Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing Guide PDF

Exam Writing Guide: Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing Guide for the Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam  Table of contents Section 1. Writing Exam Structure 3...

Exam Writing Guide: Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing Guide for the Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam  Table of contents Section 1. Writing Exam Structure 3 1. 1. Two-part exam 3 1. 2. Writing: 4-step process 3 1. 3. Time management 6 1.4. Register 6 1.5. Grading 9 Section 2. Writing Exam Part 1 10 2.1. Essay 10 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2 15 3.1. Types of texts 15 3.2. Formal letter/email 15 © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) 3.3. Informal letter 21 3.4. Proposal 25 3.5. Report 30 3.6. Review 35 References 40  Section 1. Writing Exam Structure 1. 1. Two-part exam Part 1 Essay Part 2 Choose one: Formal letter/email e.g. writing a job application or Informal letter/email e.g. writing to a cousin. Proposal e.g. suggesting a solution to a problem. e.g. summarising information and making a Report recommendation to your boss. Review e.g. giving your opinion of a book in a blog. 1. 2. Writing: 4-step process Writing well has four fundamental steps: 1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check Step 1. Identify key words Identify… Helps with… Essential for high grade in… © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) …whom are you writing Correct register Communicative achievement …what you are writing Correct style Communicative achievement …what ideas you must include Relevant Content Content Exam Writing Guide C1 3 Section 1. Writing Exam Structure  Step 2. Organise Organisation is 25% of the grade in the writing paper. A plan is essential to organise the content into paragraphs that transmit your ideas clearly. Here are three methods that are useful in planning proposals, reports, reviews, etc. 1. Brainstorming related ideas: Idea 1 Central topic Idea 3 Idea 2 2. Organising ideas e.g. contrasting positive versus negative aspects of different ideas: Positive aspects Negative aspects Idea 1: Idea 2: 3. Listing paragraphs: © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR)  Introduction: Background of topic & introduce ideas 1 & 2.  Develop idea 1.  Develop idea 2.  Conclusion: Evaluation of idea 1 & 2. Exam Writing Guide C1 4 Section 1. Writing Exam Structure  Step 3. Write Write the recommended number of words (220-260): You will NOT be directly penalised for writing more, or less, than the recommended word limit. However, it may negatively affect your grade in other areas:  Writing that is too long: Content. You have included content that is irrelevant. Language. You have run out of time and are unable to check your work and correct mistakes.  Writing that is too short: Content. You will lose points if you have not included all the points and developed your ideas sufficiently. Before the exam, practise the recommended word limit in TIP the time allowed. Step 4. Check Stop writing and check your work: It is essential to check, check and check again to maximise your grade in language. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 5 Section 1. Writing Exam Structure  1. 3. Time management As can be seen below, writing takes up only 60 % of the time. Writing Paper exam 90 minutes (2 tasks) Two writing tasks to complete: 45 minutes per task 1. Reading question and identify content: 2 minutes 2. Organising ideas: 6 minutes 3. Writing: 27 minutes 4. Checking: 10 minutes TIP When practising, limit your time to that of the exam. 1.4. Register Formal or informal? Using the correct style (register) is critical to scoring high in Communicative Achievement. To determine the style, you first need to decide:  To whom you are writing.  What your purpose is. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 6 Section 1. Writing Exam Structure  Formal letter/email Very formal Essay Formal Report/Proposal Semi formal/neutral Review Informal Letter/email to a friend Very informal Formal or informal linking words and discourse markers? Formal and informal discourse markers should NOT be mixed in the same piece of writing. Semi-formal/neutral markers can sometimes be adapted to a more, or less, formal style, if appropriate to context. Do not over-use, as this can seem artificial. FORMAL REGISTER, e.g.: Adding more Contrasting Listing Summarising Referencing information information First and Moreover, In contrast, Therefore, Regarding…, foremost, With reference Initially Furthermore, However, Accordingly, to…, © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) With regard Further Additionally, Nonetheless, Consequently, to…, Subsequently In addition, Nevertheless, Thus, In relation to…, Exam Writing Guide C1 7 Section 1. Writing Exam Structure  SEMI FORMAL/NEUTRAL REGISTER e.g.: Adding more Contrasting Listing Summarising Referencing information information Initially Likewise, Although, Therefore, Generally, Subsequently, In addition, Even though, Accordingly, In general, In most/many Further Additionally, Whereas, Overall, cases, Lastly, Similarly, Besides…, As a result, In relation to…, INFORMAL REGISTER e.g.: Adding more Contrasting Listing Summarising Referencing information information After…, Also, But…, Anyway/Anyhow Since…, Then, As well as…, Or Because, So, Next, Just as…, Though, At any rate, Well…, Avoid firstly/secondly/thirdly; on the one hand/on the other hand. Common positioning and punctuation of discourse markers Discourse marker at beginning of sentence. Follow with a comma:  Formal: Further to your letter, I would like to add… (adverbial phrase).  