Listening part 1: sentence completion

Here are some links to practice for this section of the test:

http://www.englishaula.com/en/cae-listening-part-3-exercise-exam-1-cambridge-advanced-certificate-english.html
http://www.examenglish.com/CAE/cae_listening3.htm
http://benteachesenglish.com/simple-strategies-for-english-exams/cae-tips/cambridge-english-advanced-cae-part-3-listening/
http://internetaula.ning.com/profiles/blogs/audio-del-listening-del-cae
http://olpt.s3.amazonaws.com/online-practice-cae/index.html
http://www.examenglish.com/CEFR/C1.htm
https://www.cambridge-bayern.de/pruefungsvorbereitung/pruefungsvorbereitung-cae.html
http://englishtests.ucoz.com/CAE/test1/listening/cae_paper4_listening_test1_part3.htm

Listening part 2: sentence completion

Here are some links to practice for this section of the test:

http://www.examenglish.com/CAE/cae_listening2.htm
http://englishaula.com/en/cae-listening-part-2-exercise-exam-2-cambridge-advanced-certificate-english.html
http://www.helpforenglish.cz/article/2007031901-cae-listening-part-2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd93IVZBNMs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L97DdPojUwQ
http://www.pearsonelt.com.ar/?p=cae-listening
http://www.englishaula.com/en/cae-listening-part-2-exercise-exam-1-cambridge-advanced-certificate-english.html
http://leaderscorrientes.wikispaces.com/CAE

Writing Task 6: An article for a magazine

 

Such tasks include an article, an entry for a competition, and a review, and all could be published in an English-language magazine. The publication can sometimes be described as a newspaper, and sometimes as a newsletter, which is a one or two page magazine, sent to members of a club or society. Always read the instructions for the task carefully to be clear about whom you are writing for.
What is an article?
An article
• is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine or journal
• is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and retain the readers’ attention
• may include amusing stories, reported speech and descriptions
• can be formal or informal, depending on the target audience
• should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner
• should give opinions and thoughts, as well as facts
• is in a less formal style than a report
An article can
• describe an experience, event, person or place
• present an opinion or balanced argument
• compare and contrast
• provide information
• offer suggestions
• offer advice
A realistic article should consist of:
1. an eye-catching title which attracts the readers’ attention and suggests the theme of the article. (Think about why you read a magazine or newspaper article recently - what made you read it?) Articles can also have subheadings before each paragraph.
2. an introduction which clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the reader’s attention.
3. the main body of two to five paragraphs in which the topic is further developed in detail.
4. the conclusion - summarising the topic or a final opinion, recommendation or comment.

REMEMBER
Before you begin writing it is important to consider:
• where is the article going to appear - in a newspaper or magazine?
• who are the intended readers - a specific group such as students or teenagers, or adults in general?
• what is the aim of the article - to advise, suggest, inform, compare and contrast, describe, etc.?

These three points are the deciding factors in the layout of your article, its style, language and level of formality.
Determine the information you are going to use and organize your ideas carefully into paragraphs. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence.
The article could be formal, semi-formal or informal, depending on your intended audience.
Use vocabulary and descriptive language appropriate for the article. Linking words and expressions, and a variety of vocabulary will only improve your work and make it more interesting.
DO NOT use over-personal or over-emotional language or simplistic vocabulary.
DO NOT talk about yourself. You are writing for the general public, not a close circle of friends. Your opinions are only interesting to other people if you can make them amusing, justify them or explain them.

Task: An article for a magazine (220-260 words)

You see the following announcement in an international magazine.

Have you had an exciting or unusual holiday? For example, sailed anywhere interesting, gone rock climbing or walked through unusual countryside? If you have, write us an article and tell us about it, explaining why you enjoyed it. We will publish the most interesting asrticles!

Write your article.

Writing task 5: An essay

 

Writing essays

Introduction and tips (Writing essays)
* ANSWER THE QUESTION 
* PLAN your essay
* REVISE your essay to correct mistakes.
* 4 or 5 PARAGRAPHS, with Introduction and Conclusion
* The first paragraph should be a general introduction to the subject 
*  Develop your arguments in the middle paragraphs 
* Give reasons to support your argument
* Use a variety of discussive words and phrases
* Give examples where possible
* Use formal language
* Don't use contractions (we're, I've etc.)
* Sum up your argument in the final paragraph
* The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearly.


