Cpe Writing Examples

CPE WRITING

Part 1: an essay; candidates are required to base their answers on two texts, each approximately 100 words Part 2: an article, a letter, a report or a review. There is one text of no more than 70 words. The texts will be based on a variety of authentic, contemporary sources.

WRITING TYPES: PART 1: ESSAY: compulsory -2 short texts; extract main ideas + conclusion -corpus: introductory text, text1 summary, text2 summary, own ideas/conclusion TITLE: creative INTRO: “The text considers the role of…./ Both texts identify a….” Use your own TEXT1: “The first views /positively, negatively, drawbacks” words when TEXT2: “In contrast, the second text raises the issue of…” summarising OWN IDEAS CONCLUSION *Clear organization, logical sequence of ideas ADVISE: -Refer to the 4key points clearly in your answer -Introduce the main argument at the outset -Include ideas of your won that are relevant. -Organise your ideas in logical paragraphs -Make sure your argument is coherent - Include an effective conclusion -Use a variety of sentence openers and linkers -Write in an unmarked register, using an impersonal tone. -Use your own words wherever possible Generalising

Specifying

-It is often said that… -It is usually the case that… -People tend to regard… -The reality is that…

-From the classical performer’s point of view… -X is seen as... -In terms of X itself… -As far as X is concerned…

Raising an argument -Considering… -On the question of… -No one would dispute…

Giving one side -One argument in favour of this is… -In support of… -It is true that…

Giving the other side -At the same time… -In actual facts… -On the other hand… -In contrast to… -Set/Weighed against this is… -This is not to say that…

Introduction -Nobody can deny… -This essay argues… -The text considers… 3RD PERSON

PART2: 1. ARTICLE:

Considers aspects of style and ways of holding the reader’s attention. It focuses on sophistication of language and writing an article for specific audience. TITLE

ADVISE: -Read the question carefully to decide on an appropriate style. -Think of a title that will be suitable for the readership - Plan the content of your article before you start writing - Decide whether it is appropriate to use headings for the various sections of the article - Include an introduction that outlines the article’s coverage and ties in with the title - Order the paragraphs logically, following your plan. -Make sure your ideas are expressed effectively and are well linked. - Summarise your main idea in a conclussion - Use a range of structures in complex sentences - Demonstrate your knowledge of vocabulary to the full. - Check your answers for any slips you have made in spelling or grammar. 2. REPORT: Impersonal language, neutral tone. Passive structures Sub-headings and other organising devices such as bullets you will make your own report easier to read. ADVISE: -Make a detail plan: brainstorming, bubble map -Draft sub-heading for each section -Add bullets when listing information -Signpost the information clearly -Write in a neutral and impersonal style -Include passive structures -Use a range of relevant vocabulary. 1. Heading: mini titles 2. Bullet points 3. Signposting expressions 3. LETTER: This will be formal in register and the target reader may be the editor of a newspaper or magazine. You are not expected to include postal addresses but the letter should be paragraphed and have a suitable opening and

close.

ADVISE: -Read the questions carefully to understand the scenario. -Think about the purpose of your letter –what should it achieve? -Use a suitability polite tine for the target reader specified. -Write in a consistently formal register -Use suitable paragraphing and a range of cohesive devices -State your reason for writing at the outset -Begging: Dear Sir or madam, to whom may it concern; ending, yours faithfully. 4. REVIEW: book, film, TV programme, concert, media event. ADVISE: -Provide a balance info & opinion -DON’T describe the whole plot -Introduce opinions via linkers -Use rhetorical questions -Show your range of vocab including specialist terms. -Name the thing early in the review. EXAM ADVICE FOR ARTICLES AND LETTERS: -Decide on an appropriate style and tine for your L or A -Spend a few minutes thinking about the angle to take. -Make a list of possible ideas. -Order these ideas logically and to best effect. -Note down relevant vocabulary and expressions. -Include rhetorical questions to preface opinions.