C1 ADVANCED (CAE)

GUÍA COMPLETA DE WRITING

Ejemplos anotados · Frases clave · Criterios de evaluación

Cambridge English C1 Advanced | Parts 1 & 2

📋 El Writing en el CAE: visión general
El papel de Writing del Cambridge C1 Advanced consta de dos partes. Tienes 1 hora 30 minutos
para completar ambas tareas.

PARTE 1 PARTE 2
Tarea Essay (obligatorio) Una de: article, email/letter, report,
review
Palabras 220–260 220–260
Tiempo 45 minutos 45 minutos
recomendado
Tipo Académico / semi-formal Variable según tarea

Criterios de evaluación (Cambridge marking)

Todos los textos se evalúan según estos cuatro criterios (cada uno vale hasta 5 puntos):

📌 Content 📌 Organisation
¿Has respondido a TODOS los puntos del ¿Hay estructura clara, párrafos bien
prompt? ¿Nada fuera de tema? delimitados, conectores variados y cohesión?

📌 Communicative Achievement 📌 Language

¿Usas el registro adecuado? ¿El texto ¿Usas vocabulario preciso, variado y C1? ¿Las
cumple su función comunicativa (persuadir, estructuras gramaticales son complejas y
informar, entretener...)? correctas?
✍️ PARTE 1: Essay (Discussion Essay)

¿Qué es?
El essay del CAE es siempre un discussion essay: debes analizar dos perspectivas de un
tema (a partir de dos ideas del prompt) y dar tu propia opinión fundamentada. Registro:
semi-formal/formal. Tono: objetivo pero argumentado.

Estructura obligatoria
Párrafo Nombre Contenido
P1 Introduction Contextualizar el tema + plantear la cuestión (NO dar tu
opinión aún)
P2 Idea 1 (prompt) Desarrollar el primer punto con argumento + ejemplo/dato
P3 Idea 2 (prompt) Desarrollar el segundo punto con argumento +
ejemplo/dato
P4 Tu perspectiva Añadir un tercer argumento o matiz propio (muy
(opcional) recomendable)
P5 Conclusion Resumir + posición final clara + posible recomendación

Ejemplo anotado completo

Prompt: 'Modern technology has transformed the way people communicate. Discuss the impact of
technology on personal relationships and on professional environments.'

[INT] Introducción [ARG] Argumento [EJ] Ejemplo/apoyo [CON] Concesión [CONC] Conclusión

[INT] The advent of digital communication tools has fundamentally altered the ways in which
individuals interact, both in their personal lives and within professional settings. While these
developments have undeniably brought about greater connectivity, it is worth examining whether
such convenience comes at a cost.

[ARG] From a personal perspective, technology has made it considerably easier to maintain
long-distance relationships and stay in touch with family and friends across the globe. Social
media platforms and instant messaging applications allow people to share experiences in real
time, fostering a sense of closeness that would have been impossible a generation ago.
[EJ] For example, video calls have enabled families separated by migration to remain
emotionally connected in ways that a mere phone call could never replicate.
[CON] However, critics argue that the quality of these interactions has declined, with face-to-
face conversations being increasingly replaced by superficial digital exchanges.
 [ARG] In professional contexts, technological tools such as collaborative platforms and remote-
working software have transformed productivity and expanded the talent pool available to
employers. Teams can now operate across different time zones with a degree of efficiency that
was previously unimaginable.
[EJ] Indeed, the widespread adoption of remote-working models during the global pandemic
demonstrated that many roles can be performed effectively without a physical office.

[CON] Nevertheless, there is a compelling case to be made that an overreliance on digital tools
can erode workplace culture. The informal exchanges that occur naturally in a shared office
space are difficult to replicate virtually, and this loss can negatively affect team cohesion and
employee wellbeing.

[CONC] In conclusion, while technology has undeniably enhanced both personal and
professional communication in terms of speed and reach, it would be misguided to overlook the
potential drawbacks. A balanced approach — one that harnesses the benefits of digital tools
without abandoning the value of genuine human interaction — would appear to be the most
prudent course of action.

