cae writing essay exercises

C1 Advanced - Writing Practice

Certificate in advanced english (cae).

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The themes/topics covered in each writing paper can be found below each link.

Cambridge C1 English Advanced (CAE) Writing - Test One Reducing traffic / review, letter, report Exercise Number: CAE067

Cambridge C1 English Advanced (CAE) Writing - Test Two Local TV station / letter, proposal, report Exercise Number: CAE068

Cambridge C1 English Advanced (CAE) Writing - Test Three Protecting the environment / report, email, review Exercise Number: CAE069

Cambridge C1 English Advanced (CAE) Writing - Test Four Working from home / report, proposal, letter Exercise Number: CAE070

Cambridge C1 English Advanced (CAE) Writing - Test Five Spending government money / review, letter, report Exercise Number: CAE071

Cambridge C1 English Advanced (CAE) Writing - Test Six New school subject / review, email, report Exercise Number: CAE072

Cambridge C1 English Advanced (CAE) Writing - Test Seven School speech giver / review, email, report. Exercise Number: CAE073

Cambridge C1 English Advanced (CAE) Writing - Test Eight Local town economy / email, proposal, review. Exercise Number: CAE074

Best C1 Advanced Books For Students

Use of English: Ten practice tests for the Cambridge C1 Advanced | See in UK

Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced Volume 1 Practice Tests Plus with key | See in UK

Grammar and Vocabulary for Advanced Book with Answers and Audio | See in UK

Cambridge English Advanced 1 for Revised Exam - Student's Book with Answers: Authentic Examination Papers | See in UK

CAE Writing Masterclass (Parts 1 & 2) Cambridge English Advanced Writing | See in UK

Grammar & Vocabulary CAE & CPE Workbook With Key | See in UK

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Cambridge English: Advanced

Weekly CAE Writing tasks, video lessons and quizzes to help you with Paper 2

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Breakout English

Cambridge Advanced (CAE) Writing

The Cambridge Advanced (CAE) Writing exam is a deceptively difficult part of the exam to perfect and pass. While at first glance the tasks may seem relatively simple, it’s the marking criteria and expectations which can leave exam candidates with an unpleasant surprise when they receive their results. It’s important to be familiar with the exam, so take a look at the sample test below and try answering the questions!

Despite being rigorous, writing is also the easiest language skill to prepare and improve quickly. A few ideas in your bag-of-tricks can really change a fail to a pass with practice and consistency.

CAMBRIDGE ADVANCED WRITING PLUS

We’ve got all the tips and tricks for the Cambridge Advanced Writing exam with Cambridge Advanced Writing Plus . Learn how to use advanced grammar, vocabulary and techniques to write the way Cambridge wants you to write. The self-study book includes multiple Cambridge style tasks and samples alongside activities and quizzes to improve your writing.

Format of Advanced (CAE) Writing

Part 1 – essay.

CAE Writing Part 1 is an essay and it’s obligatory. That means whether you’re an expert essay writer or you’ve never written an academic text in your life, you have to do it.

The good news is that it’s always a fixed format. The question will always have the same setup with three content points, of which you choose two to write about. The other good news is that you can follow a clear structure and learn lots of nice phrases, grammar and vocabulary to really boost your writing and prove your C1 level. Here, we’ve got three practice essay tasks for you to practise.

Remember to always keep the Cambridge writing scales in mind when you complete the task. It’s not only based on your language ability, but also your knowledge of the writing style, your organisation and whether you’ve answered the question correctly.

For some useful revision of linking words to improve your writing, check out our Linking Words post.

Part 2 – Writer’s choice

Part 2 of the Cambridge Advanced writing exam is more open and flexible than Part 1. The choice is all yours! Well, the choice is yours of which of the three tasks you want to write. You could find yourself writing a letter, a report, a review or a proposal. There’s less input for each task, but the concept of answering all the content points and producing a high-quality writing is still the same.

It’s essential to learn each type of writing. You may do some quick maths and decide that with 3 options per exam and only 4 possible writing types, I only need to study 2 types and no matter what, one of them will come up! This is not a good idea. Imagine, for example, that you are a music teacher. You have decided that you will write a letter or review no matter what, then in the exam you find a report question about the importance of music in schools. Obviously, this topic is perfect for you and you’d be a fool to choose the letter about the environment or the proposal that you can’t write. But you have no idea how to write a report, so what do you do?

