CAE

WRITING PAPER

SUMMARY:

Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 2
Number of questions:
PART 1 one compulsory question
PART 2 one question from a choice
of three (email/letter proposal/report
review)

PART 1 (compulsory question)

What's in Part
1?

You read a text, then write an

essay based on points included
in the text. Youll be asked to
explain which of the two points
is more important, and to give
reasons for your opinion.
One compulsory question.

How many
questions are
there?
How much do I 220260 words.
have to write?

PART 2 (situationally based

writing task)
What's in Part 2?

What do I have to
practise?
How many
questions are
there?

You write a text from a choice of

text types letter/email, proposal,
report or review. To guide your
writing, youll be given
information about context, topic
purpose and target reader.
Writing the different types of text
that could be included in the
exam.
Three tasks, from which you must
choose one.

PROPOSALS and REPORTS

PROPOSALS and reports have a
similar layout. Reports are based
on current circumstances or
situations whereas proposals
are action plans for the
future. You give more space
to the current situation in a
report and more space to

PROPOSALS

In a proposal, you need to outline existing

problems or needs and make
recommendations supported by reasons.
The task will tell you some of the
content you need to include and you'll
be able to use your imagination to add some
more ideas. You may be asked to evaluate if
some goal has been achieved and/or to
suggest alternative courses of action. A

FIRST STEP
READ THE EXAM TASK AND IDENTIFY THE AIM OF
THE PROPOSAL AS WELL AS SOME OF THE
CONTENT YOULL HAVE TO INCLUDE IN YOURS.

OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION: state the aim/purpose of the proposal

FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH: describe the current
situation
SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH: explain the needs that
need to be addressed
(Alternatively, if the exam task provides you with two
clear main points, you could address each of them in
the first and second body paragraphs respectively.)
CONCLUSION: your opinion + recommendations

TIPS FOR WRITING A PROPOSAL

Begin with an introduction setting out the purpose of the

proposal and your intentions.
Use an impersonal, semi-formal style throughout.
Divide your proposal into relevant sections and give each a
clear heading.(INTRODUCTION, APPROPRIATE HEADINGS FOR
EACH BODY PARAGRAPH, RECOMMENDATIONS)
Express opinions and make recommendations in the last
section of your proposal.
Include a final sentence summarising your opinion at the
beginning of the last section of your proposal.
Use bullet points. (but not too many and only in one of the
sections of your proposal.)

WRITING TIPS

Begin by brainstorming ideas, in any order, and don't

worry about language at this stage.
Group your ideas under headings for each section of
your proposal.
Write a first draft, paying attention to the level of
formality of the language.
Check your draft for spelling, grammar and punctuation
mistakes!
Check that youve addressed the key points suggested
in the task input.
Check your draft once again the next day or a couple of
days after youve written it.