CAE

Writing Guide
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Part 1- Essay
In part 1 of the writing exam you have to write an essay. This question is obligatory.
You are given a general topic and three bullet points. Write about TWO of the bullet points.
You are also given three opinions, but you don’t have to use these. If you do, use your own words.
An essay is formal or neutral in tone. Don’t use contractions or colloquial language.
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

Essay Structure

An essay should have four paragraphs.

Introduction
Normally two or three sentences. Introduce the general topic, then capture the interest of the reader with a question, afact or
an extreme opinion.

1st paragraph
One of the three bullet points from the notes.

2nd paragraph
A second bullet point from the three notes. Link it to the first, whether this is a supporting point or a contrasting view.

Conclusion
A summary of what you have said in the main paragraphs and make your main point. It must be interesting and the readershould learn
something from it. Decide on one of the points as being more important.

Basic Paragraph Structure

1. A topic sentence to introduce the main point of the paragraph.

2. Give (an) example(s) to support your topic sentence.
3. Explanation of example.
4. Introduce second example or contrast.

There have undoubtedly been significant changes in the field of technology over the last century. An obvious example of this is the
development of communications technology, namely the internet. In the past people had to rely on the postal service, which could
take weeks or even months to deliver a message, whereas nowadays messages are sent in the blink ofan eye. Furthermore, the
emergence of low-cost airlines has transformed flying from a luxury reserved only for the rich to an accessible means of transport for
all.
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Below is an example of an exam task and a model answer.

Useful phrases for an essay

Making general points ‣ It goes without saying that… Introducing supporting facts
‣ As a general rule… ‣ Recent research has shown…
‣ For the most part… ‣ There is evidence to suggest…
‣ In general… ‣ The latest figures suggest that…
‣ In most cases…
‣ On the whole… Suggesting something is not true
‣ It is not necessarily the case that…
Making additional points ‣ Not everyone agrees that…
‣ It is also the case that… ‣ It seems unlikely that…
‣ In addition…
‣ Furthermore… Suggesting causes
‣ More significantly… ‣ This could be a result of…
‣ What is more… ‣ This may be attributable to…
‣ This could be because…
Stating facts ‣ This may/might be due to…
‣ It is certainly the case that…
‣ Undoubtedly…
‣ Undeniably…
‣ Without a doubt…
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Stating results
‣ Thus…
‣ Consequently…
‣ This has the effect of…
‣ Therefore…
‣ As a result…
‣ For this reason…

Presenting alternative views

‣ Nevertheless…
‣ Nonetheless…
‣ However…
‣ On the other hand…
‣ Despite this…

Contradicting a statement
‣ In actual fact…
‣ In reality…
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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.
If the question asks you to review two things, write a similar amount about each.
It can be a positive, negative, or balanced review. You have to make a recommendation at the end, which could be
positive or negative.
A review is semi-informal or neutral in tone. Avoid contractions but do use colourful descriptive language.
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

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

Depending on what you have to review, you may change the structure slightly. Look below at the two examples of thereview
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/ restaurant etc., so the paragraphs may contain a
mixture of positive and negative comments.

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

Title Title

Introduction Introduction
Introduce the name of the restaurant/hotel etc. You may wantto Introduce the name of the film or book. You may want tosay
say where it is, or other information such as the head chef and the who the author or director is, and when the film or book was
cuisine served. 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, actionscenes…)

Conclusion Conclusion
Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your overall Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if youroverall
impression is positive or negative. Make a recommendation,either impression is positive or negative. Make a recommendation,
positive or negative. either positive or negative.
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Here are two example answers. The review on the left is for a restaurant. The review on the right is comparing two films.

Read through both the reviews and refer to structures on the previous page.
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Useful phrases for a review

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.
‣ Being a bit of a foody, the news that … had opened a new restaurant had me desperate to try it. So last week I put on my Sunday best and
went to the restaurant with some friends.

‣ Having never seen/read/tried… 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 earth
‣ A dazzling display of his/her talents ‣ A sleepy village in the USA
‣ Brought a tear to my eye ‣ The bustling city of New York
‣ Like watching paint dry (boring)
‣ I was on the edge of my seat (exciting) Plot:
‣ A blockbuster (big commercial film eg Superman) ‣ The plot centres around / focuses on (the adventures / lives of
‣ Gripping (exciting) )
‣ Capture the audience’s imagination. ‣ The plot follows the adventures of (character name)
‣ Spectacular set-pieces (main action scenes)
‣ Meryl Streep is cast in the role of… Characters:
‣ Brad Pitt gives a(n) (un)convincing performance as… ‣ Villain / hero / heroine / anti-hero / main character / protagonist
‣ The film is let down by a clichéd script. ‣ The characters are believable / well-crafted / a bit 2 dimensional.

