CAE WRITING

CAE: ESSAY

Hints
•[PLANNING]
- Use the task input to help you plan but try to avoid copying phrases from the input in Part 1. Use your own words.

•[INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION]

- Effective introductory and concluding paragraphs. In the introduction, state the topic clearly, give a brief outline of
the issue, saying why it is important or why people have different opinions about it.
- DO NOT express you opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop you essay in such a way that it guides the
reader to the conclusion you draw).
- DO give your opinion in the final paragraph.

•[SECOND and THIRD PARAGRAPHS]

- Structure your argument. Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in a topic sentence.
- Include relevant details to support the main idea: these might include examples, rhetorical questions (do no overdo it),
controversial or surprising statements... If you include a drawback, give a possible solution, too.

•[GENERAL]
- DO use a relatively formal register and an objective tone. Do not be too emotional.
- Remember to use linking adverbials to organise your ideas and to make it easy for the reader to follow your
argument.
- In the exam, allow yourself time to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation thoroughly.

Model questions and answers

Essay 1 - Model question

TASK

Your class has attended a panel discussion on what methods governments should use to discourage the use of private cars in the
centre of the city. You have made the notes below.

Methods governments coud use to discourage the use of private cars in the city centre
• investment
• education ✔
• taxes ✔

Some opinions expressed in the discussion

'Make businesses pay parking levies for their employees and they'll move out of the city centre.'
'Improve the public transport system, then people won't need their cars.'
'If people understood how much better pedestrianised ciyt centres are, they wouldn't want to bring their cars in.'

Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the methods in your notes. You should explain which method you think is
more important for governments to consider, giving reasons to support your opinion.

You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion but you should use your own words as far as
possible. Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Essay 1 - Model answer

Too much traffic is a major headache for everyone in the city due to the noise, pollution and, of
course, terrible delays during the rush hour. How can the government reduce traffic and dissuade
people from driving their cars into the centre every day? In this essay, I will discuss two possible
approaches to this pressing yet complex issue.

The first option to consider is an education campaign which could comprise of visual and radio
advertising, presentations to businesses and special designated days such as 'Wall to Work day'.
 Compared to the high cost of significantly upgrading our public transport system, advertising is
relatively low-cost and straightforward to implement. On the other hand, it is difficult to gauge the
effectiveness of such campaign in advance because it relies on individuals changing their ingrained
habits.

A second alternative would be to levy a tax on parking in the city. This could be applied both to
businesses and directly to consumers. While it is true that this would have immediate gains in
revenue and change behaviour, taxes are unpopular and could also place unfair pressure on small
businesses and individuals who do not have other transport options for work.

In my view, a multi-faceted education campaign would be the most effective starting point. In the
future, a tax could be a possible option but it would be tolerated better once citizens are educated
about the benefits of fewer cars and a more pedestrianised centre.

[+/- 240 words]

Essay 2 - Model question

TASK

Your class has attended a panel discussion on the action governments can take to promote health and fitness among young
people. You have made the notes below.

Action to promote health and fitness among young people

• improve teaching in schools.
• improves attitudes to competitiveness.
• improve the image of sports.

Some opinions expressed during the discussion

'There need to be specialist sports teachers for children and students of all ages.'
'Some young people are put off by the pressure to compete.'
'A lot of young people don't think it's cool to take part in sports.'

Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the actions in your notes. You should explain which action you think is more
important, giving reasons to support your opinion.

You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed during the discussion but you should use your own words as far as
possible.

Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Essay 2 - Model answer

We often hear about the many benefits of health and fitness. However, less often do we hear
concrete suggestions for how to improve participation rates, particularly among young people. In this
essay I will discuss two possible actions that governments could focus on in order to promote health
and fitness to youth today.

The first possible action is to improve physical education teaching in schools. Local students have at
times complained that the curriculum is rigid and emphasises repetitive activities instead of team
sports and enjoyment. Better role models and more adventurous options could lead to improved
attitude and participation. Naturally, employing specialist sports teachers would incur considerable
cost.