Frases clave para el Essay

Expresión / Frase Función / Uso Ejemplo en contexto
It is widely acknowledged Introducir un hecho It is widely acknowledged that social media
that... aceptado has reshaped modern communication.

The issue of X is one Iniciar introducción The issue of urban poverty is one that
that... demands urgent attention.

While it is true that..., it Concesión + While it is true that technology saves time, it
should also be noted contraste should also be noted that it can increase
that... stress.

From a Introducir ángulo de From an environmental perspective,

[personal/economic] análisis renewable energy is the only viable solution.
perspective,

There is a compelling Introducir argumento There is a compelling case to be made that

case to be made that... fuerte education should be free.

It would be remiss not to Reconocer punto It would be remiss not to acknowledge the
acknowledge... contrario concerns raised by critics.

On balance, it seems Conclusión On balance, it seems clear that the benefits

clear that... equilibrada outweigh the drawbacks.

A nuanced approach Matizar posición final A nuanced approach would suggest that
would suggest... neither extreme is ideal.

Furthermore, / Moreover, / Añadir argumento Furthermore, studies have shown a direct link
In addition, between exercise and mental health.

Nevertheless, / Contraste / giro Nevertheless, the economic costs cannot be

Nonetheless, / That said, argumental ignored.
📰 PARTE 2: Article

¿Qué es?
Un artículo para una publicación (revista, web, periódico escolar/universitario). Tono:
informal o semi-formal, vivo y personal. El lector espera ser entrenido E informado. Puedes
usar humor, anécdotas, preguntas retóricas, y dirigirte directamente al lector.

Estructura recomendada
› Título llamativo (obligatorio en articles)
› Párrafo de apertura: gancho — pregunta, anécdota, dato sorprendente
› 2–3 párrafos de desarrollo con subtítulos opcionales
› Párrafo de cierre: reflexión, call to action o pregunta final al lector

Ejemplo anotado
Prompt (revista universitaria): 'Write an article about a skill you have learnt that has changed your
life.'

[TITLE] Título [HOOK] Gancho [PERS] Tono [DEV] Desarrollo [CLOSE] Cierre
atractivo inicial personal / anécdota del tema con impacto

[TITLE] One Small Decision, One Life-Changing Skill

[HOOK] Have you ever made a seemingly trivial choice that turned out to reshape your entire
outlook on life? Three years ago, almost on a whim, I signed up for a public speaking course —
and nothing has been the same since.

[PERS] I had always been the person who would go to extraordinary lengths to avoid standing
in front of a crowd. Group presentations at university were a source of genuine dread, and I had
perfected the art of becoming invisible at meetings. The idea of voluntarily practising public
speaking struck most of my friends as a peculiar form of self-torture.

[DEV] Yet the benefits were not long in coming. Within weeks, I noticed that I was no longer
stumbling over my words in casual conversations. I began to listen more attentively to others, to
structure my thoughts before speaking, and — perhaps most surprisingly — to actually enjoy
the spotlight on occasion.

[DEV] Beyond the obvious professional advantages — I have since delivered a conference talk
and chaired several meetings — the skill has had a profound effect on my self-confidence. There
is something deeply empowering about knowing that you can hold a room's attention, even
briefly.
 [CLOSE] So, if there is one piece of advice I would pass on, it is this: do not wait until you feel
ready. Pick up that skill you have been quietly avoiding, and discover just how much it might
transform you. You might surprise yourself.

Frases clave para el Article

Expresión / Frase Función / Uso Ejemplo en contexto
[Catchy title / question as Título atractivo Is Social Media Making Us Lonely?
title]

Have you ever...? / What Gancho con pregunta Have you ever wished you could turn back the
if...? retórica clock?

Picture this: ... Gancho narrativo / Picture this: it's Monday morning and your
visualización alarm doesn't go off.

It goes without saying Poner en duda un It goes without saying that hard work pays off
that... — or does it? tópico — or does it?

What's more, / To top it all Añadir información What's more, the whole experience cost me
off, informal next to nothing.

