C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay

Writing an essay is the first part of the C1 Advanced (CAE) Cambridge writing
paper and it is obligatory.

You need to answer the question with between 220-260 words. In the text, you need
to analyse a question using different points of view. It is a semi-formal/formal text
and should be impartial until the conclusion.

What the examiner wants to see is a balanced argument that is

both interesting and easy to read.

C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay: Writing Structure

1. Introduction
Present and develop the essay question in your introduction

2. Main content: Paragraphs 1-2

Describe the first point/argument from the notes (most important)
Describe the second point/argument from the notes.

3. Conclusion
A summary of what you have said.

Step 1: Introduction

The first paragraph of an essay provides the introduction. It states what is to be

discussed and why. Your main points are briefly introduced. This paragraph need not
be lengthy.

Step 2: Main content

Paragraph 1

In this paragraph, more background information is provided in greater detail. Your

first, often the strongest main point is expanded upon. Bring in and refute any
arguments against your point of view.

Paragraph 1: The first possible action is to improve physical education teaching in

schools. Local students have at times complained that… (Describe the first
point/argument from the notes)
Paragraph 2

The second paragraph provides your second key point, lying it into the theme of your
essay. Again, bring in opposing points of view and support your second key point
with Information and background.

Paragraph 2: A second option would be to attempt to change the overly competitive

attitudes that seem ingrained in many of the sports… (Describe the second
point/argument from the notes)

Step 3: Conclusion

The final paragraph is used to summarise or conclude your essay. It shows how the
two key points you have presented compare or relate to each other. It also clearly re-
states your initial position from the introductory paragraph.

• The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearly.
•

Remember about “linking” in the essay!

Sentences and paragraphs should be linked with appropriate

linking words and phrases.

You will add more coherence to your essay if you use linking,
which you can apply in two ways:

Between paragraphs:

To begin with, I would like to put forward […]

The first possible action is, to improve physical education …[…]
A second option would be.… competitive attitudes that […]

Within a paragraph:

[…] which activity is better than the others. Another reason for not financing sports
[…]

C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay: Tips

• Add quotations, statistics, facts. examples and other relevant data to support your
points.

• Keep your language formal, which means no contractions (I’m, don’t, etc.), no colloquial
expressions (Hey, what’s up?, I liked it heaps., etc.), and no slang or phrasal verbs that
convey informality (I’m bursting vs. I have had enough to eat; carry on vs. continue)
 For and Against or just one side?
There are two approaches you can choose to write your essay professionally.

1. For and against

This is the traditional approach where a writer discusses points in favour of

their position and against. Typically this means that one point will be used to
contrast the general position. There are advantages to this method.

Firstly, candidates are often more familiar with it and find it easier to write.
Secondly, it gives them more scope to use a wider variety of linking
words “On the other hand.. ,In contrast…”.

2. One side only

Writing an essay like this means that all points will be commented on one by
one and the writer takes a single-minded position. This may limit the
language you use somewhat, as it won’t need to
convey differences or contrast, but some people may like it.

C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay: Marking Criteria

Language
A wide range of suitable grammatical structures and elements should be used in
sentences that are not too simple. Longer sentences with more than one clause should
be well controlled and totally clear in meaning. Vocabulary connected with the topic
area should be used accurately and a high level of vocabulary to make and support
points on the subject should also be demonstrated.

Content
The essay must discuss two of the three aspects listed in the question and state which
of them the writer regards as the most important, giving reasons for this choice. If the
opinions from the discussion are used, they should be rephrased as much as possible,
not simply copied.
C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay: Useful Phrases, Words & Expressions

We will finish it with useful advanced vocabulary (words to use in an essay) mostly
used to organize information. Although it is taking a shortcut, if you learn several
expressions/words for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your
exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent essay with a perfect
structure.

To start essay: Introduction

It is often said that …

….is a hotly-debated topic that often divides opinion.
….is a topic that is often discussed but rarely solved.
Many people feel that …
We live in an age when many of us are…
More and more families/people are choosing to …
The trend nowadays is towards +ing
Over the past/last ten years or so, …
Recent research indicates that the number of …is increasing.
Statistics indicate that—
Hardly a week goes by without another report of .. appearing in the media. This
raises the issue of whether ……………..
Although most people would generally agree that …………… few

Topic sentences

First Paragraph

…. clearly/undoubtedly has an impact on…

It is common knowledge that… plays a crucial role in…
It is undoubtedly the case that…
There is little doubt that…
… is widely believed to contribute to…
It is generally considered that…
Recent research suggests that…
Studies have shown that… has an impact/influence on…
Few people would contest/dispute the fact that…

Second Paragraph

Another factor to consider is…

On the other hand/In contrast…
It is often claimed that…
All the evidence suggests that…

Stating your opinion

As I see it,
It seems to me that ………… I would also say that ….
I am convinced that ……………
I am inclined to believe that ………………
There is no doubt in my mind that ………………
One of the drawbacks of ……. is ……….
However, one of the benefits is that …………

Changing topic

As regards the causes for this, …………..

Concerning the causes for this, ………
As for the causes, ………..

Presenting arguments

One justification often given for ……….. is that……………..

Advocates/Proponents would claim that ………………
Those who object to …………….. often argue that ……………….
Another objection is that ……
However, it should not be forgotten that …………..
……….. are opposed to ……………. on the grounds that ……………..
From the point of view of ……………..
According to ………………..

Describing causes

One factor which has led to ………… is …………..

One of the factors which has brought this about is ………
The problem often stems from ………………..
The situation has been exacerbated by …………….
………….. has only made the situation worse.
One consequence of ……………. is …………….

Proposing steps and measures

As regards the most appropriate response to this situation, one suggestion would be
to ………
The first step to be taken would be to ……..
To alleviate the situation people should ………..
In addition they ought to ……………
This can only be dealt with if …………
To overcome this problem, …………..
Were the government to ……………, the situation would doubtless improve.
Individuals can do a great deal to …………
The burden of responsiblity lies in the hands of ……..
It is vitally important that ………
Legislation should be introduced to control ……………..
It would be a grave error if we ……………..

To conclude an essay: Concluding

In light of the above,

Taking all this into consideration/account,…
As far as I am concerned, / in my opinion, / as I see it, etc.
… is the most effective way to… due to the fact that…
Despite the fact that… undoubtedly plays a role in… I firmly believe that… is more
effective due to the fact that… its advantages outnumber/ outweigh those
All in all it seems to me that ………..
The obvious conclusion to be drawn is that …………………..
All things considered! ………….
On balance! , tend to believe that …………
The world would surely be a better place to live in if …………..