CAE Writing Part 1 – teacher’s notes

Description
This activity familiarises students with the requirements of Part 1 of the CAE Writing paper. It
also helps students understand how to plan before they start writing. They complete 2 writing
plans in table format in preparation for a CAE Writing paper, Part 1 question.

Time required: 30 minutes

Additional ƒ CAE Handbook
materials
required:
Aims: ƒ to familiarise students with the requirements of Part 1.
ƒ to help students plan for Part 1 writing tasks.

Procedure
1. Give each student a copy of the worksheet and ask them, in pairs, to complete
exercise 1 (key facts). They should use the CAE Handbook to check the information.
The relevant pages are 22 and 23.
2. Check the answers with the whole class. Ask if there are any other questions about
Part 1. Look through the FAQs for Writing to see if there are any further useful points
there to raise with students.
3. Ask students to read the first Part 1 task on the sample tasks sheet very carefully,
and with a partner to discuss what they have to do to answer the question. Ask
students to complete the table in pairs. Note that this question was also used in the
Overview to Writing. This may be a good way to recycle and develop what was learnt
in the Overview or the focus could be on the second task only here.
4. Check the answers with the whole class (see key). Emphasise the importance of
addressing all three content points, writing in an appropriate format and style and
keeping to the word limit.
5. Ask students to read the second Part 1 question on the sample tasks sheet. Follow
the same procedure as for the first task.
6. Check the completed table with the whole class.
7. Compare the two tasks: genre, reader, format, style.
8. Remind students of the different types of tasks that can be in Part 1.
Suggested follow-up activity
1. Ask pairs or groups of students to start writing their first draft of their answers to the
first task. Depending on time this can be finished as homework.
2. Ask students to review another pair/group’s first draft.
3. Students write final version of the task for homework or in class if time.

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CAE Writing Part 1 – answer keys

Key to Student’s Worksheet

Exercise 1:
• Part 1 is compulsory
• The possible types or writing are: a) letter . b) article c) report. d) proposal
• The focus is on: evaluating, expressing opinions, hypothesising and persuading
• The input material is up to 150 words.
• Candidates must write 180-220 words.

Exercise 2
Who is going to read this? A friend.
What am I going to write, a report, a review A letter.
etc?
What style / format is it going to be in? Informal/neutral because it’s to a friend.
Clearly organised into paragraphs with
appropriate linking words.
How many content points are there? What 3
are the content points?
describe the job
say whether I would recommend it
give reasons for my opinion
What sort of language do I need to use? Language of description, evaluation and
recommendation.

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Exercise 3
Who is going to read this? The social committee at an international
college.
What am I going to write, a report, a review A proposal.
etc?
What style / format is it going to be in? Neutral/informal because it’s to a student
committee.
It should be clearly organised and may
include headings.

How many content points are there? What 3

are the content points?
location and facilities of Briar Park Hotel
location and facilities of Lakeside activity
Centre
how each meets the needs of students for
exercise, peace, shopping, food,
entertainment
What sort of language do I need to use? Description of the two venues; suggestions
supported by explanation of how the venue
meets the students’ needs in order to
persuade the reader to accept your
recommendation.

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CAE Writing Part 1 – Student’s Worksheet

Exercise 1. Key facts

Working in pairs, complete the Key Facts below. Use the CAE Handbook to check the
information.
Writing Part 1
Key facts:
• Part 1 is compulsory.
• The possible types or writing are: a) letter b) ……………… c) ………..……..
d) …………… .
• The focus is on: evaluating, expressing opinions, hypothesising and ………….. .
• The input material is up to ……. words.
• Candidates must write …….. words.

Exercise 2. Writing plan

Read the Part 1 task, and then complete the writing plan.
Writing plan
Who is going to read this?
What am I going to write, a report, a review
etc?
What style / format is it going to be in?
How many content points are there? What
are the content points?
What sort of language do I need to use?

Exercise 3. Read the second Part 1 question, and then complete the writing plan.
Who is going to read this?
What am I going to write, a report, a review
etc?
What style / format is it going to be in?
How many content points are there? What
are the content points?
What sort of language do I need to use?

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CAE Writing Part 1 Overview– Sample Tasks

Part 1 First sample question

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 180 – 220 words in an appropriate
style on the opposite page.
1 Last summer you had a job with an international company that organises music festivals.
Your friend Jan has written to you asking about it.
Read the extract from your friend’s letter and from your diary below. Then, using the
information appropriately, write a letter to your friend saying whether or not you would
recommend the job to your friend and giving your reasons.
Do you think I’d like the job? Most of all I want to hear plenty of music. I’d like to make
enough money for a holiday too. If I could use my English and get useful work experience,
that would be great!
Cheers,
Jan
July 2
Boring office work! No chance to learn anything. I answer the phone and make coffee.
July 10
Pay day! Things are improving! The money’s not bad.
July 15
Did some translation and dealt with enquiries from English visitors.
July 22
Another free visit to festival!

Write your letter. You do not need to include postal addresses. You should use your own
words as far as possible.

Part 1 Second sample question

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 180 – 220 words in an appropriate
style on the opposite page.
1 You are a student at an international college. The social committee is planning a weekend
trip and has asked you to write a proposal suggesting a suitable venue. You have asked
students what kind of trip they would like.
Read the students’ comments below, and the advertisements for two venues which have
been suggested. Then, using the information appropriately, write your proposal for the

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committee, describing the two choices, recommending one of them and giving reasons for
your choice.
Students’ comments:
• I need exercise after all the studying!
• Peace and quiet!
• Shopping – for presents
• Good food
• Entertainment – cinema? concert?

BRIAR PARK HOTEL LAKESIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE

In beautiful grounds Self-catering chalets
just outside Leightonbury Woodland setting
Tennis courts Ideal for
Swimming pool walking, canoeing, sailing
Free bus to and from city centre On-site food shop
International menu

Write your proposal. You should use your own words as far as possible.

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