In short, / The bottom line Resumir The bottom line is: the benefits far outweigh
is... informalmente the effort.

If you take only one thing Consejo final If you take only one thing away from this, let it
away from this, let it be... memorable be: try it.

Believe it or not, ... Dato sorprendente Believe it or not, the app is completely free.
informal
📊 PARTE 2: Report

¿Qué es?
Un informe formal para un superior, comité u organización. El objetivo es presentar
información, evaluar una situación y hacer recomendaciones. Tono: formal e impersonal.
Uso obligatorio de encabezados y secciones numeradas o tituladas.

Estructura obligatoria
› Encabezado: To: / From: / Date: / Subject: (o Report on: ...)
› Introduction: propósito del informe
› 2–3 secciones con subtítulos (Findings / Current situation / Problems identified...)
› Recommendations: propuestas concretas y justificadas
› Conclusion (opcional pero valorado)

Ejemplo anotado
Prompt: 'You have been asked to write a report for your college principal on the facilities available for
students and to make recommendations for improvement.'

[HEAD] [INT] Introducción / [FIND] Hallazgos / [REC] [FORM] Lenguaje

Encabezado formal propósito situación actual Recomendaciones formal impersonal

[HEAD] To: Dr Caroline Webb, Principal From: Student Representative Committee Date: 15
November 2024 Subject: Student Facilities — Current Provision and Recommendations

[INT] Introduction The purpose of this report is to assess the adequacy of existing facilities for
students at the college and to put forward a number of recommendations aimed at improving
the overall student experience.

[FIND] Current Situation A survey conducted among 200 students revealed a number of
concerns regarding current provision. While the library is considered well-resourced, the sports
facilities were rated as inadequate by 68% of respondents. Furthermore, the cafeteria was
criticised for its limited opening hours and restricted menu options, particularly for students with
dietary requirements.

[FORM] It was also noted that the study spaces available outside library hours are insufficient to
meet demand, particularly during examination periods.

[REC] Recommendations In light of the above findings, the following measures are strongly
recommended: — The refurbishment of the sports hall and the introduction of a greater variety
of fitness classes. — An extension of cafeteria operating hours to include evenings, along with
 a revised menu offering plant-based options. — The designation of at least two additional rooms
as quiet study spaces, accessible until 10 pm on weekdays.

[INT] Conclusion It is to be hoped that the implementation of these recommendations will lead
to a measurable improvement in student satisfaction and academic performance. A follow-up
survey six months after any changes are introduced would be advisable in order to evaluate
their impact.

Frases clave para el Report

Expresión / Frase Función / Uso Ejemplo en contexto
The purpose of this report Introducción / objetivo The purpose of this report is to evaluate the
is to... current training provision.

This report aims to assess Alternativa a la This report aims to assess the feasibility of the
/ examine / outline... anterior proposed changes.

A survey / study / analysis Presentar hallazgos A survey revealed that 74% of staff felt
revealed that... underprepared.

It was found / noted / Hallazgo en pasiva It was noted that attendance had declined
observed that... impersonal significantly.

In light of the above Transición a In light of the above findings, immediate action
findings, recomendaciones is recommended.

It is (strongly) Recomendación It is strongly recommended that the policy be

recommended that... formal revised.

It would be advisable to + Sugerencia It would be advisable to conduct a further

inf moderada review in six months.

Should [X] be Resultado esperado Should this measure be implemented, it is

implemented, it is condicional anticipated that costs will fall.
anticipated that...

With regard to / Regarding Introducir subtema With regard to staffing levels, the situation is
/ Concerning unsustainable.

Overall, it is clear that... Conclusión del Overall, it is clear that significant investment is
informe required.
⭐ PARTE 2: Review

¿Qué es?
Una reseña de un libro, película, restaurante, espectáculo, producto, etc. Tono: informal o
semi-formal. El objetivo es describir, evaluar y recomendar (o no). Debes dar tu opinión
personal con matices: no todo perfecto, no todo terrible.

