WritiNG GuiDe

This guide will help you prepare for Writing, Paper 2 of

Cambridge English: First. The two checklists give you
Part 1
suggestions of how to prepare for the Writing Paper, and key
things to remember during the exam. You can use the second
What to expect in Part 1
checklist as you work through the Practice tasks and model • Part 1 tests your ability to write an ‘opinion’ essay,
answers in the guide. usually for a teacher of English, in 140–190 words.
• You are given a question or statement to write about.
Before the exam • You are also given some notes to guide your writing.
• You will need to develop an argument and/or discuss
• Make sure you know what all the possible task types
issues, giving reasons for your opinions.
consist of so that in the exam you can choose the
• You need to organise your text into paragraphs.
tasks and topics that best suit your experience and
• You have about 40 minutes to complete the task,
interests.
including time to plan and check your work.
• Practise writing within the word limits. If you write
• You need to organise your text into paragraphs, with an
too little you may not be able to complete the task
appropriate beginning and ending.
properly; if you write too much there’s a risk of
repetition and irrelevance. How to do Part 1
• Practise writing without dictionaries or computer
• Look carefully at the instructions, the essay title and the
spelling checks, as you can’t use them in the exam.
notes with it.
• Get an idea of how many words you write in, say,
• Note down as many ideas as you can and decide how
ten lines, so that in the exam you don’t waste time
many paragraphs you’ll need.
counting words to stay within the limits.
• Group your best ideas together and organise your text
During the exam to include an introduction, development of arguments
and a clear conclusion. Make sure you cover all the
• Plan the amount of time you’re going to spend on points in the notes.
each task, remembering to allow a few minutes at • If you decide to write arguments on both sides, use two
the end to check your work. headings in your plan so that your essay is balanced.
• Read the question very carefully, underlining the key • If you can’t think of arguments that you disagree with,
words and then making a plan. imagine what someone who disagrees might say.
• Think about your reader in each task, and write in a • Make a note of some useful expressions for each
suitably formal or informal style. paragraph, but don’t try to write a full draft – there isn’t
• Use linking expressions to connect ideas and help time in the exam.
your readers follow your writing more easily. • Write your essay, following your plan. Try to include one
• Make sure your handwriting is clear and that any or two sentences about each of the notes.
corrections can be understood by the examiners. • You can state your own opinion about the topic in
• To get good marks your text must have a positive general at the beginning of the essay, or leave it until
effect on the reader, be well-organised and the concluding paragraph.
cohesive, with a clear layout, and use a wide range of • When you have finished, check your text for errors, and
language. make sure it’s the right length.
• Try out new language. Correct grammar is always
important, but if you make mistakes with more Practice task and model answer
complicated structures the examiners will give you 1 Read the Part 1 task and answer the questions.
credit as long as they can understand what you have
written. 1 What is the background situation?
• Remember that spelling and punctuation mistakes 2 What is the topic of the essay?
can cost you marks if they make it difficult to 3 Who will read it?
understand what you mean. 4 Look at the question. What is your point of view?
• If you use the blank pages for notes or to finish your 5 What notes are you given?
work, make it clear to the examiners which writing is
part of your answer.
2 Read the sample essay and answer the questions.
1 What style is the essay written in? Give three examples.
2 How has the writer organised the essay?
3 Where does he cover each of the three notes?
4 What is his point of view?

