Cambridge exam: writing

tasks (Part 1)

27.03.24
Tips for preparing for the Writing test (both Part 1 & 2)
➔ You write best when you choose topics you’re interested in / have experience in.
➔ Read the questions carefully - highlight or underline the most important parts of the question. Don’t read
the start, then ASSUME you know what the rest of the question is asking.
➔ The allowed time is 1 hour 20 minutes - this is enough for you to make brief plans and then write two
answers.
➔ Think about who the target reader is for each task so you write in an appropriate style and tone.
➔ Link your ideas effectively with discourse markers.
➔ Don’t be afraid to use complex language - you will always be given credit for the attempt even if you make
a mistake (as long as it does not affect communication).
➔ Practice without dictionaries - they aren’t allowed in the exam.
➔ Spelling and punctuation are important! You won’t be penalised, but it can affect communication
(American usage and spelling are acceptable)
➔ Each question carries equal marks so give equal effort to both.
 Task types in the Writing paper (some, not all)
➔ An article: usually written for an English-language magazine aimed at teenagers, assumed to have similar
interests to the writer (you). The main purpose = to interest and engage the reader - should give opinions or
comments.
➔ An email: written in response to a given situation. You can expect to write to a school principle or a friend.
➔ An essay: always written for the teacher. It should be well-organised (introduction, your opinion on the given
ideas, your own idea and a conclusion).
➔ A letter: written in response to a given situation. Needs to be consistently written in an appropriate register for
the target reader. Expect to write to a friend, a magazine editor, a school principal, or a classmate etc.
➔ A review: written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website. The main purpose = to describe and
express a personal opinion about something you have experienced (e.g., a holiday). Give the reader a clear
impression what is was like. Descriptions and explanations are key for this task and will normally include a
recommendation to the reader.
➔ A report: written for an English-language magazine or website for teenagers. The main purpose = engage the
interest of the reader. Have a clear storyline which links to the first sentences and demonstrate a good
understanding of narrative tenses.
 Writing Part 1 - compulsory task
➔ The task will be in the form of an essay question with prompts. It will include:
◆ Agreeing or disagreeing with a statement
◆ Giving opinions on a question
◆ Giving information or explanations
◆ Comparing and contrasting ideas and opinions
◆ Giving examples and reasons
◆ Making conclusions
➔ It’s expected to be grammatically correct, using a neutral or formal register.
➔ The essay may be a direct question or statement - you will be asked to give your opinions.
➔ The essay will have two given prompts which is clearly linked to the question or statement - you must
address both prompts and also your own prompt. You will be penalised if any of the three essay prompts
is missing from your essay.
➔ Brainstorming ideas before you write is good practice for this.
Part 1 example

➔ Essay is given as a direct question.

➔ Two given prompts and space to add

your own
 Assessment
➔ Tests are marked using assessment scales
referencing the Common European Framework
of Reference (CEFR).
➔ The scales have subscales:
◆ Content: how well have you fulfilled the task? Have you
done what you were asked to do?
◆ Communicative achievement: how appropriate is your
writing for the task? Did you use the appropriate
register?
◆ Organisation: how have you put together your essay? Is
it logical and in order?
◆ Language: this focuses on vocabulary and grammar.
Have you used a range of language? How accurate is it?
➔ It is marked between 0 to 5.
The three remaining
subscales are specific
to each CEFR level.

The FCE exam level

Assessment scale:
used for marking your
responses.