Always learn how to write all the different types of writing so that you are fully prepared.

Tips and tricks for Advanced (CAE) Writing

• Always spend some time planning before you write.
• Learn lots of useful grammar and phrases to plug into your writings.
• Prepare to write above and beyond what you would do even in your own language. You need to show off to prove your ability in English.
• Be careful with silly mistakes with easy grammar, vocabulary or organisation. These can really hurt you at C1 level.
• Always aim to impress the reader . Think about who the writing is written for and the style you need to use.
• Learn your own common errors and save 5 minutes to check your writing at the end . Just because you aren’t a teacher doesn’t mean you can’t spot your own mistakes and improve whatever you have written.

Get Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing Plus

Breakout English brings you the most complete and detailed self-study course dedicated to the Cambridge Advanced Writing exam. You’ll get all the information you need from exam experts and teachers to pass the Writing exam. Available as a digital download or in paperback. With the digital download, you receive all the same content of the paperback book in a pdf format.

Check it out to learn more and see the key content.

These materials have been designed to represent the same quality and standards as authentic exam materials.

Proceeds from paid materials go towards helping Breakout English continue to offer the majority of our quality materials 100% free and accessible to teachers and learners of English. Thank you for your support!

• How to write a C1 Advanced Essay

• Posted on 26/02/2020
• Categories: Blog
• Tags: C1 Advanced , Cambridge Exams , Writing

The Cambridge C1 Advanced is an excellent qualification to aim for if you’re thinking of studying or working abroad. It’s recognised by universities and governments all over the world and also helps you prove your language skills to future employers.

One of the most demanding parts of the exam is Part 1 of the Writing paper, which includes writing an essay. For many of you, this won’t come naturally… especially in another language.

So, to give you the best chance at success, we’ve created this in-depth guide full of Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing tips and useful language to get you producing excellent essays in no time.

So, pick up your pen, and let’s get started!

If you’d like to get more help with the C1 Advanced, consider our exam preparation class!

C1 Advanced Writing Requirements

The C1 Advanced Writing exam has two writing parts, which you must complete in 90 minutes. Both parts have a word limit of between 220-260 words. We recommend getting lots of writing practice under these conditions!

Part 1 is always a discursive essay . It requires you to think about arguments for and against a topic.

Part 2 is a situationally based writing task. This could be a letter , an email , a report , a proposal or a review and you have three options to choose from.

Today, we’ll be looking at how to do your best in part 1.

Before you begin

When you turn over the paper and begin Writing Part 1, take some time to read the task instructions. Identify all parts of the question, underlining which parts are obligatory and noting which parts are optional.

Let’s take a look at an example question!

Remember, you don’t have to use the opinions expressed in the box, but they may help you to get the ball rolling . Also, you only have to talk about two of the options given, not all three.

Make a plan

Take ten minutes to lay out your ideas. Make a pros and cons list for each of the three options and then decide which two you feel most confident with. Here’s some things you might come up with, can you think of any more?

Structure your essay

The essence of a good essay is a clear structure.

Introduction

Here you want to introduce the topic in your own words. Your first line should also grab the reader’s attention, then you should paraphrase the question. Finally, try using a statistic or a rhetorical question. This will make them want to read on, right?

Paragraph 1

Discuss the first option you’ve chosen. Include a good topic sentence and remember to give reasons for your answer. Describe some of the advantages, and even some of the disadvantages too. This will give a well-balanced argument.

Paragraph 2

Here’s where you introduce the second option. Again, try to present both sides of the argument and give reasons for your ideas. Gradually work towards the conclusion.

State your final opinion. This should be a summary of the rest of the essay and point clearly to which option you think is the most important. Do not introduce any new arguments at this stage. The conclusion is where you tie-up any loose ends .

This is an advanced piece of writing, so make sure your choice of language reflects it. You will get marked for accuracy, however, occasional errors can still be present as long as they do not impede understanding. So don’t play it too safe . This is your opportunity to show what you can do, so take some risks and have fun with it!