Informal: Well, you know that pub I went to for my birthday… Discourse marker in middle of sentence. Precede and follow with comma:  Formal: I would like to add, however, that I strongly disagree. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR)  Informal: I really don’t agree, and, at any rate, what does it matter? Exam Writing Guide C1 8 Section 1. Writing Exam Structure  1.5. Grading A maximum of five points are awarded for each area: Language (25%. 0–5 points): Organisation (25% 0-5 points):  Paragraphing makes sense.  Use complex clauses and a varied range  Ideas in a clear and logical order. of structures.  Good use of linking devices for  Accurate language. continuity and contrast of ideas.  Be ambitious.  Easy to read. Communicative Achievement Content (25% 0-5 points): (25%. 0-5 points):  Appropriate register and tone.  All the points are covered and  Interesting writing. developed.  Complex ideas expressed clearly.  All content is relevant. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 9 Section 1. Writing Exam Structure  Section 2. Writing Exam Part 1 2.1. Essay There will only be one question with a short text. Part 1: Compulsory question You must write an essay. Reasons for writing  Write an essay based on points included in the text.  Give reasons for your opinion.  NOTE: It is essential to show your ability to select, defend and evaluate ideas. Style  Write in third person throughout, using an objective style.  Exception: thesis statement (e.g. Here, I will argue that…) and conclusion (e.g. I would argue that…) may briefly use the first person.  Use the passive voice where appropriate: it is argued that…. Not: *I believe… Structure  An essay is made up of defined parts that provide cohesion to the writing.  Each part plays a role in providing structure to the argument. See table below. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 10 Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2  Paragraph 1 Background: Introduce topic. Introduction Thesis statement: This essay will discuss… [Idea 1 and idea 2]. Paragraph leader: Express idea 1 in one sentence. Paragraph 2 Paragraph body: Develop idea 1. Paragraph leader: Express idea 2 in one sentence. Paragraph 3 Paragraph body: Develop idea 2. Summary: Evaluate ideas 1 and 2. Paragraph 4 Conclusion Future suggestion, comment. Closing comment or question (optional) Remember: 1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check Step 1. Identify key words © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 11 Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 2. Organise Paragraph Function What to say Background Funding important for schools. Thesis statement: Mention idea 1 & Paragraph 1 2, and which is Playground (developing friendships). Introduction more important, Library (learn to enjoy reading). e.g.: Both important in education, though This essay will sometimes forgotten. discuss /Here I will argue…. Paragraph Idea 1 Children learn through play. 2leader Shade to avoid sunburn in summer. Paragraph 2 Freedom to express themselves. Justify idea 1 body Make friends. Relax in between classes. Paragraph 3 Idea 2 Books-fundamental for learning. leader Paragraph 3 Explore new ideas. Justify idea 2 body Discover passion for reading. Summary: State which idea of Both time spent in the playground and library the two is more are necessary for child’s full development. Paragraph 4 important. Developing the playground. Conclusion Learn life skills through play Justify selection. Future suggestions Maybe library in future? © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 12 Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 3. Write The decision on how to best allocate school funds can greatly affect Paraphrasing, rather than the functioning of each educational centre. Here, I will argue that repeating words in the questions, while traditional schools may mainly focus on formal learning, shows understanding both the playground and the library are pivotal in education, and indeed, to a child’s full development. Schools should include facilities such as playgrounds. Recent Start with background learning theories support multiple intelligences, such as Inter- and knowledge intrapersonal skills. These are fundamental life skills which children learn through play. Moreover, if we invest in a sunshade as suggested in the meeting, we protect young children from sunburn Paragraph leaders clearly and heatstroke. In a country such as Spain with such high summer state the main temperatures, playing for prolonged periods of time in the sun can idea of the paragraph. be dangerous. Books are a fundamental learning tool for discovering and