1. ADVANCED
Writing Test

2. Part 1: Essay
The task will outline a topic which is to be written about as a
follow-up to an academic activity, such as attending a panel
discussion or watching a documentary. A set of notes on the
topic will be provided, consisting of three bullet points plus
three short opinions related to the bullet points.
You are required to write an essay based on two points
given in the input text. You will be asked to explain which
of the two points is more important and to give
reasons for your opinion.
This task is compulsory.
Length: 220–260 words

3. Language for essays
Commonly held views
It is widely believed that...
No one would dispute the
fact that...
Few people would contest /
dispute that...
It is generally agreed
that...
Saying what other
people think
There are those who argue
that...
It has been suggested that...
Some people claim that...
Opponents / Supporters / of
(hunting) argue that...

4. Language for essays
Expressing an opinion
The first point to bear in mind
is that...
It is probably true to say
that...
There can be no doubt that...
It is simply not the case
that...
Referring to sources
All the evidence suggests
that...
A recent survey has proved
that...
Judging by the comments
made by...
Interviews with (students)
have revealed that...

5. Language for essays
Linking ideas
While it is true that..., it may
not always be right to...
Not only..., but also...
Conversely, ...
On the contrary, ...
Giving opinions
I can honestly say that...
Personally, I feel that...
From my perspective it seems
to be a good idea.
In my view...
Concluding
On balance, I feel that...
Taking everything into
consideration, ...
In conclusion, ...

6. Part 2: Choice of text types
You have a choice of task. The tasks provide a clear
context, topic, purpose and target reader for your writing.
The output text types are:
• a letter or email
• a proposal
• a report
• a review
Number of words: 220-260

7. Language for informal letters or emails
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.

8. Language for informal letters or emails
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.

9. Language for formal letters or emails
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, ...

10. Language for formal letters or emails
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...

11. 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.

12. 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...

13. 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.

14. 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...

15. 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 list
The 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...

16. 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...

17. Language for reviews
Commenting critically
... provides a fascinating / valuable / revealing insight into...
I found the plot rather predictable / disappointing.
The acting is very impressive / convincing.
She gives a compelling / memorable performance as ...
One particular strength / weakness of the film / book is...
The design / characterization / production is second to none / is not
its best feature.

18. Language for reviews
Encouraging others (not) to read / watch / listen
Don’t be put off by the title / critics / cover.
It will have you roaring with laughter / rushing out to buy the sequel.
It is a definite must-see.
I would definitely give it a miss.
I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in ...
I would strongly advise you (not) to go out and buy / see it.

19. Sources: CAE Gold plus, Ready for CAE, Spotlight on CAE, Handbook 2015