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Part 1- Essay
• In part 1 of the writing exam you have to write an essay. This question is obligatory.
• You are given a general topic and three bullet points. Write about TWO of the bullet points.
• You are also given three opinions, but you don’t have to use these. If you do, use your own words.
• An essay is formal or neutral in tone. Don’t use contractions or colloquial language.
• The word limit is 220-260 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Essay Structure

An essay should have four paragraphs.

Introduction
Normally two or three sentences. Introduce the general topic, then capture the interest of the reader with a question, a
fact or an extreme opinion.

1st paragraph
One of the three bullet points from the notes.

2nd paragraph
A second bullet point from the three notes. Link it to the first, whether this is a supporting point or a contrasting view.

Conclusion
A summary of what you have said in the main paragraphs and make your main point. It must be interesting and the reader
should learn something from it. Decide on one of the points as being more important.

Basic Paragraph Structure

1. A topic sentence to introduce the main point of the paragraph.

2. Give (an) example(s) to support your topic sentence.
3. Explanation of example.
4. Introduce second example or contrast.

There have undoubtedly been significant changes in the field of technology over the last century. An obvious example of
this is the development of communications technology, namely the internet. In the past people had to rely on the postal
service, which could take weeks or even months to deliver a message, whereas nowadays messages are sent in the blink of
an eye. Furthermore, the emergence of low-cost airlines has transformed flying from a luxury reserved only for the rich to
an accessible means of transport for all.
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Below is an example of an exam task and a model answer.

Useful phrases for an essay

Making general points Introducing supporting facts Stating results

‣ As a general rule… ‣ Recent research has shown… ‣ Thus…
‣ For the most part… ‣ There is evidence to suggest… ‣ Consequently…
‣ In general… ‣ The latest figures suggest that… ‣ This has the effect of…
‣ In most cases… ‣ Therefore…
‣ On the whole… Suggesting something is not true ‣ As a result…
‣ It is not necessarily the case that… ‣ For this reason…
Making additional points ‣ Not everyone agrees that…
‣ It is also the case that… ‣ It seems unlikely that… Presenting alternative views
‣ In addition… ‣ Nevertheless…
‣ Furthermore… Suggesting causes ‣ Nonetheless…
‣ More significantly… ‣ This could be a result of… ‣ However…
‣ What is more… ‣ This may be attributable to… ‣ On the other hand…
‣ This could be because… ‣ Despite this…
Stating facts ‣ This may/might be due to…
‣ It is certainly the case that… Contradicting a statement
‣ Undoubtedly… ‣ In actual fact…
‣ Undeniably… ‣ In reality…
‣ Without a doubt…
‣ It goes without saying that…
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Part 2- Review
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a review.
• A review is usually about a TV show or film, a book, a restaurant or hotel.
• If the question asks you to review two things, write a similar amount about each.
• It can be a positive, negative, or balanced review. You have to make a recommendation at the end, which could be
positive or negative.
• A review is semi-informal or neutral in tone. Avoid contractions but do use colourful descriptive language.
• The word limit is 220-260 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Review Structure
‣ Always put an engaging title.
‣ A review should have four or five paragraphs.

Depending on what you have to review, you may change the structure slightly. Look below at the two examples of the
review structure:
‣ On the right, all the good and bad aspects have been separated into two paragraphs.
‣ On the left, the paragraphs deal with individual aspects of the hotel/ restaurant etc., so the paragraphs may contain a
mixture of positive and negative comments.

Restaurant/hotel Review Structure Film/book/TV Review Structure

Title Title

Introduction Introduction
Introduce the name of the restaurant/hotel etc. You may want Introduce the name of the film or book. You may want to
to say where it is, or other information such as the head chef say who the author or director is, and when the film or
and the cuisine served. book was released.

1st paragraph 1st paragraph

Service- Very friendly but too slow to take order A brief synopsis- but no spoilers!

2nd paragraph 2nd paragraph

Menu/Food- High quality but little variety All the things you liked (e.g acting, locations, plot…)

3rd paragraph 3rd paragraph

Atmosphere- great décor but music too loud All the things you didn’t like (e.g. Special effects, action
scenes…)
Conclusion
Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your overall Conclusion
impression is positive or negative. Make a recommendation, Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your
either positive or negative. overall impression is positive or negative. Make a
recommendation, either positive or negative.
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Here are two example answers. The review on the left is for a restaurant. The review on the right is comparing two films.

