Writingl Part 1 (essay)

Task information
. The essay task in Part 1 tests your ability to write
an 'opinion' essay for the teacher of an English
class.
There is a question or statement to discuss and you
are also given some notes to guide your writing.
You should write between 140 and '190 words.
. You should allow about 40 minutes for this task,
including time to plan your work and check for
mistakes at the end.
Your essay must be well organised into paragraphs,
with good linking expressions.
As your reader will be a teache[ you should use
fairly formal language.
You should write full sentences with correct
grammar and punctuation, using a good range of
language with accurate spelling.

Useful language: orderng ponts or reasons; addng information

1 Where would you use these linkin expressions? Put them under the correct headings.

Finally, First of all, On balance,

ln conclusion, Next, Lastly,
Last but not least, To sum up, k:lf
Then To begin with, To conclude,
Secondly,

for the first point for further ponts for the last point in the concluson
Frrstl4

Some linkinglexpressions are used at the beginning of a sentence, but some are not. Circle the correct words
in italics.
1 In the city there are more places to go.Also t loo, they stay open later.
2 Working in a coal mine is a hard job. Furthermore I As well, it can be dangerous.
3 Travef ling by train s more relaxing than driving. lt is better for the environment, besides I too.
4 You have to find somewhere to play. As well t As well as that, you need to buy all the sports equipment.
5 ln winter; the nights are much longer. Too I ln addition, it is a lot colder then.
6 Making your own furniture is an enioyable hobby. lt saves money, as well t in addition.

34 I Testl.Training Writing Par: :

hcusing on the question; text oranization
I Look at this exam task. Would you answer 'yes' or'no' to the question?

n your English class you have been discussing animals. Now your teacher has
:ow asked you to write an essay.

an essay, using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
'Vrite

It is wrong to keep animals in zoos?

Notes
tF-'"'G
Write about *r-
ffi
lr :l:;*e**f

1 how the animals are treated

2 learning about the animals

o
J ... (your o*n ioea

Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Quickly read the essays on page 36 written by stron First candidates, A and B (language errors have
been corrected). lgnore 1-10 and answer these questions about each essay.
'1 Does it include
. only arguments that answer 'yes' to the question, followed by the writer's opinion?
. only arguments that answer 'no'to the question, followed by the writer's opinion?
. arguments on both sides, followed by the writer's opinion?
2 ln which paragraph does the writer discuss note 1?
3 Where does the writer discuss note 2?
4 Which point is the writer's own idea?

Now read the essays again and complete questions 1-10 with the following notes. You can use the
same note more than once.
. Writer's own opinion
. Gives an example
. Sums up points already made
. Expression that links points
. Gives a reason
. the reader what to expect
Tells
. Contrast link

r\ritin Part 1 Testl.Training I SS

 Wrll,ex's own opi.nion
Essay A Ges o" rwson
ln my opinion, keeping animals in zoos is not as cruel as people
t\ r, ..f .........
etJ.s .,..e r e.o'Aer...W.Y.&...!o ...plp.*! .

say - sometimes it is even useful - for three main reasons. (2)

(3)
First of all, they take care of the animals, giving them the best food'
(4)
The animals are cleaned every day and they |ive in good conditions.
Sutms up porxLs aLreaA4 na-de
There is a large number of scientists that care for the animals, for
instance if they catch a disease.

Secondly, there are some animals that are disappearing because

they have been hunted without any control. At the zoo they are away
from these hunters, so they are safe and it is possible to prevent
them disappearing.

Finally, there is also an educational reason. children can see different

animals from all over the world alive and from my point of view this
is the best way of learning. They also learn to take care of them and
the most important thing, to love them.

ln conclusion, I believe keeping animals in a zoo is no more cruel

than keeping them at home. The only important thing is to care for
them.