Restaurant review: Killer Lines when concluding

‣ Hearty meal ‣ Freshly-baked ‣ Were I to sum up … in one word, it would be…

‣ Wholesome food ‣ To feast/gorge on (eat a lot of) ‣ … left a lot to be desired (wasn’t good enough)
‣ Succulent/juicy (meat) ‣ To eat/drink to your heart’s ‣ …more than lives up to the hype (is as good as everyone says it is)
‣ Creamy content ‣ … is by far and away the best … you’re likely to … this year
‣ With a kick (spicy) ‣ Devour/gobble up ‣ … really raises the bar (sets a higher standard)
‣ Crunchy/crispy ‣ Savour ‣ … sets the benchmark for other (others will be judges against how
‣ Well-seasoned ‣ Nibble good it is)
‣ Packed with flavour ‣ Lively atmosphere ‣ … ticks all the right boxes
‣ Mouth-watering ‣ Service with a smile ‣ … holds up well in comparison with …
‣ Heavenly ‣ Cheap – economical/ ‣ …comes off badly in comparison with …
‣ Roast reasonably-priced
‣ Pan-fried ‣ Expensive – pricey/costs an
‣ Grilled arm and a leg
‣ Steamed ‣ €20 a head (per person)
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Part 2- 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 colloquial language.
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

Below is an exam task and a model answer.

Report Structure

Title
Introduction
Focus on the aim of the report.

Subheading
Give the relevant facts about the current situation.

Subheading
Give the relevant facts about the current situation.

Recommendations and conclusion statement

Make your recommendations

The subheadings will depend on the content

points you are given. However, normally there will
be two distinct points and give recommendations,
or it will say evaluate and give recommendations ,
which in essence is asking for strengths and
weaknesses and then suggestions.
Part 2- Proposal
In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a proposal.
This task requires you to outline a problem, or a problematic situation, and provide recommendations for future
solutions.
The main difference between a report and a proposal is that the report focuses on describing a past or present situation,
while a proposal focuses on future actions that will improve a situation.
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 colloquial language.
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

Here is an exam task and a model answer.

The first and last headings stay the same
across any question. However, you need to
create your own headings for the main
paragraphs.

Proposal Structure

Title
Introduction The Missing Sport
Focus on the aim of the report.

Subheading 1
Give relevant facts about the current situation to
A Sensible Investment
provide some context to the proposal. We need to
know basic information about the situation we are
providing solutions for.

Subheading 2
Outline possible actions to improve the situation. In
other words, what you propose to do. Improving People’s Lives

Subheading 3
Explain how the actions you suggested will improve
the situation or benefit people.

Conclusion
A final, brief statement that provides a final
recommendation thus concluding the proposal.
Stating the purpose of the proposal

The principal objectives of this report/proposal are to

In the light of the results of the survey I would advise

against…

Comments made at the end of the questionnaires Implementation of the above ideas would result in...
suggest…
Provided that these recommendations are taken into
consideration,…

Concerned members of the local community were Should these suggestions be implemented, there will
invited to attend… be a drastic increase/improvement in…

Development
Part 2- Formal Letter / Email - General Info.
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, applying for a job, or even a letter of complaint.
It is a formal paper, 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 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

Read the exam question and the model answer. Notice that
the structure is based on the three main points in the question.

Salutation

writing

Main point 1

Main point 2

Main point 3

Concluding

Signing off
Part 2- How to Structure Formal Letters

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 MrJenkins).
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 2
In paragraph two deal with the first point included in the question.

Paragraph 3

Develop your next main point

Paragraph 4

Develop your final key point

Concluding

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

In the case of a job application tell the reader when you are available for interview and thank them for their time.

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- Formal Letter of Complaint

Read the exam question and the model answer. Notice that in the question we have some reference to main contentpoints (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 disappointment 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 Restaurantsin Britain 2000”.
Sadly, the reality failed to live up to my expectations.

First of all, as stated in the guide book, you had a variety of set meals on the menu. However, only 2 meat dishes and 1fish dish
were on offer yesterday, which deeply disappointed my guests. Therefore, we chose a starter, a main dish anda dessert à la carte.
This was not an easy task though, since many were unavailable. In the end we did not have any other choices than the onion soup
and seafood salad for a starter.

Furthermore, the meals were not served at the same time. About five minutes after a rump steak was put on the tablefor one
of my clients, none of the others had been served. I asked your staff to bring all the other meals soon and in another five
minutes only two, including my grilled salmon, were brought to us. When the other one, the steamed trout, was put on the
table, the client who had ordered the rump steak had almost finished.