Estructura recomendada
› Título opcional (recomendado)
› Párrafo 1: Identificar el objeto de la reseña + contexto breve
› Párrafo 2: Aspectos positivos con ejemplos / detalles específicos
› Párrafo 3: Aspectos negativos o limitaciones (siempre incluir alguno)
› Párrafo 4: Veredicto final + recomendación clara

Ejemplo anotado
Prompt (revista de entretenimiento): 'Write a review of a film you have seen recently that you would
recommend to other students.'

[ID] Identificar [POS] Puntos [NEG] Puntos [OP] Opinión [VER] Veredicto /
objeto positivos negativos / matices personal recomendación

[ID] A Quiet Kind of Brilliant — A Review of Past Lives (2023)

Directed by Celine Song, Past Lives is a quiet yet devastating exploration of love, identity and
the roads not taken. It tells the story of two childhood sweethearts from South Korea whose lives
diverge and briefly converge again, decades later, in New York City.

[POS] What makes this film exceptional is its restraint. Song trusts her audience to feel rather
than to be told how to feel, and the result is a slow-burning emotional experience that lingers
long after the credits roll. The performances are extraordinary: Greta Lee, in particular, conveys
a lifetime of unexpressed feeling through the smallest of gestures.
[OP] Personally, I found the film's treatment of immigration and belonging to be its most original
aspect — it raises profound questions about identity that will resonate with anyone who has ever
felt caught between two worlds.

[NEG] Admittedly, the pacing is deliberately slow, and viewers in search of dramatic plot twists
may find their patience tested. There are sequences in which very little happens externally, and
those unfamiliar with the conventions of arthouse cinema might find this alienating.

[VER] That said, Past Lives is a film that rewards patience and emotional openness in equal
measure. For anyone willing to sit with ambiguity and nuance, it is an experience not to be
 missed. Quite simply, one of the finest films of recent years — and a near-perfect introduction
to Song's remarkable talent.

Frases clave para el Review

Expresión / Frase Función / Uso Ejemplo en contexto
[Title] is a [adj] + Presentar el objeto Succession is a gripping drama that
[genre/type] that... challenges our assumptions about power.

What sets [X] apart is... Señalar punto What sets this restaurant apart is its
diferenciador extraordinary attention to detail.

Particularly impressive / Destacar aspecto Particularly impressive is the director's use of

noteworthy / striking is... positivo silence.

The standout feature / Destacar lo mejor The standout performance is undoubtedly that
element / performance of the lead actress.
is...

Admittedly, ... / It must be Introducir punto Admittedly, the second half loses some
said that... negativo con matiz momentum.

On the downside, / One Señalar limitación On the downside, the portion sizes left
drawback is... something to be desired.

That said, / Nevertheless, Contrastar con That said, the overall experience was well
aspecto positivo worth the price.

All things considered, / On Iniciar veredicto All things considered, this is a highly
balance, accomplished debut.

I would (not) hesitate to Recomendación final I would not hesitate to recommend this novel
recommend... to any keen reader.

...is unlikely to disappoint. Cierre positivo Fans of the original series are unlikely to be
disappointed.
✉️ PARTE 2: Email / Formal Letter

¿Qué es?
Un email o carta puede ser formal o informal, dependiendo del destinatario (empresa,
autoridad = formal; amigo = informal). En el CAE, lo más frecuente es formal o semi-formal:
queja, solicitud, propuesta o respuesta a una convocatoria. ¡El registro debe ser
CONSISTENTE de principio a fin!

Formal vs Informal: ¿cuándo usar cuál?

FORMAL (carta/email a empresa u INFORMAL (email a amigo o familiar)
organismo)
Dear Mr/Ms [Surname], → Yours sincerely Dear [First name], / Hi [name], → Best wishes /
Take care
I am writing to enquire about / complain about... Just a quick email to let you know / ask you...
I would be grateful if you could... Could you possibly...? / Any chance you could...?
Please do not hesitate to contact me... Feel free to get in touch / drop me a line...
I look forward to hearing from you. Hope to hear from you soon! / Chat soon!