Ouil)nes e ba*ground.
Essay B Gvves a. re&;on
Keeping animals in zoos is an imporlant issue today because there (s)
are many people in favour of animal rights. ln this essay I intend to Sa4s wh'rh sie cnmes {trsL
examine the arguments for and against keeping animals in zoos' (6).. . ......
(7)
one of the strongest arguments in favour is the fact that children can
(8)
see animals from other countries. Consequently, visiting zoos can
help them learn about nature. Fudhermore, zoos can help protect
some kinds of animals, which might be in danger of extinction'

On the other hand, there are several arguments against it. To begin
with, it is known that animals in zoos suffer from loneliness since
they are not living in their natural environment. Secondly, they do not
behave as they would do if they were free, because they have to get
used to a new way of living, even if they have been born in the zoo'
Lastly, people can use them to carry out experiments.

On balance, I am not in favour of keeping animals in captivity

because, as I have shown, that is like prison, which is very sad'

Wdting Pa]t 1
36 I Testl.Training
 Test 1 Exam practce Writingl Part 1 (essay)
Action plan
1 Read the instructions, the question or statement, and the two notes
you are given.
2 Decide whether to write for or against, or whether to give arguments
both for and against. Note down a few useful
expressions for each
Think of a third idea to add to the notes you are given. Write this
paragraph, but don't write
down, then make a plan.
a full draft - you won't have
4 Write a short introductory paragraph, commenting generally on the time in the exam.
topic, e.g. The climate is changing, so many people are saying... . You
can give your own opinion here and/or in your last paragraph.
Write in a fairly formal style, including linking expressions from
Useful language on page 34.
Write at least two sentences about each main point, giving reasons
and possibly also examples.
7 Give your opinion by summarising your main points in a concluding
paragraph.
8 Check your essay for mistakes - and that you have written at least 140
words.

Read the exam task below.

1 Who are you writing for?
2 What must you write about?
3 What two main points must you include?
4 Which other main point will you add?

You have had a discussion in your English class about different ways of
watching music concerts. Now your English teacher has asked you to
write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point
of view.
Which is better: attending a concert, or watching the same concert
at home, for example online or on TV?

Notes
,Vrite about:
fT'pl
L
lf You want to think of
points you disagree with,
1 convenrence
imagine what someone who
2 atmosphere disagrees might say.

tTipl lf you are going to write for

. (your own idea) L and against, list your ponts
in two columns so you can
n -:e your answer in 140-190 words in an approprate style. balance the essay.

--3Part1 Test 1 Exam practice I 37

 Writin Part 2 (email)
ln Part 2 (questions 2-4) you choose one writing task. The possible tasks are: email or letter, article, report and
review The email task is practised on page 42 in Test 1, the letter on page 87 in Test 2, the article on page 46 in
Test 1 and page 93 in Test 2, the report on page 49 in Test 1, and the review on page 90 in Test 2.

Task information
o The email task often tests your ability to write to
an English-speaking friend or colleague.
o You are asked to respond to a situation described
in the question. ln your email of 140-190 words
you must include all the information asked for.
. You have about 40 minutes for this task, including
time at the end to check your work.
o You have to organise your text into paragraphs,
with a suitable beginning and ending.
. You must use an appropriate style and tone,
depending on who your text is for.
. You need to write grammatically correct sentences
with correct punctuation and spelling, and use a
good range of language.

Useful Ianguage: formal and informal expressons

1 Decide whether A or B is more common in formal or informal writing.

1A full forms: does not .......{.o-r.na'L..
B contracted forms: doesn't .....un&r:mal
2A phrasal verbs: put off
B single-word verbs: postpone
3A use of exclamation marks: I couldn't believe it!
B no exclamation marks: I could not believe it.
A common words: enough
B less common words: sufficient
A long words: frequently
B short words: often
A active verb forms: ltook
B passive verb forms: I was taken
A full forms of words: approximately
B abbreviationsi approx.
A textbook expressions: a limited quantity
B conversational expressions: a bit
A friendly, personal tone: P/ease try to ...
B distant, impersonal tone: /t would be advisable to ...
10 A complete sentences: There was no sound.
B incomplete sentences: Not a sound.

38 I testl.Training Writing Part 2

1 Ilecide whether each of these expressions is formal or informal and whether it
usually goes at the beginning or the end of a letter.

Example: Don't forget to write soon. informallend

@ Yours sincerely, Hi Susana

Well, that's all for now. Best wishes, I apologise for the delay in replying.
It was great to get your email. Dear Sir/Madam, Give my love to everyone.
I have received your letter dated June 5. Lots of love, I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks (very much) for your letter. Dear Stefan, Sorry to be so slow getting back to you.
This is just a quick note to say ...

