writing article english c1

Are you a learner at C1 English level (advanced) ? This section offers writing practice to help you write clear, well-structured texts about complex subjects. Texts include essays, proposals, articles, reports, reviews and emails.

Each lesson has a preparation task, a model text with writing tips and three tasks to check your understanding and to practise a variety of writing skills. Make a start today.

Choose a writing lesson

A music review

Learn how to write an album review.

• Read more about A music review
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A proposal for a digital newspaper

Learn how to write a proposal.

• Read more about A proposal for a digital newspaper

A report on a research study

Learn how to write a report on a research study for your company.

• Read more about A report on a research study

A response to a complaint

Learn how to write a response to a complaint.

• Read more about A response to a complaint

An email explaining an incident

Learn how to write an email to explain an incident to your manager.

• Read more about An email explaining an incident

An email request

Learn how to write a formal email to make a request.

• Read more about An email request

An email to a friend

Learn how to write an email to a friend.

• Read more about An email to a friend

An essay about women in science

Learn how to write an essay that suggests reasons for and solutions to a problem.

• Read more about An essay about women in science

An opinion essay

Learn how to write an opinion essay.

• Read more about An opinion essay

Conference bios

Learn how to write a short biography for a conference programme.

• Read more about Conference bios

Describing a table

Learn how to summarise information in a table and write a report on the main features.

• Read more about Describing a table

The changing workplace

Learn how to write about changes in the business workplace.

• Read more about The changing workplace

Learn to write in English with confidence

Our online English classes feature lots of useful writing materials and activities to help you develop your writing skills with confidence in a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Practise writing with your classmates in live group classes, get writing support from a personal tutor in one-to-one lessons or practise writing by yourself at your own pace with a self-study course.

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Exams: Article writing: CAE and CPE

By Jain Cook

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A comprehensive set of notes and exercises for students on how to write articles for advanced exams (CAE and CPE).

Exams: Article writing: CAE and CPE: Lesson plan

• British English
• Cambridge: C1 Advanced (CAE)
• Cambridge: C2 Proficiency (CPE)
• Lesson Plan
• Up to 60 mins
• Upper-Intermediate

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Only registered users can comment on this article., more from cambridge: c1 advanced (cae), cambridge english: advanced practice tests.

Practice tests for all aspects of the Cambridge English: Advanced exam

Cambridge English Advanced: Reading and Use of English Part 3

This lesson aims to help students prepare for part 3 of the Advanced Reading and Use of English paper.

Cambridge English Advanced: Reading and Use of English Part 2

This lesson aims to help students prepare for part 2 of the Advanced Reading and Use of English paper.

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CAE Writing Paper – Tips, Format & Tasks | C1 Advanced

C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing: Format

Format: cae writing paper contains two parts. Timing:  1 hour 30 minutes

Parts: 2 Task: candidates are required to complete two tasks:

•  a compulsory task in Part 1
• one task from a choice of three in Part 2.

A range from the following: email/letter; essay; report; review; proposal

C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing: Part 1 – Essay

Your essay should be organised well, including an introduction, supporting paragraphs and a compelling conclusion. The composition should capture the reader’s attention and express sophisticated ideas using a range of stylistic structures and vocabulary.

You will be asked to explain which of the two points is more important and to express reasons for your viewpoint. Your essay should include a well-organised introduction, supporting paragraphs and an appropriate conclusion.

 How much do I have to write?  220–260 words.

Tips for CAE Writing Part 1

• Read the entire task before beginning to plan your response . You will need to familiarise yourself with reading the input, understanding the instructions in full and then deciding on how to organise and construct your response.
• Select two bullet points and develop your essay around them . Avoid trying to discuss more than two of the points, for this would lead the composition to being less developed than needed.
• You may use the opinions expressed in the task to develop your answer, but be sure to use your own words as much as possible . No credit will be given for text that has been copied directly from the prompt.

Get Your (CAE) Essay Checked!

C1 advanced (cae) writing: part 2 – one task from three.

You write a text from a choice of text types – letter/email, proposal, report or review. To guide your writing, you’ll be given information about context, topic purpose and target reader  How much do I have to write?       220–260 words.

