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.
 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 are 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
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.

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…
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
• 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.