Writing skills

C1-C2
WRITING
TYPES
Bárbara Romero

Welcome To Teachland
 C1 WRITING

ESSAY:

- Essays are written in formal style. This means you should use:

You should use: You shouldn’t use:

Passive voice, impersonal constructions Short forms
A range of advanced vocabulary Colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs,
Formal linking words/phrases idioms
Inversion, especially in conditionals Simplistic vocabulary
A series of short sentences
Simple linking words

A successful opinion essay should have:

a) An introductory paragraph in which you state the topic and your opinion
b) A main body which consists of two or three paragraphs, each presenting a
separate viewpoint supported by reasons. Do not forget to start each paragraph
with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.
c) A conclusion in which you restate your opinion using different words.

Beginning and ending essays:

In the first paragraph you should state the topic and/or your opinion and you may
include one or more of the following techniques:

• Make reference to an unusual or striking idea/scene/situation.

e.g: Imagine millions of people coming home from school or work every day to
sit staring at a wall for four hours.
• Address the reader directly
e.g: You may think this is an exaggeration
and/or ask a rhetorical question.
e.g: Have you ever wondered what would be like without cars?
• Start with a quotation or thought-provoking statement.
e.g: “Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living
room by people you would not have in your home” David Frost once said.

In the last paragraph, you should state your opinion and/or give a balanced
consideration of the topic, and you may include one or more of the following
techniques:

• Finish with a quotation.

• Ask a rhetorical question
• Give the reader something to consider
e.g: Perphaps then people will rediscover what it is like to actually communicate
with each other.

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Useful expressions for giving opinions:

• To my mind/To my way of thinking…

• It is my (firm) belief/ opinion/view/conviction (that)…
• In my opinion (view)…
• I (firmly) believe…
• I am (not) convinced that…
• (I do not ) agree that/ with…
• It strikes me that…
• My opinion is that,
• I (definitely) feel /think that…
• I am inclined to believe that..
• It seems/appears to me that…5
• As far as I am concerned,…

Useful expressions for essays: Problems and solutions:

Steps should be taken into So as to Solve

Measures could account In order to Eradicate
must Deal with

Serious attempts to halt/ prevent /solve… must be made.

• One (possible) way to solve /overcome this problem would be…

• Another way to combat /deal with the problem (of) is…
• An alternative way to eradicate this problem would be…
• People should focus their/.. to solve /overcome the problem of…

• Governments should focus their attention to improve the situation of..

We should focus our attention on ways to reduce the impact of… on society..

• If steps /measures were taken to… the effect /the result would be..
If we happened to find solutions... /were we to discover the consequence would
be… (inversion)
If attempts were made to address the problem, the result would be..
By (+ing) …, we /governments /etc, can ensure that /prevent…
The… /situation could be improved if… /It would b a good idea if…

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 ESSAY: SAMPLE PAPER

RELATIONSHIPS

The topic discussed in both texts has to do with group relationships and the perils derived
from them. This essay aims to summarise and evaluate the impact of friendship at both
group and individual level.

The first text focuses on London gangs. Gangs are said to be dominating the inner area
of the city and, consequently, the standard of living of city-dwellers is causing a
negative impact in their lives so far. Admittedly, the more time goes by the younger
those children joining these gangs become. The lack of a paternal referent seems to be
the main cause in most cases, therefore, what could be considered as a
determinant factor is to enrol them in activities supervised by adult volunteers so as
to put their values in perspective.

The second text deals with the influence that groups make on individuals. Unbelievable
as it may seem, the power group-thinking has on individuals goes without saying.
People, especially young people, on the same wavelength tend to share the same
ideals and are far more vulnerable to change their way of thinking when they are
engrossed in groups. Without a doubt whatsoever, it is their own judgement and
values provided at home the only ones that can prevent them individually from playing
havoc with their lives.

On the whole, education appears to be the leading role in order to set children
straight. In fact, I am inclined to believe that happen Governments to invest more in
the education of young children, not from the academic point of view but from the human
one, the lives of the ones got carried away could be controlled.