Finally, the beef steak another client had was overcooked, although he had ordered it medium rare.

On paying the bill, I complained about this inconvenience to your head waiter, but he asked me to contact you directlyin
writing. I feel that a refund to the tune of at least £200 would be appropriate. I look forward to receiving a satisfactory reply
within 14 days.

Yours faithfully,

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

Should these demands not be met, you will be

hearing from my lawyers.

The straw that broke the camel’s back was…

I strongly recommend that your organisation…

I suggest re-evaluating your procedures regarding…

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])
Overall, our visit to your (restaurant) was an Yours faithfully,
unmitigated disaster from start to finish.

Different ways to say…

Awful Irate

Astonished Cross

Dreadful Astounded Infuriated

Wretched Seething
Stunned Indignant
Terrible
Staggered Enraged
Sub-par
Lost for words
Part 2- Letter of Application (Formal)

Explain why you are writing- say where

Dear Sir or Madam,
Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss Johnson you saw the advert and whatrole you
are applying for.
I am writing in response to your advertisement in "English Today"
magazine. I am interested in applying for the role of language school
receptionist.
Work experience is important when
As you will see from my attached CV, I have spent the last three years at applying for a job so invent a fantastic
the International College in Birmingham. During this period, I was
career for yourself!
promoted from phone operator to the position of receptionist. I was
responsible for answering and directing calls, aswell as greeting students
and resolving technical problems.
Moreover, I had the privilege to come into contact with foreign students
who helped me improve my spoken and written English.
Try to convince your potential
Given the experience I have acquired at International College employer why you deserve the job.
Birmingham, I consider myself well-equipped to respond to the What qualities do you possess that
challenge of working in your language centre. I feel I have the necessary make you the best?
personal qualities to deal with the demands of the [Link] instance, I
see myself as a hardworking person who works wellunder pressure. My
experience working with the students at the
In the last paragraph you need to
school has helped me to be more patient and understanding. politely ask that they consider your
application and say when you are
Thank you for taking the time to read my application, I hope you will
available for interview.
consider me for the post. I am available for interview betweenthe 7th
and the 14th of April.

I look forward to hearing from [Link]

Faithfully,
Yours Sincerely,

Claire Prescott
Part 2- Informal Letter
• An informal letter is a form of communication between two people who usually know each other well. Althoughthere
are many reasons for writing an informal letter, it usually consists of topics on a personal level.
• You may have to give advice, or give a narrative account of a situation like a holiday.
• We can be informal in this type of writing since we are talking to a good friend, so contractions are fine. However,we
should still avoid slang expressions.

Read the question below, and then the model answer. Notice the changes in tone and formality between this type ofletter and a
formal letter.
Informal Letter Structure

Friendly greeting
e.g. Hi Tom! Thank you for your letter- it was nice to hear from you!

Introduce the main topic

Your project about foreign customs sounds fascinating. Here in Spain we have so many, so I’ll just
speak about the ones from my area.

Paragraph 1
Deal with the first point included in the question with reasons and examples.

Paragraph 2
Develop your next main point with reasons and examples.

Paragraph 3
Develop your final key point with reasons and examples.

Say goodbye and request a reply

One thing you can do before saying goodbye is make up an excuse to ‘leave’. For example:

Anyway, I’ve got to go now- the kids want their dinner and it won’t cook itself! But don’t be a stranger, give
me a call soon.

Friendly close
All my love,

[Your name]

Greetings Set phrases for Set phrases for Endings

opening paragraphs closing paragraphs

Dear Tom Well, that’s all for All my love

Hi/Hello, Karen! you a line now
I haven’t heard from
you for ages
Thank you for your I must go now
Write soon
hear from you! Waiting for your
Sorry I haven’t
written for so long I look forward to
hearing from you
Different ways to say…

Important/ Necessary Important/ Necessary Advantage Disadvantage

‣ Key ‣ Crucial ‣ Benefit ‣ Drawback

‣ Vital ‣ Fundamental ‣ Boon ‣ Downside
‣ Paramount ‣ Required ‣ Asset ‣ Flaw
‣ Imperative ‣ Plus point (inf) ‣ Pitfall
‣ Essential ‣ Positive ‣ Weakness
‣ Critical ‣ Shortcoming

Problem

Awful Irate
Complication
Astonished Cross
Issue
Dreadful Astounded Infuriated Obstacle
Wretched Speechless Seething Controversy

Terrible Stunned Indignant

Sub-par Staggered Enraged

Lost for words

Good Nice Happy Thing

Splendid Courteous Cheerful Aspect

Likeable Element
Outstanding Merry
Cordial
Tremendous Jovial Feature
Considerate
Joyful Detail
Stupendous
Cordial

Superb Point

Marvellous