exploring new ideas. Providing a well-stocked library offers the -ing form of verbs can act opportunity for children to discover a passion for reading. Clearly, like nouns. Formal writing children can only develop this passion if we provide ample often contains more nouns. opportunities and repeated exposure to books. We could also provide a weekly story telling activity for younger children who cannot yet read. Discourse Therefore, I would argue that both the playground and the library markers, are among the most important facilities a school can provide, and followed by comma, both critically require funding in our school. However, due to the provide additional current state of disrepair, a well-developed playground is arguably structure to the most urgent. If additional funding becomes available in the the text. future, this could be invested in improving the library. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 13 Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 4. Check Practice! Read the following questions and write an essay in 45 minutes. You must answer this question. Write your answer in 220-260 words in an appropriate style. You have 45 minutes. 1. Your local sports club has received a donation. You have attended a meeting to discuss how the money should best be spent. You have made the notes below: How should the donation be spent? Some opinions expressed in the discussion:  exercise machines “The machines are always busy.”  more classes “I can never join a class as I’m working at that  additional staff time!” “There aren’t enough monitors to help members.” Write an essay discussing two of the possible ways to spend the donation from your notes. You should explain which improvement is more important for the club members, giving reasons in support of your answer. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 14 Section 2. Writing Exam Part 2  Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2 3.1. Types of texts Choose one from a selection of three. The possible models are:  Formal or informal letter/email (e.g. writing a job application or writing to a cousin).  Proposal (e.g. suggesting a solution to a problem).  Report (e.g. summarising information and making a recommendation to your boss). Review (e.g. give your opinion of a book or film in a blog). 3.2. Formal letter/email Reason for writing To reassure someone, justify a course of action, or correct a misunderstanding. For example:  Letter or email of application (for a job).  Letter or email of complaint. Style A letter of application (for a job etc.) is one of the most formal of all writing styles, © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) with very strict conventions in its opening and closing sentences. An email of application will still follow a formal style but may use less strict conventions. Exam Writing Guide C1 15 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Write in the first person where appropriate. Structure Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas: Opening Dear… Paragraph 1 Introduce the topic/ state reason for writing. Develop the topic. Paragraph 2 Give description and details. Paragraph 3 Further discussion if necessary. Discuss the desired result of the letter. Paragraph 4 Suggestions, recommendations, closing comments. Sign off Yours sincerely, faithfully (depending on title used). Starting and ending the letter Start End Dear Sir/Madam, Yours faithfully, If you don’t know the name Dear Mr X, Yours sincerely, Useful language © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Opening sentences (letter of application) I am writing to apply for the post / position of... as advertised in (newspaper/ date)... I am writing in reference to your advertisement, from the (newspaper/ date)... Exam Writing Guide C1 16 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Opening sentences (letter of complaint) I am writing with regard to the article entitled (when/where) to express my concern about /disapproval of (reason for writing)… I am writing in reference to the article entitled (when/where) to express my disappointment with/dissatisfaction with (reason for writing)… Body (letter of application) I am sure that I would be successful in this post as I… I am particularly interested in completing (the course) as… Body (letter of complaint) Firstly, / To begin with, / I would like to state that/ I would like to point out that… In fact, / furthermore, / moreover, / in addition, / finally, According to (your article), Your (article) states that... However, Closing sentences of a letter of application I very much hope you will (desired result) I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would (desired result) I look forward to receiving/seeing (desired result) Desired result a letter of complaint © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) I trust you will (desired result) It seems only fair that you should (desired action) Considering the above, (I feel I am entitled to a full refund and a formal apology) Exam Writing Guide C1 17 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Remember: 1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check Step 1. Identify key words Step 2. Organise Who to? Newspaper editor. Register? Very Formal. No name. Dear Sir/Madam. Paragraph 1 Disagree with opinion about young people. Paragraph 2 Article was wholly negative. Should have included positive points. Describe good points- not just mobile phones also: sport, music. Paragraph 3 Good with technology. Paragraph 4 Not badly behaved. Example: volunteer work. Paragraph 4 Recommendation-publish another article with more balanced view. Sign off Yours faithfully. