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CAE Writing Guide

The Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) writing exam consists of two parts, designed to assess your ability to write different types of text and to demonstrate a good command of written English. Here are the details:

Exam Format:

  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Marks: 20% of the overall CAE exam score

Part 1: Compulsory Task

  • Word Count: 220-260 words
  • Type of Task: Essay
  • What to Expect:
    • You will be given a prompt with three points related to a particular issue.
    • You will be asked to write an essay, including your opinion on two of the points.
    • You need to provide reasons and examples to support your ideas.
    • The essay should be formal or neutral in style.

Skills Assessed:

  • Presenting a well-structured argument
  • Clear and logical development of ideas
  • Using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures

Part 2: Choice of Task

  • Word Count: 220-260 words
  • Type of Tasks (You can choose one of the following):
    • Article
    • Report
    • Letter/Email
    • Review
    • Proposal
  • What to Expect:
    • The task will depend on the text type. For example:
      • Article: You might be asked to write an article for a magazine or blog about a certain topic.
      • Report: This could be a formal report to recommend or summarize something.
      • Letter/Email: A formal or informal letter based on a specific scenario.
      • Review: A review of a book, film, or experience.
      • Proposal: You may be asked to suggest improvements or ideas in a formal setting.
  • Skills Assessed:
    • Adapting your style and tone to suit different text types
    • Clear communication of ideas for specific audiences
    • Using appropriate vocabulary and expressions for different situations

Assessment Criteria:

The writing tasks are evaluated on the following:

  • Content: Whether you have addressed the task fully.
  • Communicative Achievement: Whether your writing is appropriate for the task and audience.
  • Organization: How well you structure your text.
  • Language: Range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice writing different types of text (essays, reports, articles, etc.).
  • Focus on structure: introduction, clear argumentation, and conclusion.
  • Use linking words to create smooth transitions between ideas.
  • Review grammar and vocabulary, particularly formal expressions.