Read through both the reviews and refer to structures on the previous page.
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Useful phrases for a review

Introduction:
Personal anecdote to grab attention. Introduce name of book/film, restaurant + location, course, TV show etc.

‣ Seldom do I find the time to…, however when I do take time out of my hectic schedule, I like nothing more than…

‣ Being a bit of a book worm, the news that … had released a new book had me dying to read it.
‣ Being a bit of a film buff, the news that … had filmed a new movie had me itching to see it. So last week I popped down with a friend to
check it out.
‣ Being a bit of a foody, the news that … had opened a new restaurant had me desperate to try it. So last week I put on my Sunday best and
went to the restaurant with some friends.

‣ Having never seen/read/tried… before I approached … with a sense of trepidation, not knowing what to expect. Soon however, all my fears
were allayed.

Book and Film reviews:

Vocabulary to describe the book in general: Vocabulary to describe specific parts:

‣ A page-turner ‣ A slow start
‣ I couldn't put it down. ‣ A gentle introduction
‣ Glowing reviews ‣ Gripping climax
‣ Brought a tear to my eye ‣ Nail-biting conclusion
‣ Like watching paint dry (boring) ‣ Cliff-hanger ending
‣ I was on the edge of my seat (exciting) ‣ A shocking twist in the tail
‣ Gripping (exciting)
Setting:
Vocabulary to describe a film/TV series in general: ‣ The book/film is set in _______(place/time)
‣ An all-star cast ‣ The action takes place in ______ (place/time)
‣ An accomplished actor ‣ The present day (now)
‣ An unmitigated disaster (bad film) ‣ An alternate reality where vampires / wizards walk the earth
‣ A dazzling display of his/her talents ‣ A sleepy village in the USA
‣ Brought a tear to my eye ‣ The bustling city of New York
‣ Like watching paint dry (boring)
‣ I was on the edge of my seat (exciting) Plot:
‣ A blockbuster (big commercial film eg Superman) ‣ The plot centres around / focuses on (the adventures / lives of
‣ Gripping (exciting) _________)
‣ Capture the audience’s imagination. ‣ The plot follows the adventures of _________(character name)
‣ Spectacular set-pieces (main action scenes)
‣ Meryl Streep is cast in the role of… Characters:
‣ Brad Pitt gives a(n) (un)convincing performance as… ‣ Villain / hero / heroine / anti-hero / main character / protagonist
‣ The film is let down by a clichéd script. ‣ The characters are believable / well-crafted / a bit 2 dimensional.

Restaurant review: Killer Lines when concluding

‣ Hearty meal ‣ Freshly-baked ‣ Were I to sum up … in one word, it would be…

‣ Wholesome food ‣ To feast/gorge on (eat a lot of) ‣ … left a lot to be desired (wasn’t good enough)
‣ Succulent/juicy (meat) ‣ To eat/drink to your heart’s ‣ …more than lives up to the hype (is as good as everyone says it is)
‣ Creamy content ‣ … is by far and away the best … you’re likely to … this year
‣ With a kick (spicy) ‣ Devour/gobble up ‣ … really raises the bar (sets a higher standard)
‣ Crunchy/crispy ‣ Savour ‣ … sets the benchmark for other (others will be judges against how
‣ Well-seasoned ‣ Nibble good it is)
‣ Packed with flavour ‣ Lively atmosphere ‣ … ticks all the right boxes
‣ Mouth-watering ‣ Service with a smile ‣ … holds up well in comparison with …
‣ Heavenly ‣ Cheap – economical/ ‣ …comes off badly in comparison with …
‣ Roast reasonably-priced
‣ Pan-fried ‣ Expensive – pricey/costs an
‣ Grilled arm and a leg
‣ Steamed ‣ €20 a head (per person)
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Part 2- Report
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a report.
• This task requires you to provide information about a situation in the present or past. You also have to suggest a future
course of action.
• It has to be concise and well-organised. Use headings so that the reader can quickly find the information they are
looking for in your text.
• Always end your report with a recommendation that will improve the situation.
• It is a formal paper, so avoid contractions and colloquial language.
• The word limit is 220-260 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Below is an exam task and a model answer.