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 18 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 3. Write Correctly follows Dear Sir/Madam, formal letter I am writing in reference to the article entitled “The young writing conventions problem” which appeared in the latest edition of your magazine to when opening the letter express my dissatisfaction with the image presented of young people today. Firstly, I consider that the article presents a wholly negative view of today’s young people. In my experience, there are many positive points that could have been made in the article. We all know that young people have been born in a technological society surrounded by smart phones, however they are also Formal discourse engaged in far more extracurricular activities, such as sport, music, markers and language activities. Their command of technology will create and cohesion more opportunities to find a good job. Furthermore, it is not true that all young people are badly- behaved. Many young people show respect for others in different situations and they are involved in voluntary work when they finish their degrees. Additionally, in many schools they can participate with less fortunate people who are sick in hospitals. In my Whyopinion, a good education when they are children will solve these problems and they will be well-behaved and use technology Correctly correctly. follows formal I am a dedicated reader of your magazine and I would be grateful letter writing conventions if you would consider publishing an article taking into account this to sign off alternative point of view in the future editions of your magazine. Yours faithfully. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 19 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 4. Check Starting the paragraph in a formal letter can be the trickiest part. TIP Learn 1 or 2 opening sentences to help you. Practice! Write a formal email/letter in 45 minutes. You recently bought tickets for a tour of a historic site while on holiday. You feel that the tour was unsatisfactory as the driver was late picking you up from the hotel. As a result, you had less time to spend at the site before returning. You have decided to write a letter to the tour company, stating your dissatisfaction and suggesting a possible solution. Write your letter. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 20 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  3.3. Informal letter Reason for writing  Email/letter to family member or friend.  Ask for a favour/ a request for help. Style  A relaxed style with a very light tone.  Mimic your style of speaking.  Use exclamation marks and informal punctuation.  Keep it fun/light-hearted if appropriate.  Write in the first person. Structure Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas: Paragraph 1 Greeting. Setting up response for paragraph 2. Paragraph 2 Idea 1 of required content + justification. Paragraph 3 Idea 2 of required content + justification. Paragraph 4 Closing sentences. Signing off. Useful language © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Start End Dear… Regards (email-neutral) From (letter-neutral) Hi there! Love (family & best friends) Exam Writing Guide C1 21 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Opening paragraph Closing paragraph Great to hear from you! Write back as soon as you can. Can’t wait to hear what happens! Hey! How are you? Write soon! Remember: 1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check Step 1. Identify key words Step 2. Organise Topic Weekend trip to my town. Who to? Friend. Register? Very informal. Where to go? Castle. Pub. When to go? Early or late. Book a table if evening. Spectacular views. Good food. Cheap. Why? Avoid crowds. Very busy. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 22 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 3. Write Hi there! Ommission of I’m upon starting Great about your job! I’m so pleased for you! I know you were really sentence is very worried about starting at the office. Really excited that you are coloquial. coming here! I can’t wait — haven’t seen you in ages. Are you Rhetorical coming with your colleagues or alone? If you are coming alone, you questions can stay at my place. Let me know if you need picking up from the maintain informal style station. Places to go? Well, there’s no missing the castle up on the hill. It’s a Where nightmare to walk all the way up there, but it will worth it! The views are spectacular! And the castle is really well-maintained. Looks like Use one of those Disney castles! Best avoid the crowds as it gets really contractions in informal texts packed, so I’d go either first thing or last thing in the