How to write an essay for new CAE

format 2015
You are given notes on a topic three bullet points. What you
have to do is select two and dwell on them. Forget about the
third one. You have to explain which of the two is more important
and give reasons.
Below the notes you will find three related opinions. However,
you are not obliged to use them. If you decide to do so, you
should use your own words, i.e. paraphrase them. Bearing in
mind this is not easy, I would simply recommend that you do not
to use them at all.
AN ESSAYis usually written for an academic tutor and may be a follow-up to
an activity, such as attending a panel discussion or watching a documentary.
It should bewell organised, with anintroduction,clear development, and
anappropriate conclusion.
The main purpose of an essayin theCambridge English: Advanced (CAE)Writing
paperis to underline relevant salient issues on a topic, and to support an
argument with subsidiary points and reasons.

What should your essay consist of:

PARAGRAPH 1 INTRODUCTION.What you have to do is introduce the
topic (go from general to concrete). I would suggest three sentences here.
Make the third one a question. Introducing the topic: Some people
believe that, It is often said that.
PARAGRAPH 2 Discuss the first bullet point. Write a good topic sentence
and give reasons to support your argument. Point out advantages and maybe
also disadvantages (on the other hand, it is ....). Use examples where
possible. Supporting your argument: Firstly, Secondly, Last but not
least.
PARAGRAPH 3 Discuss the second bullet point you have chosen in a
similar way. Its not obligatory to point disadvantages again (bear in mind you
have to write up to 260 words). Adding information: In addition,
Furthermore, What is more, Moreover.
Expressing an opposite point of view: On the other hand.
PARAGRAPH 4 CONCLUSION. State your opinion. Write three or four
sentences. Point out clearly which of the two discussed aspects is more
important, on the basis of what you have written above. The conclusion
should put a full stop to what you have written and not open a new argument.
Summing up: In conclusion, To sum up.

BEalways to the point. While writing the essay, look at the instructions from time to
time and make sure you do not deviate from them. Leave enough time to check your
essay.
READas many good models as you can find, analyse them carefully and try to figure
out their structure (identify introduction, arguments and conclusion).
Underlinelinking devicesand try to remember them, as well as interesting phrases,
vocabulary and idioms.
My advice is to have a special notebook, in which to copy the models.

Purpose:
Discuss a subject, express your opinion and give
reasons for your opinion.

Use style appropriate for

the situation (this should be
quite formal)

Your essay must be

between 22.0 and 260
words
Cover the two points
given in the notes and the
third point forget it.
Make sure you
express your opinion
clearly
Write
grammatically
correct sentences.

Writing
an
ESSAY

Give reasons and

examples to support
your ideas.
Organise and your answer in a
logical way using paragraphs
and linking sentences and
paragraphs appropriately.

Write a brief introductory

paragraph where you:
Explain the present
situation.
Outline your position or
opinion.

STYLE
Dont use contractions
remember its a formal style.
Be objective and not too
emotional. Avoid too expressive
words (amazing, magnificent,
disgusting).

Put your ideas in order use the

following expressions:
There are two good reasons for
On the other hand there are a
number of reasons against
Firstly
Secondly
Finally
Also
Furthermore
What is more

Use linking words and phrases to

help your readers follow the ideas:
Therefore
Further point
Furthermore
In conclusion

Writing
an
ESSAY

Show your range of grammar

by using conditional
sentences relative clauses.

Expressing opinions :
In my opinion
I think
I feel
I believe

Use accurate spelling

and punctuation.

Your class has attended a lecture on the action governments can take to make
sure cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. You have made the
notes below.
Priorities for governments aiming to preserve cultural heritage
increase funding for museums.
protect old buildings.
teach the importance of cultural heritage in schools.
Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
'Cultural heritage isn't just about buildings - it's about a way of life.'
'It's the responsibility of the older generation to pass on a cultural heritage to
the next generation.'
'Museums are the best places to keep shared memories of a community.
Write an essay for your tutor, discussingtwoof the priorities in your notes.
You shouldexplain which priority you think is more important, giving
reasonsto support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion but
you should use your own words as far as possible.
Write youressayin220-260 wordsin an appropriate style.

Your class has attended a panel discussion on the action governments can take
to promote health and fitness among young people. You have made the notes
below.
Action to promote health and fitness among young people
improve teaching in schools.
improves attitudes to competitiveness.
improve the image of sports.
Some opinions expressed during the discussion:
'There need to be specialist sports teachers for children and students of all ages.'
'Some young people are put off by the pressure to compete.'
'A lot of young people don't think it's cool to take part in sports.
Write an essay for your tutor, discussingtwoof the actions in your notes. You
shouldexplain which action you think is more important, giving
reasonsto support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed during the discussion
but you should use your own words as far as possible.
Write youressayin220-260 wordsin an appropriate style.

We often hear about the many benefits of health and fitness. However, less often
do we hear concrete suggestions for how to improve participation rates, particularly
among young people. In this essay I will discuss two possible actions that
governments could focus on in order to promote health and fitness to youth today.
The first possible action is to improve physical education teaching in schools. Local
students have at times complained that the curriculum is rigid and emphasises
repetitive activities instead of team sports and enjoyment. Better role models and
more adventurous options could lead to improved attitude and participation.
Naturally, employing specialist sports teachers would incur considerable cost.
A second option would be to attempt to change the overly competitive attitudes
that seem ingrained in many of the sports competitions for youngsters. When
adults such as parents and teachers focus on winning above having a good time, it
puts undue pressure on the participants. They may feel a sense of failure if they
lose and also be less inclined to try a new sport.
To sum up, either approach would be a step in the right direction. In my view, it
would be wise to prioritise dealing with reducing competitiveness first because I
believe it would help young people feel better about the sports they already do.
They could then, in turn, influence their friends to join in.