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 C1 WRITING

FORMAL LETTER:

A successful letter should consist of:

1. An appropriate greeting: e.g: Dear Ms Crawley,

Dear Mr and Mrs Jones, Dear Sir/Madam, Dear
Tony;
2. A main body in which you develop the subject and deal
with the additional objective (s) of the letter if necessary.
2.1 An introductory paragraph which clearly states
your reason for writing;
2.2 Your qualifications/studies/skills
2.3 Your professional experience and questions about
the position if any.
3. A conclusion in which you summarise the subject; and
4. Polite sentence “l am looking forward to hearing from you soon”
5. An appropriate ending e.g: Yours faithfully/ Yours sincerely + full name,
Best wishes +first name

You should use: You shouldn’t use:

Passive voice, impersonal constructions Abbreviated forms
A range of advanced vocabulary Colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs,
Formal linking words/phrases idioms
Inversion, especially in conditionals Simplistic vocabulary
Complex sentences A series of short sentences

1. LETTER OF APPLICATION: USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

Paragraph 1:

I am writing in response to your advertisement in ______________ (name of

publication from task). I am interested in applying for the role of
________________ (name of job)

Paragraph 2:

As you will see from my attached CV, I have spent the last _______ (number) years at
____________(workplace). During this period I was promoted from
_____________(crap job) to the position of ____________ (great job). I was
responsible for ____________ (verb in gerund) and ____________, as well as
_____________ and _____________. I had the privilege / opportunity to learn /
improve / develop ___________ and ____________.

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Paragraph 3:

Given the experience I have acquired at __________________ (workplace), I

consider myself well-equipped to respond to the challenge of working in your
_____________. I feel I have the necessary personal qualities to deal with the
demands of the post. For instance, I see myself as a ____________ (adjective)
person who works well under pressure. My experience working with
______________ (people / animal / computers etc.) at ___________________
(workplace) has helped me to be more ____________ (adj) and
_______________ (adj).

Paragraph 4:

I would therefore be grateful if you could consider my application. I am available for

interview between the ________ and the ________ of _________. I look forward
to hearing from you.

Taking all this into account, I hope that you will consider my application. I am
available for interview between the ________ and the ________ of _________. I
look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my application, I hope you will consider me for
the post. I am available for interview between the ________ and the ________ of
_________. I look forward to hearing from you.

Paragraph 5:

Yours faithfully/ Yours sincerely

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 FORMAL LETTER: LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you in line with the article on success and I would well and truly like
to share my views. Without a doubt whatsoever, success is by far the most desired
goal in our lives. Therefore, we all intend to suit our needs in terms of success to feel at
ease with ourselves. Nonetheless, a wide variety of factors could be understood as
success.

I will get started by saying that we live in a throwaway society. The fact of spending
part of our salaries in buying new objects rather than repairing or reusing old ones
illustrates this point clearly. There has been a burgeoning tendency in cutting-edge
technology in the past five years. Not only adults but also children are fraught with the
latest technological devices without taking into consideration the reason why we need
them. Undoubtedly, will this bring about a knock-on-effect in terms of education since
we are more focused on showing what we possess time after time rather than what we
simply are.

On the other side of the coin, there are people who think outside of the box being
our careers at the top of our lives. The more years to come, the more qualified people
become. A shift in mindset is represented nowadays since the lack of employment in our
country some years ago made people become more academically prepared.
Unavoidably, this gives room to a more competitive market. Once you have spent not
only money but also time in getting prepared for real life, getting the position you desire
is commonplace and the main representation of success for many of us.

To sum up, we should take responsibility for our actions with respect to moral values
sooner rather than later. Neither money nor material possessions must stay, by
any accounts, ahead of our priorities. It is our loved ones and happiness what fulfils our
lives definitely: doing what you love for a living is the most precious gift life may offer us.
I look forward to following subsequent articles on related issues.

Yours faithfully,

Bárbara

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2. LETTER OF COMPLAINT: USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

Paragraph 1:

I am writing to complain about.../to express my concern about/disappointment

with...

I would like to draw your attention to...

Paragraph 2:

Firstly, your article/advertisement states/claims that ______________.

To begin with, according to your.... .