Report Structure

Title
Introduction
Focus on the aim of the report.

Subheading
Give the relevant facts about the current situation.

Subheading
Give the relevant facts about the current situation.

Recommendations and conclusion statement

Make your recommendations

The subheadings will depend on the content

points you are given. However, normally there will
be two distinct points and give recommendations,
or it will say evaluate and give recommendations ,
which in essence is asking for strengths and
weaknesses and then suggestions.
Part 2- Proposal
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a proposal.
• This task requires you to outline a problem, or a problematic situation, and provide recommendations for future
solutions.
• The main difference between a report and a proposal is that the report focuses on describing a past or present situation,
while a proposal focuses on future actions that will improve a situation.
• It has to be concise and well-organised. Use headings so that the reader can quickly find the information they are
looking for in your text.
• Always end your report with a recommendation that will improve the situation.
• It is a formal paper, so avoid contractions and colloquial language.
• The word limit is 220-260 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Here is an exam task and a model answer.

The first and last headings stay the same
across any question. However, you need to
create your own headings for the main
paragraphs.

Proposal Structure

Title
Introduction The Missing Sport
Focus on the aim of the report.

Subheading 1
Give relevant facts about the current situation to
A Sensible Investment
provide some context to the proposal. We need to
know basic information about the situation we are
providing solutions for.

Subheading 2
Outline possible actions to improve the situation. In
other words, what you propose to do. Improving People’s Lives

Subheading 3
Explain how the actions you suggested will improve
the situation or benefit people.

Conclusion
A final, brief statement that provides a final
recommendation thus concluding the proposal.
Useful phrases for reports and proposals

Stating the purpose of the proposal Recommendations and suggestions

‣ The principal objectives of this report/proposal are to
‣ I would strongly recommend that…
‣ The objective of this report/proposal is to…
‣ In the light of the results of the survey I would advise
‣ The purpose of this proposal is to evaluate / explain / against…
describe / analyse etc ‣ The best solution would be to…
‣ In order to improve …… it is necessary to..
‣ This will have a positive impact on …
Background information

‣ At the present moment, Final recommendations

‣ Comments made at the end of the questionnaires ‣ Implementation of the above ideas would result in...
suggest…
‣ Provided that these recommendations are taken into
‣ Following a survey among… consideration,…

‣ Concerned members of the local community were ‣ Should these suggestions be implemented, there will
invited to attend… be a drastic increase/improvement in…

‣ A number of concerns with regard to … were expressed

by… Development
‣ First of all,…
‣ In addition to this
‣ Furthermore,…
‣ Moreover,…
‣ In fact,…
‣ Last but by no means least,…
Part 2- Formal Letter / Email - General Info.
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a formal letter or email. This may be to the editor of a
newspaper, applying for a job, or even a letter of complaint.
• It is a formal paper, so avoid contractions and colloquial language.
• You should always be polite and respectful, even if you complain. A useful way to achieve it especially in formal letters is
to use ‘modal verbs’, i.e., would, could or should.
• Do not include any addresses.
• The word limit is 220-260 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Read the exam question and the model answer. Notice that
the structure is based on the three main points in the question.

Salutation

Reason for
writing

Main point 1

Main point 2

Main point 3

Concluding

Signing off
Part 2- How to Structure Formal Letters

Salutation

Use Dear Sir or Madam if you don’t know the name of the recipient.
If you know the name, use the appropriate title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) along with the surname (e.g. Dear Mr
Jenkins).
If you are writing to a newspaper editor, then use Dear Editor.

Paragraph one

The first paragraph outlines the purpose of the letter and the reason for its sending.

Paragraph 2
In paragraph two deal with the first point included in the question.

Paragraph 3

Develop your next main point

Paragraph 4

Develop your final key point

Concluding

At the end, conclude the letter and finish any thoughts mentioned before, or specify any action the recipient should
take, return money, send information, etc.

In the case of a job application tell the reader when you are available for interview and thank them for their time.