In the writing paper you should use a range of vocabulary, including less common lexis. Brainstorm some vocabulary related to the topic. Take your time to think of nouns and compound nouns that you know at C1 level. Really let your vocabulary sparkle .

No one likes a broken record . Find synonyms for simple words. You want to use a variety of language, and try not to repeat yourself too much. Check out these different ways of saying the same thing:

advantage = benefit, positive, upside

disadvantage = downside, drawback

effect = influence, impact, result, outcome

problem = issue, challenge, difficulty, obstacle, setback, complication

important = valuable, essential, beneficial

expensive = costly, dear, high-priced, extortionate

cheap = inexpensive, affordable, economical

big = great, large, sizeable, considerable, wide, vast

small = slight, tiny, little

Quick tip: Visit Thesaurus.com to study more synonyms!

Experiment with different grammatical forms. At this level you’re expected to have a good grasp on the grammar. You should use a range of simple and complex grammatical forms with control and flexibility. So challenge yourself with some of these…

• Participle clauses
• Conditionals
• Modal verbs
• Passive with reporting verbs
• Cleft sentences
• Comparatives
• Relative clauses

Useful expressions

To make your essay flow it’s best to use some key phrases. These will link all your ideas together, and help it sound semi-formal. Take a look at the expressions below. Why not use some in your next essay?

Introduction:

It is often said that…

Many people feel that…

We live in an age when..

More and more…

Introducing & Addition:

Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

On the one hand…

In addition…

What is more…

For example…

For instance…

As a case in point…

Contrasting:

In contrast…

On the other hand…

Alternatively…

However…

Conclusion:

All things considered…

As far as I’m concerned…

In light of the above…

What the examiners are looking for

When writing your essay, bear in mind what you’ll be marked on:

Have you answered all parts of the question? Is everything relevant to the question?

Communicative Achievement

Is the style and tone appropriate? Remember it should be semi-formal and neutral.

Organisation

Does it follow a logical order? Have you used paragraphs and linking devices?

Are you using a variety of grammar and vocabulary? Is it accurate?

Now your masterpiece has come together. Remember to take time to check your work. Here’s the official Writing Checklist from Cambridge Assessment English . And our list of the most common mistakes:

• subject + verb agreement
• singulars / plurals
• question formation
• variety of tenses
• dependent prepositions

Some final tips

Avoid contractions (I’m, they’re, we’re) as this is a formal writing.

Don’t use first person pronouns (I, my, our, us).

Practise under timed conditions.

Use model answers to practise fixed expressions.

——

Looking for more help with your Cambridge C1 Advanced exam? Here are our other guides from our blog:

C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English – Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3

And if you are not sure if you’re ready for the C1 Advanced, check out our article Am I ready for the C1 Advanced exam? to find out!

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Get the ball rolling (exp) : to start something.

Lay out (v): to explain something in detail.

Paraphrase (v): to say the same thing in a different way.

Tie-up any loose ends (exp): to resolve issues.

Play it safe (exp): to act cautiously.

A broken record (exp): when someone repeats themself.

Sparkle (v) : to shine.

Good grasp (exp): a good knowledge.

Bear in mind (exp) : to consider.

Masterpiece (n): an incredible work of art.

exp = expression

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Small Talk For Business English

• By: oxfordadmin
• Posted on 19/02/2020

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Free Practice Tests for learners of English

Cambridge english advanced: cae writing part 1.

Write an essay discussing TWO of the subjects mentioned above. You should explain why you think these subjects should continue to be taught at secondary schools, giving reasons to support your answer.

You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed by other readers, but you should use your own words as far as possible.

