Tipos de writing Advanced

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En el Writing del CAE, los candidatos tienen que escribir dos textos de 220 – 260 palabras en 1 hora y 30 minutos. 

Tipos de Writing C1

 

• Part 1
  • Essay
• Part 2
  • Email (informal or formal) or letter (informal or formal)
  • Review
  • Report
  • Proposal

 

¿Qué partes tiene el Writing del CAE?

El Writing del C1 Advanced (CAE), como ya vimos en otro artículo, tiene 2 partes, y para cada una de ella tendrás que escribir un texto según las instrucciones del ejercicio. Lo que debes saber es que existe una serie limitada de tipos de textos que te pueden preguntar en cada parte, así que veamos: 

• Writing Part 1: En esta parte siempre tendrás que escribir un ensayo (essay), y no tendrás más opciones para elegir. 

 

• Writing Part 2: En esta parte tendrás 3 opciones para elegir, y los tipos de Writing que podrán preguntarte son los siguientes:
  • Formal letter/email
  • Informal letter/email
  • Review 
  • Report
  • Proposal 

 

Basic sentences to improve

 

10 Vocabulary Tricks for  C1/2

1. Replace “people say / people think”

Basic:

People say that money makes people happy.

C2:

It is often argued that money brings happiness.
Many people tend to believe that money leads to happiness.

2. Replace “very happy”

Basic:

I was very happy.

C2:

I felt a deep sense of happiness.
I felt an overwhelming sense of joy.
I experienced a genuine sense of fulfilment.

3. Replace “things / stuff”

Basic:

Things that make us happy.

C2:

Factors that contribute to happiness
Sources of happiness

4. Replace “very important”

Basic:

Family is very important.

C2:

Family plays a crucial role in our happiness.
Family is essential for emotional wellbeing.

5. Replace “in my opinion”

Basic:

In my opinion, happiness is experiences.

C2:

From my perspective, happiness comes from experiences.
It seems to me that happiness lies in experiences.

6. Replace “a lot of people”

Basic:

A lot of people think money is happiness.

C2:

Many individuals believe that money brings happiness.
A large number of people assume that wealth leads to happiness.

7. Replace “but”

Cambridge examiners love varied connectors.

Instead of:

But happiness is different.

Use:

• However
• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• That being said

Example:

However, happiness can mean different things to different people.

8. Replace “for example”

Use more advanced connectors.

Instead of:

For example

Try:

• For instance
• A clear example of this is
• This can be seen when

Example:

A clear example of this is travelling with family.

9. Replace “makes you happy”

Basic:

Travelling makes you happy.

C2:

Travelling provides a lasting sense of happiness.
Travelling creates unforgettable memories.
Travelling contributes greatly to personal happiness.

Strong conclusion phrases

Instead of:

In conclusion

Try:

• Ultimately
• All things considered
• In the end
• Taking everything into account

Example:

Ultimately, happiness comes from the experiences we share with others.

⭐ Example C1/2 Sentence (using several tricks)

Basic:

People say money makes you happy but I think experiences are better.

C1/2:

Many people tend to believe that wealth brings happiness; however, it seems to me that meaningful experiences provide a far deeper and longer-lasting sense of fulfilment.

Pro tip for the C1/2 exam

Examiners look for 3 things in high-scoring writing:

✔ varied connectors
✔ abstract vocabulary
✔ natural complex sentences

Not necessarily “difficult words”, but natural academic phrasing.

If you want, I can also show you something super useful for the CPE exam:

15 “magic phrases” that appear in almost every Band 5 C2 article or essay.
They are basically a cheat sheet for sounding C2 instantly.

ok

Perfect — here are 15 “magic phrases” that Cambridge C2 examiners see all the time in Band 5 articles and essays. If you use several of these naturally, your writing instantly sounds more C2.

15 Magic Phrases for C1/2 Writing

1. Introducing a topic

Instead of simple openings like “Nowadays…”

Use:

• In recent years, there has been increasing debate about…
• Few topics generate as much discussion as…

Example:
In recent years, there has been increasing debate about what truly makes people happy.

2. Presenting common opinions

• Many people tend to believe that…
• It is widely argued that…

Example:
It is widely argued that money is the key to happiness.

3. Presenting the opposite view

• However, others argue that…
• Nevertheless, this view is not shared by everyone.

Example:
Nevertheless, this view is not shared by everyone.

4. Adding another argument

• Furthermore
• Moreover
• In addition

Example:
Furthermore, experiences often create memories that last a lifetime.

