English C1
Writing
Task 1: 20 minutes 150 words
You will describe, in your own words, information contained in a graph, diagram, table or
chart. Information may be data in word or number form, stages in a process, how something
works or you may need to describe an object or event. You will write a letter in response to
an everyday situation or problem. For example, you may be asked to request information or
explain a situation.
Example: The graphs below give information about computer ownership as a percentage of
the population between 2002 and 2010, and by level of education for the years 2002 and
2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Task 2: 40 minutes 250 words and twice the marks
You will write a short essay in response to a topic which is presented as a point of view, an
argument or a problem. Write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.
Task two asks you to formulate and develop a position in relation to a prompt in the form of
a question or statement.
- Your ideas should be supported by evidence.
- You may draw examples from your own experience.
- You should write at least 250 words.
- If you write fewer words than 250, examiners will deduct marks.
Example: A person’s worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and
material possessions. Old-fashioned values, such as honour, kindness and trust, no longer
seem important. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Advice
- Timing is very important. Do spend enough time planning your answer and gathering
your ideas before starting to write. If your writing is well-planned, you will be able to
write more quickly and stop less frequently to think about what to write next.
- Try to avoid repeating the same words, phrases and ideas too often.
- Try to make sure that you do not repeat the same idea too often. Explore different
ideas to provide a well-balanced response.
- Word count is important. You lose marks if you write fewer than the required
number of words. If you write a lot more words, the examiner will not assess them all
and this will be time wasted.
- Allow time at the end to check your answer for careless mistakes. Check for mistakes
in spelling, subject-verb agreement, singular / plural nouns, and tenses.
- Do not simply copy words and phrases from the question paper. Try to use your own
words by paraphrasing the question. Stay on topic. Always ask yourself as you
write, e.g.: “Am I answering the question?”
- If you have problems with time-keeping, consider doing task two before task one.
Task two carries twice as many marks.
, Task 2 advice:
- You need an introduction, clearly divided paragraphs and a conclusion.
- Do not make your introduction too long. You need to allow enough time for the main
part of your essay.
- Be sure to provide supporting evidence for any opinion you give.
- All ideas in your paragraphs need to be supported by examples. End your essay
with a conclusion. Usually, this is a summary of your key points and your final
viewpoint.
- Do not use note form or bullet points.
- Leave some time at the end to go back through your essay and edit for simple
grammar or spelling mistakes.
- Remember that task 2 carries more marks than task 1, and so allow yourself plenty of
time to answer.
Speaking
Lasts 11-14 minutes
3 parts:
1. General introduction
General questions about personal experience, general life hobbies, things like that, tell me
what you did last weekend
2. The long turn
Aims to speak, uninterrupted 2 minutes about a topic given, get one minute to write down
things about it, then 1 or 2 questions about the topic.
Example: Describe a well-known person you like or admire. You should say: Who this person
is, What this person has done , Why this person is well-known and explain why you like or
admire this person
What is your favourite vehicle or building
- You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes.
- You have 1 minute to think about what you’re going to say.
- You can make some notes to help you if you wish.
- Not to much because, use a variety of language, over, in variety off, don’t repeat over
and over
- When talking about the past write down ago and used too to remined you to stay in
the past
Use the one-minute preparation time to make notes or bullet points before you make your
short presentation. You can then look at the card and use these ideas as a guide. This gives
your talk a good structure, and leads you naturally to sign-post your talk, e.g. “first…”,
“next…”, “another thing…” and so on.
It is useful to conclude by referring back to one of the main points you made earlier, e.g. “as
I said before”, “the main thing…”.