CAE Writing tests

• Writing part 1 (essay)
• Writing part 2 (email)
• Writing part 2 (brochure)
• Writing part 2 (letter of application)
• Writing part 2 (review)
• Writing part 2 (letter to a newspaper)

CAE Sections

• Cambridge Advanced (CAE)

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CAE Writing Part 1: A Formal Essay

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Photo Credit: http://ozgekaraoglu.edublogs.org/2015/04/01/how-to-get-a-good-essay-written-by-writers/

Just a quick note…

Before you use these materials… We’ve created a new podcast aimed at B2+ level English students and teachers alike. You can listen for free at our SoundCloud page below. We have released 5 episodes so far and you can download teacher’s notes to accompany them from our Facebook page or from this blog. All comments and feedback welcome! Give us a like and a share 😉

https://soundcloud.com/2tspod

https://www.facebook.com/2tspodcast/

This is a lesson plan to help students approach and complete the new formal essay task in the CAE writing paper.

You will need the handout and teacher’s key:

CAE Writing Part 1 handout

CAE Writing key

The new CAE writing part 1 is a formal essay based on a talk/lecture that the student has recently attended. There are always 3 bullet points that the lecture discussed, of which the candidate must only address two. There are also some quotes from other attendees/surveyed people that can be used. The final part of the task will include a question that the essay MUST answer.

Credit: Spotlight on Advanced – Cengage Learning and National Geographic.

Make enough copies of the 2nd page of the hand out for one between two. Cut the hand out up, give the slips of paper with the different planning steps to the students and have them put them in order. My suggested order is as follows:

• Read task carefully. Underline most important parts; focus on the question that your essay MUST
• Brainstorm ideas based on the 3 bullet points.
• Choose the 2 bullet point you have the most ideas about.
• Brainstorm ways to express your ideas and the quotes in the task using advanced grammar:
• Inversions: Not only is/do…..but also… Rarely/seldom do people….
• Double comparatives: The cheaper the…., the more popular…
• Participle clauses: Being a keen shopper myself,… Having bought many products online,….
• Advanced linkers: Despite the fact that…., ….. due to the fact that = because
• Plan your introduction:
• An interesting way to introduce the topic.
• Formal questions that the essay will answer.
• Plan your conclusion: Focus on answering the question you underlined in step 1.
• Reread carefully checking for:
• Repetition of words/structures.
• Contractions
• Boring/informal vocabulary.
• Also Furthermore/moreover. Because due/owing to the fact that. Although In spite of the fact that. However nonetheless/nevertheless.
• Have you answered the question completely?

Have students complete step 1 in pairs:

Have students complete step 2 as a CAE speaking part 3 task. Draw a spider diagram on the board. In the middle write: What influences where/how people shop? On the 3 spokes write the three bullet points: Convenience, cost and enjoyment. Briefly recap some language for speaking tasks  and have students discuss the topic for 3 minutes.

Hold a plenary session and board all the students ideas in note form. Then put them in pairs to complete the next step: Brainstorming impressive grammar structures to use.

When shopping online not only do you avoid paying parking fees, but also crowds of people.

Having shopped both online and in stores, I would say that….

Linkers activity

Give out 1 copy of the third page of the handout to each student and have them complete it in pairs.

Pimp my paragraph

Either hand out the paragraph upgrade sheet out or project it on to the board. Students must upgrade the language in the paragraph to make it more impressive and more formal.

Introduction Phrases:

I got these great phrases from another handout I found on the internet:

More and more families are choosing to have only one child.

The trend nowadays is towards having smaller families.

Over the past ten years or so the media have frequently carried reports of ……………

Recent research indicates that the number of teenagers who smoke is increasing.

Hardly a week goes by without another report of …………….. appearing in the media.

This raises the issue of whether ……………..

Although most people would generally agree that …………… few would deny that …………….

I hope you find these activities useful in developing your students’ writing abilities, I appreciate any feedback or constructive criticism in the comments section.

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Author: Tim Warre

Barcelona based English Teacher, blogger and sometime actor and director. View All Posts

10 thoughts on “ CAE Writing Part 1: A Formal Essay ”

Really interesting topic and give advise and encourage me to write

Really helpful. Thanks for sharing!

As a relatively new teacher and even newer to teaching Cambridge prep, this is extremely helpful, am going to give the lesson next week! Thank you!

Thanks for the comment. Let me know how it goes.

Thank you for sharing, Tim. I was looking for useful activities on CAE’s formal essay and yours just nail it! I’ll use them with one of my students 🙂

Thanks for this, a great revision activity for an exam. Looking forward to seeing what they produce!

