Professional Documents
Culture Documents
C1 Cae Skills Pack
C1 Cae Skills Pack
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Speaking part 1, useful expressions:
To start off an answer:
that’s an interesting/difficult question I’ve never thought about that before I’d say that/ I guess I’d have to say
that...
another thing is that / in addition the main reason is that apart from that / other than that
for one thing I mean /what I’d like to say is... in other words, / in short
once in a while /once in a blue moon from time to time / on occasion / whenever I find the time
here and there
be a (bit of) a
bookworm/shopaholic/computer can’t stand be fond of
geek
What I most enjoy is... It wasn’t until I… that I... All I really know is...
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SPEAKING Part 2, typical questions:
How might the people be feeling? Why have they chosen to …?
What might they be thinking? What might they find challenging about ths?
Why might they be doing what they’re doing? What has just happened?
both pictures are similar in that what the photos share in common is they are quite alike in that
the main difference between the what distinguishes one photo from the they differ in that
photos is other is
In all likelihood / probability I have no doubt that I’d bet that / I’d wager that
I’m fairly certain that I wouldn’t be surprised if It’s quite likely / possible that
I may be wrong but I’m guessing, but I’d say I highly doubt that
considerably / far / much / a lot / a no worse than not nearly / nowhere near as useful as
great deal more / less interesting than
by far / easily the best a bit / slightly / a little higher just / quite / easily as busy as
more and more difficult not any cheaper almost / not quite as crowded as
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As you said previously So, we’ve decided / agreed that / Let’s come to a decision
about
I agree to a large / certain extent I’m not sure about that I couldn’t (dis)agree more
on balance, I’d say that on the whole, I believe that on the one hand… on the other hand
Although I think… I’d also In general, I have to say that Taking everything into account, I’d say
Considering/taking into consideration Given what you said before... Going back to your point about /
what you said about... Circling back to your point about
As you previously said/mentioned I’d like to comment on what you said Like you said earlier...
about...
I think we both agree that / I think Shall we discard this option? Let’s agree to disagree about/on
we’ve decided that
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Writing, useful expressions:
Expressions to link:
contrast addition
time example
For instance
first, next, eventually, suddenly, before long, when, while, In other words
meanwhile, as soon as Take… for example
Perhaps a better example would be
therefore, as a result, consequently, due to, thus, so that, in if, unless, only if, even if, even though, otherwise
order to (negative condition) As / So long as
Have an impact / influence on On condition that
To affect Provided that
To influence / to be influential In the event of
Implications
Lead to
Result in
Be responsible for
Bring about
Give rise to
Trigger
Contribute to
Another factor is
emphasis conclusion
All in all
in fact, as a matter of fact, that means, actually Given these points
On the whole
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opinion Consequence
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Writing, essay outline:
Title
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Opening sentence: paraphrase the exam task
Mention the different arguments you’re going to talk about Expressing general opinions
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Summarize your essay in one sentence Think about…
Add some general thoughts
What linkers will you use?
Essay Checklist What grammar can you include?
1. Title (optional, recommended) What B2 expressions, collocations and
2. Write 5 paragraphs phrasal verbs can you use?
3. Introduce the topic giving the background
4. Expand on all 3 bullet points given in the task
5. Ensure points are well-developed: positives, negatives, backed up with reasons.
6. Conclusion must include your final answer to the question (this should only be in the conclusion).
7. 4-5 different grammar points (present perfect, conditionals, modal perfect, passive, etc.).
8. 4-5 different linkers, linking expressions between clauses, sentences and paragraphs
9. A variety of phrasal verbs, collocations, extreme adjectives, adverbs
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Second Paragraph TOPIC SENTENCE Third Paragraph TOPIC SENTENCE
Paragraph Skeleton
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Writing, review:
Personal anecdote to grab the reader’s attention Grammar to include:
Introduce name of book/film, restaurant + location, course, An inversion (not only/no sooner/seldom)
TV show etc. An inverted conditional (Were we to…)
Seldom do I find the time to…, however when I do take A participle clause (Being…/Having gone…)
time out of my hectic schedule, I like nothing more than… A double comparative (The more we… the more)
Being a bit of a film buff/bookworm/foody, the news that A cleft sentence (What is most crucial is…)
… had opened a new restaurant/released a new film/book Idioms
had me itching to try/see/read it. So last week I popped
Phrasal verbs
down with a friend to check it out.
