Things to take into account when tackling the tasks in the first C1 written test.

1. Writing Test 1
C1 December 2013
Things to take into account
Nina Dearle
By PresenterMedia.com

2. Topic 1
•
You have decided to participate in a work-and-study-abroad
programme, and in order to check you will be able to deal with an
English-speaking environment, you have been asked to give your
opinion on learning a foreign language in the twenty-first century.
Write about 250-300 words.
Task (Content)
You should write about:
a) the importance of learning a foreign language.
b) the importance/influence of digital tools on learning a foreign
language.
c) how teaching and learning a foreign language has changed in the
twenty-first century.
d) all of the above.

3. Format
Yes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
or no
?
Should you have written over 300 words?
Should you have written between 3 and 6 paragraphs?
Should you have written an introduction and a conclusion?
Should you have addressed the reader with questions?
Should you have used rhetorical questions.

4. Language
Did you use any of the following? Yes
or no
?
 globalisation and unprecedented interest in foreign language
learning
 job advantage in a global economy
 rapid pace
 enhances opportunities
 expands one personal horizons
 new teaching methodologies - more learner-centered, more
collaborative and more technologically driven
 emphasis on skills - focus no longer on grammar, memorization
and learning from rote
 digital technology and tools - geographical and physical
boundaries transcended
 browsing and surfing the Web – the “world at your fingertips”
 immersion programmes

5. Topic 2
“Why do working women find it so hard to reach the top?”
This question was posted on a forum on the internet recently
and you have decided to give your opinion. Your answer should
be about 250- 300 words.
Task (Content)
You should write about:
a) women’s struggle for equality
b) how women have achieved equality in the workplace
c) the reasons why few women make it to the top – 3 or 4
d) all of the above

6. Language
Did you use any of the following? Yes
 the glass ceiling
 clashing life, family and work priorities
 education
 gender stereotypes and expectations
 childcare options
 gender pay gap
or no
?