Tips for Writing Part 2

• lt is imperative that you become familiar with the various task types that the exam requires. All of the task types do not appear on each exam , thus it is important to be prepared to write in any of the styles.
• Develop your skills in deciding which type of task you will complete. Evaluate the required functions, grammatical structures, vocabulary and register required by each task. Then, you may select the task that you believe you can complete at the highest level.
• Be cognizant of your audience when crafting your essay. Consider whether the person is someone you know, a stranger or someone in a position of authority etc. lt is vital to develop a balanced approach whereby you equally weigh the functions required by the task and the relationship with the target audience.

FCE, CAE, CPE

Practice, write & improve, c1 advanced (cae) writing: part 2 – types of writing.

The different types of tasks that may appear on the CAE writing exam endeavour to establish frameworks for candidates to develop their ideas on a topic with a purpose for writing and a target reader in mind.

is written for a group of contemporaries like club members or colleagues. Candidates will be expected to make suggestions backed by facts to persuade their readers.

How to write a proposal? | C1 Advanced (CAE)

AN EMAIL/A LETTER

is written to respond to a situation outlined in the question reflecting the appropriate register and tone for the specified target reader. Candidates are asked to develop correspondence to, for example, an English-speaking friend or colleague, a potential employer, a college principal or a magazine editor.

is always written for a teacher. lt should address the prompt provided in terms of addressing both content points and providing a new viewpoint of the writer’s own. The essay should be well developed with an introduction, appropriate conclusion as well as w ritten in an appropriate register and tone.

How to write an essay? | C1 Advanced (CAE)

is usually developed for a superior (e.g. a teacher) or a peer group (e.g. members of an English club). The question identifies the subject of the composition and the areas to be covered. Candidates must provide some factual information and make recommendations, but there is space for them to incorporate their own ideas and experiences.

How to write a report? | C1 Advanced (CAE)

is written traditionally for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website. The main purpose is to describe and express a personal opinion about something which the writer has experienced (e.g. a film, a holiday. a product, a website etc.) and to give the reader a clear impression of what the item discussed is like. Description and explanation are key functions for this task and a review will normally include a recommendation to the reader.

How to write a review? | C1 Advanced (CAE)

C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing: General Tips

• Read each question closely, highlight the most important facts and develop a response that addresses all of the points required by the task. This will facilitate your ability to develop well-structured and balanced compositions.
• Be sure to not simply reproduce an essay you may have written in preparation for the test. lt is unlikely that at previous response will satisfy the exact requirements of the exam.
• Practise developing ideas fully to illustrate a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures to express more complex ideas where appropriate.
• Make effective use of linking words and phrases to polish the flow of your ideas. In addition, to enhance the logic and ease of your composition use a variety of cohesive devices and organisational patterns.
• Employ a range of complex language structures where suitable. The examiner will give you credit for attempting for sophisticated modes of expression, even if you make some mistakes, as long as it does not preclude the comprehension of the overall idea you are trying to convey.
• The time permitted allows for a brief period of planning and then the composition of your essay. lt does not account for time to compose fair copies or to count words. Each item on the Writing section carries with it equal marks. So practise using your time carefully on each question.
• Write legibly so that your answers can be marked fairly, though the quality of your penmanship will not be assessed. lt is immaterial whether your handwriting is joined up or not, nor whether you write in upper or lower case characters.
• Practice writing the compositions within the word limit so that you are well versed in w hat is required. lt is wasteful to spend time counting words and this often leads to poor alterations that erode the overall quality of your essay.
•   Check your work for spelling, grammar and errors in punctuation . These mistakes are not penalised specifically but these mistakes can preclude communication and/or have an adverse effect on the reader.
• Practice writing your essays without a dictionary , for they are not permitted in the examination room.

As you can see, C1 writing is not that easy at all. See what are the most common mistakes  you should avoid.

Would you pass C1 Advanced (CAE)?

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Are you an advanced (CEFR level C1) learner of English? Practise and improve your writing skills with these texts and exercises.

Choose a lesson

A cover letter

Look at the cover letter and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

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A for and against essay about online communication

Look at the essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

A report on a school trip abroad

Look at the report and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

A web tool review

Look at the review of an online tool and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

An essay about leisure time and academic pressure

Look at the question and problem and solution essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

An informal email or letter

Look at the email and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

An invitation letter

Look at the exam question and model letter and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

An opinion essay about fast food

Look at the exam question and essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

Describing a graph of trends over time

Look at the exam question, line graph and answer and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

Describing bar charts about reading habits

Look at the bar charts, question and sample answer and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

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C1 advanced preparation, resources for teachers and learners.