A second option would be to attempt to change the overly competitive attitudes that seem ingrained
in many of the sports competitions for youngsters. When adults such as parents and teachers focus
on winning above having a good time, it puts undue pressure on the participants. They may feel a
sense of failure if they lose and also be less inclined to try a new sport.
 To sum up, either approach would be a step in the right direction. In my view, it would be wise to
prioritise dealing with reducing competitiveness first because I believe it would help young people feel
better about the sports they already do. They could then, in turn, influence their friends to join in.

[+/- 220 words]

Essay 3 - Model question

TASK

Your class has attended a lecture on the action governments can take to make sure cultural heritage is preserved for future
generations. You have made the notes below.

Priorities for governments aiming to preserve cultural heritage

• increase funding for museums.
• protect old buildings.
• teach the importance of cultural heritage in schools.

Some opinions expressed in the discussion

'Cultural heritage isn't just about buildings - it's about a way of life.'
'It's the responsibility of the older generation to pass on a cultural heritage to the next generation.'
'Museums are the best places to keep shared memories of a community.'

Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the priorities in your notes. You should explain which priority you think is
more important, giving reasons to support your opinion.

You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion but you should use your own words as far as
possible.

Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Essay 3 - Model answer

Cultural heritage is an invaluable asset for all generations to enjoy. It is about knowing where we have
come from and having pride in the place we live. In this essay I will discuss two priorities for the
government's support of the cultural heritage in our community.

The first idea is to increase funding to museums. People say that museums are the heart of cultural
heritage preservation. Not only do they display objects, they also teach and provide information
about them. Increased funding could attract better care of objects, more specialised staff and more
fun displays, in turn attracting more people to visit and learn. On the other hand, I would argue that
it's unreasonable to expect governments to give more money to museums when they have got more
important things to spend people's taxes on.

The second idea is to protect old buildings. It has become clear in recent years that governments can
no longer afford to provide generous grants to help people maintain their historically significant
houses. I am sure there are many voluntary organisations which would be prepared to work on
conservation projects. Nevertheless, the government could provide protection to ensure that old
buildings are not demolished or transformed out of character.

In my view, the most pressing priority is to provide protective legislation for old homes and buildings.
I'm not alone in my concern about the loss of historical features which take such pride of place in and
give character to our communities.

[+/- 240 words]

Essay 4 - Model question
TASK

Your class has been involved in a discussion on whether a dress code should be introduced at the college where you are
studying. You have made the notes below.

Advantages of proposed dress code

• image of college.
• health and safety.
• discipline.

Some opinions expressed in the discussion:

'Wearing more formal clothes will prepare students for the workplace.'
'College isn't work or school, so students should be free to wear what they want.'
'Students are turning up to college in inappropriate clothes more frequently, so it's time for a dress code.'

Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the advantages in your notes. You should explain which of the advantages you
think would be most important for the college to consider in deciding whether to introduce a dress code,

You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed during the discussion but you should use your own words as far as
possible.

Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Essay 4 - Model answer

Introducing a dress code

We often hear that it is important for young people to be able to express themselves by what they
wear. At our college, our lack of clothing guidelines has led some students to dress in a way that
compromises both safety and our reputation in the community. Items of concern include ripped
clothing, hoods that obscure the face, offensive T-shirts and very high platform heels. In this essay, I
will discuss two advantages of introducing a dress code at our college.

The image that we present to the community is important for a number of reasons, but primarily
because overly casual dress makes it more difficult to place students in homestays and on work
experience. Recently, this problem seems to have escalated as we have received some phone
complaints about students' scruffy appearance. Additionally, it has come to my attention that a few
students have worn T-shirts with slogans that could be considered xenophobic. It seems obvious that
implementing a dress code will improve the college's image.

With regard to health and safety, three students have fallen down the stairs during the last month.
One of them, who had been wearing a pair of stiletto heels at the time, unfortunately broke her leg. I
have grave concerns that without a dress code outlining suitable footwear choices, further accidents
may be inevitable.

In my view, keeping people safe at our school is our responsibility. Consequently, this is the most
pressing reason why it is time to introduce a dress code, even if it is initially unpopular with the
student body.

[+/- 255 words]

Essay 5 - Model question

TASK

You have attended a Science Club lecture on how schools could encourage young people to train for careers in science. You have
made the notes below.

