The document provides guidance on the types of writing tasks that may be included in Part 2 of the CAE Writing Paper. It lists 9 possible tasks, including an article, essay, letter, proposal, report, review, and competition entry. It then provides language and rhetorical devices for each type of writing, such as using rhetorical questions in articles, commenting positively or negatively in contributions, and making recommendations in proposals. Finally, it offers advice on the key differences between proposals, which focus on future plans, and reports, which are based on past events.

1. CAE Writing Paper
Part 2

2. You can choose one task from a choice of questions .
You may be asked to write any of the following:
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an article
a contribution to a longer piece
an essay
an information sheet
a letter
a proposal
a report
a review
a competition entry
Number of words: 220-260

3. Language for articles
Rhetorical questions
We are all supposed to hate
advertising, but do we really?
What’s (Barcelona) got to
offer the tourist?
So what are we really talking
about?
So is this really true?
Addressing the reader
directly
I’m fairly sure you will all
agree with me when I say
that...
We all hate it when someone
keeps us waiting.
Why not give it a try? You’ve
got nothing to lose.
Is this really the answer for
all of us?

4. Language for articles
Informal language
Let’s look at the problem
from two different points
of view.
So, the government
should really clear up this
mess as soon as possible.
It seems to me that what
is important here is
that...
Finishing with a punch
line
On a personal note, I’d
like to say that ...
How fantastic would that
be?
So all in all, that is why...

5. Contributions: brochures and guidebook entries
Commenting on positive
aspects
Commenting on negative
aspects
(The school/...) boasts a
wide range of facilities.
Admittedly, this is a rather
expensive option, but...
No trip to ... would be
complete without a visit
to...
(The quality of the service)
leaves a great deal to be
desired.
(The restaurant/...) is
noted for ...
Be warned, though: delays
are not uncommon.

6. Contributions: brochures and guidebook entries
Giving advice
It is always wise to check...
This is a point worth bearing in mind if...
If price/location/class/size is a major factor when
choosing (your school), you might want to
consider...
... is certainly an option worth looking into.

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

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

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

10. Information sheets
You are expected to produce clear, factual
information and/on advice on a topic. It
should be clearly organised and may
include headings.
Give your information sheet a title.

11. Language for information sheets
Giving background information
Founded in ..., the city of...
It was established in ...
1987 saw the creation of...
Speaking about location
Nestling in ...
A short drive along ... takes you
to...
Directly opposite... you will find...
Talking about facilities offered or
products available
The hotel offers ...
Marine Sports facilities cannot be
bettered.
In addition to ... our company also...
Listing points or features
New developments include:
• a fully equipped laboratory
• ...
Talking about future plans
We hope to expand ...
Among several future projects are
plans to...

12. Language for informal letters
Apologising
Responding to an invitation
I’m terribly/ awfully sorry about...
Sorry I couldn’t /didn’t manage to...
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.
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.

13. Language for informal letters
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.

14. Language for formal letters
Stating the circumstance
Introducing points
I am writing with regard/ with
reference to...
Firstly/To begin with/Moreover/
Furthermore/In addition
I am writing to express my
concern about/ disappointment
with/ disapproval of / apologies
for...
Finally (I feel) I must also
(dis)agree with...
I would like to draw your
attention to/ point out certain
inaccuracies...
I should also like to point out
that...
According to your article / Your
article states that...However, ...

15. Language for formal letters
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...

16. 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.

17. 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...

18. 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.

19. 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...

20. 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...

21. 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...

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. Competition entry
For a competition you have to submit a piece of writing to a judge
or panel of judges.
You will usually be expected to nominate somebody for something
or propose yourself for selection for something (e.g. a grant to
study).
A competition entry will include some degree of persuasion and
giving reasons why your choice is best.
You should finish your entry with a strong final paragraph.

25. Competition entry
You may be required to write:
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A story
An article
A review of a book, film, etc
A description of a person or a place

26. Sources: CAE Gold plus, Ready for CAE, Spotlight on CAE