Useful Phrases (Writing articles)
Presenting two advantages or disadvantages together:
* not only … but … also
 * not only … but also
Presenting two opposing views:
* on the one hand, on the other hand
Expressing Contrast: 
* nevertheless
* even so
* even though
* however
* in spite of
* despite
* but
* although
Expressing results:
* because of this
* therefore
* thus
* as a result
* for this reason 
* consequently
Giving examples:
* such as
* like
* for example
* for instance
Expressing the opinion of someone else:
* some people say
* some people say that
* many people say
* many people say that
* people often say
* it is said
* it is said that
* according to

Despite of / In spite of

http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/difficulties/despiteinspiteof.html

Task:

Write your answer in 220 – 260 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
You have listened to a radio discussion programme about facilities which should receive money from local authorities. You have made the notes below:
Which facilities should receive money from local authorities?

• museums
• sports centres
• public gardens

Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
“Museums aren’t popular with everybody!”
“Sports centres mean healthier people.”
“A town needs green spaces – parks are great for everybody.”
Write an essay discussing two of the facilities in your notes. You should explain which facility it is more important for local authorities to give money to, giving reasons in support of your answer.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion, but you should use your own words as far as possible.

Writing Task 4: A proposal

Writing a Proposal

About Proposals

• Format: Proposals can generally be a letter, memo or a report. Unless told otherwise

or given a specific type of document to respond to I’d recommend using a report style,

because this gives you the ability to use headings and follow a simple formula for

writing.

• Writing Style: You should use formal English, but the passive isn’t used much in

reports.

• Vocabulary Required: The vocabulary is similar to that used for business documents,

although it depends on the subject.

• December 2008 Changes: If you are preparing for the December 2008 examination,

the format will change: you will have less input, less time to answer and a lower word

limit. You may also be expected to write an email reply.

Step By Step

1. The Problem

Firstly look at the scenario you have been given, if it is a task 1 question you will be given

quite a lot of information and it is important that you follow that precisely. If it is question 2-

5 then you will be expected to introduce the subject and state what the problems are.

Exam Tip: Do not attempt Task 5 questions, unless you have relevant work experience,

because a part of the marks will be based on accurate work knowledge.

2. Suggest Your Ideas

Develop only as many ideas as you have been told to do so... If you have more than one idea

make sure that the ideas work well together.

Exam Tip: Don’t give too many ideas than you have to, because this uses up valuable exam

time, which you could be using to develop the ideas more fully.

3. Justify Them

For each idea that you come up with you should say why it is a good idea and you must do

this in a way that will appeal to the reader, often in Cambridge examinations this will be the

principal of your school or your manager.

4. Ask For What You Need

Then ask for what you need, you may have been directly told this and if that is the case you

should follow the instructions. In past papers it has been to ask for more money or in some

cases it maybe just permission to do it.

This formula is just a general plan and will need to be adapted for each situation!

WRITING TASK - PROPOSAL

The council is planning to hour a locar hero connected with our area. The local hero can be someone well known or an ordinary citizen. He/She could be still living or could be someone from history.
Residents are invited to send in proposals identifying a deserving person, giving reasons for their choice and suggesting a suitable way in which this hero should be honoured. 
Write your proposal in 220-260 words.

Writing task 3: An article for a magazine

1. Before you write

Take a minute to read the task (instructions) carefully and decide what to write and in which style.

Ask yourself the following questions

What do I have to write about? (Content/ check task)

Who is the article for? A newspaper, a formal magazine/ a blog...? (To decide on style/check task)

How many paragraphs am I going to write? (Organisation)

What kind of language should I use? (Language/grammar I am expected to use/ check task)

2. While you write

Have into consideration that articles have two main purposes, to inform and to entertain/interest the reader. Ideally after going through your text, your readers should have the feeling that they have learnt something or at least that they have had a good time.

It is always a good idea to start the article with an inviting title and a riveting introduction. Something that makes your public continue reading. It could be a question (that they will only be able to answer after reading the text), or something intended to caputure the reader´s imagination. You are free to be creative when choosing a title but make sure it reflects what the text is about.

As you write remember to stick to your plan, check that you are truly answering the task questions and that you have clear well-organised coherent paragraphs (You shouldn´t start writing about A and end up writing about Z.)