evening. Where else? Well, you know that pub I went for my birthday? I sent Why you a selfie of me outside. It was built in the 1600s so it’s a really attractive place. They’ve got fabulous food, and it’s pretty good value —not pricey at all. I’d definitely phone up and book though, if you go in the evening. It’s impossible to get a table otherwise. Not quite so busy at lunchtime, so maybe better then. Consistently chatty informal I think they might be turning on the Christmas lights that week, so style if you are lucky you’ll get to see the display over the harbour —that throughout can be amazing at night. But you know how cold it gets over here in December —make sure you wrap up! You’ll freeze, if not! When Can’t wait to see you! Lots of love, © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 23 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 4. Check Do NOT use formal language and discourse markers to show off TIP your knowledge. Keep a chatty informal style throughout. Practice! Read the following question and write an informal email/letter in 45 minutes. You have received an email from an English friend: … Don’t worry! Of course I’ll look after your sister while you’re away. Especially as you say she is really looking forward to staying with me! As she is going to be here over the weekend, let me know what she enjoys doing. And tell me about what she likes to eat! I’ll go shopping before she gets here, and I’ll buy her favourite treats! Enjoy your trip! Write your email in reply. You do not need to include the email address. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 24 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  3.4. Proposal Reason for writing  Suggest a solution to a problem.  Written for your manager, a professional group or a school administrator. Style  Support your suggestion with factual information and be persuasive.  Semi- formal or neutral language.  Use headings/bullet points to aid organisation for easy reference.  Make sure you answer the who/what, why and how of the problem. Structure Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas: Paragraph 1 Introduction. General background Paragraph 2 Reason for problem. Paragraph 3 Recommendation/suggestion to solve problem. Paragraph 4 Further details of recommendation/suggestion. Paragraph 5 Concluding comments. Useful language © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Opening  Use a very simple title (Proposal for __________)  The first section should describe the problem and the possible solutions. Exam Writing Guide C1 25 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Closing  Make your recommendation. Presenting and contrasting arguments The main argument in favour / against is… First of all, I should like to consider… The first point I would like to consider/to be considered is… To make the problem clear, I would like to present some examples of… Apart from that… Even though / In spite of… What is more… What matters most in this case is… There is no doubt that… Reasoning Because of / As a result of On account of… Owing to / Due to / Therefore Concluding To sum up, it could be said that… On this basis, I can conclude that… Having proved this, I would like to… In conclusion, I would like to stress that… Given this, it can be concluded that… Remember: © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) 1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check Exam Writing Guide C1 26 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 1. Identify key words Step 2. Organise Who to? School committee. Register? Semi-formal. Paragraph 1 Propose playing music club. Everyone can do it. Beginning. Publish on school website. People register Paragraph 2 with instrument. Paragraph 3 What and how. I can volunteer. Low cost. Enjoy music. Paragraph 4 Where and when. Meeting room. Twice month. Paragraph 5 Why? Conclusion. Music is special art. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 27 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 3. Write PROPOSAL FOR A CLUB TO PLAY MUSIC Clear title Playing an instrument is another way of communication and, overall, it is an art which everybody could be interested in. There is a belief about how difficult it is, but it is not true. Many people who work here can plan an instrument: guitar, violin, piano, flute, percussion… and even a ukulele! BEGINNING We can start by publishing a notice on the website with an e-mail address and by asking people which instrument they play and which Concise kind of music they like. As soon as we have this clear, we could make headings the groups. allow easy reference WHAT AND HOW The idea is that pupils can meet, get to know other people, and enjoy making music. The best thing is that as I love music, I could voluntarily conduct the groups or the orchestra by myself, and as people have their own instruments, the cost of this club would be quite low. Another advantage is the fact that we could perform at local and school events. It will make people closer, and it will be good publicity for our establishment, too. WHERE AND WHEN I think the best place for our rehearsals is the meeting room on the second floor, where we could play on Friday afternoon after work without disturbing anybody. We could take turns and play once or twice a month, depending on each band’s preferences. WHY Music is a special art that makes us better people, and we have the option to develop this activity under our roof, so I can assure you that choosing this club would be a good decision. