WPWord Play
Home›C2›Writing›The C2 Article›Printables

The C2 Article

The C2 Article

Reference

Rule Example
length280–320 wordsfour or five paragraphs
voiceclear, consistent stanceIt is tempting to …
devicesrule of three · contrast · rhetorical questioncheap, quick and everywhere
cohesionpick up the last ideaThis problem, however, …
endingreturn to the opening or widen the pointPerhaps we should look up.

Common mistakes

  1. In conclusion, social media has advantages and disadvantages. → So, should we blame our phones? Perhaps we should look up from them first.
    an article ends with impact, not a summary
  2. Isn't it amazing? Don't you agree? Have you ever wondered? → One well-placed rhetorical question.
    too many devices
  3. I think… I think… I believe… → It is tempting to… / What is beyond doubt is…
    vary how you show stance
  4. New paragraph with no link to the last. → Pick up the last idea: This problem, however,…
    cohesion between paragraphs

The C2 Article — Exercises

Choose the best option

Circle the correct answer.

  1. How long is a C2 Proficiency Part 2 article? (280–320 words / 140–190 words / 220–260 words)
  2. Which opening shows stance with nuance? (It is tempting to blame phones. The truth is less comfortable. / Phones are bad. / In this article I will write about phones.)
  3. Which is the rule of three? (It is cheap, quick and everywhere. / It is cheap. / It is cheap but slow.)
  4. Which is a contrast device? (We have never been more connected — or more alone. / We are connected. / We are connected and happy.)
  5. How many rhetorical questions should you use? (one or two / one per paragraph / as many as possible)
  6. Which links two paragraphs best? (This problem, however, is not new. / Another thing is… / Also,…)
  7. Which ending suits an article? (Perhaps we should look up from our phones first. / In conclusion, there are pros and cons. / That is all.)
  8. Which phrase shows strong commitment? (What is beyond doubt is… / It could be argued… / Some would claim…)

Complete the phrase

Write the missing word.

  1. It is   to blame social media, but the truth is less simple.
  2. What is beyond   is that habits have changed.
  3. We have never been more connected —   more alone.
  4. This problem,   , is not new.
  5. Who, after   , reads the terms and conditions?
  6. Make no   : this will affect everyone.

The C2 Article — Answer Key

Choose the best option

  1. 280–320 words — C2 Proficiency Part 2: 280–320 words.
  2. It is tempting to blame phones. The truth is less comfortable. — A clear position, with nuance.
  3. It is cheap, quick and everywhere. — Three parallel items.
  4. We have never been more connected — or more alone. — Two opposite ideas side by side.
  5. one or two — Used sparingly.
  6. This problem, however, is not new. — Picks up the previous idea.
  7. Perhaps we should look up from our phones first. — An ending with impact.
  8. What is beyond doubt is… — Commitment, not distance.

Complete the phrase

  1. tempting
  2. doubt
  3. or
  4. however
  5. all
  6. mistake