Match the headings with roups of expressions 1-6. ln each group there is one
expression that is too formal for writing to a friend. Which is it?

Requesti ng information Advising Expressing enthusiasm

Changing the subject Affiisin Expressingsurprise
I .............Ap..0.ta9m.un9

Sorry about forgetting to tell you.

Please forgive me for making that mistake.
lwould like to apologise for arriving so late.
It was silly of me to suggest that.
2
Can you give me an idea when it'll finish?
! would be grateful if you could tell me the cost.
!'d like to know if you've got a spare ticket.
Could you let me know what time you'll be here?

My advice to you is to consider it most carefully.

It'd be a good idea to try again.
I really think you should go somewhere else.
lf I were you, l'd tell her now.
4
That reminds me, it's her birthday next week.
By the way, what's his name?
With reference to the accommodation, there are certain changes
Anyway, how's life in general?.

Believe it or not, l've just won the lottery!

Funnily enough, we were both at the same primary school.
I was most surprised to discover that the price has risen.
You'll never believe this, but she's his cousin!

Itt a really exciting place to go with friends!

I think it's great that everyone will be there!
l'm delighted to hear you won a prize!
I am extremely enthusiastic about learning Chinese.

-'ting Paft 2 Test1-Training I gg

4 Read this text written by a First candidate to a penfriend. lt is well organised and there are no serious
mistakes, but some of the expressions are too formal. Replace 1-8 with expressions from Exercise 2
and Exercise 3 on page 39.

Dear Emma,

(1) I am writing to you in reply to your letter. l'm very happy that you and your parents will stay in my
country for a month.

(2) I believe it is a good idea that you will come to visit my city. l'm
sure you will enjoy the holiday because (3) it is an extremely
interesting place to visit.

(4) ln my opinion. I suggest that you go and hear music in one of

the main squares in the city centre. l'm sure you will enjoy it.
Moreover, there are a lot of cultural places to visit and history
museums too.

(5) Next, I believe it would be better

to come in the first parl of the month, because that is when there are
fewer tourists and fewer people visiting the monuments and the museums.

(6) To sum up, (7) I will be pleased to receive another letter from you soon, Emma.

(8)Yours sincerely,

Carlos

U nderstand ng instructions

L Look at these exam instructions.

I Who has written to you?
2 What is the situation?
3 What questions does the writer ask you?
You have received this email from your English-speaking classmate Sam.
ffii:,
From: Sam

Subject party plans

l'm pleased to say that all our classmates are able to come to the parly we're organising for the
end of the course. There are just a few more things l'd like to ask you. Should we hire a band for
the occasion? Shall we order some food from a local restaurant? How about making it a fancy
dress pafty?

Speak to you soon.

Allthe best,
Sam

Write your email in 140-180 words.

40 I test1.Training Writing Part 2


@ nead this text written by a strong First student and answer the questions.
1 ls Anika's text well organized nto paragraphs?
2 Does she answer all of Sam's questions? ln which paragraphs?
3 Does she use the correct style and tone throughout?
4 How does she begin and end her email?
5 What reason for writing does she give?
6 How does she respond to the information Sam gives her?
7 How does she encourage Sam to write back?
8 Which linking expressions does she use for ordering points?
9 What kinds of informal language does she use?
- :=r )am,
'' .'triLinglo answeryourleLLer asktngfor my opinton onlhe end-of-course parLy preparaNions.

= '.-, of all,I'd like you Lo know how happy I am lha, everyone can come. We will be all LogeLher and l'm eure
.-' ave a wonoerfulLime.

