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

-It is often said

that
-It is usually the
case that
-People tend to
regard
-The reality is
that

-From the
classical
performers
point of view
-X is seen as...
-In terms of X
itself
-As far as X is
concerned

Raising an
argument
-Considering
-On the question
of
-No one would
dispute

Giving one
side
-One argument
in favour of
this is
-In support
of
-It is true
that

Giving the
other side
-At the same
time
-In actual facts
-On the other
hand
-In contrast to
-Set/Weighed
against this is
-This is not to say
that

Introduction
-Nobody can
deny
-This essay
argues
-The text
considers
3RD PERSON

PART2:
1. ARTICLE:

Considers aspects of style and ways of holding the readers

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 articles 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
-DONT 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.