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 28 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 4. Check Clear headings can substitute discourse markers at the beginning TIP of the paragraph. Practice! Read the following question and write a proposal in 45 minutes. There are plans to develop an old and badly maintained park in the town where you live. You feel that the park should be saved. You decide to write a proposal for the town council explaining why you think the park should be preserved, suggesting what could be done to modernize it and saying how the park could benefit local people. Write your proposal. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 29 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  3.5. Report Reason for writing  Evaluate your experience.  Summarise information.  Make a recommendation based on your evaluation.  Written for your manager, a professional group, or a school administrator. Style  Semi- formal or neutral language.  Concise and well organised.  Use headings/bullet points to aid organisation for easy reference. Structure Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas: Paragraph 1 Introduction. General background Paragraph 2 Positive aspects of point 1. Paragraph 3 Negative aspects of point 1. Paragraph 4 Positive aspects of point 2. Paragraph 5 Negative aspects of point 2. Paragraph 6 Conclusion. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 30 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Useful language Presenting and contrasting arguments: The main argument in favour/ against is… First, I should like to consider… The first thing (I would like to consider) to be considered is… To make the problem clear, I would like to present some examples of … Apart from that… In spite of… On the other hand… What is more… What matters most in this case is… There is no doubt that… Reasoning: As a result of / On account of /Owing to /Due to Remember: 1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 31 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 1. Identify key words Step 2. Organise Who to? Company manager. Register? Semi-formal. Introduce topic. Evaluate catering facilities. Company Paragraph 1 staff. Problems: no food. Insufficient quality. Problem 1: Failure to provide food due to error- Paragraph 2 caterers thought bank holiday. Solution 1. Talk to company. Only close national Paragraph 3 holidays. Problem 2: insufficient quantity due to extra personnel Paragraph 4 on training. Solution 2: company dept. must provide caterers with Paragraph 5 dates for training. Paragraph 6 Conclusion. Not necessary to change catering firm. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 32 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 3. Write To: Company Manager From: Marcos García Format allows easy Subject: Evaluation and recommendation regarding the staff catering reference. facilities in Avila office The aim of this report is to evaluate the staff catering facilities provided at the local office in Avila. The services are currently provided by an external company and are used by almost 100% of the personnel on a daily basis. Recently, two problems have been detected: failure to provide any food on one day, and insufficient quantity on another two days. Each problem has a heading Failure to provide food for easy When contacted, the firm provided the following explanation: due to an reference. error, the catering company had assumed that our premises would be closed on local public holidays, and had therefore not provided any catering. We have since explained that, as a nationwide company, we do not close on local public holidays, only national bank holidays. We have been assured that this error will not reoccur. Insufficient quantity Following two training periods where extra personnel from other offices had eaten at the Avila office, 12 people were not provided with food in the staff canteen. As a result, the company had to contact a take-away food service. Upon investigation, the catering company had not been informed beforehand of the training sessions, and had therefore not been able to provide sufficient portions. The company department responsible for this had been advised that they must inform the catering Short company of any training sessions to avoid this happening again. conclusion provides Accordingly, I believe these episodes were isolated incidents and have summary and been resolved satisfactorily. I do not believe it necessary to change the final evaluation. catering firm. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 33 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 4. Check Providing a subject at the beginning of the report helps you to TIP clarify argument. Practice! Read the following question and write an informal email/letter in 45 minutes. You have been asked to write a report for your company manager about the quality of the staff sports facilities provided at your head office. In your report you should discuss how frequently the facilities are used, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages for the company and staff, and suggest improvements. Write your report. