CAE Writing Test 2: working with strangers, a travel bursary and outdoor arts
CAE Writing Test 2 is a free C1 Advanced Writing practice test: two tasks in 90 minutes, 220–260 words each, marked on Cambridge’s four criteria. You discuss preparation for working with unfamiliar people, then choose a letter about lectures, a proposal for a conference-travel bursary or a review of an outdoor arts event.
- Free, no sign-up to start
- Layout modelled on the computer-based exam
- Estimated Cambridge English Scale score
What is in CAE Writing Test 2
| Question | Task | What you write about |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay | Which experiences best prepare students to work with unfamiliar people? |
| 2 | Letter | The organiser of a public lecture series has invited suggestions for next year’s programme |
| 3 | Proposal | Your college has received a donation to help students attend academic conferences, but the fund cannot support every applicant |
| 4 | Review | A cultural website wants reviews of outdoor arts events for readers deciding how to spend a free weekend |
Question 1: essay (compulsory)
Your class has heard a panel discussion about experiences that prepare students to work successfully with people they do not already know. You have made these notes.
Which experiences best prepare students to work with unfamiliar people?
Experiences considered by the panel:
- short work placements
- mixed-group college projects
- volunteering at public events
- “A real workplace teaches you to adapt quickly.”
- “Students need time to discover different ways of working.”
- “Meeting many people builds confidence in starting conversations.”
Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the points in your notes. You should explain which of these you consider more important in the situation described, giving reasons for your opinion. You may use the opinions expressed in the discussion, but use your own words as far as possible.
CAE essay guide →Questions 2, 3, 4: choose one
2. Letter
The organiser of a public lecture series has invited suggestions for next year’s programme. Two ideas have attracted support: inviting well-known speakers and allowing more time for audience discussion. You attended several lectures this year. Write a letter to the organiser, Ms Leila Grant, evaluating both suggestions in the light of your experience. Recommend which should receive priority and suggest a practical way to introduce it without increasing ticket prices. Write your letter.
CAE letter guide →3. Proposal
Your college has received a donation to help students attend academic conferences, but the fund cannot support every applicant. The college director has asked for proposals for a travel bursary scheme. Recommend who should be eligible and how recipients should be selected, explain how the opportunity should be advertised, and suggest how the college could assess whether the scheme benefits students. Write your proposal.
CAE proposal guide →4. Review
A cultural website wants reviews of outdoor arts events for readers deciding how to spend a free weekend. You recently attended an event featuring performances or visual art in an outdoor setting. Review the quality of the artistic experience and explain how the location affected your enjoyment. Recommend the event, or a similar future edition, to a particular type of visitor, making clear any limitations they should consider. Write your review.
CAE review guide →Marking and review notes
CAE Writing marking
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.
From our review
Our reviewer noted that the essay instruction asks which point is “more important”, while the question asks which experiences prepare students best. Read it as “more effective”.
More CAE Writing tests
CAE Writing practice tests · CAE Mock Test 2 · Updated 15 November 2026
Ready for CAE Writing Test 2?
90 minutes. Free, no sign-up to start: you give an email address when you submit, and we email you when your expert evaluation is ready to view.