5. Giving examples

Instead of for example:

• A clear example of this is…
• This can be seen when…

Example:
A clear example of this is travelling with family.

6. Explaining results

• As a result
• Consequently
• For this reason

Example:
Consequently, people often remember experiences longer than material possessions.

7. Showing contrast

• However
• On the other hand
• That being said

Example:
That being said, material possessions can still bring temporary satisfaction.

8. Expressing opinion formally

Instead of I think:

• From my perspective
• It seems to me that

Example:
From my perspective, experiences are far more valuable than objects.

9. Talking about general truths

• In many cases
• More often than not

Example:
More often than not, the happiest moments in life are simple ones.

 Emphasising an idea

• What is particularly important is that…
• One key point to consider is that…

Example:
One key point to consider is that happiness often comes from relationships.

1. Introducing a reflection

• Interestingly
• What is even more surprising is that…

Example:
Interestingly, research shows that experiences bring longer-lasting happiness.

2. Drawing a conclusion

Instead of only In conclusion:

• Ultimately
• All things considered

Example:
Ultimately, happiness depends on how we choose to live our lives.

3. Summarising the argument

• Taking everything into account…

Example:
Taking everything into account, experiences appear to bring deeper happiness.

4. Ending with impact

Great C2 article endings:

• Perhaps the real secret lies in…
• Maybe the answer is simpler than we think.

Example:
Perhaps the real secret to happiness lies not in what we own, but in what we experience.

5. Strong final reflection

• In the end, what truly matters is…

Example:
In the end, what truly matters is the memories we create with others.

 

 

Essay:

 

 

Ejemplo de CAE Writing Essay

 

• Finalidad:

El ensayo tiene como objetivo analizar un tema, situación o conflicto que despierte interés o genere polémica.

• Tono y estilo:

Dado que se trata de un texto que aborda cuestiones relevantes o debatidas, el ensayo debe redactarse siempre en un registro formal. Es esencial mantener un tono objetivo y evitar expresiones coloquiales como things, stuff o get, así como contracciones del tipo don’t, won’t, can’t, etc. También conviene prescindir de frases informales

• Estructura:

Debe incluir título. La estructura suele dividirse en cuatro párrafos: introducción, desarrollo (dos puntos principales) y conclusión. 

• Expresión de la opinión:

Se recomienda mantener una postura neutral a lo largo del texto y reservar la opinión personal para la conclusión. Lo más importante es fundamentar bien tus ideas y asegurarte de que la conclusión responde directamente a la cuestión planteada en la tarea.

• Coherencia y desarrollo:

La coherencia interna del ensayo es crucial. Al tratarse de un texto argumentativo, no basta con escribir párrafos sueltos; las ideas deben estar bien conectadas y presentadas con un orden lógico. Es fundamental utilizar conectores adecuados al nivel C1 que guíen al lector de un párrafo a otro sin que se pierda el hilo. De lo contrario, se corre el riesgo de que el mensaje se diluya y el texto no cumpla su propósito comunicativo.

 

Essay C1:

En la siguiente imagen puedes ver un ejemplo obtenido de la página web de Cambridge.

De estas instrucciones, debemos extraer siempre lo esencial: 

• Temática: facilities which should receive money from local authorities
• Puntos a tratar: 
  • museums
  • sports centres
  • public gardens
• Opiniones que podemos utilizar:
  • «Museums aren’t popular with everybody!»
  • «Sports centres mean healthier people.»
  • «A town needs green spaces – parks are great for everybody.»
• Instrucciones esenciales: 
  • Tratar únicamente 2 de los 3 puntos que nos han dado. 
  • Responder y justificar la pregunta principal (“which facility it is more important for local authorities to give money to”)
  • Justificar nuestra respuesta (“giving reasons in support of your answer”)
  • Usar tus propias palabras (“user your own words as far as possible”)

Respuesta de ejemplo de C1 Essay

Según el modelo de tarea planteado arriba, podemos plantear el escrito de la siguiente forma: 

• Introducción
• Punto 1 (museums)
• Punto 2 (sports centres)
• Conclusión

Aunque no está set in stone, lo normal es que nos salgan 4 párrafos. Así que ahora vamos a ver un ejemplo Essay para el Writing del CAE: 

