2. Understanding CP Writing Tasks
Dr Daniel Brint
British Council Adult Centre

3. CP tasks:
Report
Proposal
Article
Essay
Review
Letter

4. CP (compulsory question)
Article
Report
Proposal
Letter
Essay

5. How is a piece of writing marked?
General Impression mark
Content
Organization
Cohesion
Range of structures and vocabulary
Register and format
Target reader

6. Pass or fail?
Although the writer does not always choose the most natural word, his meaning is always clear.
PASS
The candidate makes some errors of vocabulary and spelling, there are also a couple of examples of the verb not agreeing with its subject and of the wrong choice of preposition… the content is relevant and all aspects of the task are addressed.

7. What makes a piece of writing fail?
Would only be partially informed…
Inappropriate informality…
Target reader would not be informed…
Weak introduction and conclusion…

8. Creating a good effect on the target reader means
Completing the task
Using the correct format
Using the right kind of language
Not making mistakes that confuse the reader

9. Reports and Proposals A PROPOSAL
…persuade the reader of a course of action. A proposal should be clearly organized and may include headings.
In a PROPOSAL you will probably need to
Give reasons
Make polite recommendations
Persuade
Compare ideas

10. Report
A REPORT
give some factual information and make suggestions or recommendations. A report should be clearly organized and may include headings.
In a REPORT you will probably need to
Summarize information
Make suggestions
Make recommendations

11. Tips Use headings Avoid informal language
Give examples or explanations but don’t go too far off the point

12. ARTICLES You read a report or proposal because you have to
You read an article because you want to
Articles need to ENGAGE and INTEREST

13. Making your article engaging and interesting
Check who you are writing for an why you are writing
Have a clear idea of your audience
Use opportunities for description and narration
Use of adjectives
Questions (Why should you visit this modern city?, rather then Visit this city because…)
Expressions/proverbs

14. TIPS Aim for 3 paragraphs
Think carefully about your reader when choosing a style/register
Use a 1st person form if possible

15. ESSAYS
Unlike articles, essays are not written to engage but to present clear, well-organized ideas.
Your essay is probably written for your tutor
You may be asked to present balanced or one-sided arguments
An important SET BOOK task

16. TIPS Be sure to write an introduction and conclusion
Use examples to support your ideas
If your writing is one-sided, don’t contradict yourself!
Connect your ideas with linking words and back-reference words/expressions

17. REVIEW usually written for an English-language
magazine, newspaper or website
Description
Explanation
Recommendation

18. TIPS Write a 3 or 4 paragraph piece with introduction and conclusion
Avoid exaggeration – enthuse, criticize and recommend but in a balanced way
A strong first paragraph will get your readers attention

19. Letters Respond to the situation outlined
Must be appropriate for the specified target reader
opening salutation, clear paragraphing and closing phrasing are always important.

20. Tips
Letters often include personal aspects that mean you can use narrative/description – these make your writing more interesting.
If the letter is for informational/factual purposes check you give clear information
Keep your register (more or less formal) consistent