Signing off

Yours faithfully if you don’t know the name of the recipient.

Yours sincerely if you know the name of the recipient.

[Your name]
Part 2- Formal Letter of Complaint

Read the exam question and the model answer. Notice that in the question we have some reference to main content
points (the food and service). However, you have to be creative and invent the specific problems.

Read this extract from a letter you have recently sent to a friend:

.... Oh, and by the way, don't go to Barry's Restaurant for your birthday. We went there last night - the service was
awful and the food was a disaster! I complained to the head waiter but he asked me to put it in writing …

Write your letter of complaint to the restaurant manager (around 220-260 words)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my disappointment with regards to my experience of your restaurant yesterday. I chose ‘Joe’s
Diner’ to impress three of my most important business clients, after having read a glowing review in "Best Restaurants
in Britain 2000”. Sadly, the reality failed to live up to my expectations.

First of all, as stated in the guide book, you had a variety of set meals on the menu. However, only 2 meat dishes and 1
fish dish were on offer yesterday, which deeply disappointed my guests. Therefore, we chose a starter, a main dish and
a dessert à la carte. This was not an easy task though, since many were unavailable. In the end we did not have any
other choices than the onion soup and seafood salad for a starter.

Furthermore, the meals were not served at the same time. About five minutes after a rump steak was put on the table
for one of my clients, none of the others had been served. I asked your staff to bring all the other meals soon and in
another five minutes only two, including my grilled salmon, were brought to us. When the other one, the steamed
trout, was put on the table, the client who had ordered the rump steak had almost finished.

Finally, the beef steak another client had was overcooked, although he had ordered it medium rare.

On paying the bill, I complained about this inconvenience to your head waiter, but he asked me to contact you directly
in writing. I feel that a refund to the tune of at least £200 would be appropriate. I look forward to receiving a
satisfactory reply within 14 days.

Yours faithfully,

Jane Smith
Useful Phrases for Letters of Complaint

Requesting Action
Listing Problems

‣ It seems only fair that you should… (offer a full

‣ First of all,
refund)
‣ Not only was there a hair in my wife’s soup, but the
‣ I would appreciate it if you…
main course also arrived cold.
‣ I would be grateful if you…
‣ On top of that…
‣ Should these demands not be met, you will be
‣ As if that was not enough…
hearing from my lawyers.
‣ To top it all off…
‣ I expect to receive compensation to the tune of
‣ The straw that broke the camel’s back was… (€2000) for the…

Complaining Expressions Making Recommendations

‣ The standard of the… was not up to scratch. ‣ I strongly recommend that your organisation…
‣ The… was not up to the expected standard. ‣ It would be advisable to…
‣ The… left a lot to be desired. ‣ I suggest re-evaluating your procedures regarding…
‣ The… failed to live up to our expectations.

‣ We were left bitterly disappointed by… Sign off

‣ The quality of the customer service we received was

‣ I look forward to receiving your reply.
woefully inadequate.
‣ I expect to receive a prompt reply to this letter.
‣ The… was an absolute disgrace. (v.strong)
‣ Yours faithfully,
‣ Overall, our visit to your (restaurant) was an
unmitigated disaster from start to finish.

Different ways to say…

Bad Shocked Angry

‣ Awful ‣ Taken aback ‣ Irate

‣ Appalling ‣ Astonished ‣ Cross

‣ Dreadful ‣ Astounded ‣ Infuriated

‣ Wretched ‣ Speechless ‣ Seething

‣ Terrible ‣ Stunned ‣ Indignant

‣ Sub-par ‣ Staggered ‣ Enraged

‣ Rubbish ‣ Lost for words ‣ Mad

Part 2- Letter of Application (Formal)

