Writing for some people is enjoyable, however, other people find it a challenge. This exam is no different. Together we are going to take a look through the exam and the writing styles with useful tips provided along the way to help you to produce the perfect writing and gain the best mark.

STRUCTURE

For this exam, there are 2 parts in total that are needed to be completed. Part one is always an email, normally to a friend but could also be to a person of higher status. 

For part 2, you have a choice between 2 options. You can choose either to write a story or an article. Both require a very different style of writing and vocabulary along with the structure. Be sure to practice each type and find out which one you feel more comfortable writing.

You will be given a prompt that you are required to reply to. All writings should be clear and organised, and the questions must be fully answered with an appropriate response. Generally, you should use informal language.

THE TYPES OF WRITING

There are 3 types of writing in total. Knowing how to prepare each writing is key to scoring the best marks you can. All writings should be clear and easy to read while answering the question. 

I am now going to explain the 3 writing styles in more details while giving you tips on how to approach each writing and what is needed.

PART 1 - E-MAIL

When writing an email, considered your ‘Writing’ voice, you should sound friendly. When it comes to structuring, think about these 5 steps:

  1. Greetings – Hi……..
  2. Introduction – I am writing……….
  3. Main body – Expand your points
  4. Closing sentence – Well, that’s all for now. Don’t take too long to reply,
  5. Send off – See you soon, Mike

 

These step will help produce a good email. You can also ask questions in the closing sentence to make the writing more interactive. Also, read carefully and identify the task so you know what to write about in the email.

Make sure your writing is clear and organised by leaving gaps between each paragraph, You should also remember to use a comma (,) at the end of your greetings and the send off (Before you write your name).

PART 2

Remember that in part 2, you can choose which writing you want to do (You only need to answer one). Question 2 will be to write an article while question 3 will be a story.

WRITING A STORY

If you decide to write a story, try to be creative and use the wide range of vocabulary. The story needs to be interesting. Think about how stories like Harry Potter for example are written.

‘I was walking on the streets and I saw a shirt I liked, so I went into the shop to try it on. But it was too small so I didn’t buy it.’

                       Is this interesting?…….NO! So try to be more adventurous.

THERE ARE 4 STEPS YOU SHOULD COSIDER WITH THE STRUCTURE

TITLE

Every great story has a title.

SHORT INTRODUCTION

Beggining of the story. Introduce the characters and settings.

MAIN PART

What happens?

CONCLUSION

What happened at the end.

You should complete the story so the reader knows how it ends. In the introduction, think about how to create a picture in the reader’s mind. 

You can do this by using adjectives like:

  • He was a tall handsome man…
  • We walked into a freezing dark room…
  • I am normally an easy going person but at this moment…

Other ideas you should use are: 

  • Using time phrases – Meanwhile, after, moments later.
  • Creating suspense – Suddenly, out of the blue

And grammar:

  • Direct speech – She said ‘’I’m…’’, We screamed ‘’Get out!’’
  • Use past tense – I was getting my coat when…, The cat jumped onto the table….

WRITING AN ARTICLE

Now with an article, think about where to would find an article?

Magazines, the internet, newspaper….so keep that in mind when writing. The writing should come across interesting and appealing. You will generally be asked to write about an event or an activity and express your opinion about the situation.

When it comes to organisation, consider these 4 steps: 

  1. Title.
  2. General introduction.
  3. Answer the question.
  4. Conclusion.

Things to add to score the best marks for your article includes: 

  • Asking a question in either the introduction or conclusion – Have you ever….? Will you make the same mistake as I did?
  • Speak directly to the reader to make it feel more personal.
  • Add personal experience and give advice to the reader.
  • Use interesting vocabulary and descriptive adjectives.

 

FINAL TIPS FOR ALL WRITINGS

  1. Informal writing so you can use contractions.
  2. Using phrasal verbs will help you score higher marks.
  3. Linking words to help you connect up your ideas.
  4. Spend 2-3 minute before writing to brainstorm some ideas together.
  5. It’s important that your writing is visually appealing so use gaps to separate each paragraph.
  6. Write with a smile.

SCORING

You are going to marked by the following criteria:

  • Content
  • Communitive achievement
  • Language
  • Structure

When the exam has finished, your score will be scaled and added to the rest of the Cambridge exam scores. Your overall average scale will determine which level you have achieved.

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS

Feel like you need to practice some exercises? Or want to try out the other parts of the exam?

COURSE BOOKS:

 

EXAM PREPARATIONS:

 
 

If you need help or you just have some questions about the exam, feel free to contact us. Good luck with your exam!

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