CPE

Writing Guide
Part 1- Essay
• In part 1 of the writing exam you must write an essay.
• The essay is based on two short texts, which either present opposing or complementary viewpoints.
• There are two main points in each of these texts.
• You must summarise and evaluate the ideas expressed, adding your own ideas on the topic where relevant.
• The register used should be neither formal nor informal, and impersonal in tone.
• The word limit is 240-280 words.
• Write a clear plan.
• Do not write a draft copy and then a final copy. There is not enough time.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to read and annotate the texts and make a plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

How to structure an essay

Introduction

Present the topic of discussion and ask questions the essay will answer.

P1: Content points 1 and 2 (paraphrased)

Evaluate and react (your opinion)

P2: Content points 3 and 4

Evaluate and react (your opinion)

Conclusion

Closing remarks (No new ideas)

Planning

Step 1- Text analysis

‣ Read both texts and decide if they are complimentary or contrasting.

‣ Underline the two key content points in each text.

Step 2 – Paraphrasing and summarising

‣ Brainstorm different ways to paraphrase and summarise the key points.

‣ What impressive structures can you use? Inversions, passives, collocations, expressions.

Step 3 – Evaluate and react

‣ Decide which points you agree and disagree with.

‣ Brainstorm your own thoughts and experiences on the subject.

Read the two texts below and then the model answer. Also, read the comments to see what the student did
particularly well.
Useful Phrases
Introduction Summarising Texts
‣ Hardly a week goes by without another report of … appearing ‣ The first extract outlines the benefits/drawbacks of…
in the media.
‣ The writer of the first text is a firm believer in…
‣ Over the past ten years or so the media have frequently
‣ Not only does the first passage state that…, but it also claims
carried reports of …
that…
‣ The trend nowadays is towards (gerund)
‣ The second extract argues/claims that…
‣ How has the public’s opinion on this issue shifted over the last
‣ The second text puts forward the idea that…
few years?
‣ The writer/author of the second passage is highly critical of…
‣ This raises the issue of whether or not …
‣ The second text makes bold statements in support of…
‣ This issue strikes a chord with the vast majority of the general
public. ‣ Both writers seem to agree that…, where their ideas deviate
however is on the topic of…

Critical Examination Stating opinion Concluding

‣ A glaring omission from the first text ‣ It seems to me that … I would also say ‣ All in all it seems to me that …
is… that …
‣ The obvious conclusion to be
‣ While the writer makes some valid ‣ I am convinced that … drawn is that …
arguments in favour of…, she ignores
‣ I am inclined to believe that … ‣ All things considered, …
the fact that…
‣ There is no doubt in my mind that … ‣ On balance, I tend to believe that
‣ One area which the writer seems to
have overlooked is… ‣ In my humble opinion… …

‣ While I am generally in agreement ‣ As far as my opinions on the matter ‣ The prospects for the future will be
with the majority of the first writer’s are concerned,… bleak/grim unless …
points the obvious hole in their
argument is… ‣ I am a firm believer in…

‣ One major weakness in the writer’s ‣ On the whole, I tend to agree with…

argument is that… due to the fact that…

Emphasising Cause Describing causes

‣ I would like to stress that the ‣ The research could lead to a cure for ‣ One factor which has led to … is …
research is still at an early stage. many serious illnesses.
‣ One of the factors which has brought
‣ It should be noted that there are a ‣ The fire resulted in damage to their
number of alternative methods property. this about is …
available. ‣ He was responsible for the accident. ‣ The problem often stems from …
‣ It is worth bearing in mind that 90% ‣ The war brought about enormous
of the scientists researching herbicides social change. ‣ The situation has been exacerbated by
in the US are employed by chemical …
‣ Poor performance in exams can give
companies.
rise to stress and anxiety. ‣ … has only made the situation worse.
‣ Certain foods can trigger allergies.
‣ One consequence of … is …
‣ Passive smoking could contribute to
the development of respiratory
diseases among nonsmokers.
‣ Cost is often the deciding factor when
choosing any product.
 Part 2- Article
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice of writing an article.
• The article is on a certain topic or discussion point.
• You are expected to present information and your own opinion.
• Create an eye-catching title and open with a though-provoking statement to capture the readers’ interest.
• The register used should be neither formal nor informal, but you can use first person pronouns and talk about your
own experience or beliefs.
• The word limit is 280-320 words.
• Write a clear plan.
• Do not write a draft copy and then a final copy. There is not enough time.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write

