{"id":49978,"date":"2023-04-19T13:11:09","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T11:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=49978"},"modified":"2023-04-19T13:11:09","modified_gmt":"2023-04-19T11:11:09","slug":"guide-to-the-cambridge-c2-proficiency-writing-exam-part-1-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/guide-to-the-cambridge-c2-proficiency-writing-exam-part-1-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Cambridge C2 Proficiency Writing Exam \u2013 Part 1: Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If so, you may be feeling a little nervous and concerned about what <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>lies ahead<\/strong><\/span><\/em>. Let us help put that fear and anxiety to bed and get started on how your academic writing can leave a positive impression on the examiner.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">By the end of this blog post, you\u2019ll know exactly what you need to do, how to prepare and how you can use your knowledge of other parts of the exam to help you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Although you\u2019ll find the advanced writing skills you\u2019ve mastered at C1 will <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>stand you in good stead<\/strong><\/span><\/em> for C2 writing, there are clear differences in the exam format in CPE. As in Cambridge C1,  there are two parts in the writing exam, and understanding what you need to do before you\u2019ve even put a pen to paper is incredibly important. So, let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>What\u2019s in Part 1?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">First, let\u2019s look at the format of Part 1:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<div class=\"list_styles\"><ul class=''>\n<span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Task: essay.<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Word count: 240\u2013280 words.<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Register: formal.<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Overview: a summary of two texts and an evaluation of the ideas.<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Suggested structure: introduction, paragraph 1, paragraph 2, conclusion.<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Time: 1 hour 30 minutes for Part 1 and 2.<\/li>\n<\/span>\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Before we look at an example task, let\u2019s look at how your paper will be assessed. The examiner will mark your paper using four separate assessment scales:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<div class=\"list_styles\"><ul class=''>\n<span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Content \u2013 this demonstrates your ability to complete the task, including only relevant information.<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Communicative achievement \u2013 this shows how well you\u2019ve completed the task, having followed the conventions of the task, used the correct register and maintained the reader\u2019s attention throughout. <\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Organisation \u2013 the overall structure of your essay, the paragraphs and the sentences.<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Language \u2013 your ability to use a wide range of C2 grammar and vocabulary in a fluent and accurate way.<\/li>\n<\/span>\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>How can I write a fantastic essay?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Let\u2019s look at an example task:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Example-Task_C2-Proficiency-Writing-Test-Part-1-Essay.jpg\" alt=\"Example Task_C2 Proficiency Writing Test - Part 1 Essay | Oxford House Barcelona\" width=\"1160\" height=\"947\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-49979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Example-Task_C2-Proficiency-Writing-Test-Part-1-Essay.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Example-Task_C2-Proficiency-Writing-Test-Part-1-Essay-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Example-Task_C2-Proficiency-Writing-Test-Part-1-Essay-1024x836.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Example-Task_C2-Proficiency-Writing-Test-Part-1-Essay-768x627.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">The key things you\u2019re being asked to do here are <strong>summarise, evaluate and include your own ideas, using your own words as far as possible.<\/strong> So, in short, you have to paraphrase. As a Cambridge exams expert, you\u2019ll know that this is a skill you already use throughout the exam.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">In Reading and Use of English Part 4, the techniques you are using to make the keyword transformations (active to passive, comparative structures, negative inversions, common word patterns, etc) will show you that you already know how you can say the same thing in other words.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Your ability to do word formation in Reading and Use of English Part 3 is useful here, as you look for verbs that you can change into nouns, and vice versa. This enables you to say reword sentences without losing the original meaning.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">You are already <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>adept at<\/strong><\/span><\/em> identifying the correct options in Reading and Use of English Part 5 and Listening Parts 1 and 3, although the words given are different to the information in the text or audio.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">So, be aware of the skills you have already practised, and use them to your advantage!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>How should I plan and structure my essay?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Before you even consider writing, read both texts <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>thoroughly<\/strong><\/span><\/em>. Highlight the key points in each text and make notes about how you can express this in your own words. Look for contrasting opinions and think about  how you can connect the ideas together. These contrasting ideas will usually form the basis of paragraphs 2 and 3.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Although there are multiple ways you can organise your essay, here is a <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>tried and tested<\/strong><\/span><\/em> structure:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><strong>Paragraph 1: Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><strong>Paragraph 2: Idea 1 with support<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><strong>Paragraph 3: Idea 2 with support<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><strong>Paragraph 4: Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #4d524d;\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Use your introduction as a way to present the general theme. Don\u2019t give anything away in terms of your own opinion, but instead give an overview of what you will discuss. Imagine this as a global comment, talking about how society as a whole may feel about the topic.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #4d524d;\"><strong>Idea 1<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Start with a strong sentence. Make your intentions clear, then <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>back up<\/strong><\/span><\/em> your idea with a supporting sentence and elaborate on it. Use linkers to show how this idea has different stances, paraphrased from the key points you highlighted in the texts.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #4d524d;\"><strong>Idea 2<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Follow the same structure as Idea 1, but focus on a different element from the two texts. Introduce it clearly, then provide more support to the idea. Keep emotional distance from the topic \u2013 save your opinion for the conclusion!<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #4d524d;\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Here is the opportunity for you to introduce your personal opinion. There shouldn\u2019t be anything new included here other than how you personally feel about the topics discussed. Use your conclusion to refer back to the main point and <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>round up<\/strong><\/span><\/em> how your opinion differs or is similar.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">This is just one example of how you can structure your essay. However, we recommend trying different formats. The more you practise, the more feedback you\u2019ll get from your teacher. Once you\u2019ve <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>settled on<\/strong><\/span><\/em> the structure that suits you, your planning will be a lot quicker and easier.