However, this is simply not the case, _______________ (explanation).

Paragraphs 3:

Moreover / Furthermore, the suggestion/statement/claim that _____________

is simply not true.

I feel I must also disagree with__________________

I should also like to point out that___________________

Paragraph 4:

I would appreciate it / be grateful if you would _______

It seems only fair that you should ____________

I trust / very much hope you will ___________

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Paragraph 5:

Yours faithfully/sincerely

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 LETTER OF COMPLAINT: SAMPLE PAPER

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing following a recent visit to the Newtown Sports Centre. I would like to
express my disappointment with the service I received. Although the staff were
generally polite and helpful, they seemed to lack basic sports knowledge. None of them
could offer any advice to me on choosing a tennis racket. I suggest that you send your
employees on suitable training courses.

Another cause for complaint was that the swimming pool was closed. I understand
that repairs and maintenance need to be carried out. However, when I called for
information the day before my visit, the receptionist did not mention that the pool was
closed. If I had known, I would have visited the sports centre at another time.

Finally, offering lessons in different sports is a good idea, but in my opinion, they seem
to be very expensive. Considering the membership fee, the prices of lessons should be
lower, and more sports should be offered. I was disappointed that neither diving nor
windsurfing was available.

I hope you will take these points into consideration.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Bárbara

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 C1 WRITING

REVIEWS

A review is a special type of article written for publication in a magazine, newspaper, etc.
giving a brief description and evaluation of a film, book, play, TV /radio programme, etc.
It may be formal or semi-formal in style, depending on its intended readership, and
is usually written using present tenses.

A successful review should consist of:

a) An introduction which mentions the title, the type of book/play/film/etc, the

setting (when/where), the theme, the main characters, etc,;
b) A main body of two or more paragraphs containing the main points of the plot
(without revealing the ending), and evaluating such features as the acting, writing
style, direction, characters, etc,; and
c) A conclusion which includes an overall assessment of the work and /or a
recommendation, usually with justification.

You may also be asked to give reasons why someone should see the film/ play or read
the book, how it has influenced you, etc. Note that the number and length of paragraphs
varies depending on the topic:

USEFUL LANGUAGE FOR REVIEWS

• To begin reviews:
This well-written/informative/ fascinating /thought-provoking book is…
The film/book/play /etc is set in .../ tells the story of …/is based on…
The film/play stars…/is directed by… is the sequel to…
• To end reviews:
You should definitely see /read… /Don’t miss it/ You might enjoy…
All in all, it is well worth seeing /reading, since…
On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend it, in view of the fact that…
It is a classic of its kind/ it is sure to be a hit/ best-seller…
• To explain the plot:
The plot revolves around…/ involves…/focuses on…/ has an unexpected twist.
The story begins with… /unfolds /reaches a dramatic climax when…
• Evaluating various features:
The play /film /series has a strong/ star-studded /mediocre cast.
The acting is moving/powerful/excellent/weak /unconvincing.
The plot is:
-Gripping /dramatic/fascinating /suspense-filled /fast-moving.
-Far-fetched /predictable /confusing /dull /unimaginative.
The script /dialogue is touching /hilarious /boring /mundane.
It is beautifully /brilliantly /sensitively /written or directed.

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 REVIEW: SAMPLE PAPER

LA MADRE DE FRANKENSTEIN

Are you willing to travel in time and be submerged into the suffocating and chauvinistic
Spain of the 1950s? This novel will provide you with an insightful and poignant view
of the era by the hand of Almudena Grandes.

Tedious as it may seem, this is the story of a psychiatrist that, as a child, overhears
the confession of a woman who assures she has killed her daughter. That woman
is Aurora Rodríguez Carballeira and her daughter Hildegart Rodríguez is the child she
conceived in order to improve the human species. Yes, the human species, this is a
definite turning-point in the story. The book tells the story of Aurora who is
imprisoned in a Women’s Asylum as a condemn for her daughter’s murder. Not only
does the plot centres around the life of this woman but also it sheds some light
on the situation that many women went through at the time. The fact that many of them
were sick, and therefore imprisoned there, goes without saying but what really
grabbed my attention was the point of many of them being there just because their
husbands’ desire of getting rid of them. At the end of the day, the medical efforts of
the psychiatrist ended up turned down since both high-class society and politicians
have much to lose if the mental situation of these women was reversed. It really offers a
nail-bitting conclusion that will keep you reading at the edge of your seat.

