managers in order to make them aware of issues that

need to be dealt with or changes that are needed. The format of a proposal is similar

to that of a report.

Introduction

Start with a clear introduction setting out the aim of the proposal. (E.g. “The purpose

of this proposal is to draw attention to the failing alarm system and to give

recommendations for improvement of this situation.”)

Sections with headings

Set out your text so that it looks like a proposal and not like a letter. Divide your

proposal into sections with headings. Each topic gets its own section and heading.

You may even use numbered or bullet points, but clear writing with good use of

linking words is preferred.

Write your suggestions using clear and concise sentences. Use fairly formal

language and express opinions impersonally. This proposal is read by someone who

is open to your ideas but who will make his own decision.

Conclusion

Finish with a clear conclusion (heading “Conclusion” is ok) in which you give your

recommendations.

17

Report

A report is often written to inform others who need to decide about a certain issue.

Introduction

Start with a clear introduction setting out the aim of the report. (E.g. “The purpose of

this report is to evaluate the school trip to Canterbury, and to give recommendations

for future trips.”)

Sections with headings

Organise your report into sections with headings. Each topic gets its own section

and heading. You may even use numbered or bullet points, but clear writing with

good use of linking words is preferred.

Write your suggestions using clear and concise sentences. Use fairly formal

language and express opinions impersonally. This report is used by someone who

wants to be informed by you but who will make his own decision.

Conclusion

Finish with a clear conclusion (heading “Conclusion” is ok) in which you give your

recommendations.

18

Review

Readers of a review want to know whether a particular book/ film/ play/… is worth

their time and effort.

Title

Mention the words ‘review of’ and the title of the book/ film/ play/performance/.... in the title of your review. Opening paragraph

The opening paragraph states the necessary facts, mentioning at least title, author and date of release or publication. You may also provide a small list of essential facts, in case of a film, for example, including the name of the director or screenwriter, composer of music/ soundtrack or the names of the main actors. Also indicate what genre the reviewed work belongs to: horror, comedy, drama, adventure film, thriller. Body

In one or more paragraphs provide a brief summary of the plot. Make sure that your summary makes sense to a reader who does not know the book/ film. Do not refer to specific scenes and do not try to explain everything.

You must also include information on setting and background of the story and its characters. Pay attention to when and where the action takes place, whether the story is chronological or if there are flashbacks or flash forwards. Show in which society or country the story is set, what social class the characters belong to, what age they are. If you need to describe the main characters, think of a physical description, a character description, their ages, nationalities or their personal backgrounds. If other features besides the plot stand out, write about them. What was the director’s purpose or intention or the theme of the film? If you can, compare it with other realities you know (e.g. your country, historical fact or event, other film from the same director or genre). Opinion

Your opinion has already become clear in the previous paragraph in which you gave the facts, but in which you may have commented on them at the same time. Make clear what your opinion is of the book or film and provide good arguments, based on what you experienced. Recommendation

At the end of your review tie up all your observations and provide the reader with

your final judgment. Your recommendation, or dissuasion (advise against it), will

enable your reader to decide for himself whether he wants to see the film/ book/ play

or not.

19

SHORT STORY

In general a (short) story is built up as shown in the image.

Exposition: presentation of information in order to understand the story that will be

told.

Rising action: situation or conflict begins to be developed.

Climax (crisis): forces meet in a collision of action or wills that determines the

outcome of the story.

Falling action: repercussions of climax are discussed or felt.

Resolution (tying up): there is a resolution, a change in decision or behaviour.

Sometimes known as the ‘happy end’.

Writing a story yourself, you may want to use this knowledge to your advantage.

Writing style

Use sequencing words to order the events. (“As soon as”, “After a while”, “Next”)

Use adjectives and adverbs to make your writing more lively and interesting.

Use a variety of narrative tenses.

Creating atmosphere and suspense will make your story more enjoyable.

20

Useful phrases for informal and formal letters

Informal letter

Initial sentences: How are you? I’m fine. / I haven’t heard from you for quite a while.

To thank: Thank you for your letter. / I’m most grateful for … I really enjoyed …

To make excuses: I’m sorry that … / I didn’t mean to …

To congratulate: Happy birthday! / Many happy returns. / (I hope you’ll) have a nice day. / Congratulations on your … anniversary.

Recovery: Get well soon! / Hope you’ll be up and about / walking soon.

Proposal / invitation: Can you …? / Would you like to …? / Do you already have plans for [day / time]? I have a great idea/an idea. / Would you like me to …?

Request: I have a question to ask. / Could you do me a favour …? / Can/Could you help me?

Opinion: Well, I think … / Would you mind if I …? / What would you do?