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>What can I do to prepare?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">According to the Cambridge English website, <em>\u2018A C2 Proficiency qualification shows the world that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">This means that being a proficient writer in your own language is not enough. So, what can you do to really convince the examiner that you truly are smarter than the <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>average Joe<\/strong><\/span><\/em>?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">\u2714 Read academic texts regularly.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">\u2714 Pay attention to model essay answers and highlight things that stand out.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">\u2714 Always try to upgrade your vocabulary. Challenge yourself to think of synonyms.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">\u2714 Write frequently and study the feedback your teacher gives you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">\u2714 Study C2 grammar and include it in your writing.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>What do I need to avoid?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Don\u2019t overuse the same linkers. Practise using different ones and not only in essays. You can write something much shorter and ask your teacher to check for correct usage.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<div class=\"list_styles\"><ul class=''>\n<span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Don\u2019t constantly repeat the same sentence length and punctuation. Long sentences may seem the most sophisticated, but you should consider adding shorter ones from time to time. This adds variety and a dramatic effect. Try it!<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Don\u2019t be <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>discouraged<\/strong><\/span><\/em> by your mistakes \u2013 learn from them! If you struggle with a grammar point, master it. If you spell something incorrectly, write it again and again.<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Don\u2019t limit your English studying time. Do as much as possible in English \u2013 watch TV, read, listen to podcasts, or meet with English speaking friends. English time should not only be reserved for the classroom.<\/li>\n<\/span>\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>What websites can help me?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridgeenglish.org\/exams-and-tests\/proficiency\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official Cambridge English<\/a> page, where you can find a link to sample papers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/learningenglish\/english\/hard_course\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BBC Learning English<\/a> has a range of activities geared towards advanced level learners.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flo-joe.co.uk\/cpe\/students\/writing\/makeover\/index.htm\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Flo-joe<\/a> has very useful writing practice exercises that allow you to see other students\u2019 writing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Writing apps and tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grammarly.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Grammarly<\/a> can improve your writing style with their feedback and suggestions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Don\u2019t forget about our fantastic C2 blogs too!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/passing-cambridge-c2-proficiency-part-3-reading-and-use-of-english\/\">Passing Cambridge C2 Proficiency: Part 3 Reading and Use of English<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/passing-c2-proficiency-a-guide-to-reading-part-5\/\">Passing C2 Proficiency: A Guide to Reading Part 5<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/passing-c2-proficiency-a-guide-to-reading-part-6\/\">Passing C2 Proficiency: A Guide to Reading Part 6<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/guide-to-the-cambridge-c2-proficiency-listening-test\/\">Guide to the Cambridge C2 Proficiency Listening Test<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/guide-to-the-cambridge-c2-proficiency-speaking-test\/\">Guide to the Cambridge C2 Proficiency Speaking Test<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>Looking for further support?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">If you\u2019re interested in preparing for the C2 Proficiency exam but don\u2019t know where to start, get in touch with us here at Oxford House today! We offer specific courses that are designed especially to help you get ready for the exam. Let our fully qualified teachers use their exam experience to guide you through your learning journey. <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-courses\/cambridge\/\">Sign up<\/a> now and receive your free mock test!<\/p>\n<div class=\"devider element_size_>\"><div style=\"margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px; \" class=\"divider3\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Glossary for Language Learners<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>lie ahead (pv):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> be in the future.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>stand you in good stead (id):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> be of great use to you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>adept at (adj):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> have a good ability to do something.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>thoroughly (adv):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> completely.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>tried and tested (adj):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> used many times before and proved to be successful.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>back up (pv):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> give support to.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>round up (pv):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> summarise.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>settle on (pv):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> choose after careful consideration<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>average Joe (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> normal person.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>discouraged (adj):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> having lost your enthusiasm or confidence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"devider element_size_>\"><div style=\"margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px; \" class=\"divider1\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><strong>Key<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">pv = phrasal verb<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">id = idiom<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">adj = adjective<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">n = noun<\/p>\n<div class=\"devider element_size_>\"><div style=\"margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px; \" class=\"divider1\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #055f65;\"><strong><div class=\"messagebox alert alert-info\" style=\"align:left; background:#ffffff; color:#2D346F; border:1px solid #ffffff\"><h4>Pass your Cambridge Exam with Oxford House Barcelona<\/h4><i class=\"icon-info-sign\"><\/i>Interested in taking a Cambridge preparation course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check the different Cambridge preparation courses we can offer you<a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-courses\/cambridge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> during the school year<\/a>.<\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If so, you may be feeling a little nervous and concerned about what lies ahead. Let us help put that fear and anxiety to bed and get started on how your academic writing can leave a positive impression on the examiner. By the end [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":49983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[]},"categories":[268],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49978"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49978"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49978\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49988,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49978\/revisions\/49988"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49978"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=49978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}