Apart from the plot and the setting, the tale itself is skilfully constructed making
the novel a real page-turner. Either the main character or the psychiatrist’s mindset
are ahead of their time trying to fight against all odds with the system. You’ll be
undoubtedly immersed in the subtleties of the plot and in a cliff-hanger till the very
last page of the novel. This tantalizing snapshot will leave you speechless once is
finished.

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 C1 WRITING

ARTICLE

An article, in general, is a piece of writing for publication in a magazine, newspaper,

brochure, leaflet, etc. It may be formal or informal in style.

A successful article should consist of:

a) An eye-catching title or headline which suggests the topic of the article that
follows:
b) An introduction which clearly outlines the topic (s) to be covered;
c) A main body of several paragraphs in which the subject is developed in detail;
and
d) A conclusion which summarises the topic and/ or offers an opinion, comments,
recommendations, etc.

Points to consider

• However, the most common case is that we must write a text in an informal or
colloquial style. For this reason, our tone must be relaxed, making use of
contractions, phrasal verbs and other colloquial expressions. Besides, it is
recommended to use rhetorical questions and exclamation marks to engage the
reader. You should also address the reader directly in the second person (you, your)
and can make jokes if you think they are appropriate.
• Use suitable, descriptive, narrative or argumentative techniques and expressions
which are consistent with the purpose of the article. Appropriate use of linking words
/expressions and a wide range of vocabulary will make your writing more interesting.
• Select and organise the ideas and information you will present in each paragraph
carefully and begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.

Useful expressions for giving opinions:

• Rhetorical questions:
• Have you ever…?

• Do you ever wonder…?

• What do you think about…?
• Are you a… like me?
• Are you one of those people who…?
• What would you say if I told you that…?
• Introducing new ideas:
• Firstly,

• First,
• In the first place,
• To begin with,
• The coolest thing about

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 • What attracts me most
• One thing to consider is
• Another consideration is
• Secondly,
• As for
• As to
• Also,
• As regards
• In addition,
• In addition to that,
• Moreover,
• Concluding the article:
• In conclusion,

• On the whole,
• To sum up,
• To conclude,
• All in all,
• … you will not regret it!

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 ARTICLE: SAMPLE PAPER

ARTICLE ON HEALTH

When I come to think about diet, I constantly believed that it has been the most affected
part in our lives. Our professional career is set as a straightforward goal and we set
our health apart. But having a lot in our plate right now is not an excuse for it, isn’t
it? Do you even know what types of changes are at your fingertips right now?

Tiny changes will stop making you feel running on empty. One of the most significant
is the fact of eating only three proper meals rather than picking at things the whole day.
Secondly, the ingredients. Take your time, try to visit local stores rather than going
directly to the supermarket. You’ll see that the ingredients are fresher and, therefore,
healthier. Thirdly, have enough time for lunch instead of gobble your food down. Don’t
have the impression for having a bigger fish to fry!

Have you eavesdropped any benefit derived from it at the gym? Let me get my message
across. The number of perks derived are countless. Not only for your well-being, but it
also makes the most in your mental health. It provides you with enough proteins and
carbohydrates to help you work your fingers to the bone. And what’s more, not only
will it recharge your batteries but it’ll help you avoid toss-and-turn nights.
Worthy, isn’t it?

At the other end of the spectrum, it’s true all that glitters isn’t gold. This new lifestyle
requires you carve out time for preparing your meals. Around an hour per day is
needed in order to become a more-fitness-like person, be mentally prepared in advance
and keep this time in reserve also for preparing your shopping list.

On the whole, effort is needed to plant the seeds of success, but you’ll be able to reap
the fruits in no time soon! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s roll up our sleeves for
the better!

