C1 Advanced Writing

The Writing Paper, decoded

Everything you need for the C1 Advanced Writing exam: task formats, model answers, the official assessment rubric, and timed practice with self-marking.

90 min 2 parts 440–520 words total 4 assessment criteria

What you'll be asked to do

The Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing paper takes 90 minutes and is split into two parts. You must complete both. Each part is worth 20 marks (40 total) and the two carry equal weight in your final Writing score.

90Minutes
2Parts
40Marks
20%Of exam

Discursive essay

You're given a topic with two opinions (from a class discussion) and three content points. You must choose two of the three and write an essay explaining which is more important.

  • Length: 220–260 words
  • Register: formal / neutral
  • Focus: developed argument with reasons and examples

Pick from four task types

You're given three options from the four below. Each has its own context, reader and register.

Letter / Email

Formal, clear purpose

Proposal

Persuade with headings

Report

Inform and recommend

Review

Evaluate and recommend

All Part 2 tasks: 220–260 words.

How to manage the 90 minutes

  • Part 1 — 45 min: 5 planning, 30 writing, 10 checking.
  • Part 2 — 45 min: 5 choosing and planning, 30 writing, 10 checking.
  • Always plan before you write — examiners reward clear organisation, and unplanned essays drift.
  • Word count matters: under-length loses Content marks; massively over-length suggests poor control.

The discursive essay

You'll see a topic introduced as a class or panel discussion, along with two short opinions (often from named speakers) and three content points. You must choose two of the three content points and write an essay explaining which you think is more important and why, using your own ideas and supporting arguments.

Formal Neutral discursive

What examiners want to see

  • Two of the three content points discussed in depth — don't try to cover all three superficially
  • A clear opinion on which is more important, supported by developed reasoning
  • Your own ideas — you may use the given opinions but must go beyond them
  • A formal/neutral register maintained throughout
  • Sophisticated linking and paragraph structure
  • A range of C1-level vocabulary and grammar — complex structures, not just accuracy

Suggested structure

  1. Introduction (30–40 words): introduce the topic, signal the two points you'll discuss.
  2. Body 1 (60–80 words): first content point — develop with reasons and examples.
  3. Body 2 (60–80 words): second content point — develop and compare with the first.
  4. Conclusion (40–50 words): state which is more important and why, drawing the argument together.

Four paragraphs is the safest structure. Some candidates manage three, but only if both body points are tightly integrated.

Sample task

Topic: Your class has attended a panel discussion on facilities which should receive money from local authorities. You have made the notes below.

Which facilities should local authorities spend money on?

  • libraries
  • sports centres
  • public parks

Some opinions expressed in the discussion:

"Libraries are outdated — everyone uses the internet now."
"Sports centres help people stay healthy, which saves the government money in the long run."

Write an essay discussing two of the facilities in your notes. You should explain which facility it is more important for local authorities to give money to, giving reasons in support of your answer.

Write your essay in 220–260 words.

Model answer — band 5

Local authorities face difficult decisions about how to allocate limited funding, and the debate over which facilities deserve priority is far from straightforward. In this essay, I will consider the merits of investing in libraries and sports centres, and argue that the former deserves greater support.

It is true that sports centres contribute to public health, and the argument that a healthier population reduces long-term healthcare costs is a compelling one. Regular exercise has well-documented benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, and subsidised facilities make fitness accessible to people who might otherwise be priced out of private gyms. However, there is a tendency to overstate how many people actually use public sports centres regularly, and commercial alternatives often fill this gap adequately.

Libraries, by contrast, serve a far wider range of functions than their critics acknowledge. Far from being rendered obsolete by the internet, they have adapted to become community hubs offering digital literacy classes, employment support, and safe study spaces. For many people — particularly the elderly, the unemployed, and families on low incomes — the library is one of very few free public resources available to them. Closing or underfunding libraries disproportionately affects those who can least afford to lose them.