Read the question below and then the model answer to

the left. Also, read the comments to see what the student
did particularly well.
Structure The title is essential when creating an article.
It should be a concise summary of the information
An attractive title presented in the article.
This should draw the attention of readers and indicate
the article’s theme. For example, if you are writing a description of a place,
using adjectives can enhance the attractiveness of the
An introduction place, before the reader begins reading the article, e.g.
Clarify the theme and attract the reader’s attention. This “The Peace and Tranquility of an Island that Time
can be achieved through anecdotes and addressing the Forgot”.
reader.
If the task involves proposing a solution to a problem or
Main body paragraph your opinion, and so on, you can address your audience
This is where the you can really develop your ideas. directly, e.g.
“What You Need to Do to Be Successful”, or use a
Main body paragraph question such as “Is Learning English Really Necessary
Articles may also have subheadings for each paragraph, Today?”.
though this depends on where the article will be
published and the level of formality therefore required. The title should not be too long and ideally reflect the
style of the article – both formal or informal.
Conclusion
Either a summary of the theme or a final opinion,
recommendation or comment.

Agreeing partially

‣ This is partly true…

To a certain extent…
‣ Up to a point …
‣ While it is true that…, this isn’t always the case.

Qualifying Statements

‣ There is a tendency to…

‣ Usually, … are inclined to…
‣ Generally speaking…
‣ Things appear to be…
‣ In a large number of cases…
‣ In some instances…

Purpose

‣ Therefore…
‣ With this object in view/mind…
‣ To this end…
‣ For this purpose….
Part 2- Review
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a review.
• A review is usually about a TV show or film, a book, a restaurant or hotel.
• In addition to reviewing your particular choice, you may to have to comment in a more general way on the topic.
• It can be a positive, negative, or balanced review. You have to make a recommendation at the end, which could be
positive or negative.
• If you review a book or film, don’t describe the whole plot (i.e. no spoilers!)
• A review is neutral in tone. Avoid contractions but do use colourful descriptive language.
• The word limit is 280-320 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Read the question and then the model answer to the left.
Also, read the comments to see what the student did
particularly well.
 Part 2- Review Structures

Review Structure
‣ Always put a title.
‣ A review should have four or five paragraphs.

Depending on what you have to review, you may change the structure slightly. Look at the two examples below of the
review structure:
‣ On the right all the good and bad aspects have been separated into two paragraphs.
‣ On the left, the paragraphs deal with individual aspects of the hotel or restaurant, so the paragraphs may contain a
mixture of positive and negative comments.

Note: In the model answer they have used the first paragraph to create intrigue and really hook the reader. They then
introduce the name of the hotel in the second main paragraph. This is also acceptable and a great way to engage your
reader.

Restaurant/hotel Review Structure Film/book/TV Review Structure

An attractive title An attractive title

This should draw the attention of readers This should draw the attention of readers

Introduction Introduction
Introduce the name of the restaurant or hotel. You may want Introduce the name of the film or book. You may want to
to say where it is, or other information such as the head chef say who the author or director is, and when the film or
and the cuisine served. book was released.

1st paragraph 1st paragraph

Service- Very friendly but too slow to take order A brief synopsis- but no spoilers!