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 C1 WRITING

REPORT

A report is usually written for a superior (e.g. a teacher) or a peer group (e.g. members
of an English club). Candidates are expected to give some factual information and make
suggestions or recommendations. A report should be clearly organised and may include
headings.

Things to include:

▪ Begin by stating the purpose of your report.

▪ You may invent where you got the information.
▪ 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.
▪ Divide your report into sections according to the input.
▪ Develop the ideas in the task input. Focus on a maximum of two points.
▪ Give a clear summary of the situation and make a comment/suggestion
only in the last paragraph.
▪ Use an impersonal, semi-formal style.

Useful language for a report

Paragraph 1: Stating the purpose of the report

The main aim/objective/purpose of this report is to ...

Paragraph 1: Describing how you got the information

▪ To prepare for this report, I conducted interviews with... / I visited three of the
most popular... / I discussed the issue with...

Paragraphs 2 and 3: Reporting your results

▪ According to ...
▪ All those who were interviewed believe that/are concerned that... / It is thought
that... / It was commented upon by a number of people we talked to that...
▪ A cause of dissatisfaction was...

Presenting a list

▪ The arguments against ... are the following:

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

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 ▪ Points mentioned in favour of/against ... were:
1. 1 ...
2. 2 ...
▪ There are several ways in which ... might be ...:
1. 1 ...
2. 2 ...

Making recommendations (Last paragraph)

▪ Taking all the factors mentioned into account...

▪ I would therefore recommend ....
▪ Clearly, more could be done to .... I would make the following
recommendations:
▪ 1 ...
▪ 2 ...
▪ 3 ...

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 REPORT: SAMPLE PAPER

REPORT ON THE LOCKDOWN

This report sets out to collect information regarding the lockdown situation. It is
common knowledge that it was an out of the ordinary situation most of us were not even
prepared for. Therefore, interviewees who had first-hand knowledge of the situation
stated how the main areas of their lives were affected.

Education and work

First and foremost, education and work were, by far, the most concerning areas since
both working and studying from home was the first measure adopted. Convenient as
it may seem, the truth is that it had a knock-on-effect on people’s lives. Without a
doubt whatsoever, a shift in the way we understand our working life was represented.
The consequences in the vast majority of cases were working overtime and a reduction
of both motivation and attention.

Health

To continue with, not only were our careers affected but also our mindsets. Spending
so much time in front of the computer, isolated and without going out definitely turned
out in a quantum leap. Consequently, our mental health was deeply affected. No out-
of-the ordinary activities were carried out what ended up as a meteoric rise of anxiety
and depressing cases.

Measures

Last but not least, were this situation to be repeated, there are measures we should
opt for. By way of illustration, the role sport has played during these month goes
without saying. It is a way of disconnecting to self-connecting therefore people had better
be allowed to do it. The more we practise it, the better mentally prepared our minds
will be for any other challenge. Another point to bear in mind is to establish a routine
along with a fixed timetable. These measures may lead to sweeping effects in our daily
lives.

Conclusion

To conclude, had society been prepared in advance for this type of situation, the
consequences could have been prevented somehow. Should the recommendations
outlined in this report be carried out, I have no doubt that the way we tackle our daily
lives will be a resounding success.

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 C1 WRITING

INFORMAL LETTER OR EMAIL

An informal letter or email is usually between people who know each other fairly well. In
addition to giving news, they are often used to request information, congratulate people,
give advice and ask questions. There are a lot of similarities between informal letters and
conversation. Informal letters ask a lot of questions, show interest and enthusiasm, and
imagine a lot of shared information.

Useful Expressions:

▪ How are you? / How have the family been? / I hope you are well.
▪ Thank you / Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter / postcard.
▪ It was good / nice / great to hear from you again.
▪ I was so surprised to hear that...
▪ I’m sorry I haven’t written / haven't been in touch for such a long time.
▪ It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you're well / you and your family are
well.
▪ How are things? / How are you? / How’s it going?

Referring to news

▪ Great news about … Glad to hear that … Sorry to hear about …

Giving news

▪ Listen, did I tell you about …? You’ll never believe what …

▪ Oh, and another thing … This is just to let you know that …
▪ I thought you might be interested to hear about / know that …
▪ By the way, have you heard about / did you know that …?

