CAE Writing Paper
Part 2
You can choose one task from a choice of questions . You may be asked to write any of the following:
• an article• a contribution to a longer piece• an essay• an information sheet• a letter• a proposal• a report• a review• a competition entry
Number of words: 220-260
Language for articles
Rhetorical questions
We are all supposed to hate advertising, but do we really?
What’s (Barcelona) got to offer the tourist?
So what are we really talking about?
So is this really true?
Addressing the reader directly
I’m fairly sure you will all agree with me when I say that...
We all hate it when someone keeps us waiting.
Why not give it a try? You’ve got nothing to lose.
Is this really the answer for all of us?
Language for articles
Informal language
Let’s look at the problem from two different points of view.
So, the government should really clear up this mess as soon as possible.
It seems to me that what is important here is that...
Finishing with a punch line
On a personal note, I’d like to say that ...
How fantastic would that be?
So all in all, that is why...
Contributions: brochures and guidebook entries
Commenting on positive aspects
(The school/...) boasts a wide range of facilities.
No trip to ... would be complete without a visit to...
(The restaurant/...) is noted for ...
Commenting on negative aspects
Admittedly, this is a rather expensive option, but...
(The quality of the service) leaves a great deal to be desired.
Be warned, though: delays are not uncommon.
Contributions: brochures and guidebook entries
Giving advice
It is always wise to check...
This is a point worth bearing in mind if...
If price/location/class/size is a major factor when choosing (your school), you might want to consider...
... is certainly an option worth looking into.
Language for essays
Commonly held views
It is widely believed that...
No one would dispute the fact that...
Few people would contest / dispute that...
It is generally agreed that...
Saying what other people think
There are those who argue that...
It has been suggested that...
Some people claim that...
Opponents / Supporters / of (hunting) argue that...
Language for essays
Expressing an opinion
The first point to bear in mind is that...
It is probably true to say that...
There can be no doubt that...
It is simply not the case that...
Referring to sources
All the evidence suggests that...
A recent survey has proved that...
Judging by the comments made by...
Interviews with (students) have revealed that...
Language for essays
Linking ideas
While it is true that..., it may not always be right to...
Not only..., but also...
Conversely, ...
On the contrary, ...
Giving opinions
I can honestly say that...Personally, I feel that...From my perspective it seems to be a good idea.In my view...
Concluding
On balance, I feel that...Taking everything into consideration, ...In conclusion, ...
Information sheets
You are expected to produce clear, factual information and/on advice on a topic. It should be clearly organised and may include headings.
Give your information sheet a title.
Language for information sheets
Giving background information
Founded in ..., the city of...It was established in ...1987 saw the creation of...
Speaking about location
Nestling in ...
A short drive along ... takes you to...
Directly opposite... you will find...
Talking about facilities offered or products available
The hotel offers ...Marine Sports facilities cannot be
bettered.In addition to ... our company also...
Listing points or featuresNew developments include:• a fully equipped laboratory• ...
Talking about future plansWe hope to expand ...Among several future projects are
plans to...
Language for informal letters
Apologising
I’m terribly/ awfully sorry about...
Sorry I couldn’t /didn’t manage to...
Responding to an invitation
Thanks very much for inviting us to your party. We’re really looking forward to it.
I was really excited when I got your invitation. Unfortunately, I’ve realised it’s the same weekend as my cousin’s wedding so I won’t be able to make it / it doesn’t look as if I’m going to make it.
Inviting
How about meeting up for ...some time?
Why don’t we try to get together some time soon?
I was wondering if you’d like to get together with the rest of us the next time you are in town.
Language for informal letters
Making a request
I was wondering if you happened to know anywhere we could stay.
If you’ve got a spare moment, do you think you could find out when the music festival is on this year?
Ending the letter
I think that’s all my news for the moment. Do write soon and let me know what you’ve been doing.
Once again, thanks very much for being so nice to ...
Can’t wait to see you on ... in...
Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to ... from me.
Give my love to...
Speak to you soon.
Language for formal letters
Stating the circumstance
I am writing with regard/ with reference to...
I am writing to express my concern about/ disappointment with/ disapproval of / apologies for...
I would like to draw your attention to/ point out certain inaccuracies...
Introducing points
Firstly/To begin with/Moreover/
Furthermore/In addition
Finally (I feel) I must also (dis)agree with...
I should also like to point out that...
According to your article / Your article states that...However, ...
Language for formal letters
Listing complaints
My most serious complaint is...
Not only ... but also...
If this were not enough...
Request for action
I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would...
It seems only fair that you should...
Unless you..., I have no choice but to...
Otherwise, I will be forced to...
I trust/very much hope that you will...
Proposal vs. Report
The layout and format of a proposal can be very similar to a report.
A report is usually based on an event or situation that has happened or already exists.
A proposal tends to be based on a future situation or plan and is more forward looking. The recommendations section is the most important part of a proposal.
Language for proposals
Stating the purpose of the proposal
In this proposal, I will describe / evaluate / present / assess...
This proposal is for...
Background information
Feedback from students’ questionnaires suggests...
Following a survey among college graduates...
Interested parties were invited to attend...
There were several issues arising from the last event, which was not a success...
Language for proposals
Making recommendations and suggestions
A focus group should be set up by...
There should be an investigation into...
I recommend that a new centre be established...
Final recommendation
In the light of the results of the survey / questionnaire, the introduction of a small fee would seem to be the best choice / option / solution.
If these recommendations are followed, then the situation will be greatly improved.
If these suggestions are implemented, there will be a marked improvement in the situation.
Language for reports
Stating the purpose of the report
The aim/purpose of this report is to describe / evaluate / present …
In this report, I will describe...
This report provides a description...
Describing how you got your information
I spoke to / interviewed several members of staff...
Members of the local police force answered a questionnaire...
I visited three hotels: the Maritima...
I conducted a survey among college graduates...
Car owners were invited to attend a focus group...
Language for reports
Reporting your results
Most people said / expressed the opinion that...
According to ...
A high / small / significant proportion of those surveyed / respondents said that...
25% of the students...
A small number felt that...
Presenting a listThe points in favour/ against introducing ... can be summarised as follows: ...1...2...
The following reasons were given for (lack of attendance) firstly ..., secondly, ...
Arguments put forward in favour of / against (the introduction of a local television channel) were:1...2...
There are a number of ways in which facilities could be improved:1...2...
Language for reports
Making recommendations
In the light of the results of the survey / questionnaire, the introduction of a small fee would seem to be the best choice / option / solution.
I would recommend, therefore, the purchase of...
My recommendations are as follows...
Language for reviewsCommenting critically ... provides a fascinating / valuable / revealing insight into...
I found the plot rather predictable / disappointing.
The acting is very impressive / convincing.
She gives a compelling / memorable performance as ...
One particular strength / weakness of the film / book is...
The design / characterization / production is second to none / is not its best feature.
Language for reviewsEncouraging others (not) to read / watch / listen Don’t be put off by the title / critics / cover.
It will have you roaring with laughter / rushing out to buy the sequel.
It is a definite must-see.
I would definitely give it a miss.
I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in ...
I would strongly advise you (not) to go out and buy / see it.
Competition entry
For a competition you have to submit a piece of writing to a judge or panel of judges.
You will usually be expected to nominate somebody for something or propose yourself for selection for something (e.g. a grant to study).
A competition entry will include some degree of persuasion and giving reasons why your choice is best.
You should finish your entry with a strong final paragraph.
Competition entry
You may be required to write:
A story An article A review of a book, film, etc A description of a person or a place
Sources: CAE Gold plus, Ready for CAE, Spotlight on CAE
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