2nd paragraph 2nd paragraph

Menu/Food- High quality but little variety All the things you liked (e.g acting, locations, plot…)

3rd paragraph 3rd paragraph

Atmosphere- great décor but music too loud All the things you didn’t like (e.g. Special effects, action
scenes…)
Conclusion
Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your overall Conclusion
impression is positive or negative. Make a recommendation, Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your
either positive or negative. overall impression is positive or negative. Make a
recommendation, either positive or negative.
Useful phrases
Introduction:
Personal anecdote to grab attention. Introduce name of book/film, restaurant + location, course, TV show etc.

‣ Seldom do I find the time to…, however when I do take time out of my hectic schedule, I like nothing more than…
‣ Being a bit of a book worm, the news that … had released a new book had me dying to read it.
‣ Being a bit of a film buff, the news that … had filmed a new movie had me itching to see it. So last week I popped
down with a friend to check it out.
‣ Having never seen/read… before, I approached … with a sense of trepidation, not knowing what to expect. Soon
however, all my fears were allayed.

Book and Film reviews:

Vocabulary to describe the book in general: Vocabulary to describe specific parts:

‣ A page-turner ‣ A slow start
‣ I couldn't put it down. ‣ A gentle introduction
‣ Glowing reviews ‣ Gripping climax
‣ Brought a tear to my eye ‣ Nail-biting conclusion
‣ Like watching paint dry (boring) ‣ Cliff-hanger ending
‣ I was on the edge of my seat (exciting) ‣ A shocking twist in the tail
‣ Gripping (exciting)
Setting:
Vocabulary to describe a film/TV series in general: ‣ The book/film is set in _______(place/time)
‣ An all-star cast ‣ The action takes place in ______ (place/time)
‣ An accomplished actor ‣ The present day (now)
‣ An unmitigated disaster (bad film) ‣ An alternate reality where vampires / wizards walk the
‣ A dazzling display of his/her talents earth
‣ Brought a tear to my eye ‣ A sleepy village in the USA
‣ Like watching paint dry (boring) ‣ The bustling city of New York
‣ I was on the edge of my seat (exciting)
‣ A blockbuster (big commercial film eg Superman) Plot:
‣ Capture the audience’s imagination. ‣ The plot centres around / focuses on the adventures /
‣ Spectacular set-pieces (main action scenes) lives of…
‣ The director evokes a magical atmosphere ‣ The plot follows the adventures of (character name)
‣ Brad Pitt gives a(n) (un)convincing performance as…
‣ The film is let down by a clichéd script. Characters:
‣ Villain / hero / heroine / anti-hero / main character /
protagonist
‣ The characters are believable / well-crafted / a bit 2
dimensional.

Killer Lines when concluding

‣ … really raises the bar (sets a higher standard)
‣ Were I to sum up … in one word, it would be… ‣ … sets the benchmark for other (others will be judges
‣ … left a lot to be desired (wasn’t good enough) against how good it is)
‣ …more than lives up to the hype (is as good as everyone ‣ … ticks all the right boxes
says it is) ‣ … holds up well in comparison with …
‣ … is by far and away the best … you’re likely to … this ‣ …comes off badly in comparison with …
year
 Part 2- Report

• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a report.
• This task requires you to provide information about a situation in the present or past. You also have to suggest a future
course of action.
• It has to be concise and well-organised. Use headings so that the reader can quickly find the information they are looking
for in your text.
• Always end your report with a recommendation that will improve the situation.
• It is a formal paper, so avoid contractions and saying “I”, “we” etc.
• The word limit is 220-260 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Steps to take when planning and writing Report Structure

