How to write a CAE essay?

An essay is the first part of the writing and it is obligatory.

You need to answer the question with between 220-260 words. In the text, you need to
analyse a question using different points of view. It is a semi-formal text and should be
impartial until the conclusion. What the examiner wants to see is a balanced argument
that is both interesting and easy to read.

A good essay contains the following parts:

● Introduction
Introduce the topic and say what you are going to talk about and capture the
interest of the reader with a question, a fact or an extreme opinion.
● 1 st paragraph
The first point from the notes (you can mix points if they are related). This should
be your main point, you must justify why it is the most important.
● 2 nd paragraph
The 2nd point from the notes, you need to link it to the first. Explain why it is of
secondary importance.
● 3 rd paragraph
This is optional and can be linked to the second paragraphs. It explains the final
point and links to the others.
● Conclusion
A summary of what you have said in the main paragraphs and make your main
point. It must be interesting and the reader should learn something from it.

Language
This is an advanced piece of writing, so make sure your choice of language reflects it.
You will get marked for accuracy, however, occasional errors can still be present as
long as they do not impede understanding. So don’t play it too safe. This is your
opportunity to show what you can do, so take some risks and have fun with it!

Vocabulary
In the writing paper you should use a range of vocabulary, including less common lexis.
Brainstorm some vocabulary related to the topic. Take your time to think of nouns and
compound nouns that you know at C1 level. Really let your vocabulary sparkle.

For and Against or just one side?

There are two approaches you can choose to write your essay.
 1. For and against
This is the traditional approach where a writer discusses points in favour of their
position and against. Typically this means that one point will be used to contrast
the general position. There are advantages to this method. Firstly, candidates
are often more familiar with it and find it easier to write. Secondly, it gives them
more scope to use a wider variety of linking language.
2. One side only
Writing an essay like this means that all the points will be included as if part of a
list and requires language like firstly, additionally etc. Commonly a writer
supports the idea. As mentioned above it can limit some language people might
want to use but it may suit some.

CAE Essay: Tips

● ANSWER THE QUESTION.
● PLAN your essay.
● REVISE your essay to correct mistakes.
● 4 or 5 PARAGRAPHS, with introduction and conclusion.
● The first paragraph should be a general introduction.
● In the middle paragraphs develop your arguments. Give reasons to support your
argument. Use a variety of discursive words and phrases. Give examples where
possible. Use formal language. Don’t use contractions (we’re, I’ve etc.)
● The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearly

Useful phrases (Writing essays)

CAE Essay: Useful phrases
We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information.
Although it is taking a shortcut, if you learn several expressions for each paragraph in
each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a very
consistent and well-organized text.

Stating facts
Formal: It is certainly true that…; It is certainly the case that…; Undoubtedly…;
Undeniably…; Unquestionably…

Neutral: Without a doubt…; Clearly…

Informal: Obviously…; Of course…; It goes without saying that…

Making general points

Formal: As a general rule…; For the most part…

Neutral: Generally…; In general…; In most cases…; On the whole…

Informal: Generally speaking…

Introducing supporting facts

Formal: Recent research has shown…; There is evidence to suggest…

Neutral: The latest figures suggest that…

Suggesting causes
Formal: This could be a result of…; This may be attributable to…
Neutral: This could be because…; This could/may/might be due to…

Informal: Perhaps this is because…

Making additional points

Formal: It is also the case that…; In addition…; Furthermore…; More importantly…;
More significantly…

Neutral: It is also true that…; What is more…

Informal: Another reason for this could/may/might be…; Besides…; Also…; On top of
this…; Another thing…

Stating results
Formal: Thus…; Consequently…; This has the effect of…

Neutral: Therefore…; As a result…; For this reason…

Informal: So…

Presenting alternative views

Formal: Nevertheless…; Nonetheless…; It can be argued that…

Neutral: Even so…; However…; On the other hand…; Despite this…

Suggesting something is not true

Formal: It is not necessarily the case that…

Neutral: It is not necessarily true that…; Not everyone agrees that…; It seems unlikely
that…
Informal: It is not very likely that…

Contradicting a statement
Neutral: In actual fact…; In reality…

Writing about the present

Formal: Currently…

Neutral: Nowadays…; These days…; Recently…; In recent years…

Informal: Today…