C1 Advanced Writing Requirements

 
The C1 Advanced Writing exam has two writing parts, which you must complete
in 90 minutes. Both parts have a word limit of between 220-260 words. We
recommend getting lots of writing practice under these conditions!
Part 1 is always a discursive essay. It requires you to think about arguments
for and against a topic.
Part 2 is a situationally based writing task. This could be a letter, an email, a
report, a proposal or a review and you have three options to choose from.
Today, we’ll be looking at how to do your best in part 1.
 

Before you begin

 
When you turn over the paper and begin Writing Part 1, take some time to read
the task instructions. Identify all parts of the question, underlining which parts
are obligatory and noting which parts are optional.
Let’s take a look at an example question!

Remember, you don’t have to use the opinions expressed in the box, but they
may help you to get the ball rolling. Also, you only have to talk about two of
the options given, not all three.

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Make a plan
 
Take ten minutes to lay out your ideas. Make a pros and cons list for each of
the three options and then decide which two you feel most confident with.
Here’s some things you might come up with, can you think of any more?

Structure your essay

 
The essence of a good essay is a clear structure.
Introduction
Here you want to introduce the topic in your own words. Your first line should
also grab the reader’s attention, then you should paraphrase the question.
Finally, try using a statistic or a rhetorical question. This will make them want to
read on, right?
Paragraph 1
Discuss the first option you’ve chosen. Include a good topic sentence and
remember to give reasons for your answer. Describe some of the advantages,
and even some of the disadvantages too. This will give a well-balanced
argument.
Paragraph 2

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Here’s where you introduce the second option. Again, try to present both sides
of the argument and give reasons for your ideas. Gradually work towards the
conclusion.
Conclusion
State your final opinion. This should be a summary of the rest of the essay and
point clearly to which option you think is the most important. Do not introduce
any new arguments at this stage. The conclusion is where you tie-up any loose
ends.
 

Language
 
This is an advanced piece of writing, so make sure your choice of language
reflects it. You will get marked for accuracy, however, occasional errors can still
be present as long as they do not impede understanding. So don’t play it too
safe. This is your opportunity to show what you can do, so take some risks and
have fun with it!
 

Vocabulary
 
In the writing paper you should use a range of vocabulary, including less
common lexis. Brainstorm some vocabulary related to the topic. Take your
time to think of nouns and compound nouns that you know at C1 level. Really
let your vocabulary sparkle.

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 Synonyms
 
No one likes a broken record. Find synonyms for simple words. You want to
use a variety of language, and try not to repeat yourself too much. Check out
these different ways of saying the same thing:
advantage = benefit, positive, upside
disadvantage = downside, drawback
effect = influence, impact, result, outcome
problem = issue, challenge, difficulty, obstacle, setback, complication
important = valuable, essential, beneficial
expensive = costly, dear, high-priced, extortionate
cheap = inexpensive, affordable, economical
big = great, large, sizeable, considerable, wide, vast
small = slight, tiny, little
Quick tip: Visit Thesaurus.com to study more synonyms!
 

Grammar
 
Experiment with different grammatical forms. At this level you’re expected to
have a good grasp on the grammar. You should use a range of simple and
complex grammatical forms with control and flexibility. So challenge yourself
with some of these…
 Participle clauses
 Conditionals
 Modal verbs
 Passive with reporting verbs
 Inversion
 Cleft sentences
 Comparatives
 Relative clauses

Useful expressions
 
To make your essay flow it’s best to use some key phrases. These will link all
your ideas together, and help it sound semi-formal. Take a look at the
expressions below. Why not use some in your next essay?
Introduction:
It is often said that…
Many people feel that…
We live in an age when..
More and more…
Introducing & Addition:
Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

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 On the one hand…
In addition…
What is more…
Examples:
For example…
For instance…
As a case in point…
Contrasting:
In contrast…
On the other hand…
Alternatively…
However…
Conclusion:
All things considered…
As far as I’m concerned…
In light of the above…
 

What the examiners are looking for

 
When writing your essay, bear in mind what you’ll be marked on:
Content
Have you answered all parts of the question? Is everything relevant to the
question?
Communicative Achievement
Is the style and tone appropriate? Remember it should be semi-formal and
neutral.
Organisation
Does it follow a logical order? Have you used paragraphs and linking devices?
Language
Are you using a variety of grammar and vocabulary? Is it accurate?
 

Check
 
Now your masterpiece has come together. Remember to take time to check
your work. Here’s the official Writing Checklist from Cambridge Assessment
English. And our list of the most common mistakes:
 spelling
 subject + verb agreement
 singulars / plurals
 articles

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 question formation
 variety of tenses
 dependent prepositions

Some final tips

 
Avoid contractions (I’m, they’re, we’re) as this is a formal writing.
Don’t use first person pronouns (I, my, our, us).
Practise under timed conditions.
Use model answers to practise fixed expressions.