At C1 level it is also of vital importance to include some advanced examples of the use of grammar as well as lexis (idioms, collocations, sayings.) So instead of saying something like "I had a lot of fun although I don´t normally enjoy jazz concerts" say something like " I had a whale of a time although jazz concerts are not my cup of tea" (idioms: have a whale of a time; not my cup of tea.)

3 After you write

Take your time to proofread. Check for spelling mistakes and see if you have to make any corrections. Make sure that you have used a wide variety of words and if you find one that has been used more than once, replace it for a synonym. 

Avoid repetition: Don´t say "I like history programmes, I also like music programmes." 
Say: "I´m into history programmes and I also like music Tv shows."

Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I completed the task? (Content)
- Is my article well-organised? (Organisation)
- Have I used a wide range of vocabulary? (Language)
- Have I used different grammar tenses? (Language)
- Is all the article writen in the same style? (Style)
- Is the article interesting enough? (Reader)

What is the difference between an article and an essay?
As I see it, an essay is more academic, usually written for a university/college class. An article is usually for a magazine or a blog, they can be formal or informal, the topics can be serious or trivial, they are intented to inform and also to entertain.

Linking Words And Phrases

Personal opinion:	In my opinion/view, To my mind, To my way of thinking, I am convinced that, It strikes me that, It is my firm belief that, I am inclined to believe that, It seems to me that. As far as I am concerned, I think that the economic recession of the previous decade was foreseeable.
To list advantages and disadvantages:	One advantage of, Another advantage of, One other advantage of, A further advantage of, The main advantage of, The greatest advantage of. The first advantage of riding a motorbike in a large metropolis is that of not getting caught in major congestion.
To list points:	Firstly, First of all, In the first place, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally. To start/begin with, we have to address the inadequacies within the education system before we can tackle unemployment fully.
To add more points to the same topic:	What is more, Furthermore, Apart from this/that, In addition (to this), Moreover, Besides (this),… not to mention the fact that your choice of career is a fundamental decision which will influence the rest of your life. Not only is your choice of career a fundamental decision, but it is also one that will influence the rest of your life.Your choice of career is both a fundamental decision and something that will influence the rest of your life.
To refer to other sources:	With reference to, According to the latest scientific research, the use of mobile phones can be damaging to one's health in the long run.
To emphasise a point:	Indeed, Naturally, Clearly, Obviously, Of course, Needless to say, the scheme was hound to fail due to insufficient funds.
To give examples:	For instance, For example, by establishing day-care centres across the country, working mothers can he encouraged to resume their careers. By providing incentives such as, like day-care centres working mothers are encouraged to resume their careers. If working mothers are to resume their careers then the provision of incentives particularly, in particular, especially day-care centres is essential.
To state other people's opinion:	It is popularly believed that, People often claim that, It is often alleged that, Some people argue that, Many argue that, Most people feel that, Some people point out that wealth will bring happiness. Contrary to popular belief, wealth does not necessarily bring happiness.
To conclude:	Finally, Lastly, All in all, Taking everything into account/consideration, On the whole, All things considered, In conclusion, On balance, For the above mentioned reasons, Therefore I feel that, To sum up, it is unlikely that there will be peace in all the countries of the world concurrently.
Summarising:	In short, Briefly. To put it briefly, his performance on stage was fantastic!

Task: An article for a magazine (220-260 words)

You see the following announcement in an international magazine.

Have you had an exciting or unusual holiday? For example, sailed anywhere interesting, gone rock climbing or walked through unusual countryside? If you have, write us an article and tell us about it, explaining why you enjoyed it. We will publish the most interesting asrticles!

Write your article.

