cae essay writing examples

How to Write an Essay for C1 Advanced (CAE)

Luis @ kse academy.

• diciembre 21, 2022

As I’m sure you already know, Cambridge exams have several papers (Reading, Writing, Use of English, Speaking and Listening), and each of these components is divided into different parts. In this post, I want to focus on Writing Part 1 of the C1 Advanced, that is, how to write an Essay for the CAE . Because, remember, C1 Writing Part 1 will always be an essay 🙂 

Sample C1 Essay

New C1 Writing Guide out now!

• 3 examples of every task type
• Essay, Review, Formal and Informal Email and Letter, Report & Proposal
• 500+ useful phrases ready to use in your writings
• 95 pages of exclusive and original writing content
• Description of the C1 Writing paper
• Detailed description of each part of the Writing paper
• Assessment criteria and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

See sample or Buy on Amazon

What are the parts of the C1 Advanced Writing?

The C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing, as we have already seen in another article, has 2 parts , and for each one you will have to write a text according to the exercise instructions. What you should know is that there is a limited range of text types that you may be asked to write in each part, so let’s see: 

• Writing Part 1: In this part you will always have to write an essay, and you will have no other options to choose from. That’s why it is really important that you pay attention to this article and learn how to write an essay for C1 Advanced to the best of your ability. 
• Formal letter/email
• Informal letter/email
• Review 
• Proposal 

Each writing task you do should be between 220 and 260 words long, approximately, and, as they are different types of writing, you should take into account the peculiarities of each one in terms of structure, register, grammar and vocabulary, etc. 

So let’s start with the one that concerns us in this article: Essays! 

What is an essay ?

An Essay is a text of opinion in which we analyse a topic, a situation or a problem from different points of view or by considering several points or solutions to the problem. In each of the paragraphs, we deal with each point and express different facts, considerations and opinions. 

Now that we know what an essay is, let’s look at how to write an essay and its characteristics. 

How to Write an Essay for CAE Writing

Here are the main characteristics of a C1-level essay so that you can keep them in mind when writing: 

• Purpose: With an essay, what we do is evaluate a topic, situation or problem that is of some interest or controversy (e.g. teenage mobile phone use ). Often, the Writing activity is set as a task that takes place after a class debate. In an exam, you will have to imagine the debate for yourself (duh!).
• Tone and register: As it is a text on a serious or controversial topic, the Essay is always written in a formal context, so we must use an objective tone. Furthermore, the linguistic register should always be formal, avoiding common words such as things , stuff , get , etc.; contractions ( can’t , don’t , won’t , etc.); or expressions that may sound informal. 
• Structure: Like all writing tasks, an essay has a fairly well-defined structure, although it is not 100% fixed and immovable. To begin with, we can choose to give it a title or not, but, personally, I find it more appropriate to write an Essay with a title. Have you ever seen a text published without a title? Probably not.  As for the body of the essay, it should be divided into the following paragraphs: introduction, point 1, point 2 and conclusion. In other words, in general, a Cambridge C1 Essay should have 4-5 paragraphs.
• Opinion: This is where we have the most leeway when writing an essay for C1. There are many ways of expressing your opinion in an Essay, so you should choose the one that best suits your Writing approach. What I usually recommend, however, is that you remain impartial throughout the whole text and only express your opinion at the end, in the last paragraph, as a conclusion. As always, the most important thing is that you justify everything you say in your writing and that your conclusion answers the main question of the assignment.
• Coherence and progression: Coherence is essential in all Writings, but especially in the essay. As it is a supporting and argumentative text, you cannot write unconnected sentences and paragraphs; the ideas must follow a logical and well-connected order, using connectors appropriate to C1 level, in this case. Furthermore, the reader must perceive a logical progression of paragraphs, without losing the thread of what you are trying to argue. Otherwise, when they get to the last paragraph, they won’t know what you are talking about and our writing will have failed catastrophically. 

CAE Writing Essay Example

Now that we are familiar with the main features of an essay for Cambridge Advanced (CAE) Writing, let’s look at a sample essay at C1 level, both the sample instructions and a possible answer.

C1 Essay Instructions

In the picture below you can see an example from the Cambridge website. 