88 writing guide
Your English class has been discussing studying and jobs. Part 2
Now, your teacher has asked you to write an essay.
What to expect in Part 2
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your
• Part 2 tests your ability to write one of the following
point of view.
texts in 140–190 words: an article, a letter, a report, a
review.
Is it better to go into higher education rather than get a job
• You choose one task from three possible questions.
straight from school?
• Questions are based on a variety of topics such as
health, the environment, education and travel.
Notes
• For all Part 2 tasks you are given a context, a purpose
Write about:
for writing and an intended reader. The task may
1 which has immediate advantages include a short text, plus instructions.
2 which is better for your career • You must deal with every element of the question in
3 your own idea order to complete the task.
• You have about 40 minutes to complete the task,
Write your essay in 140–190 words. You must use including time to plan your work and check for mistakes
grammatically correct sentences with accurate spelling and at the end.
punctuation in an appropriate style.
How to do Part 2
Short
introduction • Look quickly through questions 2–4 and decide which
For school leavers, the decision whether
to look for work or go to university is makes a general of them you think you can do best.
particularly difficult in the current economic comment on • Study the instructions and any input text, highlighting
the issue. the points you must deal with.
situation.
• Think about the kind of text you need to write and who
On the one hand, for many young people will read it. Then decide whether a formal, neutral or
Points on
it is tempting to start earning as soon as one side. informal style is appropriate.
possible, rather than have to wait years for • Think of as many ideas as you can and note them down.
their first salary. As well as that, they can Then decide how many paragraphs you need.
avoid the increasingly high fees charged • Make a plan, putting your best ideas under paragraph
by universities, especially in English- headings.
speaking countries. Moreover, a degree no Good linking • Note down some useful words and phrases for each
longer guarantees a job, as many recent expressions (on
the one hand, as paragraph, but don’t try to write a draft of your text.
graduates have discovered. • Write your text, following your plan. Use as wide a
well as, moreover,
however, range of grammar, vocabulary and linking expressions
However, those who go to university are furthermore, also, as you can.
likely to benefit for the rest of their lives, as to conclude). • Make sure your completed text is the right length and
the average graduate earns considerably
more than someone without a degree. check it for errors.
Furthermore, higher education is not just
about improving your career prospects.
Points on the
It is also, among other things, about other side.
developing your mind, studying a subject
that interests you in depth, learning new
skills and meeting new people.
Reasons.
To conclude, although there are economic
arguments on both sides, my own view is
that there are so many other good reasons Summing up
for continuing your studies that going into main points.
higher education is by far the better option.

writing guide 89
 Letter Exam task A
What to expect in Part 2 letter
This is part of an email from your penfriend, Lena.
• The letter task in Part 2 tests your ability to write in
response to a situation described in the question.
• You must use an appropriate style and tone. When you visit my town next weekend, I’d like to invite you
• In an informal letter, you will need to give information, out for dinner. What’s your favourite kind of food? Would
express your opinion and describe. you prefer a quiet little restaurant or somewhere with loads
• In a formal letter, you may need to express enthusiasm, of people and good music? Where would you like to go
describe your skills and experience, and persuade. afterwards?
Best wishes,
How to do Part 2 letter
Lena
• Organise your letter into paragraphs, with a suitable
beginning and ending. Write your email to Lena in 140–190 words. Do not write any
• Make sure you cover all the points in the instructions. addresses.
• If you begin your letter Dear Madam or Dear Sir, end
with Yours faithfully, but end your letter Yours sincerely Model answer A
if you use their surname, e.g. Dear Mr Taylor. Opening on
• Don’t begin a letter Dear friend or Dear Course a separate
line.
Director. Use the person’s name.
• Use a variety of expressions. For instance, instead of Hi Lena,
Thanks the
repeating I think, say it seems to me, my own feeling is other person
or other phrases for giving your opinion. Many thanks for your email, and the kind
invitation. Yes, I’d be delighted to join you for for writing.
• Try to include some colourful language, e.g. extreme
dinner!
adjectives, to make your letter more lively.
Practice tasks and model answers I particularly like Indian food, as long as it’s not
too spicy, so would you like to go for a curry?
1 Read the Part 2 tasks A and B and answer these questions Short
Alternatively, perhaps we could have an Italian
paragraph
about each. meal? I really like pizza, but also meat or fish for each
with pasta and lots of lovely salad. main point.
1 What do you have to read? In what style is it written?
2 What must you write? Which points must you deal with? I don’t really mind where we go, though as
3 Who must you write to? we’ve haven’t seen each other for so long it
might be nice to have a good chat together Gives a
somewhere that’s not too noisy, then head for reason.
2 Read the model answers A and B and answer these
somewhere a bit more exciting later on. What
questions about each. do you think?
1 Has she written in an appropriate style? Find three
If we do that, I’d suggest having a coffee at
examples.
one of the little cafés in the main square, then
2 Is the layout of her letter correct? going dancing at one of those new clubs you
3 In which paragraph does she deal with each point in mentioned that have recently opened near
the example task? there. Or maybe we could go the cinema if Friendly closing
there’s a good film on later in the evening. sentence (But
whatever we
But whatever we do, I’m sure we’ll have a do …).
fantastic evening out!
Ending and
See you soon! name on
separate lines.
Alexia