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Thanks a million! I’ve just started CAE and this Lesson Plan will be really useful for my classes. It’s very well-written and detailed. You rock!

This has been a great help, I really like the grammar review to help apply the theory they know. Thanks very much

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Writing - Part 1 - C1 Advanced (CAE) - Practice, Write & Improve

Exam question:, type: essay.

Write an  essay  discussing only two points . You should explain which point is more important , giving reasons in support of your answer.

Student's Answer:

” More and more people are eating unhealthy food and do not even exercise once a week. What is the best thing government could do to keep their citizens healthy? Should the government introduce educational campaigns? Or maybe the better option would be to encourage people to exercise?

Many people would be eating too much sugar were it not for the government advertisements in television. That being said, government can change people’ behaviour simply by putting an ad in TV. If the adverts were about a newly built supermarket, people would not know about the dangers of sugar

While educational campaigns might be good for keeping healthy citizens, encouraging people to exercise would be better for them to improve their overall health. Therefore exercising helps to gain muscles and lose fat, it has more benefits than we all can think of. This is why government should encourage people to exercise more.

If we take those two ideas and merge them, then we get the best option which is to introduce educational campaigns in which people are encouraged to exercise. This could be for example an advertisement, made by the government, either in radio or television about advantages of exercising twice a week and how to do it properly.

In conclusion, i would assert that educational campaigns are the best option for government to keep their citizens healthy. Not only people would take advantage on knowing how to exercise, but also they would exercise more. “

Add an appropriate title - impress examiners

More and more ( repeated comparative) people are eating unhealthy food and do not even exercise once a week. (simple ideas - comm unicate more complex)  What is the best thing government could do to keep their citizens healthy ? (use own words)  Should the government introduce educational campaigns ? (use own words) Or maybe the better option would be to encourage people to exercise ? (use own words)

Appropriate introduction; informs the reader about the essence of the essay;

Don't try to pad out your answers while taking the exam - add unnecessary words or information to make it longer or to hide the fact that you are not saying anything very important.

Many / (avoid common words) M ajo rity of people would be eating (avoid common words) / consuming too much sugar were it not for ( for mal conditional)   the government advertisements on television. That being said , (participle clause) government / authorities   (use syonyms) can change people ' / citizens (use synonyms) behaviour simply by putting / publishing an advertisement in (avoid phrasal verbs) TV. If the adverts were about a newly built supermarket, people would not know about the dangers of sugar. ( communicate more complex ideas)

• essay is an academic paper and must be written in the formal/advanced  language.
• avoid phrasal verbs   - although phrasal verbs are acceptable in spoken English, they are frequently considered too informal for academic writing.

While educational campaigns might be good / (avoid common words) adequate for keeping healthy citizens, encouraging people to exercise (use own words) would be better for them to improve their overall health . Therefore exercising / physical activity (use subject-specific vocabulary) helps to gain muscles and lose fat , it has more benefits than we all can think of. (avoid personal language) This is why government should encourage people to exercise more . (do not add unnecessary words or the same information to make it longer)

• you make excessive use of the vocabulary that appears in the task use more unique language
• avoid direct and personal language (I, You, We)

If we take those two idea s If those two ideas are taken and merged them , then we get the best option which is to introduce educational campaigns in which people are encouraged to exercise . (use own words) This could be for example an advertisement, made by the government , either on radio or television about the advantages of exercising twice a week and how to do it properly.

In conclusion, (linking words) I would assert that educational campaigns are the best option for the government t o keep their citizens healthy. Not only (inversion) people would take advantage of knowing how to exercise , but also they would exercise more.

• very repetitive vocabulary
• at times you try to write as much content as possible and it does not necessarily carry any significant information

Content: 5/5 have you answered the question?

All content is relevant to the task. Target reader is informed.

• introducing educational campaigns- fully commented
• encouraging people to exercise- fully commented

You should explain which point is more important, giving reasons in support of your answer- commented

Communicative Achievement:2-3/5 have you completed the task in the right sort of language?