Ejemplo anotado: Formal letter of complaint

Prompt: 'You recently attended a professional development course that did not meet your
expectations. Write a letter to the course organiser explaining your concerns and requesting a partial
refund.'

[OPEN] Apertura [PUR] Propósito de [COMP] Queja [REQ] Solicitud / [CLOSE] Cierre
formal la carta específica propuesta formal

[OPEN] Dear Ms Harrison,

[PUR] I am writing with regard to the two-day Project Management Masterclass I attended on
3rd and 4th October at your training centre in Bristol. While I had enrolled with considerable
enthusiasm, I regret to say that the course fell substantially short of the standard advertised.

[COMP] To begin with, the course materials were significantly out of date, with several case
studies referencing legislation that was superseded over five years ago. Furthermore, the
facilitator appeared ill-prepared and was unable to answer a number of questions posed by
participants, frequently deferring to handouts rather than drawing on professional expertise.
[COMP] In addition, the venue itself proved wholly inadequate: the air conditioning was non-
functional throughout, and the limited seating arrangements made it virtually impossible to take
notes comfortably.
 [REQ] In light of these shortcomings, I would be most grateful if you could arrange a partial
refund of 50% of the course fee. I trust that this is a reasonable request given the significant gap
between what was promised and what was delivered.

[CLOSE] I look forward to your prompt response and hope that we can resolve this matter
without further delay. Yours sincerely, A. García

Frases clave para Email / Letter

Expresión / Frase Función / Uso Ejemplo en contexto
I am writing to enquire Propósito (formal) I am writing with reference to your
about / regarding / with advertisement in the local press.
reference to...

I am writing to express my Queja formal I am writing to express my profound

concern / dissatisfaction / dissatisfaction with the service received.
disappointment...

I would be most grateful if Solicitud formal I would be most grateful if you could provide
you could... educada further details.

I trust that / I hope that Expectativa educada I trust that you will look into this matter as a
you will... priority.

In light of the above / Transición a petición In light of the above, I feel that a refund would
Given the circumstances, be appropriate.

I look forward to hearing Cierre estándar I look forward to receiving your response at
from you / to your reply. your earliest convenience.

Please do not hesitate to Ofrecer más Please do not hesitate to contact me should
contact me should you información you require any further details.
require...

It has come to my Introducir problema It has come to my attention that several errors
attention that... detectado appear in the brochure.
💡 PARTE 2: Proposal

¿Qué es?
Una propuesta formal para conseguir financiación, aprobación o apoyo para un proyecto.
Tono: formal y persuasivo. Debes convencer al lector de que tu idea es viable, útil y
beneficiosa. Usa subtítulos como en el report, y verbos modales persuasivos. Es MUY
similar al report — la diferencia clave es que el report analiza lo existente; el proposal
CONVENCE de algo nuevo.

Estructura recomendada
› Encabezado: To: / From: / Subject:
› Introduction: propósito + contexto de la propuesta
› Current situation / Background: justificar por qué hace falta
› Proposed plan / Suggestions: detallar lo que propones
› Benefits / Expected outcomes: beneficios concretos y cuantificables si es posible
› Conclusion / Call to action: pedir aprobación / financiación

Ejemplo anotado
Prompt: 'Your company has asked employees to submit proposals for improving staff wellbeing in
the workplace. Write a proposal.'

[INT] Introducción / [PLAN] Plan / [BEN] Beneficios [PERS] Lenguaje [CLOSE] Cierre /
justificación propuesta concreta esperados persuasivo llamada a la acción

[INT] To: Senior Management Team From: Employee Wellbeing Committee Subject: Proposal
for a Workplace Wellbeing Initiative Introduction The purpose of this proposal is to outline a
series of measures designed to enhance staff wellbeing at our company. In light of recent data
indicating elevated levels of workplace stress and a marked increase in sick days taken, it is our
contention that targeted investment in employee wellbeing would yield significant benefits for
both the workforce and the organisation as a whole.