Some videos & tips on the discussion at the speaking part (II)

You'll also be encouraged to use the pictures given to help your discussion. You can get ideas from the CAE videos here:

Some videos & tips on the discussion at the speaking part (I)

Here you are a set of videos to help you face the discussion. In it you'll have to use the questions to talk about a topic.
Here are some videos, tips & useful expressions in CAE-based samples:

Writing task 2: A story (Adv. 2 + C1)

 

Introduction and tips (Writing stories)

- ANSWER THE QUESTION
- PLAN your story.
- REVISE your story to correct mistakes.
- Give your story a title.
- Make sure you have at least 4 paragraphs.
- Paragraph 1 – background information.
- Paragraphs 2 and 3 the main part of the story.
- Paragraph 4 – EITHER the climax or key moment of the story OR what happened after the climax.
- Don't change the words you are given at all.
- Read the words you are given carefully. Sometimes you can choose whether to start or finish with the words. At other times you have no choice.
- Use past continuous for background information. For example – It was raining heavily as we left the house….
- Use past perfect before the main events of the story. but Anne had kindly lent me her umbrella.
- Use simple past for the main events. There wasn't a single person on the street.
- Try to include some direct speech.
- You can use contraction (haven't, couldn't etc). But a story should not be as informal as an email to a friend, for example.

Useful phrases (Writing stories)

Time phrases:
- It all began
- Shortly afterwards
- Meanwhile
- Not long afterwards
- Some time later
- Later that day
- A little later
- Finally
- In the end
- Eventually
Phrases for dramatic effect:
- Suddenly
- All of a sudden
- Without warning
- Out of the blue
- Just at that moment
- Quite unexpectedly
- As if from nowhere

Direct speech:
- “…..”, said Fred
- “…..”, shouted Fred
- “…..”, screamed Fred
- “…..”, whispered Fred
- “…..”, announced Fred.
- ”…..”, thought Fred
- “…..”, cried Fred
- “…..”, promised Fred

Concluding stories:
- When it was all over
- Looking back now
- In retrospect
- In the end
- After all that had happened

Sample questions (Writing stories)

1. Your teacher has asked you to write a story for a student magazine. The story must begin with the following words.

Simon opened the door and knew immediately he had made a mistake.

Write your story in 180-220 words for in an appropriate style.

Writing task 1: A formal letter (Adv 2 + C1)

From now on we'll try to provide you with info about the different writing tasks you could face in the writing test and some clues to overcome their inherent difficulties.

The first task will be a formal email/letter. Here you are some useful tips and a sample task:

Writing formal letters or emails

 Formal Letters

Formal letters are the most common writing task. Avoid using contractions e.g. “I´m” instead write the full words “I am”. Also avoid colloquial language.

Firstly, you begin your letter with addressing the receiver.

If the receiver is unknown:
- Dear Sir/Madam
If the receiver is known:
- Dear Miss Adams

Secondly, first sentence in the letter is about WHY you are writing, examples:
- I was extremely distressed to hear about your plans to ... (Object to someone´s plans)
- I am writing to complain about / I am writing to tell you how disappointed... (Letter of Complaint)
- I am writing to you on behalf of ... (Letter of Recommendation)
- I am writing about the article published in / I have just read your article on... (Letter to de editor)

Thirdly, during the main part of the letter you will try to connect your arguments together. Using paragraphs when appropriate, and logically connecting all of the elements in your letter using connecting words and/or sequencing:
At first / To start with/In the beginning, in addition / furthermore / moreover, firstly / secondly / lastly etc.
Then, ending phrase prior to signature (just a few suggestions):
- I look forward to hearing from you / I trust you will give my proposal your full consideration

Finally, signature is in general one of the two:
- Yours sincerely, (If you know the name of the person you sent the letter to)
- Yours faithfully, (If you started the letter with Dear Sir/Madam)

Introduction (Writing formal letters and emails)

Writing formal letters is a necessary skill that you need for your C1 writing exams.

Examples:

- You are given an article to read from a newspaper. You write to the newspaper disagreeing with the article.

- You write to complain about something.

- You write making suggestions about something.

- You write requesting information.

- You write giving information.

- You write requesting permission.

Useful phrases (Writing formal letters and emails)

a) Writing formal letters generally:

Greetings:

    - Dear Sir

    - Dear Madam

    - Dear Sir/Madam

    - Dear Mr Brown

    - Dear Ms Jones etc.