Closing sentences: Please write back soon. / So, that’s it for now. / I’m looking forward to your letter. / I’ll see you soon. / Please say hello to …

Formal letter

Reference to previous letter: With reference to letter of [date] / Thank you (very much) for your letter of [date] / In reply to your letter of [date]

Reason for writing: I am writing to inquire about … / to confirm … / to apologise for …

Request: Could you possibly …? / I would be grateful/very pleased if you could …/ Would it be possible to … / I would be delighted to …

To thank: Thank you very much for …

Bad news: Unfortunately … / I am afraid that …

To ask for a reply: An early reply would be appreciated. / We would be grateful to an early/prompt reply.

To refer to an enclosure: I am enclosing … / Please find enclosed … / Enclosed you will find …

To thank at closure:

21

Thank you very much / Thank you for your help. / Thanking you in advance.

Closing sentences: I look forward to hearing from you (soon). / I am looking forward to your reply. Please contact us again if we can help in any way / if there are any problems / if you have any questions.

Formal letters with a specific subject A few practical sentences for you to use. Information

Asking for information: Would you be so kind (as) to send me information about … / Would/Could you please send me … / I would be very pleased if … / I would (also) like to know … / Could you tell me whether … / Could you please tell me whether you agree with …

Responding to request of information: Thank you. / We would like to thank you for your letter of [date] inquiring about / asking for information about … / We are pleased to enclose … / Enclosed you will find … / We enclose … / We would also like to inform you … / Regarding your question about … / In answer to your question/inquiry about … / If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact us.

Reservations

Making a reservation: Please reserve for me: a single/double room. / I herewith confirm our reservation on [date]. / Please confirm this reservation.

Cancelling a reservation: I am sorry to tell you that … / We regret that we must cancel our reservation on [date] owing to/because … / Due to events unforeseen I have to call off my trip.

A complaint In writing a letter of complaint you will have to be really particular in several ways. The tone has to be businesslike and not emotional. Indicate clearly what the problem is, supporting your claim with evidence, such as photos of receipts. State what it is you would like to accomplish with your complaint. Suggest a date when you would like to receive an answer/reply. Save copies of everything. A few practical sentences to use in a letter of complaint are:

I would like to express my disappointment at … / I am not very pleased with … / Unfortunately you did not …/ I am afraid that we still have not received … / I am enclosing … / I trust the problem will be solved as soon as possible. / If you do not reply within [number] days, we are forced to take legal actions.

An application A letter of application consists of two parts:

22

1. Covering letter: a letter of no more than one page in which you explain your application (why you are interested/ what you have to offer)

2. Your CV (curriculum vitae), a summary of your work experience and your education.

Covering letter The covering letter is a formal letter with a fixed format of usually three paragraphs:

Opening paragraph: When you apply for a particular job vacancy, write down which job vacancy you are applying for and where you have read the advertisement.

Central\Middle paragraphs: Write why you are interested in the company/ the job. Write in short why you think you are suitable for the job. Mention relevant work experience or qualifications. Also mention the level of your English ability.

Final paragraph: In this paragraph you will have to make sure that action will be taken. You could for instance ask for an interview appointment time. For easy contact write down your telephone number and your e-mail address.

A few handy sentences for a letter of application:

Opening paragraph: I am writing to apply for the position advertised in [name] of [date] With reference to / Referring to your advertisement in [name] of [date], I would like to apply for the position of … I would like to submit my application for the position of …

Central/Middle paragraph: I believe that I am a suitable applicant. I feel that I can meet the requirements of this position. You will see from my CV that I have considerable experience in this area. To supply further information/details …. I finished my [level] education in [year]. I have gained practical experience in … I have been working as a [job] at [company] for [number of years]. I speak English fluently. Further details can be found in my CV. I am an enthusiastic / a hardworking / an energetic person who is willing to … I would like to acquaint myself with … I will be available from …

Final paragraph: I shall be more than happy to give you further information in person if you invite me for an interview. I hope my application will be successful in gaining me an interview. Enclosed you will find my CV. (Hereby) I enclose my CV. Should you require any further information, please call/e-mail me at … I am looking forward to your reply / to hearing from you soon. Hoping/Hope to hear from you soon … Awaiting your decision, I remain …

23

Linking words

Using transitional words and phrases helps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next.

Transitions enhance logical organization and understandability and improve the connections between thoughts. They indicate relations, whether within a sentence, paragraph, or paper.

This list illustrates categories of "relationships" between ideas, followed by words and phrases that can make the connections:

Addition: also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly

When there is a trusting relationship coupled with positive reinforcement, the partners will be able to overcome difficult situations.

Consequence: accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore

Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning.

Contrast and Comparison: contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast

The children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care.

Direction: here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above, to the left, to the right, in the distance

She scanned the horizon for any sign though in the distance she could not see the surprise coming her way.

