1. Writing Tips
Prof: Palou

2. How do you feel before start to write?

3. Types of texts FCE 2015 Essay Letter/Email Story Review Articles
(140 – 190 words)
1 hour 20 minutes
CAE 2015
Essay
Letter/
Report
Review
Proposal
(220 – 260 words)
1hour 30 minutes

4. Essay (FCE & CAE)
An essay is a formal piece of writing. It requires your opinion on a topic, giving various viewpoints on the topic supported by reasons and/or examples. You should also include the opposing viewpoint in another paragraph. You need a title.

5. For and against (Both sides of an issue should be considered)
Opinion(Writer’s opinion)
Solution to problems (analysis of a problrem with suggestions ans colutions in the conclusion)

6. A successful opinion essay should have:
a) an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic and your opinion.
b) a main body which consists of several paragraphs, each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons. You also include a paragraph presenting the opposing viewpoint and reason why you think it is an unconvincing viewpoint;
c) a conclusion in which you restate your opinion using different words.

7. For/ against
Opinion
Solution
Introduction
State topic without your opinion
State topic and you opinion
State the problem and its causes and effects
Main body
Arguments – justifications – examples - reasons
Viewpoints – reasons - examples
Suggestions - results
Conclusion
Summarise your opinion

8. Tips Use passive voice Advanced vocabulary Formal linkers (and & but)
Conditionals
Inversions
Do not use contractions (doesn’t)
Do not write a series of short sentences

9. Letters / emails (FCE &CAE)
There are various types of letters, such as:
Request
Giving information
Advice
Suggestions/ recommendations
Complaint
Apology
Aplication
Editor/ Authorities

10. Introductory paragraph (Reason for writing) Main body Conclusion
An appropriate letter should have
Greeting
Dear Mr Jones,
Dear Tony,
Dear Sir/ Madam,
To whom it may concern,
Introductory paragraph (Reason for writing)
Main body
Conclusion

11. Looking forward to hearing from you
Salutation
Informal
Love
Best wishes
Formal
Looking forward to hearing from you
Yours faithfully
(unknown)
Yours sincerely
(known)

12. Tips I apologize for the delay in replying to your email.
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you.
I am writing to you with regards to…
If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If anything isn’t clear, feel free to ask.

13. Present an opinion or balanced argument
Articles (FCE)
An article is a piece of writing for publication in a magazine, newspaper, leaflet, etc.
Purpose
provide information
Describe a place
Event
experience
Present an opinion or balanced argument
offer advice
suggestions

14. A successful article should consist of
An eye-catching title or headline which suggests the topic of the article that follows.
An introduction which clearly outlines the topic(s) to be covered.
A main body of several paragraphs in which the subject is developed in detail.
A conclusion which summarizes the topic and/or offers an opinion, comments, recommendations, etc.

15. tips Before you start writing, it is important to decide:
Where the article is intended to appear (e.g. magazine, leaflet, etc)
Who the intended readers are (e.g. the general public, fellow students, etc)
What the purpose of writing is (e.g. describe, inform, advise, etc)
It is written in present tenses.