From these instructions, we must always extract the essentials: 

• Topic: facilities which should receive money from local authorities
• sports centres
• public gardens
• «Museums aren’t popular with everybody!»
• «Sports centres mean healthier people.»
• «A town needs green spaces – parks are great for everybody.»
• Address only 2 of the 3 points given. 
• Answer and justify the main question (« to which facility is it most important that local authorities give money «).
• Justify your answer (« giving reasons in support of your answer «)
• Use your own words (« use your own words as far as possible «)

According to the task model outlined above, we can approach out writing with the following structure: 

• Introduction
• Point 1 (museums)
• Point 2 (sports centres)

Although it is not set in stone, you will normally get 4 paragraphs. So now let’s look at an example Essay for CAE Writing: 

At first glance, we can see that this Essay for C1 has an introductory title and 4 paragraphs ( introduction , museums , sports , conclusion ). In addition, if we read the text carefully, we can see the following aspects: 

• Title: The title perfectly summarises for the reader the topic to be covered in the text. Sometimes, a title in the form of a question such as « Which facilities should receive funding from local authorities? » can be a good idea, although I always prefer more concise titles.
• Introduction : introduces the topic and mentions the two options we are going to discuss in the following paragraphs. 
• Museums : Discusses the benefits of museums and the benefits of investing money in them. 
• Sports centres : Discusses the benefits of sports centres and the consequences of investing money in them. 
• Conclusion : In a very clear way, museums are seen as the ones that should receive the investment for certain reasons that are well justified. 
• Connectors: Connectors are used that clearly define the coherence and progression of the text.: on the one/other hand, in addition, ultimately, however, while, etc. 
• We do not use contractions or catch-all words.
• When it comes to
• comes to mind
• valuable cultural resource
• heritage 
• generating income
• engage in physical activity
• positive outlet for energy
• Grammar is also advanced (E.g.: Not only can…, but they also… )

In short, this is a good example of an Essay for CAE Writing. It should be noted, however, that this writing is written to simulate a strong C1 level, perhaps without necessarily going into a C2 level.

Will I be penalised if I write less than 220 or more than 260 words?

This is the most typical question in this part of the exam and the answer is: yes and no. Let me explain. The assessors won’t count the words and penalise you according to the number of words only. There is a rumour going around among students and teachers that for every 10 words they take away X points, but this is not true. However, if you have gone over 260 words by 50 or 100 words, or more, there is probably some content that is not relevant to the assignment, and that is penalised. Likewise, if you write less than 220 words, you are probably missing important information or you are not covering it in the detail required by the task instructions.

For this reason, I always recommend going over 20 words at most. That way you won’t lose points if your assignment covers the required topics and points. 🙂

The best guide for C1 Advanced Writing with examples and useful expressions

Although I will be publishing more articles explaining how to do each type of task for C1 Advanced, the best thing you can do to get plenty of information and practice is to buy the official KSE Academy guide to CAE Writing. In this guide you will find the following:

I hope you found this post useful. If you did, don’t forget to share with your friends and family. 🙂

I’ll see you in the next post. Until then, don’t forget to keep smiling! 

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Advanced (CAE) Writing Examples

Advanced exam preparation course books almost always include CAE writing examples at the back of the book. These pages are often the jewel of the book, packed with questions, model answers and tips for writing in different styles. Our writing course, Advanced Writing Plus , includes detailed activities and models for all parts of the C1 writing exam plus a writing bank. That writing bank is also available to download for a fraction of the price.

DOWNLOAD ADVANCED (CAE) WRITING BANK

ADVANCED WRITING PLUS

Types of writing in the Cambridge (CAE) exam

The Advanced exam includes two different writing tasks. Both parts are obligatory, but the types of writing are different for each part. You may have to write an essay, letter/email, report, review or proposal. One writing type which is curiously missing from the C1 level Cambridge exam is an article. Despite being included in all the other popular Cambridge main suite exams, there is no article in the CAE.

Advanced (CAE) Writing Part 1

This is the only type of writing for Part 1 of the writing paper, which means it’s especially important. Make sure you’ve practised over and over again to get it right. One nice thing about Cambridge exams is the format is reliable. You can explore common topics for C1 writing exams like environment or education and plug them in to the essay question. Just make sure your essay doesn’t come across as too canned!

Advanced (CAE) Writing Part 2

Letter / email.

Letter or emails can be either formal or informal, so make sure you’ve got practice writing both types. You may have to write a letter to friend, the editor of a newspaper, to apply for a job, to complain about a product or service, or even to your local city council.

The report is the most formal option in the exam, which can scare some people off, but also makes it one of the most accessible writings due to it’s semi-fixed structure and style.

Reviews can be for a variety of things such as books, films, concerts or experiences. You’ll need lots of colourful language to excel at writing reviews, but if you do it right, it can be one of the best options to show off your ability.

While similar to a report in structure and formality, a proposal has key differences. The goal is to convince your reader of your idea and get them to choose it over other proposals.

