{"id":41652,"date":"2020-02-26T17:53:05","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T16:53:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=41652"},"modified":"2020-02-27T15:34:05","modified_gmt":"2020-02-27T14:34:05","slug":"how-to-write-a-c1-advanced-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/how-to-write-a-c1-advanced-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"How to write a C1 Advanced Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cambridge C1 Advanced<\/a> is an excellent qualification to aim for if you\u2019re thinking of studying or working abroad. It\u2019s recognised by universities and governments all over the world and also helps you prove your language skills to future employers.<\/p>\n

One of the most demanding parts of the exam is Part 1 of the Writing paper, which includes writing an essay. For many of you, this won\u2019t come naturally… especially in another language.<\/p>\n

So, to give you the best chance at success, we\u2019ve created this in-depth guide full of Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing tips and useful language to get you producing excellent essays in no time.<\/p>\n

So, pick up your pen, and let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to get more help with the C1 Advanced, consider our exam preparation class!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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C1 Advanced Writing Requirements<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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The C1 Advanced Writing exam has two writing parts, which you must complete in 90 minutes. Both parts have a word limit of between 220-260 words. We recommend getting lots of writing practice under these conditions!<\/p>\n

Part 1 is always a discursive essay<\/strong>. It requires you to think about arguments for and against a topic.<\/p>\n

Part 2 is a situationally based writing task. This could be a letter<\/strong>, an email<\/strong>, a report<\/strong>, a proposal<\/strong> or a review<\/strong> and you have three options to choose from.<\/p>\n

Today, we\u2019ll be looking at how to do your best in part 1.<\/p>\n

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Before you begin<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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When you turn over the paper and begin Writing Part 1, take some time to read the task instructions. Identify all parts of the question, underlining which parts are obligatory and noting which parts are optional.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at an example question!<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Remember, you don\u2019t have to use the opinions expressed in the box, but they may help you to get the ball rolling<\/strong><\/em><\/span>. Also, you only have to talk about two of the options given, not all three.<\/p>\n

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Make a plan<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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Take ten minutes to lay out<\/strong><\/em><\/span> your ideas. Make a pros and cons list for each of the three options and then decide which two<\/strong> you feel most confident with. Here\u2019s some things you might come up with, can you think of any more?<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Structure your essay<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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The essence of a good essay is a clear structure.<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Here you want to introduce the topic in your own words. Your first line should also grab the reader\u2019s attention, then you should paraphrase<\/strong><\/em><\/span> the question. Finally, try using a statistic or a rhetorical question. This will make them want to read on, right?<\/p>\n

Paragraph 1<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Discuss the first option you\u2019ve chosen. Include a good topic sentence and remember to give reasons for your answer. Describe some of the advantages, and even some of the disadvantages too. This will give a well-balanced argument.<\/p>\n

Paragraph 2<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s where you introduce the second option. Again, try to present both sides of the argument and give reasons for your ideas. Gradually work towards the conclusion.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

State your final opinion. This should be a summary of the rest of the essay and point clearly to which option you think is the most important. Do not introduce any new arguments at this stage. The conclusion is where you tie-up any loose ends<\/strong><\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n

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Language<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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This is an advanced piece of writing, so make sure your choice of language reflects it. You will get marked for accuracy, however, occasional errors can still be present as long as they do not impede understanding. So don\u2019t play it too safe<\/strong><\/em><\/span>. This is your opportunity to show what you can do, so take some risks and have fun with it!<\/p>\n

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Vocabulary<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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In the writing paper you should use a range of vocabulary, including less common lexis. Brainstorm some vocabulary related to the topic. Take your time to think of nouns and compound nouns that you know at C1 level. Really let your vocabulary sparkle<\/strong><\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Synonyms<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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No one likes a broken record<\/strong><\/em><\/span>. Find synonyms for simple words. You want to use a variety of language, and try not to repeat yourself too much. Check out these different ways of saying the same thing:<\/p>\n

advantage<\/strong> = benefit, positive, upside<\/p>\n

disadvantage<\/strong> = downside, drawback<\/p>\n

effect<\/strong> = influence, impact, result, outcome<\/p>\n

problem<\/strong> = issue, challenge, difficulty, obstacle, setback, complication<\/p>\n

important<\/strong> = valuable, essential, beneficial<\/p>\n

expensive<\/strong> = costly, dear, high-priced, extortionate<\/p>\n

cheap<\/strong> = inexpensive, affordable, economical<\/p>\n

big<\/strong> = great, large, sizeable, considerable, wide, vast<\/p>\n

small<\/strong> = slight, tiny, little<\/p>\n

Quick tip: Visit Thesaurus.com<\/a> to study more synonyms!<\/p>\n

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Grammar<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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Experiment with different grammatical forms. At this level you\u2019re expected to have a good grasp<\/strong><\/em><\/span> on the grammar. You should use a range of simple and complex grammatical forms with control and flexibility. So challenge yourself with some of these…<\/p>\n