C1 BEC Writing Guide

The C1 Business English Certificate (BEC) Writing exam, also known as the BEC Higher, assesses the ability to produce professional business-related written content. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Format:

• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Tasks: Two writing tasks
• Scoring: This paper represents 25% of the total exam score

Tasks:

1. Task 1: Email/Letter Writing (120-140 words)
   • You will be given a situation where you need to respond to a business-related issue or inquiry.
   • The format will require you to write either an email or a letter, depending on the scenario.
   • This task usually involves:
     • Writing a reply to a customer or business partner
     • Providing information or requesting further details
     • Addressing complaints or confirming arrangements
2. Task 2: Report, Proposal, or Business Correspondence (200-250 words)
   • The second task requires you to produce a more formal document, such as:
     • A report analyzing business trends, performance, or feedback
     • A proposal suggesting a business plan or strategy
     • A business correspondence, like a longer letter addressing company strategy or a communication to stakeholders
   • This task is more structured and requires careful planning, organization, and clarity in presenting business-related arguments or recommendations.

Key Points:

• Focus: Both tasks assess your ability to convey information clearly, use appropriate tone and register, and follow standard business communication formats.
• Language Skills: You’ll need to demonstrate a good command of formal business vocabulary, grammar accuracy, and coherence in your writing.