In conclusion, while both facilities have clear value, I believe libraries should be the higher priority. Their reach extends beyond any single demographic, and the services they provide are increasingly difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Word count: 237. Formal register, four-paragraph structure, two content points discussed in depth, clear opinion with developed reasoning, C1-level vocabulary and complex grammar.

Useful language for Part 1

Introducing the topic
  • The question of whether… is one that deserves careful consideration.
  • In recent years, the debate over… has intensified.
  • It is widely acknowledged that…
  • Few topics provoke as much discussion as…
Developing arguments
  • A compelling case can be made for…
  • It is often argued that…, and there is considerable truth in this.
  • From a practical standpoint, …
  • What is perhaps more significant is that…
Contrasting & conceding
  • While there is some merit in this view, it overlooks…
  • Compelling as this argument may seem, …
  • That said, it would be unwise to dismiss…
  • Nevertheless, the evidence suggests that…
Concluding
  • On balance, I would argue that…
  • Taking all factors into consideration, …
  • In light of the arguments presented above, …
  • Ultimately, the more persuasive case is for…

Choose one task from three

The exam offers three of the four task types below. Read all three carefully before choosing — pick the one whose context, reader and register you can handle most confidently, not just the one with the most familiar topic.

Letter / Email

Formal

C1 letters and emails are almost always formal: written to an editor, an employer, a college principal, or an organisation. They have a clear purpose — to apply, complain, propose, respond, or request. At C1 level, you are expected to develop your points with evidence and reasoning, not just state them.

What examiners want to see

  • The purpose stated clearly in the opening
  • Consistent formal register — no contractions, no idioms, no chattiness
  • Developed arguments or explanations — not just a list of points
  • Logical paragraph progression
  • An appropriate opening and closing

Suggested structure

  1. Opening: Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Mr/Ms + name. State purpose immediately.
  2. Body (2–3 paragraphs): develop each point with reasoning or evidence.
  3. Closing: summarise your request or position. Sign off formally.

Sample task

You have read a newspaper article claiming that university degrees are no longer worth the investment. You feel strongly that the article gives a one-sided view. Write a letter to the editor, explaining why you disagree and giving reasons to support your position.

Write your letter in 220–260 words. Do not include postal addresses.

Model answer — band 5

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the recent article suggesting that university degrees have lost their value. While I understand the frustration felt by graduates who struggle to find employment, I believe the article presents a misleadingly narrow picture of what a degree offers.

The piece focuses almost exclusively on graduate starting salaries, ignoring the well-documented evidence that, over a lifetime, degree holders earn significantly more than their non-graduate counterparts. Moreover, many professions — in medicine, law, engineering and education — simply cannot be entered without a degree. To dismiss higher education on the basis of short-term employment data is to confuse a slow start with a dead end.

What the article also fails to acknowledge is that the value of a degree extends far beyond financial return. University develops critical thinking, research skills and the ability to construct and defend an argument — competencies that are valued by employers regardless of the specific subject studied. These are precisely the skills that distinguish adaptable, resilient professionals from those who can only perform narrowly defined tasks.

I would not deny that the system has flaws, nor that some courses offer poor value for money. But to conclude that degrees are no longer worth pursuing is both reductive and irresponsible, and risks discouraging young people from an investment that, for the vast majority, remains one of the most consequential they will ever make.

Yours faithfully,

Word count: 232. Formal register, clear purpose from the opening, developed counter-arguments with reasoning, appropriate sign-off.

Useful language for letters

Opening
  • I am writing in response to…
  • I am writing to express my concern regarding…
  • I should like to draw your attention to…
  • Further to the article published on…
Making your case
  • It has come to my attention that…
  • I feel I must point out that…
  • I would venture to suggest that…
  • With all due respect, I must take issue with…
Requesting action
  • I would urge you to consider…
  • I should be grateful for a prompt response.
  • I look forward to hearing what steps you intend to take.
  • I trust this matter will receive your attention.
Closing
  • I look forward to your response.
  • Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.
  • I remain hopeful that a resolution can be reached.
  • Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely

Proposal

Formal Persuasive

A proposal is written to persuade a specific reader (a committee, a manager, a principal) to adopt your suggestions. Unlike a report (which describes and recommends), a proposal is forward-looking: it outlines a plan, explains its benefits, and anticipates objections. Use headings.

