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What’s in the Writing paper?
In the two parts of the
Cambridge English: First Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English.
Summary
| Time allowed: |
1 hour 20 minutes |
| Number of parts: |
2 |
| Number of questions: |
Part 1: one compulsory question
Part 2: one question from a choice of five
|
| Marks: |
20% of total |
| Types of task: |
article, email, essay, letter, report, review, story |
Set texts
Set texts for
Cambridge English: First until December 2011:
- Wilkie Collins: The Woman in White (Black Cat or any edition)
- Michael Crichton: Jurassic Park (Macmillan or any edition)
One or both of these texts may be read as
preparation for the two optional set text tasks. They are Graded Readers
which have been adapted to the level and are suitable for
Cambridge English: First
candidates. Other editions of these books may be available. However,
you should be aware that the language level in other editions may be
less accessible.
Set texts for
Cambridge English: First until December 2012:
- William Thackeray: Vanity Fair (Black Cat or any edition)
- Mary Stewart: This Rough Magic (OUP)
The texts are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level and are suitable for
Cambridge English: First
candidates. Other editions of these books may be available. However,
teachers and candidates should be aware that the language level in other
editions may be less accessible.
Set texts for
Cambridge English: First until December 2013:
- William Thackeray: Vanity Fair (Black Cat or any edition)
- Mary Stewart: This Rough Magic (OUP)
The texts are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level and
are suitable for FCE candidates. Other editions of these books may be
available. However, teachers and candidates should be aware that the
language level in other editions may be less accessible.
Parts 1–2
Part 1
What's in Part 1? |
Some material to read (up to 160 words). You have to write a letter or email using the information in this material. |
| What do I have to practise? |
Writing a
letter or email. You may have to apologise, compare, describe, explain,
express opinions, justify, persuade, recommend, and/or suggest
something. |
| How many questions are there? |
One compulsory question. |
| How much do I have to write? |
120–150 words |
Practise Part 1
Now try Part 1 from the sample
Cambridge English: First Writing paper.
Part 2
What's in Part 2? |
A choice of
five questions. The answer you have to write will be one of the
following: an article, essay, letter, report, review or story. |
| What about Question 5? |
If you read
one of the set books and want to write about it, you may decide to try
Question 5. You have a choice of two tasks 5 (a) or 5 (b) for this
question. |
| What do I have to practise? |
Writing
different types of text: articles, essays, letters, reports, reviews.
Depending on the question, you will have to advise, compare, describe,
explain, express opinions, justify and/or recommend something. |
| How many questions are there? |
One task to be selected from a choice of five. |
| How much do I have to write? |
120–180 words |
Practise Part 2
Now try Part 2 from the sample
Cambridge English: First Writing paper.
DOs and DON’Ts
DOs
- Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.
- Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.
- Expand the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant ideas and information.
- Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate.
- Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.
- Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.
- Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
- Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
- Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
- Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you can write about.
- Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer.
DON'Ts
- Don't misspell key words which appear on the question paper.
- Don't use the exact words from the question paper too much.
- Don't mix formal and informal language.
- Don't use formal linkers in an informal letter.
- Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter, as they are not required.
- Don't answer Question 5 if you haven’t read one of the books.
- Don't worry if you run slightly over the word limit.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many texts do I need to write?
Two. You must do the task in Part 1, and you can choose one task from Part 2.
How long should I spend on each part?
This is up to you. However, remember that each part is
worth the same number of marks. You should allow time for planning
before you start writing each task, and for checking your own work after
you have finished.
In what ways is Part 1 different from Part 2?
In
Part 1 there is
one compulsory task, while in
Part 2
there is a choice of tasks. In Part 1, before you start writing you
will need to read material of up to 160 words, e.g. advertisements,
extracts from letters, articles, etc., while in Part 2 the instructions
are shorter. In Part 1, you always need to write a letter or an email,
whereas in Part 2 there is a range of different text types to choose
from.
How many marks is each part of the Writing paper worth?
Each part of the Writing test is worth the same amount
of marks: Reading, Writing, Listening, Use of English and Speaking are
each worth 20% of the total score for the
Cambridge English: First exam.
Where do I write my answers?
In the question booklet. This booklet also contains enough space for you to write your rough work.
How is the Writing paper marked?
Your Writing paper will be marked by a trained examiner
working with a Team Leader, all guided and monitored by a Principal
Examiner. Each examiner is given tests to mark randomly from all the
entries. In this way, examiners will be assessing scripts from a variety
of centres and countries.
What if I write too little/too much?
You are given guidelines about how much to write, but
this is to help you in planning your writing. If you write considerably
more than the guideline, you will only be penalised if the answer
contains irrelevance or would have a negative effect on the intended
audience. If you write considerably less than the guideline, but still
cover the requisite aspects of the task, you will not be penalised.
However, you should bear in mind we are gathering evidence that you have
achieved the
Cambridge English: First level in Writing skills
and if you write considerably less than the guidelines, it is possible
that this evidence will not be forthcoming.
Is the report format obligatory for the 'report' in the Writing paper?
Reports should be clearly organised and may contain
headings. The report format is not obligatory, but will make a good
impression on the target reader if used appropriately. The mark awarded
to the report will, however, depend on how the report meets the
requirements.
Are addresses to be omitted ONLY when stated in the task?
As a matter of policy, where the genre is given as a
letter, the instruction 'You do not need to include postal addresses' is
added. Where other genres are given in the instructions (e.g. report,
article), candidates sometimes choose to use a letter format to answer
the question if appropriate to the task. In no case will the address, if
you include it, be subject to assessment, either negative or positive.
Do I have to study both the set texts?
The set text questions
are optional. If you decide to
answer on a set text, it is
only necessary to study one of the books as
there is always
a question on each of them.
The
Cambridge English: First texts are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level and are suitable for
Cambridge English: First
candidates. Other editions of these books may be available. However,
you should be aware that the language level in other editions may be
less accessible.
Information on which set texts have been selected for a particular year can be found above.
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