Reason for writing:

    - I am writing in response to your article/advertisement/letter

    - I am writing with regard to your article/advertisement/letter

    - I am writing regarding your article/advertisement/letter

    - I am writing on behalf of

Ending the letter:

    - I look forward to receiving your reply

    - I look forward to your reply

    - I look to hearing from you

    - I am, yours faithfully (if you don't know the name of the person you are writing to)

    - I am, yours sincerely (if you know the name of the person you are writing to)

    - Yours faithfully

    - Yours sincerely

b) Writing formal letters to complain:

Writing formal letters or emails

Reason for writing:

    - I am writing in order to complain about

    - I am writing to complain about

Introducing the complaint:

    - Firstly

    - In the first place

    - First of all

    - My first complaint is

    - The first problem is

    - The first thing I would like to draw your attention to is

    - My first concern is

Introducing further complaints:

    - Secondly

    - In the second place

    - Not only …….but also

    - In addition

    - In addition to this

    - Added to this

    - …….was also unacceptable

Demanding action:

    - I suggest that you replace the item

    - I therefore suggest that I be given a full refund

    - I would be grateful if my money was refunded

    - I would be grateful if you could give me a full refund

Ending the letter:

    - I look forward to hearing from you

    - I look forward to receiving a full refund

    - I look forward to receiving a replacement

    - I look forward to receiving your explanation

c) Writing formal letters to make suggestions:

Reason for writing:

    - I am writing to suggest

    - I am writing to arrange

    - I am writing to offer suggestions

    - I am writing make arrangements

Making first suggestion:

    - My first suggestion is

    - First of all I suggest

    - I would like to suggest

Writing formal letters or emails

Making further suggestions:

    - Another possibility is

    - A further possibility is

    - I further suggest

    - I would further suggest

    - Secondly

Offering a choice:

    - Would you therefore mind choosing between ….?

    - Either……or

    - You might choose either ……. or

d) Writing formal letters to request information

Reason for writing:

    - I am writing to receive further information about

    - I am writing to enquire about

    - I am writing to receive more detailed information about

    - I am writing to receive further details about

Requesting first piece of information:

    - The first thing I would like to know is

    - First of all I would like to know

    - I wonder if you would mind telling me first of all ….?

Requesting further information:

    - Could you also tell me….?

    - Could you also inform me ….?

    - Would you also mind informing me ….?

    - Would you also mind telling me ….?

    - Do you know ….?

    - I would also like to know if

    - I would also like to know whether

    - I hope you might also let me know about …

Thanking for information:

    - I would like to thank you in advance for this information

    - Thanking you in advance for this information

    - Thanking you in advance

Writing formal letters or emails

e) Writing formal letters to give information:

Reason for writing:

    - I am writing to inform you about

    - I am writing to provide you with information about

    - I am writing to let you know that

Providing first point:

    - The first thing I would like to inform you of is

    - The first thing I would like to tell you is

    - The first thing I wish to inform you of is

    - I would like to begin by informing you

Providing further points:

    - I would also like to let you know that

    - I would also like to inform you that

    - You might also find the following information useful

    - It might also be useful for you to know that

    - Another piece of information that might be useful

Ending the letter:

    - If you require further information, please do not hesitate to as

    - If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to ask

    - I will willingly provide further information on request

    - I am at your disposal should you require further information

    - I am at your disposal should you need further assistance

    - Please do not hesitate to ask should you require further information

f) Writing formal letters to request permission

Reason for writing:

    - I am writing to ask permission to

    - I am writing to ask permission for

    - I am writing to request permission to

    - I am writing to request permission for

    - I am writing to ask if I might

Making first request:

    - Firstly I wonder if you would

    - First of all I wonder whether you would mind

    - The first request I would like you to consider is

Making further requests:

    - I would be grateful if you would also consider

    - I wonder if it might be possible for me to

    - I would also like to request permission for

    - I would also like to request permission to

Thanking for permission

    - Many thanks for kindly considering my requests

    - Thank you for considering my requests

    - I am writing to request permission to

    - I am writing to request permission for

    - I am writing to ask if I might

Making first request:

    - Firstly I wonder if you would

    - First of all I wonder whether you would mind

    - The first request I would like you to consider is

Making further requests:

    - I would be grateful if you would also consider

    - I wonder if it might be possible for me to

    - I would also like to request permission for

    - I would also like to request permission to

Thanking for permission

    - Many thanks for kindly considering my requests

    - Thank you for considering my requests

TASK PROPOSAL

LETTER OF REQUEST

You are an international student in New Zealand and your course is about to finish. You have been offered a job with a local company, which you accepted, but are no longer available on the start date you agreed with the company. Write a letter to the company to:

  - explain the reason you are not available

  - reassure them of your commitment

  - propose a solution