Apologies

▪ I’m writing to apologise for missing your party but I’m afraid I was with flu.
▪ I’m really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card but I was busy with my
new job.

Invitations

▪ I’m / We’re having a party on Friday 19th and I / we hope you’ll be able to
come/would you like to come?

▪ I was wondering if…

▪ Could you let me / us know if you can come / you’d like to join us?

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 ▪ Thank you very much for your invitation. I’d love to come.
▪ Thank you for asking / inviting me to … but I’m afraid I won’t be able to …

Requests

▪ I’m writing to ask for your help / you (if you could do me) a favour.
▪ I wonder if / I was wondering if you could help me / do me a favour.
▪ I hope you don’t mind me asking but could you (possibly) …?
▪ I’d be very / really / terribly grateful if you could …

Thank you / Congratulations / Good Luck

▪ I’m writing to thank you for your hospitality / the wonderful present.
▪ I really appreciated all your help / advice.

▪ Congratulations on passing your exams / your excellent exam results!

▪ I wish you good luck / with your exams / your driving test / your interview.

▪ Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do well / pass.

▪ Do be on time, won’t you, and don’t forget to …

Making suggestions and recommendations

▪ Why don’t you …? / Maybe you could …? / How about …?

▪ You can’t leave New York without (...doing sth)
▪ I’m sure you will enjoy (...doing sth). If you like, we can …
▪ Do visit ... / Don’t forget to ...

Closing

The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. There are some standard ways
of finishing an informal letter or email.

▪ Give a reason why you're ending the letter: Anyway, I must go and get on with
my work! / I guess it's time I got on with that studying I've been avoiding.
▪ Send greetings and/or make reference for future contact: Give my love / regards
to... / Say hello to... / Anyway, don't forget to let me know the dates of the party.
▪ Closing statement such as Love, Lots of love, All the best, Take care, Best
wishes, should be written on a new line. If you used a comma after the opening
greeting, use a comma here too.
▪ Signing off: Your first name then follows on another new line.

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 EMAIL: SAMPLE PAPER

Dear Emma,

Thanks so much for your email. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I received your
email! 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 learn French too – fantastic!

I’ve been 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 enrol one 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 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 people is learning songs. My brother reckons that he
has learnt more English from the Top 40 than he has at school. And you know family,
so that’s worth a try too. Of course, you could also get a French boyfriend or
girlfriend to speed up your progress! Have you heard of the app “Tandem”? You better
have a look!

Anyway, I hope that’s helped give you a few ideas. Do write back as soon details of your
plans.

Lots of love,

Bárbara

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 PROPOSAL

A proposal starts by describing the situation in a business, school, club, or other

organisation you might be part of. For example, you might have to talk about the
computer room in your college or the state of the canteen in your office. Sounds like a
report, doesn't it? Well so far it's pretty similar.

The difference between a report and a proposal is that in the latter we have to give
recommendations on improving the situation.

You have to persuade whoever is reading the proposal to make the changes you think are
best.

So:

• describe a situation
• say how you think it could be better
• try to convince someone you are right

It’s not really tough so why don’t we give it a try? ☺

WHO'S GOING TO READ IT?

As you'd expect, sometimes the proposals in CAE are set in the business world, and
sometimes in the academic world. In these cases you'll be writing in quite a formal
style. Another common scenario is that you're in a club and want to propose some
changes - if you're writing to the other members of the club you can be a bit less formal
but you should still be polite.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL RULES?

You should use headings and have an intro and conclusion. You CAN use bullet
points but I recommend you to write in full sentences. It's a writing test not a bullet point
test. Bullet points can help people read something efficiently, but they are often used by
writers who are too lazy/scared to write complete sentences. Use them with care!

Oh, and it's not a letter so don't start with 'Dear Sir.'

Watch the following video to get some ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=IUoqbk7Yu2Q

Hints

First things first...

• Begin by brainstorming ideas, in any order, and don't worry about language at
this stage.
• Group your ideas under headings for each section of your proposal.

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 • 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.

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 PROPOSAL: SAMPLE PAPER

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. Most 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.

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