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Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) – Speaking

C1 Advanced Speaking – A quick overview The speaking paper in C1 Advanced is only one of five parts and counts 20% towards your overall score. The other parts of the exam are: In the speaking test, you have to demonstrate your ability to communicate with the examiner and another candidate (or two other candidates…
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Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): How Your Writing is Marked

Introduction When I teach my students at all the different levels of preparation for their Cambridge exams, one of the biggest mysteries is the way the writing exam is marked. Of course, the higher the level, the more detailed the criteria and the higher the expectations become in terms of language but also other aspects…
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Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): How to Calculate Your Score

How to calculate your score in C2 Proficiency Knowing and understanding your score in the different Cambridge exams can be very helpful as it clarifies the marking scale and what the the numbers on your certificate mean. It is also quite confusing that there is the need to convert your marks into a score just…
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Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): How to Write a Letter

Overview Mandatory task: no Word count: 280-320 Main characteristics: opinion, narration, factual information Register: depends on the task Structure: greeting & opening paragraph, main paragraphs, closing paragraph & salutation Introduction A letter is written in response to the situation outlined in the question. Letters in the C2 Proficiency Writing paper will require a response which…
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Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): How to Write a Report

Overview Mandatory task: no Word count: 280-320 Main characteristics: descriptive, comparative, analytical, impersonal, persuasive Register: normally formal but depends on the task Structure: introduction, main paragraphs, conclusion (sub-heading for each paragraph) Introduction A report is written for a specified audience. This may be a superior, for example, a boss at work, or members of a…
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Cambridge C2 Proficiciency (CPE): How to Write a Review

Overview Mandatory task: no Word count: 280-320 Main characteristics: descriptive, narrative, evaluative, recommendations/suggestions Register: depends on the task Structure: Introduction A review may be about a book, magazine, film, play, or concert, but it may also be about, for example, an exhibition. The target reader is specified in the question, so the candidate knows not…
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Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): How to Write an Article

Overview Mandatory task: no Word count: 280-320 Main characteristics: descriptive, narrating, engaging, interesting Register: depends on the task Structure: Title, introduction, main paragraphs, final paragraph Introduction An article is written on a particular theme in a style which makes it suitable for publication in an English-language newspaper, magazine or newsletter. The question identifies the topic…
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Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): How to Write an Essay

Overview Mandatory task: yes Word count: 240-280 Main characteristics: summarising and evaluating main ideas Register: formal Structure: introduction, two topic paragraphs, conclusion Introduction An essay is usually written for a teacher. It should be well organised, with an introduction, clear development and an appropriate conclusion. The compulsory Part 1 essay question will involve reading two…
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Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): Everything You Need to Know

Cambridge C2 Proficiency is the pinnacle of English language exams and passing this test means that you are truly in command of the language. You are capable of using grammar and vocabulary with ease, style and perfect control and no kind of interaction poses a problem. This certification can open a plethora of doors for…
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B2 First for Schools - How to Write a Story

Cambridge B2 First (FCE): How to Write a Story

B2 First story writing in a nutshell Mandatory task: no Word count: 140-190 Main characteristics: engaging, interesting, well-structured Register: depending on the story Structure: beginning, main part, ending Language: adjectives/adverbs, past verb forms, direct speech, time expressions Example A day to forget – a day to remember Jerry read the email and decided to go to the…
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