Allocating Public Funds to Community Facilities   Allocating Public Funds to Community Facilities Local governments are frequently faced with the challenge of deciding how to allocate limited funds across various community services. Among the most commonly discussed options are museums and sports centres, as both contribute significantly to the well-being and development of the local population.   Museums, for instance, play an essential role in preserving and sharing cultural and historical knowledge. They allow residents and visitors alike to deepen their understanding of a region's past, and they often serve as an attraction for tourists. This can, in turn, support the local economy through increased spending in nearby businesses.   Conversely, sports centres offer numerous health and social advantages. They encourage regular physical activity, which is vital for a healthy lifestyle, and often act as gathering places that strengthen community bonds. Particularly for younger members of society, these centres can offer structured environments that foster discipline, cooperation, and leadership.   In the end, determining which facility should be given financial priority depends largely on what the community values most or needs at that time. From my perspective, museums should be given precedence. While I fully acknowledge the benefits of sports facilities, I believe museums deliver lasting cultural and educational value, and they also have the potential to stimulate local economies—especially in towns or regions looking to attract more visitors.

A simple vista, podemos ver que este Essay para C1 tiene un título introductorio y 4 párrafos (introduction, museums, sports, conclusion). Además, si leemos detenidamente el texto, podremos apreciar los siguientes aspectos: 

• Título: El título resume perfectamente al lector la temática que vamos a tratar en el texto. A veces, puede ser buena idea un título en forma de pregunta como “Which facilities should receive funding from local authorities?”, aunque yo prefiero siempre títulos más concisos. 
• Párrafos: Los párrafos están bien definidos no solo lingüística y semánticamente, sino visualmente, lo cual es muy importante. Además, estos tienen un propósito muy claro que el lector identifica inmediatamente:
  • Introduction: introduce el tema de forma general y menciona las dos opciones que vamos a tratar en los siguientes párrafos. 
  • Museums: Habla de los beneficios de los museos y de invertir dinero en ellos. 
  • Sports centres: Habla de los beneficios de los centros deportivos y de las consecuencias de invertir dinero en ellos. 
  • Conclusion: De forma muy clara, se valora que los museos deben ser los que reciban la inversión por ciertos motivos que quedan bien justificados. 
• Conectores: Se utilizan conectores que definen claramente la coherencia y progresión del texto: on the one/other hand, in addition, ultimately, however, while, etc. 
• Lenguaje: 
  • No utilizamos contracciones ni palabras comodín.
  • Se utilizan expresiones apropiadas para un nivel C1:
    • When it comes to
    • comes to mind
    • valuable cultural resource
    • heritage 
    • generating income
    • desirable
    • engage in physical activity
    • social hub
    • positive outlet for energy
    • Etc.
  • La gramática es avanzada también (Ej.: Not only can…, but they also…)

 

Report:

Un report se refiere a un tipo de escrito formal y objetivo que se utiliza para presentar información detallada sobre un tema específico. En general, los reports presentan información de manera clara y organizada. Además, tendrás que utilizar un lenguaje formal y apropiado para el contexto, evitando formas coloquiales o informales.

• Propósito: Los informes generalmente se escriben para informar de algo que ya ha sucedido, lo cual debes analizar y luego hacer algunas recomendaciones para mejorar.

 

• Tono y registro: Un informe o report puede escribirse para un superior,  por esta razón, se espera que el lenguaje de un informe sea formal y objetivo. . Sin embargo, debes dar tu opinión en el párrafo de conclusión o recomendaciones. 

 

• Estructura: Un informe es un tipo de texto que normalmente tiene un título al inicio y diversos subtítulos que separan las diferentes secciones de información. Cada párrafo debe tener un subtítulo que resuma su tema principal. Además, la introducción siempre puede titularse «Introduction» y la conclusión, «Conclusion» o «Recommendations».

 

• Opinión: Existen dos formas principales de expresar tu opinión en un informe o report del C1 Advanced. Puedes dejarla hasta el final de cada párrafo, explicando cómo resolverías o mejorarías cada aspecto. O puedes esperarte hasta el último párrafo, donde puedes resumir cómo resolverías o mejorarías cada aspecto en un único párrafo. No existe una forma más correcta que otra de hacerlo, así que tendrás que encontrar tu estilo o adaptarte según la temática. 

 

Ejemplo de CAE Writing Report

 

De estas instrucciones, debemos extraer siempre lo esencial: 

• Temática: six months in a new job → preparation for a progress meeting
• Lector target: your manager
• Puntos a tratar: 
  • Explain what you feel you have achieved in the job so far
  • Describe any problems you had
  • Suggest any future training that would be suitable
• Instrucciones esenciales: 
  • Elegir únicamente uno de las tareas de Writing. Es decir, si eliges el report, no debes hacer ninguna otra tarea del Writing Part 2. 
  • Escribe el report utilizando 220-260 palabras, aproximadamente. 