Ways in which schools could encourage young people to train for careers in science
• enjoyable science lessons.
• careers advice.
• guest lectures from professional scientists.

Some opinions expressed in the discussion:

'Kids should be able to design their own experiments.'
'A lot of the careers advice given is already out of date.'
'A lot of the scientists are too busy to spend time visiting schools.'

Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the methods in your notes. You should explain which method you think is
more important for governments to consider, giving reasons to support your opinion.

You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed during the discussion but you should use your own words as far as
possible.

Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Essay 5 - Model answer

Ways to encourage young people to train for careers in science

Nowadays we frequently hear about the lack of students pursuing scientific careers. How can we
demostrate to the younger generation that science is a rewarding and satisfying field? In this essay I
will discuss two methods that schools could employ to help persuade teenagers to consider further
study in this area.

One possible approach would be to ensure that career advisors are on board by providing them with
materials, training and even incentives for promoting science. While this would be fairly easy to
implement superficially, a lot of information dates extremely quickly. In addition, generally speaking,
career advisors have little background themselves in physics, chemistry and biology and therefore
may not be able to drum up genuine enthusiasm.

A second tactic that schools might take would be to invite scientists to come to their school to talk
about their work. What migh prove difficult would be to secure the scientists themselves, as they are
often extremely busy. It would also be crucial to enlist experts able to relate to adolescents or they
might actually have an adverse effect.

Overall, I would say that the most effective measure would be to have guest speakers. Hearing an
exciting story from the field is much more likely to influence career choice than some second-hand
advice.

[+/- 215 words]

CAE: INFORMAL LETTER OR EMAIL

•DO begin by giving a reason to write. You would normally start with a greeting, then acknowledge the letter or
some key information given in the letter to which you are replying.

•Use paragraphs in which you cover each of the points mentioned in the task input.

•As well as the points mentioned in the task input, think of some of your own ideas.

•Identify the function(s) you should use (e.g. advising, reminding, requesting, suggesting...).

•Make sure the points covered follow a logical right order so that the whole letter/email is coherent.

•Finish the letter/email in a natural way, by arranging to see or contact the person your are writing to again soon.

•Remember to use an informal tone.

Model questions and answers

Informal letter/Email - Model question

TASK

Read part of an email from a friend who is planning to come and live in your country.

Of course, I'd really need to learn the language. I know you've been learning English for years, so you've had loads of experience.
Are there any tricks of the trade that might help me pick up your language a bit more quickly?

Reply to the email message offering your friend some advice. Write your email in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Informal letter/Email - Model answer

Dear Emma,

Thanks so much for your email. It was so good to hear from you. I'm really sorry not to have been in
touch earlier but I've been up to my eyes preparing for my exams.

What great news that you're finally coming to France - I can't wait to catch up in person! And you're
going to learn French too - fantastic!

I've bee learning English since I was a kid as you know, and by far the most useful experience was
going to that language school in Brighton for three months last summer. If I were you, I'd definitely
enrol in a course like that to keep you focused. I'd also suggest reading as widely as possible, online
newspapers, blogs, books, the back of a cereal packet - anything, really! Don't be tempted to buy one
of those 'Learn French in a weekend' courses though - a waste of time if you ask me. Learning a
language takes time and effort.

What seems to work for a lot of peope is learning songs. My brother reckons that he has learnt more
English from the Top 40 than he has at school. And you know my frien Lucie? She raved about her
fortnight with a host family, so that's worth a try too. Of course, you could also get a French boyfriend
or girlfriend to speed up your progress!

Anyway, I hope that's helped give you a few ideas. Do write back as soon as you can - I'd love to hear
all the details of your plans.

Lots of love,

Sandrine

[+/- 255 words]

CAE: PROPOSAL

Hints
First things first...

1.Begin by brainstorming ideas, in any order, and don't worry about language at this stage.

2.Group your ideas under headings for each section of your proposal.

3.Write a first draft, paying attention to the level of formality of the language.

Don't forget!
 •Begin by stating the purpose of your proposal.

•Use an impersonal, semi-formal style.

•Use clear layout with headings.

•Express opinions and make recommendations in the last section of your proposal.

•Include a final sentence summarising your opinion.

•Use bullet points but not too many.

