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CAE · Writing

CAE Writing practice: the two tasks, marking criteria and examples

CAE Writing is the C1 Advanced Writing paper: 1 hour 30 minutes for two texts of 220–260 words. Part 1 is a compulsory essay on two of three points; in Part 2 you choose one of three tasks, which can be an email or letter, a proposal, a report or a review. Each text is marked out of 20, and the paper counts for 20% of your result.

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  • Layout modelled on the computer-based exam
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Time90 min
Parts2
Words220–260
Of your score20%
Paper format

CAE Writing, part by part

Two tasks in 90 minutes. Each row links to a guide with an example task and a model answer.

PartTask and guideWordsWhat you doMarks
1Essay (compulsory)220–260Discuss two of three points from a seminar or discussion and say which is more important.20
2Proposal220–260One of three tasks. Suggestions with reasons for a manager or committee, under headings.20
2Report220–260One of three tasks. For a manager or group: facts, evaluation and recommendations under headings.20
2Review220–260One of three tasks. Describe and evaluate, and recommend (or not) to a particular reader.20
2Email or letter220–260One of three tasks. To a named reader, in the register that reader needs.20
Marking

How CAE Writing is marked

Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language, 0–5 each: 40 marks for two texts. Our expert evaluation gives an estimate; 24/40 is about 180.

Content checks that you covered every point; Communicative Achievement that the register and layout suit the reader; Organisation that the text is linked and paragraphed; Language that your grammar and vocabulary are varied and accurate. 34/40 is about 200.

How we mark our tests · CAE score calculator

Tips

Six CAE Writing tips

  1. Split the 90 minutes. About 45 minutes per task: 10 to plan, 30 to write and 5 to check. Both tasks carry the same marks.
  2. In the essay, discuss exactly two points. Choose two of the three, say which is more important and why; discussing all three does not earn more marks.
  3. Use the opinions in your own words. Credit is not given for language lifted from the question.
  4. Match the genre in Part 2. Reports and proposals use headings; a review must evaluate, not only describe; a letter must suit its reader.
  5. Stay within 220–260 words. On the computer-based exam the word count is on screen as you type.
  6. Show range and control. Use a variety of structures and precise vocabulary, but accuracy still matters for the Language mark.
Model answers

Model answers and feedback

Each CAE writing guide has a model answer with notes on why it works. When you take a test here, your two texts get an expert evaluation: marks on the four criteria, corrections and the changes most likely to raise your mark.

Writing tests

All 6 CAE Writing tests

Each test is the Writing paper of the matching CAE mock test, and its page shows what is inside before you start.

FAQ

CAE Writing questions

How many words do I write in CAE Writing?

220–260 words for each of the two texts. Writing roughly the right length is part of task achievement.

What can I choose in CAE Writing Part 2?

One of three tasks. The genres are a proposal, a report, a review and an email or letter; each test offers three of them.

How is CAE Writing marked?

Each text gets 0–5 for Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language, so 20 per task and 40 in all.

Can I use American spelling in CAE Writing?

Yes. British, American and other standard spellings are accepted.

Sources

CambridgeMock is independent and not affiliated with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Facts on this page are checked against the official documents above; the practice items and advice are our own.

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