The Cambridge Advanced Writing Exam forms Paper 2 of the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) qualification, also known as C1 Advanced. It assesses candidates’ ability to produce clear, detailed, and well-structured texts in English at a C1 level (advanced proficiency) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The paper lasts 90 minutes and is worth 20% of the total exam marks. Candidates must complete two compulsory tasks, with a combined word count of 220–260 words per task (though the exact requirement is typically 220–260 words each, totaling around 440–520 words).The exam is taken by non-native English speakers aiming to demonstrate advanced language skills for university study, professional work, or immigration purposes. It is marked by trained Cambridge examiners based on four criteria: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language (each out of 5, for a maximum of 20 per task).
Task Types and Structure
Part 1: Compulsory Task (Essay)
- Word count: 220–260 words.
- Input: A short text (e.g., an article excerpt, notes, or a question) with 2–3 content points to address, plus an opinion prompt.
- Task: Write an essay discussing the points, evaluating ideas, and expressing your own opinion. It must be formal or semi-formal in tone, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Example prompt: “You have read an article about the benefits of remote working. Write an essay discussing two of the points raised and giving your own view.”
- Key skills tested: Summarizing ideas, comparing/contrasting, arguing a position, using advanced vocabulary and complex structures.
Part 2: Choice of Tasks
- Word count: 220–260 words.
- Task types:
- Letter/Email: Formal (e.g., to a manager) or informal (e.g., to a friend); focus on appropriate register, layout, and conventions.
- Proposal: Persuasive document suggesting changes or actions; includes sections like introduction, recommendations, and conclusion.
- Report: Factual and objective; uses headings, bullet points, and data presentation.
- Review: Descriptive and evaluative; e.g., of a film, book, or event, with engaging language.
- Example: Choose one from: (a) a proposal for improving local facilities; (b) a review of a recent exhibition; (c) an email complaining about a service.
- Key skills tested: Adapting style to audience/purpose, structuring information logically, using genre-specific features (e.g., headings in reports).
Assessment CriteriaExaminers use a banded marking scheme (0–5 per criterion):
- Content (5 marks): All points covered accurately and relevantly; ideas fully developed.
- Communicative Achievement (5 marks): Tone and register appropriate; text holds reader’s attention and communicates straightforward/complex ideas clearly.
- Organisation (5 marks): Coherent structure with linking words, paragraphs, and logical flow.
- Language (5 marks): Wide range of vocabulary and grammar (e.g., passives, conditionals, modals); minimal errors that do not impede communication.
A score of 3+ per criterion is needed for a pass at C1 level. The overall CAE grade (A, B, C for pass; D/E for fail) incorporates all papers.Preparation Tips
- Practice regularly: Use official Cambridge past papers or sample materials from cambridgeenglish.org.
- Time management: Spend ~45 minutes per task; plan (5 mins), write (35 mins), check (5 mins).
- Build vocabulary: Learn topic-specific phrases (e.g., environment, technology) and connectors (e.g., furthermore, in contrast).
- Understand rubrics: Always address all content points in Part 1; ignore them at your peril.
- Seek feedback: Get teachers or peers to mark using the official criteria.
- Common pitfalls: Under-length writing (penalized heavily), off-topic responses, or mixing registers (e.g., slang in formal tasks).
Success in the CAE Writing paper demonstrates not just linguistic accuracy but also critical thinking and adaptability—essential for real-world advanced English use. With targeted practice, most candidates can achieve strong results.