Write an article, proposal, review, essay or letter at C1 level.
40 minutes 220–260 words
What the examiner wants
Match the format asked for (essay, proposal, review, article or letter) with the right register and clear organisation.
Structure, paragraph by paragraph
1
Opening
Identify the format first. Essay: paraphrase the question and state your angle. Proposal: state the purpose ("This proposal outlines..."). Review or article: hook the reader with a question or bold statement. Letter: greet and give your reason for writing.
2
Main paragraphs (2-3)
One clear point per paragraph with a topic sentence. Proposals and reports may use headings. Develop each point with reasons and a concrete example or recommendation.
3
Closing
Essay: restate your view. Proposal: summarise the benefits of your recommendations. Review: give a verdict and recommendation. Letter: close with an appropriate sign-off.
Paraphrasing the question
Lift the key idea from the task, not the wording: "suggest ways of improving facilities" becomes "several changes would make the campus considerably more attractive".
Match register to the reader: formal for proposals and letters to institutions, lively but controlled for articles and reviews.
Signpost the format in your first line so the examiner instantly sees you understood the task.
Swap words for synonyms: "people think" becomes "many argue", "children" becomes "young learners".
Change the word form: "the growth of online shopping" becomes "online shopping has grown".
Change the sentence structure: switch active to passive, or start from a different part of the idea.
Never copy the prompt word for word. Examiners ignore copied language when counting your words and it lowers your vocabulary score.
Keep the meaning identical. A paraphrase that changes the meaning answers the wrong question.
The question says
Your college principal has asked students to suggest ways of improving facilities for students. Write a proposal.
You write
This proposal outlines two changes that would significantly improve day-to-day life on campus, and explains the benefits each would bring to students.
Useful phrases
This proposal outlines...
The principal aim of...
It would be highly beneficial to...
A further point to consider is...
On balance, ...
I would strongly recommend...
Sample questions
1.You have seen the following announcement in an international student magazine: 'We are looking for articles about a time when you had to adapt to a new environment. Tell us what happened and what you learned from the experience.' Write your article in 220-260 words.
2.Your college principal has asked students to suggest ways of improving facilities for students. Write a proposal explaining which facilities you think should be improved and why, and how the changes would benefit students. Write 220-260 words.
3.You recently attended a talk by a well-known professional in a field that interests you. Write a review of the talk for your college website, describing what it covered and saying whether you would recommend it to other students. Write 220-260 words.