Having never seen/read/tried… before I approached … Imperatives
with a sense of trepidation, not knowing what to expect.
Soon however, all my fears were allayed.
Don’t bother reading/going to see Were I to sum up … in one word, it would be…?
It is/isn’t definitely worth your time/money … left a lot to be desired (wasn’t good enough)
I’d certainly (not) recommend it to anyone looking for …more than lives up to the hype (is as good as everyone
Make sure you don’t miss it! says it is)
Give it a go, you won’t regret it! ...is … is by far and away the best … you’re likely to … this year
a waste of time and money Check it … really raises the bar (sets a higher standard)
out! … sets the benchmark for other (others will be
judges against how good it is) … ticks all the right
boxes
...lives up to its name
...holds up in comparison to...
Review Checklist
1. Include a title
2. USE COLORFUL VOCABULARY!!
3. Use 4-5 paragraphs
4. Use a personal or more neutral/informal style
5. Say what you are reviewing in the introduction and give relevant information
6. Say briefly what happened in the book, film, etc.
7. Explain why you liked/disliked it so much and give examples to support your opinion when possible
8. Give a recommendation and a reason for your opinion in the conclusion
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Writing, report:
introduction useful phrases
The X undoubtedly has many strengths such as …. Not to Despite the strengths mentioned above, there are also
mention… some areas that require attention.
… is particularly effective due to the fact that… … is failing to live up to expectations because…
… has achieved impressive results owing to … Another clear weakness is…
Another clear strong point is… … leaves a lot to be desired
… is something the program can be proud of due to… … is not up to the required standard
A survey was carried out which showed that In light of the above, we believe the following measures
A key challenge for this project is the limited time/money should be adopted…
It is clear that there are both advantages and My recommendations are as follows: …
disadvantages to Urgent improvement is needed in the field of…
…is considered/thought/said to be… I highly recommend + bring about change in the area of…
…is highly regarded in (place)… (good reputation) To improve the situation, we recommend…
There is widespread agreement that… It is recommended that…
Opinions are divided regarding… Having considered the options, … I
It is common knowledge that… would strongly recommend that…
Recent research indicates that… It would be advisable to...
Interviewees who had first-hand knowledge of the
situation stated…
There is considerable disagreement regarding…
Report Checklist
1. Include a title
2. Use 4-5 paragraphs
3. Use formal language (punctuation, linkers, and expressions)
4. Use headings for each paragraph
5. Start your introduction by saying the aim of the report
6. Express your opinion impersonally
7. Give a recommendation in your conclusion
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Writing, proposal:
Introduction Background information
The aim/purpose of this proposal is to… Comments made at the end of the questionnaire suggests…
The principal aims/objectives of this proposal are to…. as Following a survey done among families with young
well as comment on… children…
This proposal is intended to Concerned members of the community were invited to
describe/evaluate/suggest/present/assess... attend…
A number of concerns have been raised by X regarding Y
Example: Given the results of a local survey...
The principle _____ of this proposal is to _____ forward
ideas in _______ to _______ improvements to the
appearance of … (town’s name). It will then go ____ to
describe the possible effects ______ changes will have on
the town.
● I strongly recommend/suggest buying new chairs Installing new chairs would lead to/give rise to…
so that students are more comfortable. Building a new common room would provide students with
● I recommend/suggest that we buy new chairs so a place to unwind.
that students are more comfortable. Improving the metro service would enable more residents
to use public transport.
Use a gerund Investing in… would undoubtedly have a positive effect
on…
● Buying new chairs would be a great way to Refurbishing the library would be extremely beneficial for
increase students’ comfort. the whole school.
● Investing in new chairs would lead to an increase Having more… would do wonders for the school’s
in student comfort. reputation in the local area.
It would be + adjective
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Writing, informal letter:
beginnings giving news
Hi! How are the things? How are you? How’s it going? Oh, and another thing
Thanks for your (recent/last) letter. I wanted to let you know that
It was good/nice to hear from you recently. I thought you might be interested to hear about
I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch for such a long time. By the way, have you heard about/did you know that
That’s great news about I was wondering if you could help me with/do me a favor
I’m glad to hear that I hope you don’t mind asking but could you
I’m sorry to hear about I’d be very grateful if you could
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