90 writing guide
Exam task B Article
What to expect in Part 2 article
You have seen this advertisement in an English-language
newspaper. • The article task tests your ability to write an interesting
article for an English-language newspaper or magazine.
Staff for summer sales • You may need to describe, give your opinion, make
We are looking for Sales Assistants to work in comments or give examples.
our clothes store. • You are writing for readers who are already interested
Are you interested in clothes and fashion? in the topic.
Do you have a good level of English? • You can write in a neutral or fairly informal style.
Do you have any experience of selling in shops? How to do Part 2 article
If so, apply to the manager, Mr James O’Neill,
saying why you are suitable for the job. • You can prepare for this task by reading articles in
magazines and newspapers, or on the Internet.
Write your letter of application in 140–190 words in an • Only choose this task if you’re sure you know enough
appropriate style. about the topic to write a complete article.
• Think about what your readers would like to know.
• Think of a good title to attract the readers’ attention.
Model answer B
• Write in a lively way that will hold their attention.
Dear Mr O’Neill, Practice task and model answer
Gives a reason
I am writing to apply for the position for writing. 1 Read the Part 2 task and answer the questions.
of Sales Assistant at your store this
summer, as advertised in today’s 1 What is the topic of the article?
newspaper. Says where she 2 Where will it be published and who will read it?
heard about 3 What two things do you have to do?
I have always taken a keen interest the job.
in all kinds of clothing, including the
latest fashions. I keep up to date with
2 Read the sample article and answer the questions.
these by reading the top fashion 1 What style is the article written in? Give two examples
magazines and following the main of this.
fashion shows in Paris, Milan and 2 Which parts of the text deal with the two elements in
elsewhere, either on television or
the instructions?
online.
3 What kinds of thing do we learn about this place?
Although I have not actually worked 4 How did the writer seem to feel about his visit there?
in clothing sales before, for the last Sounds
enthusiastic and
three summers I have been employed You have seen this announcement in a travel magazine.
confident.
as an assistant at a local bookshop.
I very much enjoy working with the
public, and I can provide excellent A PLACE WORTH VISITING
references from the shopkeeper. Suitable linking Tell us about a place that you think is particularly interesting,
expressions.
and say what you most remember about your visit there. We
In addition to studying English
at school for many years, I have will publish the best articles next month.
travelled frequently to English-
speaking countries. I also often read Write your article in 140–190 words.
articles about the fashion industry in Says what she
English. has sent with
the letter.
I have enclosed a full curriculum
vitae, and would be happy to answer
any further questions about my
Offers to give
application that you may have. more information.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Polite final
Yours sincerely,
sentence.
Anusia Krol

writing guide 91
 Australian rock Title to catch Report
readers’ attention. What to expect in Part 2 report
It’s a series of enormous chunks of
• The report task tests your ability to give factual
spectacular red rock right in the middle Introduction
of the Australian desert, and it’s 200 information and to make recommendations or
intended to get
metres taller than nearby Ayer’s Rock. people reading. suggestions.
So what is it? • The instructions include a description of a situation.
• You may be asked to write for a teacher or manager, or
It’s known as The Olgas, which consist Direct question for a group such as classmates or club members.
of 36 rounded peaks separated by encourages readers
to continue to the How to do Part 2 report
deep valleys, while underground
next paragraph. • Before choosing a report question, be sure you know
the rock extends to the astonishing
depth of five kilometres. The area has enough facts about the topic to write about it.
been inhabited for 22,000 years and, • Decide what style to use, depending on your readers.
perhaps unsurprisingly, there are many Interesting facts. • Note any knowledge or personal experience you may
legends associated with it, including the have, and include this in your plan.
existence of a giant snake at the top of • Organise your text well, possibly using headings.
Mount Olga.
Practice task and model answer
Personal
My walk there took five hours, first 1 Read the Part 2 task and answer the questions.
experiences.
along a steep path through the hot, dry,
apparently lifeless desert, and then up 1 What is the topic of the report?
into the relative cool of the Valley of the 2 Who will read your report?
Winds. There, in the partial shade, were 3 What three things do you have to do?
Range of colourful
pools of sparkling water, an unbelievable
adjectives.
variety of vegetation and some truly
2 Read the sample report and answer the questions.
amazing tropical birds.
1 What style is the report written in? Give three examples
It was then a short, steep climb to the Variety of of this.
top, where the views were so stunning grammatical 2 Which headings correspond to which parts of the
that I hardly noticed something large structures.
instructions?
moving quietly through the bushes. It 3 What two recommendations are made?
was only later, on my way down from Ending makes
Mount Olga, that I recalled the story of readers think
about what they Your teacher has asked you to write a report on a public
the snake.
have read. park near your home. Give a brief description of the park,
saying what people can do there and recommending some
improvements.