Useful language for a proposal

Stating the purpose of the proposal

•The principal aims/objectives of this proposal are to...

•This proposal is intended to...

•In this proposal I describe/evaluate/present/assess...

Background information

•Comments made at the end of the questionnaires suggest...

•Following a survey among families of young children...

•Concerned members of the local community were invited to attend...

•A number of concerns with regard to the most recent street party were expressed by locals...

Making recommendations and suggestions

•A working group should be set up by...

•There should be an enquiry into...

•I recommend that a larger survey should be conducted before a final decision is reached...

Final recommendations

•The results of the survey/questionnaire suggest that the introduction of heavier fines would seem to be the best
option/choice/solution.

•If these recommendations are implemented, the situation is bound to improve.

•Unless these suggestions are implemented, it is unlikely that there will be any improvement in the short term.

Model questions and answers

Proposal- Model question 1

TASK

Your college currently doesn't provide enough support for students planning to spend time studying in another country. You see
this notice in the library.

The college is planning to introduce a special course for students planning to spend time studying in another country. The college
principal invites students to send a proposal outlining any problems students may face whe studying abroad and suggesting
ways in which the course could address these problems. A decision can then be made about what to include on the course.

Write your proposal in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Proposal- Model answer 1
Introduction

This proposal is intended to outline common issues students have when studying abroad, and
suggest ways that a course could help them to deal with these. The final section makes
recommendations about what should be included in the course curriculum.

Problems when studying abroad

Interviews were conducted with 20 students who have recently completed a student exchange
programme. The majority of students were of the opinion that overcoming the language barrier in
their new country was the biggest challenge and nearly half also said that they experienced culture
shock. Other problems cited included unrealistic expectations, loneliness and packing the wrong
things - particularly being unprepared for a different climate.

Ways a course could address these

A course could prepare students for culture shock by raising awareness of the phenomenon and
describing cultural differences that students may encounter in their host country. To aid participants
with language, a course could include some useful phrases for the first days after arrival, in addition
to some resources for language learning. The course could also include a discussion about combating
isolation and adjusting expectations.

Recommendations

I would like to make the following recommendations:

• Invite students who have previously studied abroad to share aspects of the culture they
found surprising and give advice on what to take.

• Provide a list of useful phrases, together with suggestions of useful resources for language
learning such as websites, blogs or e-books.

• Facilitate a discussion about engaging with people to avoid loneliness and isolation.

If these recommendations are implemented, young people are bound to feel more prepared for their
experience.

[+/- 265 words]

Proposal- Model question 2

TASK

Students at your college have to give a spoken presentation as part of their final assessment and need some help. The school
director has invited you to send a proposal outlining any problems students have with presentations and suggesting how these
problems could be overcome.

Write your proposal in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Proposal- Model answer 2

Helping with students presentations: a proposal

Introduction
 In this proposal I will describe some of the difficulties students at this school have with preparing their
final presentations, present the key needs to be addressed and conclude by making by making a
series of recommendations on how teachers at the school could assist students with overcoming the
obstacles to giving a successful presentation confidently.

Current situation

Following discussion among the students, it has become clear that many of them are feeling very
nervous about the upcoming presentations. A number of students are struggling to select an
appropriate structure. Comments made suggest that students lack previous experience in public
speaking and would like opportunities to practise before the final assessment.

Key needs to be addressed

Students require additional help with topic selection and presentation structure, and opportunities
need to be provided for students to gain experience in front of others.

Recommendations

I would suggest the following actions to teachers at the school:

• Provide students with a list of possible presentation topics.

• There should be a lesson or workshop on structuring a presentation for those who are
interested.

• I recommend that students are given time during class to practise their presentations in
small groups.

• Additional upfront speaking opportunities should be incorporated into classes including

plays and games.

If these suggestions are implemented, it will lead to increased student confidence and performance
for the final presentations.

[+/- 225 words]

CAE: REPORT

Hints
•Begin by stating the purpose of your report.

•You may use invented statistics to provide a succinct summary of your results.

•Use a clear layout with:

•Headings. They will make it clear that your report is not an essay or review.
•Lists of numbered points or bullets where appropriate. (DON'T overdo it, though. If you use them in more
than one section, you won't be able to show the full range of structures and vocabulary you know.)
•Divide your report into sections according to the input.