The language register is not always appropriately formal Formal & Informal Style (video)  

• avoid simple words and common vocabulary such as (nice, good, get, big, a lot) use  more advanced  (remarkable, achieve, significant)
• don't try to pad out your answers while taking the exam
• avoid phrasal verbs

The organisation: 4-5/5 have you structured your writing properly?

The essay begins with an appropriate introduction that introduces the reader to its content. the main issues are dealt with in separate paragraphs and the text ends with a summary

Language: 2/5 have you used a good range of grammar and vocabulary?

Vocabulary There is a narrow range of vocabulary, including less common lexis.

Grammar There is sufficient range of simple and more complex grammatical forms which are used with control and flexibility.

Errors are noticeable but meaning can still be determined.

Very repetitive vocabulary; Use synonyms and own words

Use more relevant and diverse grammar structures and diverse vocabulary   (conditionals, inversion, regrets, wishes, passive forms, various tenses, past modals,cleft sentences, various clauses (subordinate, participle ) 

  Score: 12-13/20 Grade: B2+/C1- 

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Home / CAE Use of English (C1)

CAE Use of English (C1)

Here you can find CAE Use of English (C1) practice exercises – you can do them online or save in PDF. We also have detailed explanation of each task.

The exercises are a great addition to your CAE preparation, and can also complement your general language practice. The exercises have answer keys as well as answer explanations to help you understand the language and the logic of the answers. Click on each part to see the exercises.

CAE Use of English Part 1

This part has a text with eight gaps with a choice of four options for each gap. The texts are usually aimed at a reader of B2-C1 level, so more complex vocabulary and structures are to be expected. Overall, there are six different types of tasks here:

We do not actually know that preposition is the key here until we start matching the answers with the context. A – proposed is not good, as it normally comes with ‘that’, e.g. ‘Chris proposed that we do not buy this car’ . B – voted works grammatically, but it sounds too official and it implies that there are several people involved in this. C – suggested is similar to the first answer here. So we end up with the last option: ‘Chris advised against buying the car’ . As short as they are, prepositions are a big part of grammar.

There are also cases when a preposition is absent and you pick the option that doesn’t need it: The real estate agent recommended to take our time and ____ the mortgage documents.

The word ‘peruse’ looks a bit weird, so skip it for now. B – look would need a preposition, e.g. ‘to look at something’ . To observe something means to look at something from a distance, without getting involved – not the option we are looking for. To glance is to have a quick look and it also need a preposition ‘at’, so it doesn’t fit here for several reasons. Now we go back to the original word – we might just choose it because we know the rest don’t fit. To peruse something means to look at or to read something carefully, exactly the thing we were looking for.

Note that each of these phrasal verbs makes sense in their own context. A – put out can mean ‘to extinguish something like a fire’. B – put away means ‘to put something to the side’ or ‘to save something for later in case you need it, e.g. money’. C – put aside is similar to the first meaning. Finally, if you put something off, you move it to a later date – so this is what we are going for.

A – acquired looks good, but we might want to consider other options right now. B – received doesn’t seem to be a decent collocation, whereas answer C doesn’t work at all. Now we look at D – accumulated – it gives us the idea of gradual increase, exactly the kind of meaning we need, as it is said that it took generations.

This is where your language knowledge will really stand you in good stead (an idiom as well!). Unfortunately, there is no real way of making the right guess in most of such tasks, as you simply have to know how the phrase goes. Here it is ‘to strike a balance’.

In this case we are looking to contrast the two ideas – poor performance at school (‘diligent’ means hardworking) and becoming a successful business owner. A – although cannot be used as it needs to be at the beginning of the first point: “ Although my sister wasn’t the most diligent of students, it didn’t stand…” . B – though is not used at the beginning of the sentence. C – albeit works the same way as ‘although’. We are therefore left with D – however .

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C1 advanced exam format.

C1 Advanced is a thorough test of all areas of language ability.

The exam is made up of four papers developed to test your English language skills. You can see exactly what’s in each paper below.

The formats below are the same for both the digital and paper-based exams.

• openbook Reading and Use of English
• compose Writing
• playlist Listening
• megaphone Speaking

openbook What’s in the Reading and Use of English paper?

The C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English paper is in eight parts and has a mix of text types and questions.