Diversion: by the way, incidentally

He stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found only on this hill.

Emphasis above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly

24

The Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting.

Exception: aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save

Consensus was arrived at by all of the members exclusive of those who could not vote.

Exemplifying: chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as

Some friends and I drove up the beautiful coast chiefly to avoid the heat island of the city.

Generalizing: as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually

There were a few very talented artists in the class, but for the most part the students only wanted to avoid the alternative course.

Illustration: for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case

The chapter provided complex sequences and examples illustrated with a very simple schematic diagram.

Similarity: comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together with

The research was presented in a very dry style though was coupled with examples that made the audience tear up.

Restatement: in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently

In their advertising business, saying things directly was not the rule. That is to say, they tried to convey the message subtly though with creativity.

Sequence: at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on,

25

meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind,

The music had a very retro sound but at the same time incorporated a complex modern rhythm.

Summarizing: after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally

She didn't seem willing to sell the car this week, but in any case I don't get paid until the end of the month.

26

Useful Phrases for Writing Argumentative Essays

To list arguments in the main body: In the first place, First of all, To start with, To

begin with, Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally, In addition (to this), Furthermore,

Moreover, Besides, last but not least

Presenting arguments for: The main/first/most important advantage of ..., One

major advantage of ..., A further advantage ..., One/Another/An additional advantage

of ..., One point of view in favour of ..., It is often suggested/believed/argued that ...,

Some/Many people suggest/feel/argue that ..., Some/Many people are in favour

of/are convinced that ...,

Presenting arguments against: One major disadvantage of ..., The main/most

important disadvantage/drawback of ..., One/Another/An additional disadvantage of

..., One point/argument against ..., Some/Many people are against ...,

Presenting examples, causes and results: for example/instance, such as, like, in

particular, therefore, for this reason, because, as, since, as a result,

To add more points to the same topic: what is more, furthermore, also, in addition

to, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that, etc.

To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, despite/in spite of (the

fact), while, nevertheless, even though, although, it can be argued that, one can

argue that, etc.

To conclude: to conclude/sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on

the whole, taking everything into account, taking all this into account/consideration,

above all, as was previously stated, etc.

Useful Phrases for Writing Opinion Essays

To list points: In the first place, first of all, to start with, in the first place, etc.

To add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore,

moreover, in addition to, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that, etc.

To introduce conflicting viewpoints: It is argued that, people argue that,

opponents of this view say, there are people who oppose, etc.

To express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe,

etc.

Find more tips on these websites:

http://www.slideshare.net/englishbites/useful-argumentative-essay-words-and-

phrases

http://academicwriting.wikidot.com/for-and-against-essays

27

28

FCE WRITING ASSESSMENT

Cambridge writing assessors correct your work twice:

- Task specific mark scheme

Make sure to read the assignment carefully and put in all the required

elements.

- General impression mark scheme (see image)

Band 5 = very good; Band 4 = more than adequate/good; Band 3 = adequate;

Band 2 = inadequate; Band 1 = poor; Band 0 = irrelevant/ illegible.

29

30

31

CAE WRITING ASSESSMENT

Cambridge writing assessors correct your work twice:

- Task specific mark scheme

Make sure to read the assignment carefully and put in all the required

elements.

- General impression mark scheme (see image)

Band 5 = very good; Band 4 = more than adequate/good; Band 3 = adequate;

Band 2 = inadequate; Band 1 = poor; Band 0 = irrelevant/ illegible.

32

33

34

CPE WRITING ASSESSMENT

Cambridge writing assessors correct your work twice:

- Task specific mark scheme

Make sure to read the assignment carefully and put in all the required

elements.

- General impression mark scheme (see image)

Band 5 = very good; Band 4 = more than adequate/good; Band 3 = adequate;

Band 2 = inadequate; Band 1 = poor; Band 0 = irrelevant/ illegible.

35

SOURCES: 1. University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, Cambridge English Proficiency, Handbook for Teachers

2. University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, Certificate in Advanced English, Handbook for Teachers

3. University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, First Certificate in English, Handbook for Teachers

4. Corrie de Knegt a.o., On Track 2e fase vwo, 2004, EPN

5. Kathy Gude a.o., CAE Result Student’s Book, OUP 2008

6. Paul A Davies a.o., FCE Result Student’s Book, OUP 2008

7. J.G. Zonnenberg, Engels in de praktijk, ThiemeMeulenhoff 2011

8. Website: www.studygs.net/wrtstr6.htm 9. Website: http://eoisjwritingskills.blogspot.nl/2011/03/useful-phrases-for-

writing.html

10. Website: www.cambridgeenglish.org

Johan de Witt-gymnasium, Dordrecht English Department ABC/MSE/ 2019