Focus on Writing, Part 1

  

  When writing (and listening and speaking) at Proficiency level, you are expected to give proof, i.e.evidence, of an exceptional level of English.

In Part 1 of the CPE writing exam,you are required to write a formal essay which summarises and evaluates two other texts.

Let's revise the steps you should follow:

Step 1 – Text analysis

Read both texts and decide if they are complementary or contrasting.

Underline the two key content points in each text.

Step 2 – Paraphrasing and summarising

Brainstorm different ways to paraphrase and summarise the key points.

What impressive structures can you use? Connectors, inversions, passives, collocations, expressions are expected at CPE level.

Step 3 – Evaluate and react

Decide which points you agree and disagree with.

Brainstorm your own thoughts (and experiences) on the subject.

You are required to summarise in your own words and using a formal register and style, evaluate and react :

Introduction: Main topic dealt with in both texts to summarise

Summary of 2 main views in text 1 through paraphrase (exemplification is not required)

Your own opinion on the summarised views in text 1 (Evaluation)

Summary of 2 main views in text 2 through paraphrase (exemplification is not required)

Your own opinion on the summarised views in text 2

Conclusion: your final and overall reaction to all the ideas presented in your essay.

The Assessment Scales state that in order to get full marks in Language you need to show "precision, sophistication & style": "Any inaccuracies occur only as slips".

Further practice: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/182344-how-to-teach-the-compulsory-essay-handout.pdf

Writing Mock # 4: Common Errors

*Think of possible and effective paraphrases for the following words:

1. happy:

2. happiness:

3. clothes:

4. national occasions:

5. feel intimidated:

6. lawyers, doctors and the like:

7. feeling of distance:

8. dress style:

9. formal clothes:

10. feel vulnerable:

*Spot and correct the error in the following sentences from some of your own writing. Then consider what band of the Language criterion from the Assessment Scales each sentence reflects.

1. I do not believe this, in spite the hypothesis presented has been scientifically proved.

2. Some outfits need to be appropriate for the occasion.

3. As it is true that uniforms makes us feel that we are in good hands, the ambiguity projected by the clothes use by some professionals may put us off.

4. This has both it's pros and cons. On one hand, using a uniform distinguishes workers from the others so it may be reassuring.

5. Clothes that are used for differents ocassions in working environments are able to convey a sense of competence.