 

Podemos plantear el informe para C1 de la siguiente forma: 

• Introduction
• Professional achievements 
• Problems I encountered
• Recommendations

 

Aunque no se trata de algo inamovible, lo más común es que nos salgan 4-5 secciones. Así que ahora vamos a ver un ejemplo Report para el Writing del CAE:

Progress Report Introduction The aim of this report is to provide an overview of my first semester at work. I will discuss my professional achievements during this period, any problems I have faced, and suggest some future training both suitable for myself and other new employees. Professional achievements During the first six months at work, I have achieved several key goals. Firstly, I have been able to meet all the deadlines assigned to me. Secondly, I have contributed to various projects and provided valuable inputs that have led to positive outcomes. And lastly, I have managed to build a great rapport with my colleagues, which has facilitated teamwork and collaboration.  Professional challenges Despite my achievements, I have encountered two main challenges during this time. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of clarity in the job description regarding my responsibilities. Unfortunately, this led to some initial conflicts with my colleagues. Additionally, I have been finding it difficult to manage my workload at times, especially when assigned multiple projects simultaneously. Recommendations To address the aforementioned problems, I would like to put forward several recommendations for future training. Firstly, I would recommend holding an initial training workshop for newly hired employees. I am certain that this would have helped me understand my role and responsibilities better from the get-go. And secondly, I would also suggest providing some training on time management and task prioritisation, which would help me manage my workload more effectively. I am confident that with the suggested training, not only will I be able to overcome these challenges, but also to continue to be a valuable asset to the company.

Con un simple vistazo, podemos ver que este C1 Report tiene un título y 4 secciones claramente diferenciadas de forma muy visual. Veamos esto en más detalle: 

• Título: El título engloba de forma general la temática del informe. Al tratarse de un report, no tenemos que ponernos muy creativos con el título, ya que se trata de algo objetivo y, siendo honestos, da igual que sea aburrido. Recuerda que si se tratase de un Review, el tono y estilo del título sería completamente diferente. 
• Secciones: Cada sección está introducida por un subtítulo que resume el contenido. En general, dado que el número de palabras es limitado, cada sección tendrá uno o dos párrafos como máximo. En este caso, con un párrafo hemos tenido suficiente. Basándonos en el ejemplo de arriba, veamos qué función tiene cada apartado:
  • Introduction: Aquí decimos por qué estamos escribiendo el informe (i.e.: the aim of this report is to…) y qué puntos vamos a tratar (i.e.: achievements, problems y future trainings).
  • Professional achievements: Aquí mencionamos los logros que hemos conseguido en los seis primeros meses de trabajo (i.e.: deadlines, valuable inputs y rapport). 
  • Professional challenges: Aquí lidiamos con el segundo punto a tratar, los problemas que hemos tenido. En este caso, hemos hablado de lack of clarity in the job description y manage my workload. 
  • Recommendations: En esta última sección es donde proponemos soluciones a los problemas anteriormente descritos. Por ello, proponemos initial workshop for newly hired employees y training on time management and task prioritisation. 
• Conectores: A lo largo del report, hemos utilizado conectores que ayudan a que el texto tenga una clara progresión y una buena coherencia: firstly, secondly, unfortunately, additionally, etc. No es un texto que requiera una estructura muy compleja, por lo que los conectores y discourse markers son relativamente sencillos, aunque adecuados para un nivel C1. 
• Lenguaje:
  • No hacemos uso de contracciones ni palabras comodín (Ej.: things). 
  • Utilizamos términos y expresiones adecuadas para un nivel C1:
    • provide an overview of
    • key goals
    • meet all the deadlines
    • provided valuable inputs
    • led to positive outcomes
    • build a great rapport
    • I have encountered
    • lack of clarity
    • manage my workload
    • to address the aforementioned problems
    • put forward several recommendations
    • holding an initial training
    • newly hired employees
    • from the get-go
    • time management and task prioritisation
    • I am confident that
    • overcome these challenges
    • a valuable asset to the company
• Si bien la gramática en un report no suele ser lo que más luce, también es avanzada (Ej.: Not only will I…, but also…)

En definitiva, se trata de un buen ejemplo de Report para el CAE Writing, con todas las características que debe tener un buen informe. 

