CAE Writing Test 5: newcomers to a place, a public talk and a residential course
CAE Writing Test 5 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 how newcomers can understand a place, then choose a review of a public talk, a report on volunteer communication or a letter about a residential learning programme.
- Free, no sign-up to start
- Layout modelled on the computer-based exam
- Estimated Cambridge English Scale score
What is in CAE Writing Test 5
| Question | Task | What you write about |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay | Which activities best help newcomers understand an unfamiliar place? |
| 2 | Review | A website for curious general readers is collecting reviews of public talks that made audiences reconsider a familiar idea |
| 3 | Report | You volunteer for an organisation that runs activities at several local venues |
| 4 | Letter | You have recently returned from a residential learning programme combining morning classes with activities later in the day |
Question 1: essay (compulsory)
Your class has listened to a discussion about how newcomers can develop an understanding of a place where they have recently arrived. You have made these notes.
Which activities best help newcomers understand an unfamiliar place?
Activities suggested in the discussion:
- taking a guided tour
- joining a regular local activity
- exploring independently
- “A good guide explains details you might otherwise miss.”
- “Doing something with local people reveals everyday life.”
- “Finding your own way encourages you to pay attention.”
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. Review
A website for curious general readers is collecting reviews of public talks that made audiences reconsider a familiar idea. You attended a talk which challenged a common assumption. Review how convincingly the speaker developed the argument and how effectively it was communicated to the audience. Explain whether you would recommend the talk to someone with no previous interest in the subject. Give enough context to make your judgement clear. Write your review.
CAE review guide →3. Report
You volunteer for an organisation that runs activities at several local venues. Its coordinator is concerned that the teams do not always exchange information effectively. You have been asked to write a report on communication between the teams. Explain what currently works well, identify the main causes and consequences of communication problems, and recommend changes that would help volunteers keep one another informed without creating unnecessary extra work. Write your report.
CAE report guide →4. Letter
You have recently returned from a residential learning programme combining morning classes with activities later in the day. The programme director, Ms Sara Okafor, has asked former participants how future courses could be improved. Write a letter evaluating the relationship between the classes and the other activities. Recommend changes to the programme and its daily arrangements that would help participants make better use of what they learn. Write your letter.
CAE letter guide →How it is marked
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.
More CAE Writing tests
CAE Writing practice tests · CAE Mock Test 5 · Updated 15 November 2026
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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.