= a: as food ie concerned,l lhink il'd be betLer Lo ask everyone Lo brinq eome food so thal, we can oave
-
''
: ' ey, ll would also be cheaper for us noL lo hire a band Lo play mueic al Nhe parLy. W e could sing on our
cwn andhave morefun.
'=cdiLion,yourtdeaaboulafancydressVarytsfanlasLtctWecouldalsoindicatelheNhemeoflhe
-- t'4 so f,haL we could all be dressed up in Lhe eame kinds of cosLume.
' lhis has helVed.I'm
: te Eure the parLy will be a qteaN oucceos,

--:<inq forwardto hearin from you,

:'r" besLwigheg,

-: 15 Part 2 Testl.Training lef

 Test 1 Exam practce Writingi Part 2 (email)
Action plan
1 the instructions and any text that is
Read Note down some words or phrases for each
included in the question. paragraph, including expressions from the
2 Who do you have to write to? Why? Which Useful language on pages 38-39, but don't try
points must you include? Decide whether to use to write a complete draft.
formal or informal language. Write your text. Keep to the topic and to your
3 Think about the topic and your reader, and note plan.
down ideas. How many paragraphs will you Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar;
need? and make sure your handwriting is easy to read.
4 Make a plan and put your best ideas under Check your completed text. Have you made any
short paragraph headings. Do they cover all the careless mistakes? ls it at least 140 words? lf
points in the question? not, you will lose marks.

Look at the exam task below.

1 ls Jamie's message written in a formal or an informal style?
2 What does he tell you about his sister and her friends?
3 What four things does he ask you?

You have received this emailfrom your English-speaking friend Jamie. Frp, Use vour own words instead
of expressions taken from the
@., ,iiiriririi.Lrl
";,lii:irrii r\,
- question, e.g. if it says What's
your opinion?, wrile my own
From: Jamie
feelingis ... or l'd say... .
Subject day trips
lf you make any mistakes.
My sister and her friends are planning to spend next week in your area, tl-, cross them out and write the
and during their stay they would like to travel around a litfle. corrections. lt doesn't matter '
-
you make a lot of corrections. :=
Could you suggest somewhere interesting they could go for a day trip?
long as they are easy to read.
what would be the best means of transport from your town? what time
should they set off in the morning and when should they begin the return
You may lose marks if you use
journey? [Tfel
-- the same expression all the
time, e.g. instead of repeating
Thanks,
want to, say I'd like to, what I'o
enjoy is or it'd be good to ....
Jamie

Write your emal in 140-190 words.

Follow the exam instructions and write your email. Remember to check
your work for mistakes when you finish.

42 I Test 1 Exam practice Writing Part 2

Iest 1 Trainingf Writingl Part 2 (article)
-ask information
. The article task in Part 2 tests your ability to write an interesting text for a magazine or newsletter.
. You may need to write descriptions, give examples, make comments or give your opinions.
. You are writingfor readers who are already interested in the topic.
. You should write 140-190 words.

-seful Ianguage: strong expressons

1 You can make your writing more interesting by using stronger expressions.
Replace the words in italcs with the adjectives in the box.

awful enormous essential exhausted fantastic

fascinated filthy freezing furious terrified

1 By midnight, we were completely tired.

2 When I found out about it, I was angry with her.
3 The water was cold, so Holly swam quickly.
4 We all had a really goodday atthetheme park.
5 Matt was afraid, but he tried not to show it.
6 There are two big mountains on the island.
7 After playing rugby, Joe's shirt was dirty.
8 That nightclub is bad - the worst in town.
9 When you go diving, it is important to stay safe.
10 Visitors are interested by the ancient drawings.

2 ',Vrite a sentence of your own, usinS each of the words in the box in Exercise t.

=:cusin on nstructions
I -ook at this exam task. What two thngs does the writer have to do?

\ou have seen this announcement on an English-language website.

My favourite sport
-ell us why you enjoy your favourite sport so much, and what people should
:c if they want to take it up.
publish the most interesting articles in the next few days.

, -:e your article in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

r -: -: Part 2 Test 1 Training

2 Study these two articles written by First candidates (language errors have been corrected). For each question
1-12, write Yes or No under A, B or both A and B. Where possible, gve a reason or example.
Which article A B
t has an interesting title and introduction? l-\-0.,... f. r,tl..-.. iq 9...r !il.Lar. tp ....... Yes. 'lheu c.o,kh
.....@ak.,...A,u.W.. wk p lu.c..@. n.... .............r.wil-gtz.:...gh.o.r?..o.\.,........
2 dealswith both parts of the task?
3 is well organised into paragraphs?
4 is written in an informal style?
5 makes good use of linking words?
6 uses a good range of vocabulary?
7 uses a good range of structures?
8 g ives relevant examples?
9 includes the writer's opinions?
10 descri bes personal experiences?
11 the reader a question?
asks
12 has an interesting ending?