Download Advanced (CAE) Writing Examples

With the writing bank from Breakout English, you can see example answers to all the different types of writings. Use the checklists to analyse the language and content of the exam before giving the tasks a try yourself. Or try the tasks first then compare to the model answers.

Practise the Cambridge Advanced Writing exam with the Writing Bank. With the digital download, you’ll receive:

• Sample questions for all types of writing.
• Checklists to improve your writing.
• Sample answers to compare, analyse and replicate.

With Advanced Writing Plus, you’ll receive the writing bank, plus 160 pages of in-depth analysis of each writing in the Cambridge C1 Writing exam. Each section is organised to help you learn to write the way Cambridge wants you to write.

Proceeds from paid materials go towards helping Breakout English continue to offer the majority of our quality materials 100% free and accessible to teachers and learners of English. Thank you for your support!

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C1 Advanced (CAE) essay example

FOR LEARNERS

C1 Advanced Writing Part 1: Essay (220-260 words, 45 min approx.)

TASK: Your class has watched a panel discussion on the areas which have benefited from the internet. You have made the following notes:

Entertainment

• Social relationships

Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the areas in your notes. You should identify which area has benefited more from the internet, giving reasons for your choice.

Write your answer in 220 – 260 words in an appropriate style.

Task taken from Cambridge Write and Improve website. Link below. 

https://writeandimprove.com/workbooks#/wi-workbooks/bdc648bc-b760-4bac-98bc-161a95deff5e/tasks/62602255-69f6-4369-8224-48fc6013bd1d

Let’s analyse the task

The first thing when reading the task is to identify what two areas from the notes you are going to write about and choose the one that (in this case) has benefited more . Then, brainstorm some arguments .

While writing

For the introduction, try to rephrase the task and be as general on the topic as you can. Make sure to mention the two areas you have chosen to write about.

When writing the paragraphs don’t forget to include a Topic sentence . This sentence serves as an introduction of the paragraph. Then follow it by your arguments and reasons.  Here is a video explaining the whole process.

For the conclusion, repeat what you said before using other words and express your opinion clearly on which one area has benefited more from technology.

Here is my take on the task

Introduction.

There is no doubt that the new technologies have changed our lives. Education and entertainment can be identified as two main areas that have experienced a positive impact. 

First of all, schools have changed a lot since the Internet was introduced. They cater more to different learning styles using a wide range of media and tools such as interactive boards, tablets and Kahoot. Moreover, using technology in the classroom has proven to be more engaging than the old-fashioned blackboard. For instance, it results that students would readily write a text for a blog or a website rather than an essay. Last but not least, learners tend to do their homework more diligently if the task has to do with social media.

Another area that has changed for the better is entertainment. Streaming platforms such as Netflix have brought TV to our fingertips and made it incredibly cheap and easy to access. No more saving to go to the cinema or buy the latest DVD. Now you can Google almost anything and have it delivered or play it right away. What’s more, you can create your own content and monetise it as any aspiring You-tuber will tell you. 

In conclusion, the Internet and new inventions such as smartphones and tablets are shaping the way we consume information whether it is for work, studies or just fun. However, as far as I am concerned the field which has benefited the most is entertainment. It has become even more widespread than before and more and more people are spending their time and attention watching such content. 

Don’t memorise examples!

You can use example essays to get a feel of the style. Compare your ideas and organisation. Learn some phrases to use in your own writing. But don’t forget that we all have different writing styles and there isn’t one correct way of doing it. 

Still not confident about your writing?

Check out my other articles:

How to write an essay using a template

How to write a B2 First essay

Privacy Overview

• How to write a C1 Advanced Essay

• Posted on 26/02/2020
• Categories: Blog
• Tags: C1 Advanced , Cambridge Exams , Writing

The Cambridge C1 Advanced is an excellent qualification to aim for if you’re thinking of studying or working abroad. It’s recognised by universities and governments all over the world and also helps you prove your language skills to future employers.

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’t come naturally… especially in another language.

So, to give you the best chance at success, we’ve created this in-depth guide full of Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing tips and useful language to get you producing excellent essays in no time.

So, pick up your pen, and let’s get started!

If you’d like to get more help with the C1 Advanced, consider our exam preparation class!

C1 Advanced Writing Requirements

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!

Part 1 is always a discursive essay . It requires you to think about arguments for and against a topic.

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

Today, we’ll be looking at how to do your best in part 1.

Before you begin

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.

Let’s take a look at an example question!

Remember, you don’t have to use the opinions expressed in the box, but they may help you to get the ball rolling . Also, you only have to talk about two of the options given, not all three.