1. Identify and focus on the purpose Title

Be clear with your objectives and audience before you start Introduction
working. Who are you writing for? What do they already know? Focus on the aim of the report.
What do they need to know? Why do they read your report?
Subheading
2. Collect your data and thoughts Give the relevant facts about the current or past
Collect all relevant information. Gather your thoughts by writing situation.
notes. At this stage, don’t worry about the general structure or
exact wording. Subheading
Give the relevant facts about the current or past
3. Arrange the report thoroughly situation.
Develop logical arguments under several headings and subtitles.
Subheading
4. Focus on the target of the report first. Give the relevant facts about the current or past
The report starts with the title and introduction, and the situation.
introduction starts with a motivational stage attracting the reader
to read more.
Recommendations and conclusion statement
5. Then you can focus specifically on the tasks in the topic Make your recommendations
A report should be well organised and clearly arranged in
sections.
The subheadings will depend on the content
6. End your report with a recommendation. points you are given. However, normally they will
Reader should find here all important conclusions and be two distinct points and give recommendations,
recommendation according to the given topic or it will say evaluate and give recommendations ,
which in essence is asking for strengths and
weaknesses.
Part 2- Report
Report- Useful phrases

Stating the purpose of the proposal Recommendations and suggestions

‣ The principal objectives of this report are to ‣ I would strongly recommend that…
‣ The objective of this report is to… ‣ In the light of the results of the survey I would advise
‣ The purpose of this report is to evaluate / explain / against…
describe / analyse etc ‣ The best solution would be to…
‣ In order to improve …… it is necessary to..
Background information ‣ This will have a positive impact on …

‣ At the present moment,

Final recommendations
‣ Comments made at the end of the questionnaires
suggest… ‣ Implementation of the above ideas would result in...

‣ Following a survey among… ‣ Provided that these recommendations are taken into
consideration,…
‣ Concerned members of the local community were
invited to attend… ‣ Should these suggestions be implemented, there will
be a drastic increase/improvement in…
‣ A number of concerns with regard to XYZ were
expressed by…
Development
‣ First of all,…
‣ In addition to this
‣ Furthermore,…
‣ Moreover,…
‣ In fact,…
‣ Last but by no means least,…
 Part 2- Formal Letters
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a formal letter or email. This may be to the editor of a
newspaper, writing a letter of recommendation, or even a letter of complaint.
• It is a formal task, so avoid contractions and colloquial language.
• You should always be polite and respectful, even if you complain. A useful way to achieve it especially in formal letters is
to use ‘modal verbs’, i.e., would, could or should.
• Do not include any addresses.
• The word limit is 280-320 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Formal letter Structure

Salutation

Use Dear Sir or Madam if you don’t know the name of the recipient.
If you know the name, use the appropriate title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) along with the surname (e.g. Dear Mr
Jenkins).
If you are writing to a newspaper editor, then use Dear Editor.

Paragraph one

The first paragraph outlines the purpose of the letter and the reason for its sending.

Paragraph 1
In paragraph one deal with the first point included in the question. If the question doesn’t include any specific points
(like some letters of complaint for example) then you have to make up your own ideas.

Paragraph 2

Develop your next main point

Paragraph 3

Develop your final key point

Concluding

At the end, conclude the letter and finish any thoughts mentioned before, or specify any action the recipient should
take, return money, send information, etc.

Signing off

Yours faithfully if you don’t know the name of the recipient.

Yours sincerely if you know the name of the recipient.

[Your name]
 Part 2- Letter to an Editor
• You may be asked to write a letter to the editor of a
Read the exam question below and then the response.
newspaper.
• This is usually in response to an article you have
read.
• This is all about giving your opinion and supporting
it with reasons and examples.
• A balanced argument is best, since it allows you to
use a wider range of vocabulary and cohesive
devices.
Part 2- Formal Letter of Complaint

• You must write a letter complaining about a product or service that didn’t match your expectations. Be creative with
the problems, but always maintain a formal register and be polite.
• After providing information in the main body paragraphs about the problems you experienced, specify any action you
want taken in the final main paragraph.

Read the exam question and the model answer below. Notice that in the question we have some reference to main
content points (the food and service). However, you have to be creative and invent the specific problems.

Read this extract from a letter you have recently sent to a friend:

.... Oh, and by the way, don't go to Barry's Restaurant for your birthday. We went there last night - the service was
awful and the food was a disaster! I complained to the head waiter but he asked me to put it in writing …

Write your letter of complaint to the restaurant manager (around 220-260 words)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my dismay with regards to my experience of your restaurant yesterday. I chose ‘Joe’s Diner’ to
impress three of my most important business clients, after having read a glowing review in "Best Restaurants in Britain
2020”. Sadly, the reality failed to live up to my expectations.