Here you can find links to all of our free resources to help prepare for C1 Advanced exams, whether you are a teacher or a learner.

On this page:

Exam essentials

Essential reading for teachers and learners wanting to find out about the exam.

Teacher essentials

Resources to help you prepare learners for C1 Advanced.

Learner essentials

Information for candidates and resources that can be used at home or in the classroom for self-study.

Official Cambridge English preparation materials

You can find a wide range of materials in both print and digital formats .

Sample tests (computer-based and paper-based)

Free: paper-based sample test.

Sample paper 1 for C1 Advanced

Sample paper 2 for C1 Advanced

Free: Computer-based sample tests

Watch this video tutorial  for help on how to complete a C1 Advanced computer-based exam.

The computer-based sample test does not mark your exam, so check your answers as you do the test using the answer keys below. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them.

Computer-based Reading and Use of English sample test

Computer-based Writing sample test

Computer-based Listening sample test

Use the answer keys below :

Reading and Writing answer key

Listening answer key

There is no answer key for the Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments on the relevant pages of the C1 Advanced handbook .

How to convert practice test scores

The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.

For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers. 

Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

Computer-based exam information

Have you thought about taking computer-based exams? Find out more about the benefits of computer-based exams .

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a computer-based exam.

Watch the video tutorial below for help on how to complete a C1 Advanced computer-based exam.

Help your students prepare for computer-based exams with our Teaching tips for computer-based Cambridge English qualifications .

Read our FAQs if you have any more questions about taking computer-based exams.

What to expect on exam day

Watch Sofia on the day of her exam, and learn what it’s like to take a Cambridge English Qualification, from B1 Preliminary for Schools to C2 Proficiency.

Explore useful information about the exam day , including exam day tips and FAQs to help you prepare.

Speaking test video with examiners' commentary

This video will help your students understand what happens during a C1 Advanced speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Raphael and Maude’s speaking test

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Handbook for teachers

The C1 Advanced handbook gives an overview of the exam and its place within Cambridge English examinations. This is followed by a focus on each paper and includes content, advice on preparation, and example papers.

C1 Advanced Handbook for teachers

C1 Advanced: Handbook for Teachers Listening Audio Files (ZIP, 58MB)

These are the listening files related to the Sample Paper from the Teacher's Handbook.

Lesson plans

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.

C1 Advanced lesson plans

Teacher guides

Developing listening skills for C1 Advanced: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for C1 Advanced: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for C1 Advanced: A guide for teachers

Teaching tips

C1 Advanced Teaching Tips from Cambridge English examiners.

Mock test toolkit

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

Classroom warmers booklet

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students.

Teacher webinars

Cambridge English webinars and Facebook Live sessions are a great way for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments and to interact with our experts.

Our webinars provide you with invaluable information about our exams, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including effective teaching methods, tips to improve student engagement and online professional development to help you develop your career.

Webinars for teachers

Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page . We regularly post teaching tips, answer your questions, and host regular Live events to give you a chance to engage with the community.

Free online learning activities

We have hundreds of free English learning activities to help you prepare for your C1 Advanced exam.

Find out more

Exam information for candidates

Download our guide to the C1 Advanced exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day, and useful links.

C1 Advanced: Information for candidates

Self-study lesson plans

Practice your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills using these free online resources. These materials are designed to help you to develop reading for gist and detail, managing unfamiliar vocabulary, as well as planning, drafting, editing, and writing for the exam.

Reading and Use of English Part 5

Reading and Use of English Part 6

Writing Part 1

Speaking Part 2

Listening Part 1

Writing checklist

C1 Advanced Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria, and useful questions about each writing type in the C1 Advanced Writing paper.

Social media

Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on-the-go.

Subscribe to our Learn English with Cambridge YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation, and lots of English language advice.

On-the-go practice with Test & Train

Test & Train is an easy-to-use practice tool to help you get ready for your C1 Advanced exam through short, sharp workouts. With over 500 practice questions, you can use it anytime, anywhere and as many times as your like!

Get started today

Write & Improve: Practise your writing for free

Write & Improve is a free online tool to help you practise and improve your writing. Just choose a task, write or upload your answer and use the feedback to quickly improve.