Make a plan

Take ten minutes to lay out your ideas. Make a pros and cons list for each of the three options and then decide which two you feel most confident with. Here’s some things you might come up with, can you think of any more?

Structure your essay

The essence of a good essay is a clear structure.

Introduction

Here you want to introduce the topic in your own words. Your first line should also grab the reader’s attention, then you should paraphrase the question. Finally, try using a statistic or a rhetorical question. This will make them want to read on, right?

Paragraph 1

Discuss the first option you’ve 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.

Paragraph 2

Here’s 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.

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 .

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’t play it too safe . This is your opportunity to show what you can do, so take some risks and have fun with it!

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 .

No one likes a broken record . 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:

advantage = benefit, positive, upside

disadvantage = downside, drawback

effect = influence, impact, result, outcome

problem = issue, challenge, difficulty, obstacle, setback, complication

important = valuable, essential, beneficial

expensive = costly, dear, high-priced, extortionate

cheap = inexpensive, affordable, economical

big = great, large, sizeable, considerable, wide, vast

small = slight, tiny, little

Quick tip: Visit Thesaurus.com to study more synonyms!

Experiment with different grammatical forms. At this level you’re expected to have a good grasp 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…

• Participle clauses
• Conditionals
• Modal verbs
• Passive with reporting verbs
• Cleft sentences
• Comparatives
• Relative clauses

Useful expressions

To make your essay flow it’s best to use some key phrases. These will link all your ideas together, and help it sound semi-formal. Take a look at the expressions below. Why not use some in your next essay?

Introduction:

It is often said that…

Many people feel that…

We live in an age when..

More and more…

Introducing & Addition:

Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

On the one hand…

In addition…

What is more…

For example…

For instance…

As a case in point…

Contrasting:

In contrast…

On the other hand…

Alternatively…

However…

Conclusion:

All things considered…

As far as I’m concerned…

In light of the above…

What the examiners are looking for

When writing your essay, bear in mind what you’ll be marked on:

Have you answered all parts of the question? Is everything relevant to the question?

Communicative Achievement

Is the style and tone appropriate? Remember it should be semi-formal and neutral.

Organisation

Does it follow a logical order? Have you used paragraphs and linking devices?

Are you using a variety of grammar and vocabulary? Is it accurate?

Now your masterpiece has come together. Remember to take time to check your work. Here’s the official Writing Checklist from Cambridge Assessment English . And our list of the most common mistakes:

• subject + verb agreement
• singulars / plurals
• question formation
• variety of tenses
• dependent prepositions

Some final tips

Avoid contractions (I’m, they’re, we’re) as this is a formal writing.

Don’t use first person pronouns (I, my, our, us).

Practise under timed conditions.

Use model answers to practise fixed expressions.

——

Looking for more help with your Cambridge C1 Advanced exam? Here are our other guides from our blog:

C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English – Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3

And if you are not sure if you’re ready for the C1 Advanced, check out our article Am I ready for the C1 Advanced exam? to find out!

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Get the ball rolling (exp) : to start something.

Lay out (v): to explain something in detail.

Paraphrase (v): to say the same thing in a different way.

Tie-up any loose ends (exp): to resolve issues.

Play it safe (exp): to act cautiously.

A broken record (exp): when someone repeats themself.

Sparkle (v) : to shine.

Good grasp (exp): a good knowledge.

Bear in mind (exp) : to consider.

Masterpiece (n): an incredible work of art.

exp = expression

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CAE Writing Examples

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Home / IELTS, CAE, FCE Writing Samples

IELTS, CAE, FCE Writing Samples

IELTS Writing samples with commentaries can be found below. We provide comprehensive analysis of your mistakes, give recommendations and share relevant links to help you improve your writing score.

Below are IELTS, CAE and FCE writing samples submitted by users.

The writing examples below are written by students just like you. The best way to master CAE and IELTS writing is to practice and to learn from mistakes (yours and those of others).

Essay Examples:

Ielts writing task 2.

Corporate sponsorship in sports Increasing crime levels 21st Century Extreme Sports Practical skills and knowledge Difference in Salaries Second-hand goods Video Games and Children Nowadays Buying New or Repairing Old Job Application and the Elderly Wealth and Technology Children with Disabilities Vegetarianism Art or Sports? Socially Responsible Businesses Children’s Choice Technology and Communication Danger of Extreme Sports 21st Century Optimism Children and Responsibilities Online Learning Science in Schools Roads or Railways Online Education Driving Age Culture Against Technology Writing Letters Society and its Attitude to Consumption High Salaries Corporate Sponsorship History as a Subject Art and Music Stressed young people Stressed young people (#2)

