Part 1 Essay of CAE

Introduction
Introduce the topic and say what you are going to talk about and capture the interest of the
reader
1st paragraph
The first and most important point from the notes (you can mix points if they are related)
2nd paragraph
The 2nd point from the notes, you need to link it to the first point
Conclusion
A summary of what you have said in the main paragraphs and make your main point. It must
be an interesting ending, what do you want to demonstrate?

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
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.

OPINION ESSAY
An Opinion Essay is an assignment that contains questions that allow students to share their
point-of-view on a subject matter. Students should express their thoughts precisely while
providing opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic. Some opinion
essays type require references to back the writer's claims.
Opinion writing involves using a student's personal point-of-view, which is segregated into a
point. It is backed by examples and explanations. The paper addresses the audience directly by
stating ‘Dear Readers' or the equivalent. The introduction involves a reference to a speech,
book, or play. This is normally followed by a rhetorical question like ‘is the pope Catholic?' or
something along those lines.

PROPOSALS
REPORTS
A report is usually developed for a superior (e.g. a teacher) or a peer group (e.g. members of
an English club). The question identifies the subject of the composition and the areas to be
covered. Candidates must provide some factual information and make recommendations, but
there is space for them to incorporate their own ideas and experiences.
Reports – are always written about something that happened in the past for example a survey
that you’ve conducted or an excursion that you went on or some kind of panel discussion that
you’ve visited.
Proposals – on the other hand, always deal with something in the present/future. The focus of
a proposal is always on evaluating a situation as well as making a suggestion or
recommendation for the future.

REVIEWS
A review is one of the options in the 2nd task of the writing exam. The main purpose of a
review is to give your personal opinion about something, suggesting what is good or bad about
it. Reviews are usually written for newspapers, websites or magazines and therefore have a
fairly informal style. The text should be personal and include your personal.
 a title
 state what you are reviewing
 a brief description with interesting adjectives and adverbs
 recommendations of target audience and summarize the review

KEY PHRASES:
Introduction:
  To get started
 On starting this essay
 Firstly
 To begin with
 In the first place
 until now
 the first point  would like to make is
 it is time to
 I would like to start by
 To start with
 To introduce the topic
 To kick off this essay
 The first thing to mention is
 As a starting point
 In the first part
 On the one hand
Time Clauses
 Firstly, secondly, thirdly
 in due time
 as long as
 as soon as
 at the moment
 in good time
 in the meantime
 in a moment
 in ages
 whenever
 now that
 instantly
 without delay
 all of a sudden
 at the present time
 from time to time
 sooner or later
 at the same time
 up to the present time
 at this instant
 first, second
 in time
 prior to
 straightaway
 by the time
 in this day and age
 as soon as
Linking:
 As I have said before…
 With respect to the point on…
 Regarding…
 Like I have said…
 In relation to…
 Taking into account…
Conclusion:
 in a nutshell
 as can be seen
 in the final analysis
 all things considered
 as shown above
 in the long run
 given these points
 as has been noted
 in a word
 for the most part
 after all
 in fact
 in summary
 in conclusion
 in short
 in brief
 in essence
 to summarize
 on balance
 altogether
 overall
 by and large
 to sum up
 on the whole
 in any event
 taking all of this into account
 all in all

Formal:
Formal texts are impersonal, and usually written in work or academic situations; try to focus on the
question and think, “who is going to read this?”. As formal texts use an indirect and impersonal tone,
you should avoid including your personal opinion and you should include general opinions, data and
also the passive voice.

What to avoid in formal texts:

Phrasal verbs – use one word verbs like tolerate instead of put up with
Contractions – use do not instead of don´t

Direct questions – use indirect questions when possible

Common words – use various instead of lots of, several instead of many

Abbreviations – use approximately instead of approx.

Exclamation marks – don’t use!!!!

Direct personal tone – avoid using I

Incomplete sentences – (I will) see you soon

Some connectors – but, however, therefore… Try to use nevertheless, whereas, thus, etc.