C1 Advanced: Writing
Strategies for Success in the Writing Section
- Understand the Task:
- Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what is required.
- Identify the type of writing (essay, article, letter, report, review) and its purpose.
- Plan Your Answer:
- Spend a few minutes planning your answer before you start writing.
- Outline the structure (introduction, main points, conclusion) and the key ideas you want to include.
- Stay On Topic:
- Ensure that every part of your answer is relevant to the task.
- Avoid including irrelevant information that does not support your main points.
- Use Paragraphs Effectively:
- Use clear paragraphs to organize your writing.
- Each paragraph should contain one main idea and be linked logically to the next.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar:
- Demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
- Use appropriate language for the task (formal/informal as required).
- Support Your Ideas:
- Provide specific examples and reasons to support your points.
- Use evidence from your own knowledge or experience where appropriate.
- Proofread Your Work:
- Leave time at the end to check your work for errors.
- Look for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word choice.
- Follow the Word Count:
- Ensure your answer is within the required word count (220-260 words).
- Too short or too long answers may be penalized.
- Practice Regularly:
- Practice writing regularly to improve your skills and build confidence.
- Use past papers and sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
- Read Widely:
- Read a variety of texts (articles, essays, reports, reviews) to understand different writing styles and structures.
- This will help you develop a more flexible writing approach and expand your vocabulary.
Part 1: Sample Writing Task
Instructions: Write an essay (220-260 words) in response to the following statement.
Task: You have attended a seminar on the impact of technology on society. You have made the notes below:
- Communication
- Employment
- Privacy
Some opinions expressed during the seminar:
“Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, making it faster and easier.”
“Many jobs have been lost due to automation and artificial intelligence.”
“Privacy is a major concern in the digital age.”
Write an essay discussing two of the points mentioned above. Explain the reasons for your choice and provide specific examples to support your opinion.
You should include:
- An introduction
- Discussion of the first point
- Discussion of the second point
- Conclusion
Cambridge Advanced (C1) Writing Part 2 Overview
In Writing Part 2 of the Cambridge English: Advanced exam, you are given a choice of three tasks. You must choose one task to complete, and it could be in the form of:
- A letter
- An email
- A proposal
- A report
- A review
Instructions: Write an answer to one of the questions (220-260 words) in this part. Write the letter (A, B, C, or D) of the question you choose in the box at the top of the page.
Proposal:
- Structure: Title, headings, suggestions, conclusion.
- Purpose: Propose changes, explain benefits, justify ideas.
- Example Task: Write a proposal suggesting ways to improve student participation in extracurricular activities.
Task:
Your college is planning to improve its library facilities. You have been asked to write a proposal suggesting ways to make the library a more effective resource for students.
In your proposal, you should:
- Describe the current issues with the library.
- Suggest improvements that could be made.
- Explain how these changes would benefit students.
Letter/Email:
- Formal or informal? Adapt based on the recipient.
- Purpose: Complain, request, invite, or share information.
- Example Task: Write a formal letter to a company suggesting improvements to their customer service.
Task:
You recently attended a training course organized by a company. Unfortunately, it did not meet your expectations.
Write a formal letter of complaint to the course organizers. In your letter:
- Explain why you were disappointed with the course.
- Describe specific problems you encountered.
- Suggest improvements for future courses.
Write your letter in 220–260 words.
Report:
- Structure: Title, clear headings, recommendations at the end.
- Purpose: Provide information, evaluate, and suggest improvements.
- Example Task: Write a report about how well your school facilities meet students’ needs.
Task:
Your local council is considering investing in new sports facilities for the community. You have been asked to write a report on the current facilities and suggest improvements.
In your report:
- Describe the current sports facilities.
- Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
- Make recommendations for improvements.
Write your report in 220–260 words.
Review:
- Structure: Introduction, opinion, analysis, recommendation.
- Purpose: Evaluate a book, film, event, or experience.
- Example Task: Write a review of a recent film you saw, recommending it to your peers.
Task:
You recently attended a live music event in your city. The local newspaper has asked for a review of the event.
In your review:
- Describe the event and the performers.
- Explain what you enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy).
- Recommend whether others should attend similar events.
Write your review in 220–260 words.