What examiners want to see

  • Clear headings — this is the defining feature, as with reports
  • A persuasive tone — you're selling an idea, not neutrally reporting
  • Specific, practical suggestions backed by reasons
  • Anticipated benefits and, ideally, acknowledgement of potential challenges
  • Formal register — this is written for decision-makers

Suggested structure

  1. Introduction: state what you are proposing and why.
  2. Current situation / Background: briefly outline the problem or opportunity.
  3. Proposals: specific actions, with expected benefits.
  4. Conclusion: summarise why your proposal should be adopted.

Sample task

The international company where you work is looking for ways to improve employee wellbeing. You have been asked to write a proposal for the HR department suggesting changes that could be made. Your proposal should outline the current problems and suggest practical improvements.

Write your proposal in 220–260 words.

Model answer — band 5

Introduction

This proposal aims to suggest practical measures to improve employee wellbeing at our company. It is based on conversations with colleagues across several departments and addresses two key areas of concern.

Current situation

In recent months, a number of staff have reported feeling overworked and undervalued. Tight deadlines and a culture of long hours have contributed to rising stress levels, and several experienced employees have left as a direct result. The lack of flexible working options has been a particularly common source of frustration.

Proposals

I would like to suggest two changes. Firstly, the company should introduce a hybrid working policy, allowing employees to work from home two days per week. This has been shown to reduce burnout and increase productivity in comparable organisations. Secondly, I would recommend establishing a monthly wellbeing session — a voluntary workshop covering topics such as stress management, work-life balance and digital detox. These could be led by external specialists at minimal cost.

Conclusion

Implementing these relatively low-cost measures would send a clear signal that the company values its staff, and I am confident they would lead to improved retention and morale. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these suggestions further.

Word count: 213. Clear headings, persuasive tone, specific suggestions with reasoning, appropriate formal register.

Useful language for proposals

Introducing
  • This proposal aims to suggest…
  • The purpose of this proposal is to outline…
  • I am writing to propose changes to…
  • The following proposal addresses the issue of…
Describing problems
  • It has become increasingly clear that…
  • A number of concerns have been raised about…
  • The current system fails to…
  • Feedback from staff/students suggests that…
Making suggestions
  • I would like to suggest that…
  • It would be highly beneficial to…
  • A further improvement would be to…
  • I would strongly recommend implementing…
Concluding persuasively
  • I am confident that these measures would…
  • The benefits of this proposal are clear.
  • I believe these changes would have a significant positive impact.
  • I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.

Report

Formal Neutral / impersonal

Reports are written to inform a specific reader (a committee, a manager, a principal) about a situation and make recommendations. Use headings. The key difference from a proposal: a report evaluates what exists; a proposal outlines what should be created.

What examiners want to see

  • Clear headings organising the information
  • An impersonal, evaluative tone
  • Description and analysis of the current situation
  • Specific, practical recommendations
  • Formal register throughout

Suggested structure

  1. Introduction: state the report's purpose.
  2. Findings / Analysis (2 headings): describe and evaluate the situation.
  3. Recommendations: specific, actionable suggestions.

Sample task

You work at an international language school. The school director has asked you to write a report on the school's current use of technology in lessons, evaluating what works well and what could be improved, and making recommendations for change.

Write your report in 220–260 words.

Model answer — band 5

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the current use of technology in lessons at the school and to suggest improvements where necessary.

Current strengths

The school has invested in interactive whiteboards for every classroom, and these are widely used by teachers for presenting materials and running group activities. Students have responded positively to the visual element this adds to lessons. The school's online learning platform is also well-regarded, particularly for homework submission and self-study resources.

Areas for improvement

However, several issues have been identified. A significant number of teachers lack confidence in using the available technology, and training opportunities have been limited. In addition, the school currently has no clear policy on the use of mobile phones in class, which leads to inconsistency between teachers and occasional disruption.