Review:

El siguiente ejemplo es de una review de una película. Como puedes ver, se trata de una película real (Room) y en ella se habla de varias cosas esenciales en cualquier review de película, libro o serie: argumento, personajes/actores, recomendación, temática, por qué me gusta, etc.

Room

There are films which represent a turning point in the life of every film buff, whether it be for the plot, the actors or the themes. In my case, this came about when I watched Room, a heartbreaking yet inspiring production directed by Lenny Abrahamson.

Set in present-day Canada, the plot of this human drama revolves around the story of a young woman, Ma, who was kidnapped 7 years ago and has been locked up ever since in a minute back-garden shed – referred to as “room” throughout the whole film. After regular forced, sexual encounters with her kidnapper, Ma has given birth to Jack, who is now 6 years old. During this time, room is the only world he knows, thus being completely unaware of what lies beyond those four walls. However, Ma will do everything in her power to break free and put an end to their ordeal. 

The characters are wonderfully played by all the actors, who put in an exceptional performance, especially the young, child actor who plays Jack. He really provides the part with a lot of personality and wins the viewers’ sympathy from the outset. 

What made me fall in love with this film was that it deals in an extremely realistic way with major themes like violence, motherly love and depression. However, the icing on the cake is how this picture gives us hope to overcome severe difficulties. 

If you’re keen movie lover and enjoy thought-provoking stories, I wouldn’t hesitate to log on to Netflix and watch it straightaway. You will always remember it as one of the best films you ever saw.  

 

Si te fijas, verás que este tipo de Writings es muy demanding (exigente) en cuanto a vocabulario se refiere, ya que son muy descriptivos y hay que hacer mucho uso de adjetivos potentes (heartbreaking, thought-provoking, exceptional, etc.). Además, el vocabulario ha de ser muy específico, especialmente tratándose de un nivel C1.

Proposal:

La estructura de un proposal es exactamente igual que la de un report. 

 

Proposal for Madrid Youth Cultural Festival

Introduction

The purpose of this proposal is to suggest the organisation of an annual Youth Cultural Festival in Madrid. The idea stems from the need to provide young people with a creative outlet while promoting local talent and cultural identity.

Rationale

Although Madrid is known for its rich cultural heritage, many young people feel disconnected from local traditions. There are limited opportunities for them to engage with the arts in a meaningful way, especially outside of school environments. A festival designed by and for the youth could help bridge this gap.

Proposed Activities

The festival would take place over a weekend in spring and include:

• Music performances by local bands and school groups

• Art exhibitions featuring student work

• Theatre and dance shows

• Workshops on photography, creative writing, and graffiti

• Food stalls with traditional and international cuisine prepared by young chefs

The event could be held in an open-air venue such as Plaza de Colón, making it accessible to families and tourists alike.

Expected Benefits

Such an initiative would:

• Give young people a platform to express themselves artistically

• Strengthen the bond between generations through shared cultural experiences

• Boost tourism during the shoulder season

• Create new volunteering and training opportunities for students

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Youth Cultural Festival would celebrate the creativity of Madrid’s younger generations while encouraging community involvement and cultural exchange. I strongly believe this initiative deserves serious consideration by the city council.

Email:

Ejemplo:

 

 

Hi Sophie!

How’s everything going over there? Hope things are chill in Toronto and you’re not freezing your butt off like last winter. I’m super pumped you’re coming to Barcelona soon – you’re gonna love it! So I thought I’d hit you up with a few ideas of what to do when you’re not stuck in class.

 

First off, if you’re into food (and I know you are!), you’ve got to try the local markets. The Boquería is kinda touristy but still 100% worth it. Fresh fruit, tapas, weird fish you’ve never seen before – the whole deal! Oh, and there’s this tiny food stall near the back that does amazing croquetas. You’ll thank me later.

 

Now, when the weather’s nice – and it usually is – head down to the beach with your classmates. Barceloneta gets crowded, yeah, but it’s got that lively vibe you’ll totally love. Bring a towel, a few beers, and just vibe with the locals. Also, sunsets from the bunkers (Bunkers del Carmel, look it up!) are absolutely next level. Like, seriously Instagram-worthy.

 

Oh, and one more thing: learn some Catalan words! Just the basics – like “Bon dia” or “Gràcies” – locals really appreciate it. It’s a small gesture but it goes a long way.

 

Anyway, I won’t keep you any longer. Just hit me up if you need anything else before you fly out. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures!

 

Catch you later, girl!
Carlos

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