CAE Writing

CAE Writing Part 1: Preparing for Working Life CAE Writing Part 1: Preparing for Working Life II CAE Writing Part 1: Time Abroad CAE Writing Part 1: Time Abroad II CAE Writing Part 1: Helping Immigrants CAE Writing Part 1: Helping Immigrants II CAE Writing Part 1: Helping Immigrants III CAE Writing Part 1: Life and Technology CAE Writing Part 1: Money from Authorities CAE Proposal: Flexible Working Day CAE Proposal: Preserving the Old Academy Building CAE Proposal: Hobby Club CAE Essay: Technology in Our Life CAE Essay: Living in Cities

FCE Writing

FCE Writing Part 1: Teenagers and Free Time FCE Writing Part 2 (Article): Photographs Private: FCE Writing Part 2 (Review): Devices

IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Diagram: Wave Energy

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Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

Related Articles

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

• It starts with the relevant title and purpose of the proposal.
• The main content should be divided into sections with a headings and describe a situation (h ere you can include some imaginary questionnaires or surveys that you have carried out to prove your point.)
• It ends with recommendations which are going to persuade the reader and try to prove that you are right.

This may already seem familiar to you because it is quite similar to report writing in C1 Advanced CAE however, there’s one major difference:

Reports – are always written about something that happened in the past for example a survey that you’ve conducted or an excursion that you went on or some kind of panel discussion that you’ve visited.

Proposals – on the other hand, always deal with something in the present/future . The focus of a proposal is always on evaluating a situation as well as making a suggestion or recommendation for the future.

Read more about proposal vs report

C1 Advanced (CAE) Proposal: Structure

See structures based on real examples

FCE, CAE, CPE

Practice tests online, c1 advanced (cae) proposal: writing guide.

We will use the example topic below:

There are plans to demolish an old and unused building in the town where you are student. You feel that the building should be saved. You decide to write a proposal for the town council explaining why you think the building should be preserved, suggesting what could be done to modernise it and saying how the building could benefit the local people. 

Write your  proposal (around 220 – 260  words)

Step 1: Find the topic points & topic

The first question you should ask yourself is what topic do I have to write about in your proposal? Knowing the topic always gives you a general idea as well as some inspiration for possible vocabulary that you might want to include in your text.

The second question should be what exactly do I have to include in my text?   Here we try to filter out the specific topic points  which we need to address in our writing.

There are plans to demolish an old and unused building in the town where you are student. You feel that the building should be saved . (topic: old building that the city wants to demolish and you want to save it ) You decide to write a proposal for the town council (target reader) explaining why you think the building should be preserved, (topic point) suggesting what could be done to modernise (topic point) it and saying how the building could benefit the local people.   (topic point)

Topic: old building that the city wants to demolish and you want to save it

Main key points:

• why you think the building should be preserved,
• what could be done to modernise
• how the building could benefit the local people.

Finally, you should always check who’s going to read your text knowing the reader helps you choose the most appropriate style and register in our example we are writing to the city council as these people are city officials we should use a formal style for our proposal.

Target reader: town council

As soon as we’ve analyzed the task and extracted all the information that we need we can start building our structure and writing a proposal.

Practice, Write & Improve

Step 2: title + introduction.

The title doesn’t have to be anything special but it is important that you include one as this is a typical feature of a proposal and it could be something like:

• Proposal to …….   and then you write the topic of what you’re reporting.
• or you can write the topic and end it with phrase  : a proposal

in this way, the title will have an appropriately formal connotation. See both examples below: Title: Proposal to modernise the old brewery Title: Old brewery modernisation : a proposal

The introduction must contain three main things that you should include:

• purpose of your proposal in which you should explain your purpose for writing The proposal is intended to…..
•  you should restate the topic of the task (see step 1) 
• The three main key points  that you discovered   (see step 1)

See sample introduction & title:

Title: Old brewery modernisation: a proposal

This proposal is intended to (appropriate beginning)   outline why the old brewery on ABC Street should not be demolished (topic)  and is worth protecting, (point 1) how it could be turned into a valuable asset (point 2)  for the town and in what ways it could be of use (point 3) for the residents of the town.

TIP : Note that a proposal is written in the future tense or with reference to the future in that it differs from a report.

Step 3: The body paragraphs (main content) 

Group your ideas under headings for each section of your proposal. Remember to answer all the questions that you were asked (see step 1)  You’re going to use some formal or semi-formal language and also some passive structures such as “it is advisable that..” or  “it is recommended that….”

