CAE Writing Paper

Part 1

You may be asked to write any of the following:

• an article• a letter• a report• a proposal

Number of words: 180-220

Useful language for articles

Rhetorical questions

We are all supposed to hate advertising, but do we really?

What’s (Barcelona) got to offer the tourist?

So what are we really talking about?

So is this really true?

Addressing the reader directly

I’m fairly sure you will all agree with me when I say that...

We all hate it when someone keeps us waiting.

Why not give it a try? You’ve got nothing to lose.

Is this really the answer for all of us?

Useful language for articles

Informal language

  Let’s look at the problem from two different points of view.

So, the government should really clear up this mess as soon as possible.

It seems to me that what is important here is that...

Finishing with a punch line

On a personal note, I’d like to say that ...

How fantastic would that be?

So all in all, that is why...

Useful language for reports

Stating the purpose of the report

The aim/purpose of this report is to describe / evaluate / present …

In this report, I will describe...

This report provides a description...

Describing how you got your information

I spoke to / interviewed several members of staff...

Members of the local police force answered a questionnaire...

I visited three hotels: the Maritima...

I conducted a survey among college graduates...

Car owners were invited to attend a focus group...

Useful language for reports

Reporting your results

Most people said / expressed the opinion that...

According to ...

A high / small / significant proportion of those surveyed / respondents said that...

25% of the students...

A small number felt that...

Presenting a listThe points in favour/ against introducing ... can be summarised as follows: ...1...2...

The following reasons were given for (lack of attendance) firstly ..., secondly, ...

Arguments put forward in favour of / against (the introduction of a local television channel) were:1...2...

There are a number of ways in which facilities could be improved:1...2...

Useful language for reports

Making recommendations

In the light of the results of the survey / questionnaire, the introduction of a small fee would seem to be the best choice / option / solution.

I would recommend, therefore, the purchase of...

My recommendations are as follows...

Proposal vs. Report

The layout and format of a proposal can be very similar to a report.

A report is usually based on an event or situation that has happened or already exists.

A proposal tends to be based on a future situation or plan and is more forward looking. The recommendations section is the most important part of a proposal.

Useful language for proposals

Stating the purpose of the proposal

In this proposal, I will describe / evaluate / present / assess...

This proposal is for...

Background information

Feedback from students’ questionnaires suggests...

Following a survey among college graduates...

Interested parties were invited to attend...

There were several issues arising from the last event, which was not a success...

Useful language for proposals

Making recommendations and suggestions

A focus group should be set up by...

There should be an investigation into...

I recommend that a new centre be established...

Final recommendation

In the light of the results of the survey / questionnaire, the introduction of a small fee would seem to be the best choice / option / solution.

If these recommendations are followed, then the situation will be greatly improved.

If these suggestions are implemented, there will be a marked improvement in the situation.

Useful language for informal letters

Beginning the letter

Thanks so much for your letter. It was really great to hear from you.

Sorry not to have written/ been in touch for so long/ such a long time. I’ve been really busy lately.

Thought I’d better drop you a line / write to let you know...

Referring to a previous letter

Do you remember that sports centre you mentioned in your last letter?

You said in your letter that you were thinking of ...

Last time you wrote you asked...

You know that course I told you I had applied for? Well...

Useful language for informal letters

Apologising

I’m terribly/ awfully sorry about...

Sorry I couldn’t /didn’t manage to...

Responding to an invitation

Thanks very much for inviting us to your party. We’re really looking forward to it.

I was really excited when I got your invitation. Unfortunately, I’ve realised it’s the same weekend as my cousin’s wedding so I won’t be able to make it / it doesn’t look as if I’m going to make it.

Inviting

How about meeting up for ...some time?

Why don’t we try to get together some time soon?

I was wondering if you’d like to get together with the rest of us the next time you are in town.

Useful language for informal letters

Making a request

I was wondering if you happened to know anywhere we could stay.

If you’ve got a spare moment, do you think you could find out when the music festival is on this year?

Ending the letter

I think that’s all my news for the moment. Do write soon and let me know what you’ve been doing.

Once again, thanks very much for being so nice to ...

Can’t wait to see you on ... in...

Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to ... from me.

Give my love to...

Speak to you soon.

Useful language for formal letters

Stating the circumstance

I am writing with regard/ with reference to...

I am writing to express my concern about/ disappointment with/ disapproval of / apologies for...

I would like to draw your attention to/ point out certain inaccuracies...

Introducing points

Firstly/To begin with/Moreover/

Furthermore/In addition

Finally (I feel) I must also (dis)agree with...

I should also like to point out that...

According to your article / Your article states that...However, ...

Useful language for formal letters

Listing complaints

My most serious complaint is...

Not only ... but also...

If this were not enough...

Request for action

I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would...

It seems only fair that you should...

Unless you..., I have no choice but to...

Otherwise, I will be forced to...

I trust/very much hope that you will...

Sources: CAE Gold plus, Ready for CAE, Spotlight on CAE