CAE CAE Writing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the CAE Writing paper, how many tasks must candidates complete?
- One compulsory task only
- Two tasks: one compulsory and one from a choice (Correct answer)
- Three tasks of equal weighting
- One task chosen from four options
Correct answer: Two tasks: one compulsory and one from a choice
CAE Writing has two parts: Part 1 is a compulsory essay, and Part 2 offers a choice of task types.
Question 2: Which task type is ALWAYS compulsory in CAE Writing Part 1?
- A formal letter
- A report
- An essay (Correct answer)
- A proposal
Correct answer: An essay
Part 1 of the CAE Writing paper always requires candidates to write an essay based on input material.
Question 3: What is the approximate word count required for each CAE Writing task?
- 100–150 words
- 180–220 words
- 220–260 words (Correct answer)
- 300–350 words
Correct answer: 220–260 words
Each CAE Writing task requires approximately 220–260 words, and answers significantly under or over this range lose marks.
Question 4: When writing a formal report for CAE, which feature is most important?
- A personal, conversational tone
- Clear headings and impersonal language (Correct answer)
- Narrative story structure
- Rhetorical questions throughout
Correct answer: Clear headings and impersonal language
Formal reports use section headings, objective language, and recommendations written in an impersonal style.
Question 5: In a CAE review, what should the writer primarily aim to do?
- Summarise a news article objectively
- Describe and evaluate something for a specific audience (Correct answer)
- Argue one side of a debate with evidence
- Give instructions on how to complete a task
Correct answer: Describe and evaluate something for a specific audience
A review describes and evaluates a product, book, film, or experience and is aimed at a defined readership.
Question 6: Which linking phrase is most appropriate to introduce a counter-argument in a CAE essay?
- In addition to this
- As a result
- On the other hand (Correct answer)
- In other words
Correct answer: On the other hand
'On the other hand' signals a contrasting viewpoint and is a standard discourse marker for counter-arguments in formal essays.
CAE CAE Writing 1
In the CAE Writing paper, how many tasks must candidates complete?