ADVANCED Writing Test Part 2 Part 2 Choice

ADVANCED Writing Test Part 2

Part 2: Choice of text types You have a choice of task. The tasks provide a clear context, topic, purpose and target reader for your writing. The output text types are: • • a a letter or email proposal report review Number of words: 220 -260

Language for informal letters or emails Apologising Responding to an invitation I’m terribly/ awfully sorry about. . . Sorry I couldn’t /didn’t manage to. . . Inviting How about meeting up for. . . some time? Why don’t we try to get together some time soon? I was wondering if you’d like to get together with the rest of us the next time you are in town. Thanks very much for inviting us to your party. We’re really looking forward to it. I was really excited when I got your invitation. Unfortunately, I’ve realised it’s the same weekend as my cousin’s wedding so I won’t be able to make it / it doesn’t look as if I’m going to make it.

Language for informal letters or emails Making a request Ending the letter I was wondering if you happened to know anywhere we could stay. I think that’s all my news for the moment. Do write soon and let me know what you’ve been doing. If you’ve got a spare moment, do you think you could find out when the music festival is on this year? Once again, thanks very much for being so nice to. . . Can’t wait to see you on. . . in. . . Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to. . . from me. Give my love to. . . Speak to you soon.

Language formal letters or emails Stating the circumstance Introducing points I am writing with regard/ with reference to. . . Firstly/To begin with/Moreover/ Furthermore/In addition I am writing to express my concern about/ disappointment with/ disapproval of / apologies for. . . Finally (I feel) I must also (dis)agree with. . . I would like to draw your attention to/ point out certain inaccuracies. . . I should also like to point out that. . . According to your article / Your article states that. . . However, . . .

Language formal letters or emails Listing complaints My most serious complaint is. . . Not only. . . but also. . . If this were not enough. . . Request for action I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would. . . It seems only fair that you should. . . Unless you. . . , I have no choice but to. . . Otherwise, I will be forced to. . . I trust/very much hope that you will. . .

Proposal vs. Report The layout and format of a proposal can be very similar to that of a report. A report is usually based on an event or situation that has happened or already exists. A proposal tends to be based on a future situation or plan and is more forward looking. The recommendations section is the most important part of a proposal.

Language for proposals Stating the purpose of the proposal In this proposal, I will describe / evaluate / present / assess. . . This proposal is for. . . Background information Feedback from students’ questionnaires suggests. . . Following a survey among college graduates. . . Interested parties were invited to attend. . . There were several issues arising from the last event, which was not a success. . .

Language for proposals Making recommendations and suggestions A focus group should be set up by. . . There should be an investigation into. . . I recommend that a new centre be established. . . Final recommendation In the light of the results of the survey / questionnaire, the introduction of a small fee would seem to be the best choice / option / solution. If these recommendations are followed, then the situation will be greatly improved. If these suggestions are implemented, there will be a marked improvement in the situation.

Language for reports Stating the purpose of the report The aim/purpose of this report is to describe / evaluate / present … In this report, I will describe. . . This report provides a description. . . Describing how you got your information I spoke to / interviewed several members of staff. . . Members of the local police force answered a questionnaire. . . I visited three hotels: the Maritima. . . I conducted a survey among college graduates. . . Car owners were invited to attend a focus group. . .

Language for reports Reporting your results Most people said / expressed the opinion that. . . According to. . . A high / small / significant proportion of those surveyed / respondents said that. . . 25% of the students. . . A small number felt that. . . Presenting a list The points in favour/ against introducing. . . can be summarised as follows: . . . 1. . . 2. . . The following reasons were given for (lack of attendance) firstly. . . , secondly, . . . Arguments put forward in favour of / against (the introduction of a local television channel) were: 1. . . 2. . . There a number of ways in which facilities could be improved: 1. . . 2. . .

Language for reports Making recommendations In the light of the results of the survey / questionnaire, the introduction of a small fee would seem to be the best choice / option / solution. I would recommend, therefore, the purchase of. . . My recommendations are as follows. . .

Language for reviews Commenting critically. . . provides a fascinating / valuable / revealing insight into. . . I found the plot rather predictable / disappointing. The acting is very impressive / convincing. She gives a compelling / memorable performance as. . . One particular strength / weakness of the film / book is. . . The design / characterization / production is second to none / is not its best feature.

Language for reviews Encouraging others (not) to read / watch / listen Don’t be put off by the title / critics / cover. It will have you roaring with laughter / rushing out to buy the sequel. It is a definite must-see. I would definitely give it a miss. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in. . . I would strongly advise you (not) to go out and buy / see it.

Sources: CAE Gold plus, Ready for CAE, Spotlight on CAE, Handbook 2015