Main key points  (see step 1):

See the example main content below, with additional annotations you may find useful:

The brewery as an opportunity. – add headings/simple, informative, formal The old brewery building with its central location at ABC Street and unique architecture is still considered a focal point of the town centre by the vast majority of people. While it has not been in use for some years, It has great sentimental value as indicated in conversations with local residents . Therefore , it would be an unrecoverable loss to demolish the building when there are other possibilities for using the facility.

[describes first point – why the building should be preserved,]

Modernization – add headings/simple, informative, formal According to city conservators, (rely on sources, stats and experts) the modernisation of a building this old can be a challenge as everything from the ground up needs renovation.  However , some local architects would be willing to work together and develop a design that takes into account the financial constraints of the public budget as well as environmental factors. To illustrate, the initial estimated costs for modernization are $300,000 and 6 months (add figures) of construction and design works.

It is strongly recommended (use passive voice) to turn the brewery into a co-working space so the rent will offset 15-20% of the costs in order to give the town a modern touch on a historic site.

[describes first point – what could be done to modernise]

Future benefits – add headings/simple, informative, formal Considering all of the above , if the following suggestions were taken , (use conditionals) there would be great benefits for everybody involved. Moreover , the town would create another source of income, the space would attract creative professionals and not only would it benefit them, but local residents would also be able to keep their brewery in the town centre.

[describes third point – how the building could benefit the local people.]

                  – statistics, details, relevant detailed information, sources of information

                   – persuasive language

                    – transitional words, expressions and conjunctions, which link the sentences and make the text more fluid

Step 5: Final recommendations

In the last section/paragraph of your proposal, we need to conclude our proposal and make our final suggestions (after all that’s the main reason for writing the proposal). Make sure that you include your final suggestions in this last paragraph as well as some persuasive language.

Conclusion – add a  hea ding  All things considered, the benefits and needs of the inhabitants speak for the preservation of the brewery and its modernization into a co-working space. On behalf of the residents, I strongly urge the council to consider this proposal.                    – persuasive language

See full proposal…

Full proposal.

Old brewery modernisation: a proposal

This proposal is intended to  outline why the old brewery on ABC Street should not be demolished and is worth protecting, how it could be turned into a valuable asset for the town and in what ways it could be of use for the residents of the town.

The brewery as an opportunity. The old brewery building with its central location at ABC Street and unique architecture is still considered a focal point of the town centre by the vast majority of people. While it has not been in use for some years, It has great sentimental value as indicated in conversations with local residents. Therefore, it would be an unrecoverable loss to demolish the building when there are other possibilities for using the facility.

Modernization According to city conservators, the modernisation of a building this old can be a challenge as everything from the ground up needs renovation. However, some local architects would be willing to work together and develop a design that takes into account the financial constraints of the public budget as well as environmental factors. To illustrate, the initial estimated costs for modernization are $300,000 and 6 months of construction and design works.

It is strongly recommended to turn the brewery into a co-working space so the rent will offset 15-20% of the costs in order to give the town a modern touch on a historic site.

Future benefits Considering all of the above, if the following suggestions were taken, there would be great benefits for everybody involved. Moreover, the town would create another source of income, the space would attract creative professionals and not only would it benefit them, but local residents would also be able to keep their brewery in the town centre.

Submit your (CAE) Proposal for review

C1 advanced (cae) proposal: sample answers, cae proposal sample 1, proposal subject:.

Language students – let us improve what we do for you! Unfortunately, we can’t spend much money, but we’d like to improve what we provide for our language students. Submit proposals to us explaining what is useful about the current facilities we provide, describe any problems you have with them and make recommendations for how we can improve them, giving reasons to support your ideas.

Student’s CAE Proposal Answer:

How to improve the quality of language classes: a proposal

The principal objectives of this proposal are to  describe the current state of language teaching at the Pennsylvania State University, identify areas for improvement, and offer recommendations on exactly what improvements can be achieved.

Current situation

At the present moment, Penn State offers courses of several languages on three different levels. One can study modern languages such as French, German, Italian Russian as a beginner, intermediate or upper-intermediate student.

Following a final year survey among students taking language courses, the following areas for improvement can be highlighted:

1. the number of languages in offer: undoubtedly narrow and restricted to European languages; 2. the structure of the courses is flat: no advanced level 3. little innovation in the language methods utilized: simple, old-fashioned grammar-translation method still reigns supreme.

Recommendations

It is vital to address the issues raised in the student survey. Therefore, the following actions ought to be performed with a view to improving the quality of the courses and their reception:

A. The offer should be increased to include other widely-spoken languages, especially non-European ones, such as Chinese, Arabic and Hindi. These languages are real challenges for the speakers of European languages.

