C1 Advanced Writing. In part 2 of the CAE C1 Advanced Cambridge exam, you have the option of choing between writing a report, a letter or email, a review or a proposal. It can be confusing, knowing what to put and where. Here I have reduced the information into categories to help you remember.
REPORT
- In reports, remember to add:
- a title and sub-headings for each paragraph
- formal or neutral style as reports tend to be for work
- a beginning that clearly states the reason for writing the report.
- Finish off the report with a conclusion or a recommendation that specifically addresses the reson for writing the report.
PROPOSALS
- In reports, be sure to include:
- a title and subheadings for each paragraph
- a formal or neutral style
- a clear argument that has reasons and examples backing it up. Remember RED.
- persuasive language which is key to writing the proposal.
LETTERS OR EMAILS
- for letter and emails, be sure to include:
- the receiver’s name in the correct style (use Mr, Ms, Miss or Mrs + full name for formal letters. Use person’s first name for informal ones.
- a formal, neutral or informal style depending on who you are writing to.
- correct openings and closings (Dear, Good Morning, Sincerely, Thanks, etc)
REVIEWS
- For reviews, remember to add:
- an interesting title
- formal or neutral style
- an interesting fact, a question or an antecdote to begin the review in order to capture the reader’s attention
- your opinion and back it up with clear examples.
- some factual informal
- persuasive language if want the reader to do read, listen, shop, etc to what you are writing about.
WRITING TIPS
I can’t stress enough how important it is to go back and re-read your writing. The most common errors to check for are:
- Subject-verb agreement (singular or plural)
- articles (a, the, some)
- prepositions
- use of correct tenses
- word order
- spelling mistakes
- over-all flow and organization of your writing.
WRITING RULES
Now that you have read C1 Advanced Writing, take a look at our other Writing Rules posts:
Writing Rules: Formal and Informal
Writing Rules: Giving Advice