Recommendations

I would recommend introducing termly technology training sessions for all teaching staff, focusing on practical classroom applications rather than theory. Furthermore, a clear, school-wide policy on mobile phone use should be drawn up in consultation with both staff and students. These measures would help the school make more effective and consistent use of the resources already available.

Word count: 204. Clear headings, impersonal tone, evaluation of strengths and weaknesses, specific recommendations.

Useful language for reports

Introducing
  • The purpose of this report is to…
  • This report aims to evaluate…
  • The following report examines…
  • This report has been prepared at the request of…
Evaluating
  • On the whole, the current provision is…
  • A number of shortcomings have been identified.
  • The main area of concern is…
  • It is generally felt that…
Recommending
  • I would strongly recommend that…
  • It would be advisable to…
  • A further improvement would be…
  • Steps should be taken to…
Concluding
  • In light of the findings above, …
  • If these recommendations are implemented, …
  • These measures would significantly improve…
  • Overall, the situation could be enhanced by…

Review

Semi-formal Engaging

Reviews are written for a magazine, website or publication. You describe something (a film, book, exhibition, course), critically evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, and give a recommendation. At C1 level, evaluation must go beyond "it was good" — you need developed critical reasoning.

What examiners want to see

  • A confident, authoritative voice — the reader should trust your judgement
  • Developed evaluation — not just opinion but reasoning and evidence
  • Balance — at least one strength and one weakness
  • A clear recommendation with a specific audience in mind
  • Vocabulary that demonstrates critical thinking, not just enthusiasm

Suggested structure

  1. Introduction (35–45 words): identify what you're reviewing and set the scene.
  2. Description (40–55 words): what is it about? Brief overview.
  3. Evaluation (80–100 words): strengths, weaknesses, what works and what doesn't.
  4. Recommendation (35–45 words): who would benefit, with reasons.

Sample task

An English-language arts magazine is publishing reviews of exhibitions that have made a strong impression on visitors. Write a review of an exhibition you have attended recently, evaluating what made it effective and whether you would recommend it.

Write your review in 220–260 words.

Model answer — band 5

Last month I visited Unseen City, a photography exhibition at the Municipal Gallery documenting hidden corners of urban landscapes that most residents walk past every day. It was, without question, one of the most thought-provoking exhibitions I have attended in years.

The exhibition features over sixty large-format photographs by three contemporary photographers, each of whom focuses on a different aspect of the overlooked city: abandoned infrastructure, street-level wildlife, and the geometry of shadow and light on brutalist architecture. The curation is intelligent — images are grouped thematically rather than by artist, which creates unexpected connections between the three bodies of work.

What makes the exhibition particularly effective is the way it transforms the familiar into the remarkable. Photographs of fire escapes, drainpipes and weeds growing through concrete take on an almost sculptural beauty when isolated and enlarged. The accompanying text panels are thoughtful without being pretentious, offering just enough context to deepen appreciation without dictating interpretation.

If I had one reservation, it would be the lighting in the final room, which was too dim for the smaller prints, making some details difficult to appreciate. This felt like a curatorial misstep in an otherwise impeccable presentation.

I would strongly recommend this exhibition to anyone with an interest in photography, urban culture, or simply seeing their own city through new eyes. It runs until the end of the month and is well worth the visit.

Word count: 234. Authoritative voice, developed critical evaluation with specific detail, balanced (praise + reservation), clear recommendation with audience.

Useful language for reviews

Introducing
  • I recently had the opportunity to…
  • … is a work / an exhibition / a course that…
  • Without question, this is one of the most…
  • For anyone interested in…, this deserves attention.
Praising
  • What makes it particularly effective is…
  • The most impressive aspect is undoubtedly…
  • It succeeds in…, which is no small achievement.
  • The attention to detail is remarkable.
Criticising
  • If I had one reservation, it would be…
  • It is slightly let down by…
  • One area that might have been handled better is…
  • This felt like a missed opportunity.
Recommending
  • I would strongly recommend this to anyone who…
  • It is well worth the investment of time.
  • This is not to be missed by…
  • Whether or not you are familiar with…, this rewards attention.