•Develop the ideas in the task input.

•Include a sentence summarising your opinion at the beginning of the final section of your report.

•Use an impersonal, formal style.

Useful language for a report

Stating the purpose of the report

•The principal aim/objective/purpose of this report is to provide a description of... / to provide/to present results of /to
assess the importance of ...
 •In this report I will provide a description of ... / I will provide/present results of .../ I will assess the importance of...

•This report describes/provides an assessment of... / describes/provides/presents results of...

Describing how you got the information

•I conducted a survey of / I conducted interviews with local council officers ...

•... responded to an online questionnaire.

•I visited three of the most popular ...

•... were invited to attend a focus group...

Reporting your results

•Most of those responding to the survey stated that/expressed the opinion that ...

•According to ...

•A large/considerable/significant/ proportion of respondents/informants/those surveyed said that ...

•Nearly three quarters of the ...

Presenting a list

•The arguments against ... are the following:

1....
2....
•The following were the main reasons given for supporting ...: firstly, ..., secondly, ...

•Points our informants mentioned in favour of/against ... were:

1....
2....
•There are several ways in which ... might be ... :

1....
2....
Making recommendations

•Taking all the factors mentioned into account/In the light of the results of the survery/questionnaire, ... would appear
to be the most viable solution/option/approach.

•I would therefore recommend ....

•Clearly, more could be done to .... I would make the following recommendations:

•...
•...
•...

Model questions and answers

Report - Model question 1

TASK

An international development agency has been looking into attitudes to aging around the world. The research director has asked
you to conduct a survey and write a report. Your report should discuss how young people where you live feel about older people
in the community and the prospect of growing older themselves. You have also been asked to make recommendations about
how attitudes could be changed.

Write your report in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Report - Model answer 1
Introduction

The main objectives of this report are to describe how young people in Gava feel about elderly people
in their area and aging themselves. I will present results of a survey I conducted with a random
selection of 200 young people at a local high school and in the final section I will include
recommendations as to how attitudes could be improved.

Attitudes to older people

According to my survey, a significant proportion of young people never or hardly never spend time
with someone aged 65. Reasons that respondents gave for this included: they have nothing in
common, the elderly don't like teenagers and lack of time. More promisingly, nearly three quarters of
those surveyed (74 percent) agreed that they could probably 'learn something' from older people.

Attitudes to aging

Those responding to the survey were almost equally split between preferring to think about it as little
as possible and those who never thought about it. For those who did think about it, the prime
concerns were loneliness, poor health and boredom.

Recommendations

Clearly more could be done to bridge the gap between young and old in our community. I would
make the following recommendations:

• Set up volunteer tutoring opportunities for elderly citizens to help younger people at the
high school with academic work or practical skills.

• Invite young people to tutor old people in technology use, e.g. how to text/send emails in
return for a donation to be used for social events.

Hopefully, increased contact between the groups will lead to greater understanding and more positive
attitudes.

[+/- 260 words]

Report - Model question 2

TASK

An international market research company has asked you to write a report on advertising in your country. The company that has
commisioned this report wants to know about the most common approaches used and how consumers respond to them. You
are also asked to suggest changes to current approaches or alternative approaches which you believe would be more effective.

Write your report in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Report - Model answer 2

Introduction

In this report I will provide a description of common types of advertising in Australia and present
results of consumer responses to these. The final section makes recommendations for possible
changes to increase the effectiveness of campaigns.

Common approaches
 Television and radio continue to play an important part in advertising campaigns and celebrity
endorsements often feature prominently. Print media, including billboards, posters and flyers, are
also ubiquitous, especially in large cities. Some companies target consumers by giving away samples
in public places and supermarkets, aggressive telemarketing or door-to-door sales. Many companies
use social media strategies such as online competitions or special offers for 'likers'.

Consumer responses

I conducted an online survey with 200 Australian contacts. An overwhelming majority cited that they
found telemarketing and door-to-door sales people intrusive, annoying and rude. Nevertheless, over
half admitted to buying something from someone through one of these channels. People generally
said that they liked advertising when it was suited to their interests or used humour. A number of
respondents mentioned that they 'loved free stuff' and would tell others about something they had
been given.