B. It is advisable to expand the course options by offering lessons for advanced students. Only comprehensive offer can motivate students to immerse themselves in language learning.

C. Last but not least, some variety needs to be introduced into the array of teaching methods available to students, e.g. online multimedia lessons. The best method of language learning is using many various methods.

All of these measures, if promptly implemented, are surely going to increase student satisfaction in the area of language courses.

Get Your (CAE) Proposal Checked!

Cae proposal sample 2.

You go to a university that has a high amount of international students and you have realised that the website is not up to scratch. Write a proposal for the University Dean about how it could be improved.

Student’s CAE Proposal Answer:

This proposal is aimed at outlining the way in which the university website could be improved so that it is more user friendly for international students. It will suggest what improvements can be made and also set out how this would benefit the students themselves.

Problems with using the site

A recent study into how easy it is to get around the site has revealed that 70% of students whose second language is English find it difficult to find specific information about their courses. Because of the language barrier, they find it hard to make their search terms clear and this has become a cause for concern. Translating the site is not an option and this can be a big problem, especially at the beginning of the academic year.

Ways the site could address these issues

It has been well documented that the university website has neither a site map nor an introduction video to help novice students to find their way around it. It would make a huge difference if there were some simple instructions to indicate where to find information. It is a delicate balance as we, of course, want international students to learn English, but also want them to navigate the site with ease.

I would like to make the following recommendations:

• Invite students who are starting out at the university to a quick and informative seminar to demonstrate how to use the site.
• Provide language help and some useful resources for language learning and assistance.
• Provide a survival pack for students to take with them and know how to combat technological issues.

If these recommendations are in place, young people are bound to feel more prepared for their experience and take full advantage of this unique experience.

C1 Advanced (CAE) Proposal: Writing Questions

Proposal question 1.

There are plans to demolish an old and unused building in the town where you are a student. You feel that the building should be saved. You decide to write a proposal for the town council explaining why you think the building should be preserved, suggesting what could be done to modernise it and saying how the building could benefit the local people.

Proposal Question 2

Your college currently doesn’t provide enough support for students planning to spend time studying in another country. You see this notice in the library.

The college is planning to introduce a special course for students planning to spend time studying in-country. The college principal invites students to send a proposal outlining any problems students may face when studying abroad and suggesting ways in which the course could address these problems. A decision can then be made about what to include on the course.

Proposal Question 3

Students at your college have to give a spoken presentation as part of their final assessment and need some help. The school director has invited you to send a proposal outlining any problems students have with presentations and suggesting how these problems could be overcome.

Proposal Question 4

The company you work for is considering the idea of a flexible working day, where staff are able to vary their starting and finishing time. The manager of your department has asked you to write a proposal explaining why introducing a flexible working day could benefit both the company and its employees. You should also suggest how a flexible working day could operate in your own department.

C1 Advanced (CAE) Proposal: Proposal vs Report

Difference between proposal and report.

Proposals are often structured in a similar way to reports. But it’s very important that we make the distinction between the two as you can see from the pictures below.

Report (present/past)

If we follow the sequence here, a report is about something that has already happened and the function of the report is to communicate the information from the past , via you to a superior boss teacher member of the local council.

Proposal (future)

A proposal takes a slightly different sequence, in the sense that, you are going to your superio r directly to suggest something that could have in the future.

Looks quite simple in theory but we have to bear in mind that the use of language for this will be completely different:

• If you’re writing a report quite often you’re going to be using past tenses or present tenses as well as many passive forms
• for a proposal , you’re going to be looking at future tenses and conditionals , as well as a lot of modal verbs (could, would) and some passive forms

Although the difference is not huge the use of language will have to be completely different with respect to the tenses.

C1 Advanced (CAE) Proposal: Structure / Real Examples

Below are presented examples of proposal structure based on real exam tasks.

Example task 1:

As always we start by analyzing the task and finding the things we  have to do in this case there are two:

Write a proposal for your college principal in which you ask for support to travel (support needed) to another country for an internship. Explain what you would like from the college, and why would it be of benefit. (your expectations – > personal growth)

based on these two points, we can create this type of structure:

Introduction The aim of this proposal is to request assistance regarding an internship programme I am interested in.