Write your report in 140–190 words.

92 writing guide
Report on West Park Title. Practice task and model answer
1 Read the Part 2 task and answer the questions.
Introduction Paragraph
headings. 1 What is the topic of the review?
The aim of this report is to describe
West Park, outline its leisure facilities and 2 Where will your review be published and who will read
suggest what could be improved there. it?
States the 3 What three things do you have to do?
Main features purpose of the
report, in different
This is by far the largest park in town and it words from the
2 Read the sample review. Which paragraph:
is also the oldest, having originally formed instructions (The a says what the negative points of the pool are?
part of the estate of a wealthy local family. aim …).
This accounts for the magnificent trees,
b describes the pool?
the gorgeous flowerbeds and the delightful c makes a recommendation?
lake there. There are also some lovely wide Little-known fact d says what the positive points of the pool are?
(having originally
open spaces, although in places the grass
formed part
is in poor condition and the footpaths are of …). An English-language website for visitors to your country
in need of repair. has asked for reviews of swimming pools in your area.
You decide to write a review of a pool you have visited.
Leisure facilities Extreme adjectives Describe the pool and say what you think of it. Would you
Additionally, the park contains children’s (magnificent, recommend the pool to other people?
swings, a football pitch and tennis courts. gorgeous,
delightful). Write your review in 140–190 words.
On one side of the lake rowing boats can
be hired, while at the main entrance it is
possible to rent bicycles for use on the
well-designed cycle tracks. Other sports The Hillside Pool Title.
are not catered for at this time.
The swimming pool at the Hillside Leisure
Conclusion Centre measures 25 metres by 15 Contrast links
metres, with a smaller pool for children (while, on the
West Park could become one of the most
accompanied by their parents. Access to other hand).
attractive in the country if it were looked
the main pool is by four ladders, one at
after a little better. I would also recommend Clear conclusion, each corner, and there are lifeguards on
that more sporting activities should be with reasons for Good use of
duty at all times.
made available, as not everyone wants to recommendations. grammar (the
play football or tennis. same cannot
While the pool itself is well maintained be said for, not
and the water appears clean, the same nearly enough
Review cannot be said for the changing areas and lockers to
the showers, where the lighting is poor leave, once
What to expect in Part 2 Review and the floors were rather dirty when I the promised
• The review task tests your ability to describe and give was last there. Furthermore, there are not improvements
nearly enough lockers to leave clothes and have been
your opinion of something you have experienced. made).
• You normally also have to make a recommendation, or valuables in, especially at weekends when
the pool can become horribly crowded.
advise people against it.
Addition links
• The instructions describe a situation. Possible topics
On the other hand, the staff there are (furthermore,
include a film, a book, a restaurant, a holiday, etc. in addition).
extremely helpful, and they assured me that
• You are told where the review will be published: usually
the facilities and standards of cleanliness
an English-language newspaper, magazine or website.
will soon improve dramatically. In addition, Variety of
How to do Part 2 review the entrance fee is considerably lower than adverbs
for other local pools, and there is also a (extremely,
• Read as many different kinds of review as you can. reasonably priced café. dramatically,
• Practise writing positive and negative opinions. considerably).
• Before you write about an experience, e.g. a meal or a
For these reasons, I would recommend
film, ask yourself whether you enjoyed it. going for a swim at the Hillside Pool once
• Think of what you saw, heard or read. Or simply use Recommendation,
the promised improvements have been but with
your imagination. made, preferably during the week. conditions.
• Think about your readers and what they will want to know.
• Decide on the appropriate style, depending on where
your review will be published, and your readers.
writing guide 93