FCE Writing Summary Ø Ø Ø PLAN: underline key words & think of synonyms – brainstorm ideas + reasons/explanations & examples WRITE: fully answer question – organize & link ideas – wide use of grammatical structures - keep within word limit REVISE: no repetition of vocabulary - no grammar & spelling mistakes Part 1: Obligatory - allow 40 minutes (140-190 words) Essay Formal Introduction: Rephrase the question in your own words making a general statement about the topic. State your intention or ask rhetorical question. Main body: Divided into 3 paragraphs Ø 2 arguments in favour of your opinion (using 2 of the notes) Ø 1 argument against your opinion (using the remaining note) OR Ø 3 arguments in favour of your opinion Don’t forget to explain your arguments/opinions with reasons or examples. Conclusion: Restate your opinion - based on what you have written. Useful Expressions Introducing the topic: It is sometimes/often said that - It could be argued that - Some people believe/argue that – Many people think – Most people would agree that – Nowadays, ________________ is a hotly debated topic Stating Intention: In this essay I will examine the arguments that address this statement /issue– In this essay I will put forward three reasons to support my opinion – for three main reasons Sequence: To begin with - Firstly, from many people’s/students point of view - The first point I would like to make is –– Secondly, it is certainly true that – Finally, it is important to remember that Expressing a contrast: While that may be true - Having said that – Although it may be said that – Although – However - Whereas - Nevertheless – On the other hand Adding more arguments: Furthermore – Moreover – In addition – What is more – Another important point to consider Reasons or Results: It is certainly true that – That’s especially true if – That’s why – As a consequence/result of – Thanks to – Due/owing to (the fact) – As a result – For this reason Consequently Giving Examples: For example – For instance – On example of ….is – such as - like - since Conclusion: To conclude/In conclusion, I believe that – Overall, my personal opinion is – To sum up, it seems to me that - I (firmly) believe that Part 2: Choose one of questions 2-4 - allow 40 minutes (140-190 words) Interesting title Useful Expressions Introduction: Introduce topic & ask a rhetorical question Engaging the reader: Have you ever…? – Can you imagine….? – You may not believe it, but to catch the reader’s attention – Strange as it might seem – What would you do if…? Main Body: Answer all parts of the question using Introducing/developing your points: Let’s start with - On top of that – To make matters Article descriptive language, to make you article lively & worse – Believe it or not, - Funnily enough – You’ll never believe that – I’m sure you’ll agree Informal interesting. Include: your opinion, and descriptions, that interesting facts, comments and/or personal experience. Giving your opinion: Personally, I think that – I really do believe that – As far as I’m Conclusion: Refer back to the rhetorical question you concerned - It seems to me that asked in the introduction – giving the reader something to think about. Proff’s English World Letter or Email Informal Letter Formal Introduction: Say thanks for your friend’s letter, say what you’ve been doing & respond to their news – briefly! Main body: Answer all parts of the question dividing your letter into short paragraphs – one idea in each. Think of specific details/extra information to include (to show that you have really read the question) and some relevant, interesting questions to ask. Conclusion: Make an excuse, (say you hope the information you have given is useful) & ask your friend to write back Letter of Application Dear Sir/madam OR Dear Mr/Ms Surname, Beginning: Ø I am writing to apply for the position of ……. , as recently advertised. Main Body: Ø I am a twenty-year-old student at the University of the Basque Country, where I am studying for a degree in……………. Although I have not yet taken the Cambridge First Certificate exam, I think I have a high enough level of spoken and written English for the job. Ø I have had a considerable amount of experience working with the public/children, including two months employment as…... My duties included…... I have always thoroughly enjoyed talking to people and helping them. Furthermore, I would describe myself as………… Ø I feel that I would be well suited to this kind of work as …… Ending: Ø I enclose a copy of my Curriculum Vitae and would be glad to attend an interview at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely OR Yours faithfully Useful Expressions Introduction: Dear/Hi - Thanks for your letter – It was really nice to hear from you - I’m sorry I haven’t written for ages, I’ve been busy with exams – I’d love to help you with – I’d love to tell you more about –Congratulations on – I’m delighted – I think it’s great that Main Body: I thought you might be interested to hear - I’m going to tell you about – Did you know…? – As far as I know - You remember I told you in my last