Recommendations

In light of the results above, I recommend the following:

• Make sure telemarketers and door-to-door salespeople have adequate customer service
training.

• Target young people such as university students for giveaways as this will likely result in
positive word-of-mouth advertising and online reviews.

[+/- 230 words]

Report - Model question 3

TASK

Your local council is conducting an enquiry into the volume of visitors to the centre of your town or city with a view to
encouraging more people to make greater use of shops, restaurants, cafés and entertainment facilities there. You agree to write
a report describing the existing situation, including factors which discourage people from coming to the city centre and
recommending ways of attracting more visitors.

Write your report in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Report - Model answer 3

Introduction

The principal aims of this report are to provide an overview of the volume of visitors using services in
our city centre and to identify factors which deter people from using them. The final section makes
recommendations as to how the situation could be improved.

Current situation

I conducted interviews with a random selection of shoppers and customers in local restaurants and
cafés. Fewer than half regularly visited the city centre. Among those who did make frequent use of
what is on offer, most cited the pedestrianised Mitchell Mall as their favority area. Smaller numbers
enjoyed shopping or dining around Holmes Square, though several people said they found the traffic
noise disagreeable.

Factors preventing greater use of city centre services

There was a clear division between those who regularly visited the city centre and those who so
 infrequently. The latter cited traffic congestion and pollution along with inflated prices for goods as
factors that acted as a deterrent. For those who frequently came into town, on the other hand, the
pedestrianised area and the outdoor café were a major attraction.

Recommendations

Clearly more could be done to attract people to our city centre. I would make the following
recommendations:

• extend the pedestrianised area to include the streets surrounding Holmes Square so as to
capitalise on what is already an attractive area.

• encourage shops, cafés and restaurants to offer discounts to regular customers.

• maintain access to the pedestrianised areas for cyclists.

This final recommendation will encourage those who currently cyle into town to continue to do so,
while reducing noise and pollution from motor traffic.

[+/- 270 words]

CAE: REVIEW

Hints
•A title is advisable.

•Think what your are trying to achieve and, in the introduction, DO give your reader and indication of the
structure of your review. You should also raise a question in your reader's mind.

•Start a new paragraph for every item/aspect you are addressing in your review.

•Try to make it interesting by using a wide range of vocabulary: colourful, lively language; comparisons to describe
something; specialised topic vocabulary.

•DO give your assessment of what you are reviewing and DO NOT forget to cover all the points mentioned in the
task input.

•DO include a final recommendation or evaluation in the final paragraph.

Don't forget!

•The target reader is specified in the question, so the candidate knows not only what register is appropriate, but also
has an idea about the kind of information to include.

•Language of opinion (positive, negative), recommendation, description is necessary.

Useful language for a review

What I liked

•What I liked most was …..

•The thing I liked most was ….

•I was pleasantly surprised by …..

•….. would appeal to …..

•If you get a chance to ….

What I disliked
 •What I disliked most was …..

•I was disappointed by/with ……

Reviews of books

•main character

•is set in

•Fiction: science fiction / thriller / fantasy / mystery / historical / romance ...

•Non-fiction: cook book / travel book / textbook / manual / coffee-table book ...

•atmosphere / plot

•author

•written by

•chapter

•factual

•unbelievable

•bestseller

•ending

Reviews of concerts

•artist / band / musician / (bass/lead/rhythm) guitarist / (backing/lead) singer / drummer / soloist / trio / orchestra

•auditorium / hall / venue / lyrics / (catchy) tune / score / gig

Reviews of exhibitions

•painting / sculpture / handicrafts

•gallery / catalogue / display

Reviews of films

•lead role

•star role

•star

•star actor/actress

•starring

•secondary role

•He plays a …….

•written by ….

•cast / director / producer

•is set in …..

•based on a true story …..

•believable

•true to life

•not very believable

•far-fetched

•(As for fiction books +): animation / adaptation / comedy

•Costumes / design / photography / script / special effects / soundtrack

•ending

Reviews of plays
 •scene / act / set / stage / interval

Reviews of TV programmes

•Chat shows / current affairs programme / debate / documentary / series / soap opera/ sitcom (situation comedy)

•Host / presenter

Reviews of hotels, restaurants, etc

•location

•service

•setting

•attractive / disappointing setting

•owned by

•run by

•head chef (restaurant)

•waiters (restaurant)

•staff …….