The four assessment criteria

Cambridge examiners score every Writing task on four equally weighted criteria, each on a 0–5 scale. That gives a maximum of 20 marks per task, and 40 marks for the paper. Crucially, no single criterion can rescue you if another is weak — a linguistically impressive essay that ignores half the task still scores badly on Content.

Content

0–5 marks

Have you done what the task asked? All required points covered, nothing essential missing, the target reader fully informed.

5All content relevant; target reader fully informed.
3Minor irrelevances or omissions; reader on the whole informed.
1Significant irrelevance and omissions; reader minimally informed.

Communicative Achievement

0–5 marks

Is the register and tone right for the task? At C1, you are expected to handle complex ideas and to communicate them using the conventions of the chosen task type with confidence.

5Conventions used effectively to communicate complex ideas; holds the reader's attention throughout.
3Conventions used generally appropriately; straightforward and some complex ideas communicated.
1Conventions attempted but with limited success.

Organisation

0–5 marks

Is the text coherently structured? Examiners reward varied cohesive devices and skilful paragraph management. At C1, "Firstly… Secondly… In conclusion" is not enough — you need subtlety.

5Well-organised and coherent; uses a variety of cohesive devices and organisational patterns to good effect.
3Generally well-organised; uses linking words and cohesive devices.
1Some organisation evident; limited cohesive devices.

Language

0–5 marks

How wide and accurate is your range? At C1, accuracy alone is not enough — examiners want to see a range of vocabulary including less common lexis, and complex grammatical structures used with control and flexibility.

5Wide range of vocabulary, including less common lexis; complex grammatical forms used with control, flexibility and sophistication.
3Range of vocabulary, including some less common lexis; mix of simple and complex grammar with reasonable control.
1Everyday vocabulary; simple grammatical forms; errors may impede communication.

What this means for your writing

  • Don't sacrifice one for another. A linguistically dazzling essay that ignores half the task scores no higher than 3 on Content.
  • Match the genre. A report needs headings. A proposal needs to persuade. A review needs critical evaluation, not just enthusiasm.
  • Vary your linkers. "Furthermore… Moreover… In addition…" three times in one paragraph is a band-3 marker.
  • Reach upward. Examiners explicitly reward less common lexis and complex structures. Play it safe and you cap yourself at band 3.
  • Develop your points. At C1, a single-sentence paragraph with no supporting reasoning will lose marks. Every point needs development.

Write under exam conditions

Choose a task type, hit start, and write in the editor below. The word counter turns green when you're inside the target range. When you finish, use the self-assessment checklist to mark yourself against the four criteria.

Prompt:
Part 1 — Essay 220–260 words

Mini guide for this task type
0 words ⏱ 00:00

Self-assessment — mark each criterion honestly

Content

Communicative Achievement

Organisation

Language

Aim for 10+ ticks for a band 4–5 response. Fewer than 7 suggests serious work is needed before exam day.

C1 Writing Phrase Bank

Key phrases and expressions organised by task type. Use these to elevate your register and demonstrate the range expected at C1 level.