Support needed Comment on the first element…

Personal growth Comment on the second element…

Conclusion Having outlined needs and reasons, I am sure that…

Example task 2:

Again we start by analyzing the task and finding the things we have to do in this case suggest several places and provide recommendations:

You study at an international college in your country. Your history teacher is planning a one-day study trip (a trip) for your class and has asked the students for suggestions. Write a proposal considering two or three different places (provide places) for history students to visit in the area and recommend which one of these (add recommendation) places would be preferable for a one-day study visit. 

based on this short analysis, we can create this type of structure:

Introduction The aim of this proposal is to …

Place 1 Comment on the first element…

Place 2 Comment on the second element…

Place 3 Comment on the third element…

Recommendation Having outlined the example locations…

Example task 3:

You read the following announcement in your local newspaper.  There is a 200 m X 200 m piece of land in the centre of our town that can be redeveloped. What do you think this piece of land should be used for? (give development ideas) How will it benefit the people of our town and what other advantages will it bring? (provide benefits and advantages) Send in your proposals to us and we will present the best ones to the town council for consideration. 

Redevelopment ideas Comment on the first idea…

Comment on the second idea…

Benefits and Advantages Comment on benefits…

Conclusion Having provided the above…

C1 Advanced (CAE) Proposal: Writing Checklist

After writing your text, you can check it yourself using the writing checklist below.

How to do that? Simply check your text/email by answering the questions one by one:

• Have I covered all the key information required by the task?
• Have I written only information which is relevant to the task?
• Have I developed the basic points in the task with my own ideas?

Communicative Achievement

• Have I achieved the main purpose(s) of the text (for example, explaining, persuading, suggesting, apologising, comparing, etc.)?
• Have I used a suitable mix of fact and opinion?
• Have I used a suitable style and register (formal or informal) for the task?

Organisation

• Have I used paragraphs appropriately to organise my ideas?
• Have I used other organisational features appropriately for the genre of the text (for example, titles, headings, openings, closings, etc.)?
• Is the connection between my ideas clear and easy for the reader to follow? (For example, have I used appropriate linking words, pronouns, etc. to refer to different things within the text?)
• Are the ideas balanced appropriately, with suitable attention and space given to each one?
• Have I used a wide range of vocabulary?
• Have I avoided repeating the same words and phrases?
• Have I used a range of simple and more complex grammatical structures?
• Have I correctly used any common phrases which are relevant to the specific task or topic?
• Is my use of grammar accurate?
• Is my spelling accurate?

More than Practice Tests

C1 advanced (cae) proposal: things to focus on, c1 advanced (cae) proposal: useful phrases & expressions .

Stating the purpose of the proposal

The principal objectives of this proposal are to The objective of this proposal is to… The purpose of this proposal is to examine / evaluate / explain / describe / analyse / present… This proposal aims to…

Rhetorical phrases:

Have you ever ……..? What do you think about ……..? Are you one of those people who thinks that ……? Are you one of those people who …….? What would life be like if ……? Will the future bring us ….. ?

Background information

At the present moment,… Comments made at the end of the questionnaires suggest… Following a survey among… Concerned members of the local community were invited to attend… A number of concerns with regard to XYZ were expressed by… The following areas for improvement can be highlighted

Introducing your first point:

Firstly In the first place First of all The first thing to consider is One thing to consider is To begin with

Introducing more points:

Secondly Another consideration Yet another consideration Another thing to consider is Added to that Apart from that In addition to this

Making recommendations and suggestions

A working group should be set up by… There should be an enquiry into… It would be advantageous to… It is recommended that… I recommend that a larger survey should be conducted before a final decision is reached…

Final recommendations

Implementation of the above ideas would result in… A working group should be set up by… There should be an enquiry into… I recommend that a larger survey should be conducted before a final decision is reached… The following actions ought to be performed with a view to (improving the quality of…)

C1 Advanced (CAE) Proposal: People also ask

What is a cae proposal.

This is one of the elective exam questions appearing in the second part of the C1 Advanced (CAE ) Cambridge English Language writing section of the exam.

It is usually a text written for club members, or for a boss or a college principal , which takes the form of a document whose purpose is to convince the target reader of the rightness of some action in the future. It could be a particular project or event.

Scroll to the top of the article to read more…

How do I write a proposal for CAE?

• Begin by stating the purpose of your proposal.
• Use an impersonal, semi-formal style.
• Use a clear layout with headings.
• Express opinions and make recommendations in the last section of your proposal.
• Include a final sentence summarising your opinion.

What is the difference between a CAE proposal and report?

Reports – are always written about something that happened in the past for example a survey that you’ve conducted or an excursion that you went on or some kind of panel discussion that you’ve visited.

Proposals – on the other hand, always deal with something in the present/future. The focus of a proposal is always on evaluating a situation as well as making a suggestion or recommendation for the future.

What is a proposal Cambridge?

It is one of the exam questions appearing in the second part of the Cambridge English Language writing section of the exam.

Would you pass C1 Advanced (CAE)?