Part 1 (Multiple-choice cloze)

Part 2 (Open cloze)

Part 3 (Word formation)

Part 4 (Key word transformations)

Part 5 (Multiple choice)

Part 6 (Cross-text multiple matching)

Part 7 (Gapped text)

Part 8 (Multiple matching)

compose What’s in the Writing paper?

In the two parts of the C1 Advanced Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English.

Part 1 (Compulsory question)

Part 2 (Situationally based writing task)

playlist What’s in the Listening paper?

The C1 Advanced Listening paper has four parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice.

Part 1 (Multiple choice)

Part 2 (Sentence completion)

Part 3 (Multiple choice)

Part 4 (Multiple matching)

megaphone What’s in the Speaking paper?

The C1 Advanced Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate.

There are two examiners. One of the examiners conducts the test (asks you questions, gives you the paper with things to talk about, and so on). The other examiner listens to what you say and takes notes.

Part 1 (Interview)

Part 2 (Long turn)

Part 3 (Collaborative task)

Part 4 (Discussion)

What Are Connectors in IELTS: Understanding Their Role in Writing and Speaking

• by Nick Charge
• September 24, 2024

Connectors are essential tools in IELTS writing that help you build a clear and organized essay. Using connectors effectively enhances coherence and cohesion, making your ideas flow smoothly. They allow you to link thoughts, compare points, and illustrate relationships between concepts, which are vital for scoring high on the exam.

Understanding how to use connectors can significantly impact your writing score. In this article, you will learn practical examples and tips for incorporating these linking words into your essays, allowing you to express your ideas clearly and efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• Connectors improve coherence and cohesion in writing.
• Effective use of connectors can boost your IELTS score.
• Practical exercises can enhance your understanding of linking words.

Understanding Connectors in IELTS Writing

Connectors play a crucial role in IELTS Writing. They help you link ideas, improve readability, and show relationships between sentences. Mastering connectors can significantly boost your score.

Definition and Importance

Connectors are words or phrases that link ideas within and between sentences. They include conjunctions, transition words, and linking words. Using these effectively helps create a logical flow in your writing.

In IELTS, connectors are important for coherence and cohesion. Coherence means your ideas are clear and logically organized. Cohesion ensures your writing flows smoothly. When you use connectors correctly, your arguments are easier to follow, increasing your chances of getting a higher band score.

Types of Connectors

Connectors can be classified into different types based on their function:

• Addition: These add information. Examples include “furthermore” and “moreover.”
• Contrast: These show differences or opposing ideas. Words like “however” and “on the other hand” are common.
• Cause and Effect: These explain reasons or results. Use connectors like “therefore” and “as a result.”
• Examples: Connectors such as “for instance” and “for example” introduce specific instances.
• Sequence: These words indicate order, like “first,” “next,” and “finally.”

Each type serves a purpose and can enhance the clarity of your writing.

Coherence and Cohesion

Coherence refers to how well your ideas connect. You achieve coherence through logical organization of your content and the use of appropriate connectors.

Cohesion focuses on the grammatical and lexical link between phrases and sentences. You can improve cohesion by utilizing linkers and transition words that guide readers through your points.

For instance, using connectors like “therefore” shows cause and effect, while “in contrast” clearly presents opposing ideas. The right connectors make your arguments stronger and more persuasive.

Effective Use of Connectors for High Scoring Essays

Using connectors effectively is vital for achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2. They help you present your ideas clearly and logically. This section covers how to select the right connectors, construct clear sentences, and enhance cohesion and flow in your writing.

Selecting the Right Connectors

Choosing the right connectors is essential for linking your ideas. Different connectors serve various functions:

• Addition: Also, furthermore, moreover
• Contrast: However, on the other hand, nevertheless
• Comparison: Similarly, likewise
• Cause and Effect: Therefore, consequently, as a result

Use connectors that fit the relationship between your ideas. For example, use “however” when showing a contrast or “furthermore” to add more information. Accurate selection improves clarity, making it easier for the examiner to follow your arguments. Practice using a variety of connectors to demonstrate your range.