Introducing the topic
  • The question of whether… is one that deserves serious attention.
  • In recent years, there has been growing debate about…
  • It is widely acknowledged that…
  • Few topics provoke as much controversy as…
  • The issue of… has attracted considerable attention in recent years.
Presenting arguments
  • A compelling case can be made for…
  • One of the most persuasive arguments in favour of… is that…
  • From a practical standpoint, it seems clear that…
  • It would be misguided to overlook the fact that…
  • What is perhaps more significant is that…
Contrasting & conceding
  • While there is some truth in this, it fails to account for…
  • Compelling as this argument may seem, it overlooks…
  • That said, it would be unwise to dismiss…
  • Be that as it may, the evidence suggests otherwise.
  • Admittedly, …; however, this does not negate…
Concluding
  • On balance, the arguments in favour of… outweigh those against.
  • In light of the above, it seems reasonable to conclude that…
  • Taking all factors into consideration, …
  • Ultimately, the most compelling evidence points to…
  • To sum up, what emerges most clearly is that…
Opening formalities
  • I am writing to express my concern regarding…
  • I am writing in response to the article published on…
  • I should like to draw your attention to…
  • Further to our recent correspondence, I wish to…
  • I would be most grateful if you could clarify…
Making a case
  • It has come to my attention that…
  • I feel I must point out that…
  • I would venture to suggest that…
  • With all due respect, I must take issue with…
  • I trust you will appreciate the significance of…
Requesting action
  • I would urge you, in the strongest terms, to…
  • I should be grateful for a prompt response.
  • May I suggest that a meeting be arranged?
  • I look forward to hearing what steps will be taken.
  • I trust this matter will receive due attention.
Closing
  • I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.
  • Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.
  • I remain hopeful that a resolution can be reached.
  • Thanking you in advance for your cooperation.
  • I trust you will give this your serious consideration.
Introducing
  • This proposal aims to outline…
  • The purpose of this proposal is to suggest…
  • I am writing to propose a number of changes to…
  • The following proposal addresses the need for…
  • Having reviewed the current situation, I wish to suggest…
Describing the situation
  • It has become increasingly apparent that…
  • Feedback from staff/students indicates that…
  • The current system fails to adequately address…
  • A number of concerns have been raised about…
  • There is a clear need for improvement in…
Persuading
  • I would like to suggest that…
  • It would be highly beneficial to…
  • This would have the added advantage of…
  • The benefits of this approach are clear.
  • I am confident that this would lead to…
Concluding
  • I believe these suggestions would make a significant difference.
  • If implemented, these measures would…
  • I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.
  • In summary, the proposed changes would…
  • I hope these recommendations will be given serious consideration.
Introducing
  • The purpose of this report is to…
  • This report aims to evaluate…
  • The following report examines…
  • This report has been prepared at the request of…
  • I was asked to investigate and report on…
Evaluating
  • On the whole, the current provision is…
  • A significant number of respondents felt that…
  • The main area of concern is…
  • It was found that… is both a strength and a weakness.
  • The evidence suggests that…
Recommending
  • I would strongly recommend that…
  • It would be advisable to…
  • Steps should be taken to address…
  • A further improvement would be to…
  • I would suggest that priority be given to…
Concluding
  • In light of the findings, …
  • If these recommendations are implemented, …
  • Overall, the situation would benefit from…
  • These changes would represent a significant improvement.
  • To conclude, the main areas for action are…
Introducing
  • I recently had the opportunity to…
  • … is a work that deserves serious attention.
  • Without question, this is one of the most…
  • For anyone interested in…, this is essential.
  • This is not a work that can be easily categorised.
Praising
  • What makes it particularly effective is…
  • The most impressive aspect is undoubtedly…
  • It succeeds in… — no small achievement.
  • The attention to detail is remarkable.
  • It achieves something genuinely rare:
Criticising
  • If I had one reservation, it would be…
  • It is slightly let down by…
  • One area that could have been stronger is…
  • This felt like a missed opportunity.
  • The only notable weakness is…
Recommending
  • I would strongly recommend this to anyone who…
  • It is well worth the investment.
  • Whether or not you are familiar with…, this rewards attention.
  • This is not to be missed.
  • I would encourage anyone with an interest in… to experience it.
Giving opinions
  • I am firmly of the opinion that…
  • It is my considered view that…
  • I would argue that…
  • From my perspective, …
  • As I see it, …
Adding information
  • Furthermore, …
  • In addition to this, …
  • What is more, …
  • Not only… but also…
  • A further point worth making is that…
Cause & result
  • As a consequence, …
  • This has led to a situation in which…
  • The net effect of this is…
  • It follows from this that…
  • This inevitably results in…
Hedging & qualifying
  • It could be argued that…
  • There is a case to be made for…
  • While this may hold true in some contexts, …
  • To a certain extent, …
  • This is not to say that…; rather, …