•staff at reception …….(hotel)

•hotel facilities ….

•reasonable prices …..

•good/excellent/poor value for money …..

•(a bit/somehow) expensive

•overpriced

•not worth the money

•always fully booked

•book in advance

Criticism

•The script seemed rather conventional/predictable to me.

•The plot struck me as completely bizarre/absurd/incomprehensible

•The characters are appealing and true to life

•The dancers were quite brilliant/amateurish

Recommendations

•I would strongly encourage you not to miss/not to waste your money on...

•I would definitely recommend seeing/visiting/reading/having a look at ...

Model questions and answers

Review - Model question 1

TASK

You see this announcement in an international magazine called Cinefilia.

The most UPLIFTING and the biggest DOWNER.

It's sometimes hard to choose a film that fits your mood purely on the basis of the poster or the description on the cover of the
DVD. That's why we want to publish reviews of the most uplifting and the most depressing films our readers have seen, so that
others know what to watch and what to avoid.
Send in a review which describes the most uplifting film you've ever seen and the one you found the biggest downer. Make sure
you give reasons for your choices.

Write your review in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Review - Model answer 1

In this review I am going to compare two contrasting tales about overcoming adversity. Whereas The
Blind Side (2009) left me with a huge grin on my face, sadly, Doctor Zhivago(1965) left me feeling the
weight of the world on my shoulders.

Doctor Zhivago, directed by five-time Oscar winner David Lean, is set in the Bolshevik revolution and
follows the title character, who must adapt to the new order while pining for Lara, the beautiful wife
of a political campaigner. The director succeeded in creating a film that is thoroughly engaging but full
of gritty realism, cruelty and tragic irony. Take the tissues!

The Blind Side, which is based on a true story, is also a bit of a tearjerker, in a completely different
way. Starring Sandra Bullock, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of a rich white mother in
Tennessee who takes a homeless black teenager under her roof. Understandably, the gentle giant
thinks he isn't good at anything but his new mother sees his potential to become a football star and
part of the family. The plot is based on a true story, making it all the more touching.

I would strongly recommend The Blind Side. It will appeal to a range of people and is a great choice
for a movie night. Although Doctor Zhivago is a classic, I think it has more of a niche audience and is
best saved for when you want a dose of gloom!

[+/- 245 words]

Review - Model question 2

TASK

You see the following advertisement in a music magazine.

Ever fancied yourself as a music journalist? Now's your chance.

We're looking for enthusiastic music lovers to write a review of their favourite album of all time. We want to know why you love it
and why you think everyone should listen to it. It doesn't matter who the artist is or how old or new the music is.
Send in a review of your favourite album of all time giving reasons for your choice.

Write your review in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Review - Model answer 2

A thrilling album

I'm certainly not alone in my choice of favourite album. In fact, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" has sold
over 50 million copies worldwide since being released in 1982, and still currently holds the much
coveted title of "best-selling album of all time". A toe-tapping blend of pop, funk and R&B, it's sure to
get everyone grooving at a party, yet also contains unexpected emotional power in the lyrics.

Jam-packed full of catchy melodies such as the opening "Wanna be startin' something" and the
famous "Beat it", almost every song makes you want to hum along. It's like a feast for the ears, with a
range of styles from the soft duet ballad with Paul McCartney "The Girl is Mine" to the rock/pop of the
title track. The album will leave you with no doubt of the unique and extraordinary talent of the King
of Pop. What disco would be complete without a few of his renowned numbers?

Unlike much of today's mordern pop, this album actually deals with a huge number of deep themes
such as jelousy, loneliness and obsession. The song "Billie Jean", for example, chronicles a story of a
crazed fan who insists that she has his baby. Not hard to imagine that the artist was channelling some
real experiences in his writing.

It doesn't surprise me at all that this remains the best-selling album of all time and I challenge evern
the most cynical listener to play "Thriller" without tapping along.

[+/- 245 words]