3 Which article, A or B, got a better mark, do you think?

Article A
MY CHOICE OF 9TORT

ln thie article I would like to explain why I decided, one day, to

take up a cer1ain sport. Firat of all, doinq eome epor is good for
your health. This is obvious, but which kind of sporb suits you? lf
you want to combine exerciae with enjoyment, I can recommend
volleyball,

One advantaqe is that you can play in a team, which can be really
fantastic!
Also, volleyball is never boring, compared to endleaa hours in the
4ym.

For me, thia qane is an art where you have to use your akill and
brain aa well!

The main advice to anyone who would like to try thia apor is to
protect your joints! You can qet high-quality equipment for thie
aport everywhere.

)econdly, you have to be cooperative with your teammates.

Laat but not least, enjoy yourself!

44 I Testl.Training Writing Part 2

 r,rticle B
' : )aEf
4e you too scared to try somethinq new, something
rctnlwhich involves more riskthan everyday
?rts? lf not,4o diving - you'lllove it.

2''l and I've been scuba-divinq for three years. lt'a

;st a hobby for me; it'e much more than that.

r&fnet
M *a,
hryou can't
everybody is terrified of ainkinq into a deep,
becauee anhing can hupp"r, at any time.
keep thinking about thia, otherwise
ywl miss a different, magical world down there. "$ffiilffi
'ffi
ry.+.
fu7body saya you can eee allthat on W, but it'e not
frv same. You have to see ever5rthinq with your own effi
.-i'i*l**.it
ep.ltb wonder-fulwhen you discover aomething you
{stenever aeen before, auch as a shark swimminq.lt
bnfulievable.

la4geet everyone try ecuba-divnq at leaat once.

tenda practice, maybe for three weeks, to be qood
et't, but a good inatructor can help. You aleo have to
hry your equipment, Aak somebody to help you f you
btTknow exactly whatyou need.
Wb well worth it. ljust know that everyone who
Mesto go ecuba-divinq will have a fantastictime!

'*-ri Dart 2
Test t Training I
 Test 1 Exam practce
Action plan
1 Read the instructions. Do you know enough
about the topic to write an article?
2 Think about who your readers are and what
they would like to read about.
Spend a few minutes making a plan based on
all parts of the task, noting down points and
language for each paragraph. Try to include
adjectives from Useful language on page 43.
Think of a good title to attract your readers'
attention, and an interesting introduction to
make them want to keep reading.
Writingi Part 2 (article)
Write your text in a lively way that will hold
readers' interest. You can describe your own
experiences and give your own opinions.
Use language that is fairly informal. Try to
include some interesting expressions, e.g. it3
well worthit, and perhaps questions like /
wonder what would happen if ...
7 Make the ending interesting by encouraging
readers to think about what they have read.
8 Check your article for mistakes * and that you
have written at least 140 words.

Study the exam question and wrte your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

You see this announcement in an English-language magazine.

22nd Century Fashion

What will clothes look like in 100 years' time? Prepare yours: -

for this task c..

Readers are invited to write articles saying what they readng articie=
think people will be wearing a century from now, and why. in English in
magazines or :-
The writer of the best article will receive a cash prize. the lnternet.

46 I Test 1 Exam practice Wrting Part 2

Iest 1 llainingi Writingi Part 2 (report)
Task information
. -ne report task tests your ability to give factual
nformation and make recommendations or
;Jggestons.
. -he instructions include a description of a
s tuation. You have to write a report of between
'10-190 words.
. Aiiow about 40 minutes for this task, including
: me at the end to check your work.
The report may be for a teacher or school director,
or classmates, members of the same club, etc. You
therefore have to write in an appropriate style.
O'rganise your text into report format and use
headings if needed.
Write full sentences and try to use correct
grammar and punctuation, with a good range of
Ianguage with accurate spelling.