Explain why you are writing- say

Dear Sir or Madam,
Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss Johnson where you saw the advert and what
role you are applying for.
I am writing in response to your advertisement in "English Today"
magazine. I am interested in applying for the role of language
school receptionist.
Work experience is important when
As you will see from my attached CV, I have spent the last three applying for a job so invent a
years at the International College in Birmingham. During this fantastic career for yourself!
period, I was promoted from phone operator to the position of
receptionist. I was responsible for answering and directing calls, as
well as greeting students and resolving technical problems.
Moreover, I had the privilege to come into contact with foreign
students who helped me improve my spoken and written English.
Try to convince your potential
Given the experience I have acquired at International College employer why you deserve the job.
Birmingham, I consider myself well-equipped to respond to the What qualities do you possess that
challenge of working in your language centre. I feel I have the
make you the best?
necessary personal qualities to deal with the demands of the post.
For instance, I see myself as a hardworking person who works well
under pressure. My experience working with the students at the
school has helped me to be more patient and understanding.
In the last paragraph you need to
Thank you for taking the time to read my application, I hope you politely ask that they consider your
will consider me for the post. I am available for interview between application and say when you are
the 7th and the 14th of April. available for interview.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Faithfully,
Yours Sincerely,

Claire Prescott
Part 2- Informal Letter
• An informal letter is a form of communication between two people who usually know each other well. Although
there are many reasons for writing an informal letter, it usually consists of topics on a personal level.
• You may have to give advice, or give a narrative account of a situation like a holiday.
• We can be informal in this type of writing since we are talking to a good friend, so contractions are fine. However,
we should still avoid slang expressions.

Read the question below, and then the model answer. Notice the changes in tone and formality between this type of
letter and a formal letter.
Informal Letter Structure

Friendly greeting
e.g. Hi Tom! Thank you for your letter- it was nice to hear from you!

Introduce the main topic

Your project about foreign customs sounds fascinating. Here in Spain we have so many, so I’ll just
speak about the ones from my area.

Paragraph 1
Deal with the first point included in the question with reasons and examples.

Paragraph 2
Develop your next main point with reasons and examples.

Paragraph 3
Develop your final key point with reasons and examples.

Say goodbye and request a reply

One thing you can do before saying goodbye is make up an excuse to ‘leave’. For example:

Anyway, I’ve got to go now- the kids want their dinner and it won’t cook itself! But don’t be a stranger, give
me a call soon.

Friendly close
All my love,

[Your name]

Greetings Set phrases for Set phrases for Endings

opening paragraphs closing paragraphs

‣ Dear Tom ‣ Just thought I’d drop ‣ Well, that’s all for ‣ All my love
‣ Hi/Hello, Karen! you a line now ‣ Best wishes
‣ I haven’t heard from ‣ Well, I’d better finish ‣ All the best
you for ages off here ‣ Lots of kisses
‣ Thank you for your ‣ I must go now ‣ Take care
letter- it was nice to ‣ Write soon
hear from you! ‣ Waiting for your
‣ Sorry I haven’t letter
written for so long ‣ I look forward to
hearing from you
Different ways to say…

Important/ Necessary Important/ Necessary Advantage Disadvantage

‣ Key ‣ Crucial ‣ Benefit ‣ Drawback

‣ Vital ‣ Fundamental ‣ Boon ‣ Downside

‣ Paramount ‣ Required ‣ Asset ‣ Flaw

‣ Imperative ‣ Plus point (inf) ‣ Pitfall

‣ Essential ‣ Positive ‣ Weakness

‣ Critical ‣ Shortcoming

Bad Shocked Angry Problem

‣ Awful ‣ Taken aback ‣ Irate

‣ Complication
‣ Appalling ‣ Astonished ‣ Cross
‣ Issue
‣ Dreadful ‣ Astounded ‣ Infuriated
‣ Obstacle
‣ Wretched ‣ Speechless ‣ Seething
‣ Controversy
‣ Terrible ‣ Stunned ‣ Indignant
‣ Pickle (inf)
‣ Sub-par ‣ Staggered ‣ Enraged
‣ Mess (inf)
‣ Rubbish ‣ Lost for words ‣ Mad

Good Nice Happy Thing

‣ Splendid ‣ Courteous ‣ Cheerful ‣ Aspect

‣ Outstanding ‣ Likeable ‣ Merry ‣ Element

‣ Tremendous ‣ Cordial ‣ Jovial ‣ Feature
‣ Stupendous ‣ Considerate ‣ Joyful ‣ Detail
‣ Wonderful ‣ Cordial ‣ Delightful ‣ Matter
‣ Superb ‣ Point
‣ Marvellous