First of all, as stated in the guide book, you did have a variety of set meals on the menu. However, only two meat
dishes and one fish dish were on offer yesterday, which deeply disappointed my guests. Nonetheless, we chose a
starter, a main dish and a dessert à la carte. This was no easy task though, since many of the items on the menu were
unavailable. In the end we had no other choice than to opt for the onion soup and seafood salad for starters.

On top if that, the main meals were not served at the same time; in fact, about five minutes after a rump steak was put
on the table for one of my clients, still none of the others had been served. I asked your staff to bring all the other
meals as soon as possible and in another five minutes only two, including my grilled salmon, were brought to us. When
the final dish, the steamed trout, was put on the table, the client who had ordered the rump steak had almost finished.

However, the straw that broke the camel’s back was when the desserts came. Never in my life have I seen such a pitiful
excuse for a mango sorbet. Dare I say it was more akin to a Mango soup.

On paying the bill, I complained about the slew of inconveniences to your head waiter, but he asked me to contact you
directly in writing. I feel that a refund to the tune of at least £200 would be appropriate. Should this demand not be
met, you shall be hearing from my lawyer.

I look forward to receiving a satisfactory reply within 14 days.

Yours faithfully,

Jane Smith
Useful Phrases

Listing Problems Requesting Action

‣ First of all, ‣ It seems only fair that you should… (offer a full
refund)
‣ Not only was there a hair in my wife’s soup, but the
main course also arrived cold. ‣ I would appreciate it if you…

‣ On top of that… ‣ I would be grateful if you…

‣ As if that was not enough… ‣ Should these demands not be met, you will be
hearing from my lawyers.
‣ To top it all off…
‣ I expect to receive compensation to the tune of
‣ The straw that broke the camel’s back was…
(€2000) for the…

Complaining Expressions
Making Recommendations

‣ The standard of the… was not up to scratch.

‣ I strongly recommend that your organisation…
‣ The… was not up to the expected standard.
‣ It would be advisable to…
‣ The… left a lot to be desired.
‣ I suggest re-evaluating your procedures regarding…
‣ The… failed to live up to our expectations.

‣ We were left bitterly disappointed by… Sign off

‣ The quality of the customer service we received was
woefully inadequate. ‣ I look forward to receiving your reply.

‣ The… was an absolute disgrace. ([Link]) ‣ I expect to receive a prompt reply to this letter.

‣ Overall, our visit to your (restaurant) was an ‣ Yours faithfully,

unmitigated disaster from start to finish.

Different ways to say…

Bad Shocked Angry

‣ Awful ‣ Taken aback ‣ Irate

‣ Appalling ‣ Astonished ‣ Cross

‣ Dreadful ‣ Astounded ‣ Infuriated

‣ Wretched ‣ Speechless ‣ Seething

‣ Terrible ‣ Stunned ‣ Indignant

‣ Sub-par ‣ Staggered ‣ Enraged

‣ Rubbish ‣ Lost for words ‣ Mad

Part 2- Letter of Recommendation

‣ You may be asked to write a

letter of recommendation for a
colleague or friend.
‣ It may sound appropriate to only
compliment your friend, but you
must include some negative
points as this allows you to show
a wider range of vocabulary.
‣ Just remember to try to convey
the negative as a positive.
‣ e.g. “Thomas does not always
complete projects on time
owing to his perfectionist
nature”.

Different ways to say…

Good Nice
Happy
‣ Splendid ‣ Courteous
‣ Cheerful
‣ Outstanding ‣ Likeable
‣ Merry
‣ Tremendous ‣ Cordial
‣ Jovial
‣ Stupendous ‣ Considerate
‣ Joyful
‣ Wonderful ‣ Cordial
‣ Delightful
‣ Superb

‣ Marvellous