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 34 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  3.6. Review Reason for writing  Review a book, article, film, holiday etc.  Describe and give your opinion.  Written for a magazine, newspaper, or blog. Style  Use semi- informal language.  Use first person where appropriate (I think, I believe…).  Use headings/bullet points to aid organisation, if preferred.  Make it enjoyable and interesting to read.  Use exciting language to capture the reader’s interest.  Use rhetorical questions. Structure Use paragraphs to structure your writing and give coherence to your ideas: 1st paragraph Overview of book/film/holiday/restaurant etc. 2nd paragraph Greater detail on a book/film/holiday/restaurant etc. 3rd paragraph Evaluate and make recommendation. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 35 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Useful language Expressing opinions In my opinion Personally, I believe that… I agree/disagree with… I am in favour of… I am against the idea of… In my view… If you ask me… I believe that… I sympathize with… It seems to me that… Rhetorical questions Have you ever…? Are you one of those people who think that…? What would life be like if…? What do you think about…? Are you one of those people who…? Remember: 1. Identify 2. Organise 3. Write 4. Check © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 36 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 1. Identify key words Step 2. Organise Who to? Travel blog. Register? Semi-formal. Background of resort: Palm beach resort, 5-star, 5 Paragraph 1 pools. Garden. Paragraph 2 Bad start. Plane delayed. Hotel room not ready. Paragraph 3 Décor old fashioned but comfortable. Older guests? Paragraph 4 Great breakfasts. Pancakes! Good variety. Paragraph 5 Surrounding area- shops pricey. Evaluation? Would recommend, but only with good Paragraph 6 deal. Not worth full price. Only for relaxing holiday. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 37 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 3. Write Palm Beach Resort appears in the brochure as an ideal holiday get- away. It is a five-star hotel right on the seafront that boasts 5 swimming pools and a large garden complex. A place to relax and enjoy yourself. The reality for us was somewhat different. We had a bad start to the holiday with the plane being delayed for six hours. And while that wasn’t the hotel’s fault and arriving at a hotel at midnight is never easy, when your rooms are not available it can seem like a nightmare instead of a dream holiday! Still, once that problem was sorted and we’d had a good night’s sleep, things started looking up. The rooms were comfortable and spacious. Informal Personally, I’d say the décor was a little old-fashioned and not really discourse suited to a beach resort. It seemed to be catering for older guests. The markers suit semi-informal balcony, though, was great with spectacular views overlooking the style ocean- well worth the supplement. There was a lounging area which was ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail! We had breakfast included in the price of the room. The breakfast buffet can only be described as plentiful and varied. Eggs and bacon were cooked in front of you, though the best part for me was definitely the pancake stand. There area around the hotel contains mainly boutiques and some very small and expensive food shops —speciality foods, really, rather than a local supermarket to buy a baguette and beers to take to the beach. Short All in all, I would recommend Palm Beach Resort as long as you can get summary to evaluate a good deal —I definitely wouldn’t pay full price. Provided you aren’t resort. looking to live up dancing to the small hours and prefer a calm and relaxing break, this is a great choice —just hope you don’t arrive late! © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 38 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  Step 4. Check Think of and write about a real town/book/film that appeals to TIP you. It will be easier to write about and more interesting to read. Practice! Read the following question and write an informal email/letter in 45 minutes. A travel magazine is looking for reviews of cities that are suitable to advertise as short city breaks. You decide to write about a town you know well. Explain the kind of holiday maker this break would appeal to, which places you would most recommend visiting, and why. Write your review. © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Exam Writing Guide C1 39 Section 3. Writing Exam Part 2  References Cambridge Assessment (UCLES), (2018). Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) [web file]. Retrieved from: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/advanced/ © Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) Subject 40 Unit x. Test