[PLAN] Proposed Measures We would like to put forward three key initiatives for consideration.
Firstly, the introduction of a dedicated quiet room on each floor, where employees can take short
breaks away from their desks. Secondly, the provision of subsidised mindfulness and yoga
sessions during lunchtime, to be offered twice weekly. Finally, the establishment of a peer-
support network, facilitated by trained volunteer mentors, to provide informal support for those
experiencing difficulties.

[BEN] Expected Benefits It is anticipated that these measures would lead to a reduction in
absenteeism, improved morale, and greater productivity. Research consistently demonstrates
that employees who feel supported by their employer are both more loyal and more effective in
 their roles. The long-term cost savings resulting from reduced staff turnover alone would, we
believe, justify the initial investment.

[PERS] These are not merely optional extras; they represent a sound investment in the
company's most valuable asset — its people.

[CLOSE] Conclusion We strongly urge the management team to give this proposal their full
consideration. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these recommendations further
and are confident that their implementation would have a transformative effect on the working
environment.

Frases clave para el Proposal

Expresión / Frase Función / Uso Ejemplo en contexto
The purpose of this Introducción formal The purpose of this proposal is to outline a
proposal is to... new training scheme.

It is our contention that... Presentar argumento It is our contention that remote working should
central be made permanent.

We would like to put Introducir propuesta We would like to put forward three cost-
forward... effective measures.

It is anticipated / projected Predecir resultados It is anticipated that costs will decrease by

that... 20%.

This would not only [X], Ampliar beneficios This would not only save time, but also
but also [Y]. improve staff morale.

Research / Evidence Apoyar con datos Research clearly demonstrates that flexible
clearly demonstrates hours increase productivity.
that...

We strongly urge / Cierre persuasivo We strongly urge the committee to approve

recommend that... this initiative.

We would welcome the Apertura a diálogo We would welcome the opportunity to discuss
opportunity to discuss... this in more detail.
⚠️ Errores frecuentes a evitar en el CAE Writing

Error común ❌ Incorrecto / Débil ✅ Correcto / C1

Mezclar registros Dear Sir, ... talk to you soon! Dear Sir, ... I look forward to
formal/informal hearing from you.
Conectores repetitivos ('also', Also, it is good. But it is Furthermore, it has clear
'and', 'but') expensive. merits. That said, the cost
remains a concern.
Vocabulario B1 en nivel C1 The film was very good and The film was both captivating
nice. and visually stunning.
Frases cortas y yuxtapuestas Technology is useful. It helps Technology has proved
us. It connects us. invaluable in that it enables us
to remain connected globally.
No responder a TODOS los Escribir solo sobre una de las Asegurarse de que cada punto
puntos del prompt dos ideas propuestas del prompt aparece en el texto
Essay con opinión en la In my opinion, technology is The debate surrounding
introducción bad. (1er párrafo) technology's impact is a
complex one. (introducción
neutra)
Report/Proposal sin subtítulos Texto corrido sin estructura Introduction / Findings /
visible Recommendations (secciones
claras)
Pasar del recuento de palabras Texto de 180 palabras Siempre entre 220 y 260
palabras

Vocabulario de nivel C1: palabras que marcan la diferencia

Expresión / Frase Función / Uso Ejemplo en contexto
albeit (= although) Concesión sofisticada It was a success, albeit a modest one.

notwithstanding (= Contraste formal Notwithstanding the challenges, progress was

despite) made.

hitherto (= until now) Señalar cambio de Hitherto, no solution had been found.
situación

purportedly / allegedly Distancia epistémica The product is purportedly made from recycled
materials.

compelling (adj) / Argumento fuerte She makes a compelling case for stricter
compellingly (adv) regulation.

pivotal / instrumental Importancia decisiva This decision proved pivotal to the project's
success.

elicit / prompt / give rise to Alternativas a 'cause' The announcement elicited a strong reaction
from the public.

far-reaching / wide- Consecuencias The policy had far-reaching implications for the
ranging amplias sector.
advocate (v/n) for Apoyar una causa Many experts advocate for a reduction in
working hours.

merit (v) / warrant (v) Merecer atención This issue warrants further investigation.