Constructing Clear Sentences

When writing, clarity in your sentences is crucial. Make sure your sentences are not too long or complex. Break down complex ideas into shorter, simpler sentences. This allows your reader to grasp your points without confusion.

Integrate connectors naturally. For instance, instead of saying, “Many people support this opinion, however, some disagree,” you could say, “Many people support this opinion. However, some disagree.” This keeps your writing clearer and more engaging. Be mindful of punctuation; using commas correctly with connectors like “however” will enhance clarity.

Enhancing Cohesion and Flow

Cohesion is key to a well-structured essay. Arrange your ideas logically and use connectors to guide the reader through your argument. Start paragraphs with a clear topic sentence, then follow it with supporting details.

Using transition words helps achieve smoother flow. For example, phrases like “in addition” or “for example” can guide the reader from one point to another seamlessly. A well-organized essay with effective connectors can significantly enhance your coherence score, which is worth 25% of your total marks. Remember, coherence helps the reader understand your message better.

Practical Examples and Exercises

Connectors play a vital role in organizing your ideas and improving the flow of your writing in the IELTS exam. Practicing with specific examples can help you understand how to use these linking words effectively.

Listing and Sequencing

When you want to list several points, connecting words like first, second, and finally are important. These words create a clear order for your ideas.

• First, the climate affects energy production.
• Second, renewable sources are gaining popularity.
• Finally, new technology improves efficiency.

Using these connectors helps avoid confusion. You can also practice with phrases like next or then to show the flow of events.

Exercise: Write a short paragraph listing the benefits of studying for the IELTS. Use at least three listing connectors.

Comparing and Contrasting

To compare two ideas, words like similarly, on the other hand, and however are essential. They help show relationships between your points.

• Similarly, both electric and solar energy are renewable.
• On the other hand, fossil fuels cause pollution.

Using these words helps clarify your arguments and makes your writing easier to follow.

Exercise: Create sentences comparing and contrasting two different types of energy sources. Include at least two connectors.

Showing Cause and Effect

Connectors like because, therefore, and as a result are key when discussing reasons and outcomes. They clearly show how one event leads to another.

• Energy consumption rises because of population growth.
• Therefore, alternative sources must be developed.

Links between causes and effects strengthen your arguments.

Exercise: Write a few sentences explaining why it’s important to use alternative energy. Use at least two cause-and-effect connectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Connectors are essential tools for enhancing writing and speaking in IELTS. They help you organize your ideas clearly and improve coherence, which can lead to better scores. Here are some common questions about using connectors in the IELTS exam.

How can connectors be effectively used in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Using connectors in Writing Task 2 helps you transition smoothly between ideas. For instance, you can use phrases like “on the other hand” to present contrasting viewpoints or “for example” when giving illustrations. This clarity is crucial for expressing your arguments effectively.

What role do connectors play in achieving a band 9 in IELTS writing?

To achieve a band 9, your writing must be clear and cohesive. Connectors help you link ideas logically, making your essay easier to follow. Using a varied range of connectors accurately demonstrates your language proficiency and keeps your writing organized.

Can you list some examples of connectors that are useful in IELTS Writing Task 1?

In Writing Task 1, useful connectors include “in addition,” “however,” and “as a result.” These can help you describe data trends, compare information, or present changes clearly. Using the right connectors will enhance the clarity of your visual information explanations.

In IELTS speaking, how do connectors help improve coherence and fluency?

Connectors improve your coherence and fluency by linking your spoken ideas together. Phrases like “firstly,” “after that,” and “to sum up” signal the progression of your thoughts. This approach makes it easier for the examiner to follow your responses during the speaking test.

What are the different types of connectors that can be used in English essays for IELTS?

Connectors can be categorized into different types, such as those for addition (e.g., “furthermore”), contrast (e.g., “nevertheless”), cause and effect (e.g., “therefore”), and examples (e.g., “for instance”). Knowing these categories will help you select appropriate connectors for your essays.

Why are connectors important for structuring responses in IELTS?

Connectors are important because they guide the reader through your arguments and ensure your ideas flow logically. A well-structured response is easier to read and understand. By using connectors effectively, you can demonstrate clear thought processes and enhance the overall quality of your responses.

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