ESSENTIALS OF CAE ESSAY WRITING (C1 Level)

Purpose of the Essay

● Present a clear opinion or argument on a specific question or topic.

● Base your ideas on two of the three given points in the task AND add one of your own
OR criticize the idea you haven’t picked to support..

● Write in a formal and neutral style for Body 1 and 2. For Body 3, make it based on
personal opinion.

STRUCTURE

Introduction (1 paragraph)
● Paraphrase the task/question.

● Briefly mention the two given points + your own opinion.

● Clearly state your main opinion/thesis.

Body Paragraph 1 (Given point 1)

● Discuss the first idea from the task.

● Give reasons, examples, evidence, or implications.

● Stay objective and formal.

Body Paragraph 2 (Given point 2)

● Discuss the second idea

● Support with explanation and examples.

● Stay objective and formal.

Body Paragraph 3 (Your own idea)

● Highly recommended if you can manage time and word count.

● In this paragraph, either criticize the point you haven’t supported from the list or come up
with a completely new idea to support.
Conclusion (1 paragraph)
● Summarise key points without repeating.

● Restate your opinion/stance.

● Give a final thought or recommendation (without using "I think"!).

LANGUAGE & STYLE

Use Formal Linking Words

● Adding: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition

● Contrasting: However, On the other hand, Although

● Explaining: This means that…, In other words…

● Giving Examples: For instance, Such as, For example

● Concluding: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

Useful Expressions
● It is widely believed that...

● One key factor is...

● Another point worth considering is...

● This can result in...

● A possible solution could be...

Avoid
● Contractions (don’t, won’t)

● Informal phrases (a lot, stuff, kids, gonna)

● Personal anecdotes (unless very generalised)

LENGTH & TIMING
● 300–350 words.

● Spend ~40 minutes on this task.

○ 5 mins planning

○ 30 mins writing

○ 5 mins reviewing

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

● Always include your own idea – don’t just use the two given points.

● Keep your tone balanced, logical, and evidence-based.

● Plan your structure before you write.

● Use a variety of grammar (conditionals, passive voice, inversion, etc.).

● Show a range of vocabulary appropriate to the topic.

● Leave time to check for errors (spelling, punctuation, verb tenses).

LANGUAGE & STYLE IN DETAIL

1. Expressing Opinions (Clearly and Formally)
Avoid basic phrases like “I think” or “I believe” — instead use:

● It is widely accepted that…

● There is strong evidence to suggest that…

● A commonly held view is that…

● One might reasonably argue that…

● It could be argued that…

● From a broader perspective…

● In my view, this issue demands urgent attention.

● What seems most crucial is that…

2. Introducing Arguments
Use formal phrases to smoothly present your points:

● One key consideration is…

● A major contributing factor is…

● It is important to highlight the fact that…

● Another point worth considering is…

● This issue stems from…

● An equally significant aspect is…

● A frequently overlooked dimension is…

3. Developing and Supporting Ideas

Go beyond stating facts — explain, expand, and exemplify:

● This implies that…

● This leads to the conclusion that…

● This can be seen in the way…

● Such a trend may be explained by…

● For instance, a clear example of this is…

● To illustrate this point, consider…

● The long-term consequences of this are…

4. Making Comparisons / Showing Contrast

Avoid simple conjunctions like “but” or “also”. Instead use:

● In contrast to this…

● Whereas some argue that…, others claim that…

● Although this may be the case, it is important to recognise that…

● Despite the advantages, there are notable concerns.

● On the one hand…, on the other hand…

● A clear distinction must be made between…

5. Balancing Arguments / Adding Nuance

Show you can think critically and avoid black-and-white thinking:

● While there are certainly benefits, the drawbacks cannot be ignored.

● Although the argument is persuasive, it lacks consideration of…

● It is not a question of either/or, but rather one of balance.

● This is not to say that… but rather that…

● A more nuanced approach would acknowledge that…

6. Concluding and Summarising

Leave a strong, final impression without repeating phrases:

● In conclusion, the evidence suggests that…

● To sum up, a balanced approach is required.

● Ultimately, the most effective solution would involve…

● All things considered, it is clear that…

● The argument in favour of… appears to be more convincing.

● Moving forward, policy-makers should prioritise…

High-Level Grammar Structures for CAE Essays

Use a mix of complex structures to demonstrate C1 control:

1. Passive Voice (for formality and objectivity)

● It is believed that…

● Steps should be taken to address…

● Scholarships are awarded based on…

 2. Inversion for Emphasis
(Advanced and formal)

● Not only does this affect public health, but it also influences the economy.

● Rarely has such a solution been so effective.

● Under no circumstances should this be tolerated.

3. Cleft Sentences (For focused emphasis)

● What matters most is that every student has equal access.

● It is the lack of resources that prevents progress.

4. Modal Verbs of Probability / Obligation / Suggestion

● This must be addressed by the authorities.

● A solution could be implemented at a national level.

● Governments should encourage public participation.

● This might result in unintended consequences.

5. Conditionals (especially second and third for hypotheticals)

● If this policy were implemented, it would reduce inequality.

● Had the government responded sooner, the impact could have been avoided.

6. Relative Clauses
● Those who argue in favour of this policy often ignore its social cost.

● The communities that are most affected by pollution lack political power.

7. Gerund/Infinitive Phrases (to vary structure)

● Encouraging innovation should be a national priority.

● To reduce crime, it is essential to invest in education.

High-Impact Adjectives
Basic Word Strong Alternative
good beneficial, valuable, effective, commendable, favourable, constructive

bad detrimental, problematic, flawed, inadequate, harmful, unjust

important crucial, vital, essential, significant, pressing, paramount

big considerable, substantial, widespread, extensive, far-reaching

small limited, marginal, minor, minimal, negligible

strong robust, compelling, persuasive, solid, resilient

weak insufficient, fragile, unstable, vulnerable, questionable

new innovative, groundbreaking, novel, emerging, unprecedented

fair equitable, inclusive, impartial, balanced, just

unfair biased, discriminatory, unjustified, unequal, one-sided

useful practical, applicable, relevant, instrumental, resourceful