letter – It’d be a good idea to – If I were you, I’d – That reminds me - By the way - Anyway Interesting questions: Would you like me to bring you anything? – What do you think? – Can you give me an idea…? – Could you let me know…? Conclusion: I’d better stop now and get on with my studying – Anyway, that’s all for now – I hope this information is useful – Write soon and tell me about – I look forward to seeing/hearing from you again – Best wishes/Regards Letter of Complaint Dear Sir/madam OR Dear Mr/Ms Surname, Beginning: Ø I am writing to complain about (my visit/experience) - I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with Main Body: Ø Complaining: The advertisement said/claimed/promised/guaranteed…………but in reality - Although the advertisement said that we would - According to the advertisement we should have …………whereas, in fact Ø Requesting action: I would be grateful if you would send me a complete refund as soon as possible - We feel there must be some explanation for (this delay) and expect your prompt reply - Will you please look into this matter and let us know the reason for - I am returning the damaged goods/items... and would be grateful if you will replace them. Ending: Ø I look forward to hearing from you soon/at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely OR Yours faithfully Other useful expressions I am writing in response to/to enquire about/to apologize for I would like to apologize for I would be grateful if you would With reference to Proff’s English World Report Formal Review Semiformal Informative Title Introduction: State what the report is about. Main Body: Divided into 2 parts – look at the question carefully Ø Heading One: Descriptions & findings (both positive & negative) + suggestions Ø Heading Two: Descriptions & findings (both positive & negative) + suggestions Conclusion: Recommendation (look at your suggestions) Informative Title Introduction: Summarise all the background information of the book/film (title, author/director, type, setting, etc.) Main Body: Ø Main points of plot in chronological order (NO spoilers) & briefly mention important/memorable characters – use present tense. Ø Praise/criticism – give your opinion about certain aspects of the book/film using topic vocabulary & contrast linkers. Conclusion: Recommendation or not, saying why and/or to whom. Useful vocabulary: Ø Adjectives: life-changing, exciting, thrilling, gripping, funny, entertaining, emotional, touching, thoughtful, powerful, stunning, informative, fascinating, uninspired, tedious, efficient, helpful, dated, old-fashioned, unimaginative, complicated, unrealistic, second-rate, disappointing, dreadful Ø Adverbs: especially, particularly, unexpectedly, brilliantly, amazingly, dramatically, extraordinarily, surprisingly, skillfully, expertly Useful Expressions Introduction: The aim of this report is to…….and to put forward suggestions on how to – This report is intended to – The purpose of this report is to Descriptions/Findings: The majority of students/people said that - Students/people have expressed that - There would seem to be - It is felt that - It would appear that - Unfortunately, many students/people complain about Suggestions: I suggest that – I would therefore suggest that - I would recommend that - I strongly recommend - For these reasons, I believe that ……..should be introduced Conclusion: In conclusion - To sum up, I believe that we should - I recommend that more money is invested in ………to make it - It would seem that ………is the best idea Useful Expressions Introduction: I recently read/saw – One of my favourite books/films is – It is set in – The book/film is written/directed by – This mystery/romance takes place in – The film stars Plot: The message of the book/film is – The main event/theme of the book/film is –- It is based on a true story – The main character is – There are many memorable characters including Praise: It was one of the best books/films I have ever read/seen – It was even better than I expected - The narrative/acting is brilliant - There is a twist at the end Criticism: I thought it was going to be …. but – It was too – The advertisement said that….but in fact Contrast linkers: although, despite/in spite of, however, nevertheless Recommendation: Anyone who likes …..will really enjoy – Don’t miss the opportunity to – I’m sure everyone will find …..worth reading/seeing – If you get the chance to read/see ….. you won’t be disappointed – I can thoroughly recommend this book/film - Although I’m not keen on …… I thoroughly enjoyed it Non-recommendation: I (would strongly) advise against reading/watching this book/film – I would suggest finding a better book/film than this…such as – I certainly would not recommend this – Don’t bother reading/going to see ……it’s not worth it – Although I enjoyed it, I wouldn’t recommend it for Other reviews: The ….was absolutely perfect – We had a pleasant/marvellous time at – I was pleased to see that – It was a nice surprised to find that – I thought there was going to be …… but there was only – There weren’t enough ….to Proff’s English World
