Cambridge English / CPE / Writing

Cambridge English / CPE / Writing


What’s in the Writing paper?

In the two parts of the C2 Proficiency Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English.

Summary

Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of parts: 2
Number of questions: Part 1: one compulsory question
Part 2: one question from a choice of four

Set texts

Set texts for C2 Proficiency January 2018 – December 2019:

  • Colm Tóibín: Brooklyn (any edition)
    Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film directed by John Crowley (2015) as well as, or instead of, the novel.
  • M.L. Stedman: The Light Between Oceans (any edition)
    Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film directed by Derek Cianfrance (2016) as well as, or instead of, the novel.

Set texts for C2 Proficiency January 2020 – December 2021:

  • Nick Hornby: About a Boy (any edition)
    Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film directed by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz (2002) as well as, or instead of, the novel.
  • Dodie Smith: I Capture the Castle (any edition)
    Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film directed by Tim Fywell (2000) as well as, or instead of, the novel.

Candidates should not attempt the optional set text question in Part 2 unless they have the necessary understanding of the text to answer the task set.

Teachers are best placed to judge which, if any, of the set texts and/or film version may be appropriate and stimulating for a given teaching situation.


Part 1

What's in Part 1? Some material to read (two texts, each approximately 100 words). Using the information in this material, you have to write an essay.
What do I have to practise? Writing a discursive essay in which you have to summarise and evaluate the key points contained in two texts of approximately 100 words each. Candidates must integrate a summary of these key points, an evaluation of the abstract arguments involved and their own ideas on the topic in a coherent essay.
How many questions are there? One compulsory question.
How much do I have to write? 240–280 words

Part 2

What's in Part 2? A choice of four questions (2–5). For Questions 2–4, you may have to write an article, a letter, a report or a review.
What about Question 5? If you read one of the set books and want to write about it, you may decide to try Question 5. You have a choice of two tasks, 5(a) or 5(b) for this question. You may have to write an article, essay, letter, report or a review.
What do I have to practise? Writing different types of text as specified above, based on a given context.
How many questions are there? One question from a choice of four.
How much do I have to write?  280–320 words