CAE Writing Overview

CAE Writing — 90 minutes, 2 parts

Part 1 (compulsory) — Essay

You are given a topic with three associated points. You must write a balanced essay of 220–260 words discussing at least two of the three points and giving your own opinion supported by reasons.

Marks are awarded for content, communicative achievement (formal register), organisation, and language range.

Part 2 (choice of 1 from 3) — task types

• Letter/Email — formal or semi-formal, 220–260 words
• Proposal — formal, persuasive, with headings, 220–260 words
• Report — formal, with headings, factual/analytical, 220–260 words
• Review — semi-formal, of a book/film/event/restaurant, 220–260 words

Universal tips

• Plan for 5 minutes before writing
• Stay in word count: under 220 loses content marks; over 260 wastes time
• Match register to task type (formal essay/report/proposal vs semi-formal review/letter)
• Use a wide range of structures: relative clauses, inversion, cleft sentences, hedging
• Leave 5 minutes at the end to check for errors