- =eful language: report

: -: :ese expressions under the correct headings. Can you think of more to add under each heading?

would recommend that ... It would appear that ln conclusion, ...

his report looks at ... It is felt that ... The purpose of this report is to
is said to be ... It has been suggested that There would seem to be ...
he aim of this report is to To sum up, ... I believe we should ...
ivould) suggest I strongly recommend This report is intended to show that

Recommendations
and suggestons

derstanding instructions
Study the exam instructions below and underline the key words.
1 What is the situation?
2 Who must you write a report for? Should the style be formal, informal or neutral
(neither particularly formal nor informal)?
3 What two things do the instructions say you must do?
I What else should you write, do you think?

':r have had a class discussion about sporls and your teacher has asked you to suggest a

=:crl that could be played at your college. Describe a sport that you have tried and say why
: - think it would be popular with students.

, ' :e your report in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

ftr:-< Part 2 Test 1 Training

 The answer below was written by Tomasz, a First certificate candidate.
Quickly read his report and think of a tifle for it.

lntroduction
States purpose
The,aim of th,is1ep9rt iqto describe an activity I have taken part.in,
and aleo explain why other studenta woutd enjoy it.
Avoids repeatir:
words in quest'- -

Clear headings Idid water polo, which ls played in a awimminq pool. To beat.the other
team you must ecore more qoala in the time allowed. (1)........... .

Oood thin^s about it

Water polo requirea muscle and stamina. (21 .. ............0y ptayinq water
polo you can increase yourstren7th and stamina but tao have fun
competinq aqainst each other.

Whv it will be oooular

some paragraphs
quite short Students will have the chance to enjoy themeelves and they witl love
the sport. (3) ...... .
Recommendati-
with reasons
Tosum up,l stronqly recommend waf;er polo because if, is a
sporf, that students can play as a team, score goals and enjoy
cood ending -
Lhemselves after a tirinq day aL school. (4)

3 Study the notes next to Tomasz's report. Then add sentences A-D in
the correct gaps 1-4.
A I therefore suggest it should become a college sport.
B ln addition, it would appear that there are no local water polo clubs.
c Although this is only 30 minutes, for the players it seems much longer.
D ln fact, it is said to be the most physically demanding of all sports.

4 Read the completed report.

f ls it either too short or too long for Writing parf 2?
2 ls it well organised? How many paragraphs does it have?
3 Does it answer both parts of the question? ln which paragraphs?
4 ls it written in an appropriate style?
5 Are there any language errors?
6 which expressions from useful language on page 47 does the writer use?
7 Do you think this report would get full marks?

48 I Testl.Training Writins Par:

 1 Exam practice Writingl Part 2 (report)
::rion plan
'iead the instructions. Do you know enough facts about the topic to write a report on it?
2 )ecide who will read your report and what they will want to know.
3 -rink about any knowledge and/or personal experience you could mention, and note down some ideas.
J f ecide if you will use headings, and think of a good title that indicates the content of the report.
5 Scend a few minutes making a plan based on all parts of the task, including recommendations or
s,ggestions.
,'Jrite your text in a style that is appropriate for your readers. Try to make it interesting; if possible,
rclude some facts that may be new to them.
7 -rytouseexpressionsfrom Useful languageonpage4Tineachpartof yourreport.

Read the exam task below. ln your first paragraph. say what the
tTipt purpose of the repoft is.
I Who is your report for?
-
2 What fwo things do you have to do?
Yor see this announcement on a college notice board.

Reports wanted
-- s College is always keen to make improvements to the facilities available to students, staff and
. s tors. The Director therefore invites you to write a report describing the current condition of one of
:-e following, and suggesting ways it could be improved:
. the reception area . - -'- ::-{
l "-.-/-
.l- _ -.er+r1n+ -i

t-:.. '

\ rl-1,+*
'l
i
','j' '-r--,TfTJ
,,Fi-l-*fffi
the cafeteria.
;1 'l\ll i;; 'l*:";'i'Ei$t
'
1*::,r,; +:;S
I I
i-)
1{lr.,ff
-\"4rj
\

: ,', r;te your report in 140-190 words in an appropriate style. tl'p! Remember to organise your work into
'-- paragraphs and insert headings if you
think it will be clearer.

t--.ng Paft2 Test 1 Exam practice I 49