CPE WRITING

Part 1: an essay; candidates are required to base their answers on two texts, each
approximately 100 words
Part 2: an article, a letter, a report or a review. There is one text of no more than
70 words. The texts will be based on a variety of authentic, contemporary sources.

WRITING TYPES:
PART 1:
ESSAY: compulsory
-2 short texts; extract main ideas + conclusion
-corpus: introductory text, text1 summary, text2 summary, own ideas/conclusion
TITLE: creative
INTRO: “The text considers the role of…./ Both texts identify a….”
Use your own TEXT1: “The first views /positively, negatively, drawbacks”
words when
TEXT2: “In contrast, the second text raises the issue of…”
summarising
OWN IDEAS
CONCLUSION

*Clear organization, logical sequence of ideas

ADVISE:
-Refer to the 4key points clearly in your answer
-Introduce the main argument at the outset
-Include ideas of your won that are relevant.
-Organise your ideas in logical paragraphs
-Make sure your argument is coherent
- Include an effective conclusion
-Use a variety of sentence openers and linkers
-Write in an unmarked register, using an impersonal tone.
-Use your own words wherever possible

Generalising Specifying Raising an Giving one Giving the Introduction

argument side other side
-It is often said -From the -Considering… -One argument -At the same -Nobody can
that… classical -On the question in favour of time… deny…
-It is usually the performer’s of… this is… -In actual facts… -This essay
-On the other
case that… point of view… -No one would -In support hand…
argues…
-People tend to -X is seen as... dispute… of… -In contrast to… -The text
regard… -In terms of X -It is true -Set/Weighed considers…
-The reality is itself… that… against this is…
that… -As far as X is -This is not to say 3RD PERSON
that…
concerned…
PART2:

1. ARTICLE: Considers aspects of style and ways of holding the reader’s

attention. It focuses on sophistication of language and writing an
article for specific audience. TITLE

ADVISE:
-Read the question carefully to decide on an appropriate style.
-Think of a title that will be suitable for the readership
- Plan the content of your article before you start writing
- Decide whether it is appropriate to use headings for the various sections of the
article
- Include an introduction that outlines the article’s coverage and ties in with
the title
- Order the paragraphs logically, following your plan.
-Make sure your ideas are expressed effectively and are well linked.
- Summarise your main idea in a conclussion
- Use a range of structures in complex sentences
- Demonstrate your knowledge of vocabulary to the full.
- Check your answers for any slips you have made in spelling or grammar.

2. REPORT: Impersonal language, neutral tone.

Passive structures
Sub-headings and other organising devices such as bullets you will make
your own report easier to read.

ADVISE:
-Make a detail plan: brainstorming, bubble map
-Draft sub-heading for each section
-Add bullets when listing information
-Signpost the information clearly
-Write in a neutral and impersonal style
-Include passive structures
-Use a range of relevant vocabulary.

1. Heading: mini titles

2. Bullet points
3. Signposting expressions

3. LETTER: This will be formal in register and the target reader may be the editor of a
newspaper or magazine. You are not expected to include postal addresses
but the letter should be paragraphed and have a suitable opening and
close.
 ADVISE:
-Read the questions carefully to understand the scenario.
-Think about the purpose of your letter –what should it achieve?
-Use a suitability polite tine for the target reader specified.
-Write in a consistently formal register
-Use suitable paragraphing and a range of cohesive devices
-State your reason for writing at the outset
-Begging: Dear Sir or madam, to whom may it concern; ending, yours faithfully.

4. REVIEW: book, film, TV programme, concert, media event.

ADVISE:
-Provide a balance info & opinion
-DON’T describe the whole plot
-Introduce opinions via linkers
-Use rhetorical questions
-Show your range of vocab including specialist terms.
-Name the thing early in the review.

EXAM ADVICE FOR ARTICLES AND LETTERS:

-Decide on an appropriate style and tine for your L or A
-Spend a few minutes thinking about the angle to take.
-Make a list of possible ideas.
-Order these ideas logically and to best effect.
-Note down relevant vocabulary and expressions.
-Include rhetorical questions to preface opinions.