Cambridge C2 Proficiency — Writing

📝 CPE Writing Guide

Task 1 Essay · Task 2 Letters & Review · Band 4+ phrases and structures

Task 1 — Compulsory Essay
Summarise and evaluate two texts · Include your own opinion
You read two short texts presenting different perspectives on the same topic. Write an essay of 240–280 words that summarises both views, evaluates them, and gives your personal opinion. This task is compulsory.
Introduction
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Body 1 — Text 1
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Body 2 — Text 2
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Conclusion
I
Introduction
2–3 sentences
1
Neutral scene-setting sentence
Introduce the topic without stating a view. Do not copy the texts.
With the increasing rate of [topic] nowadays, it begs the question: [question]?
In an era where [topic] has become increasingly prominent, the debate surrounding [issue] continues to provoke strong opinions.
The question of whether [issue] has long been a subject of considerable debate.
As [topic] continues to shape modern life, many are divided over [issue].
2
Summarise both texts using reporting language
Name both views precisely. Do not use “the first text says” — use sophisticated reporting verbs.
While the first passage posits that [view A], the second writer espouses that [view B].
The first author reveals doubts about [issue] by recalling [evidence], whereas the second passage views [counter-position].
The first text calls into question [issue], while the second author regards [alternative position].
While Text 1 emphasises [point], Text 2 takes the view that [counter-point].
3
Thesis statement
Signal what this essay will do. Keep it concise — one sentence only.
This essay will weigh the merits of both perspectives while offering a personal evaluation of [topic].
This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting a considered personal stance.
The following essay will evaluate the arguments put forward by both authors and offer a reasoned conclusion.
With the increasing rate of crimes nowadays, it begs the question: is incarceration the best form of punishment? While the first passage posits that the main objective of a prison sentence has failed as statistics indicate otherwise, the second writer espouses that prisons in many cases have a positive impact on the lives of inmates after their term is served. This essay will weigh the merits of both perspectives while offering a personal evaluation of the role of prisons.
1
Body Paragraph 1 — Summarise and Evaluate Text 1
3 steps
1
Introduce the first author’s argument
Use precise reporting verbs — not “the text says”.
The first author reveals doubts about / calls into question [issue].
The first passage posits that [argument].
The first writer contends that [position], citing [evidence].
It has been shown / it is often asserted that [claim from text].
By recalling statistics of [issue], the first author suggests that [conclusion].
2
Develop and extend the argument
Add detail or a second point from the text using an addition linker.
Moreover, [additional point from text].
Furthermore, the author highlights that [supporting detail].
The text goes on to argue that [extension of argument].
This is reinforced by the claim that [supporting evidence].
3
Brief personal evaluation
Offer your own view on this argument in one sentence.
While this argument has merit, it fails to account for [counter-consideration].
This is a compelling point, particularly in light of [relevant context].
However, this perspective may overlook [limitation].
The first author reveals doubts about reaping any benefits from imprisonment by recalling statistics of the inefficiency of incarceration. It has been shown that the vast majority of prisoners do not change their habits and return to the world of crime afterward. Moreover, the high costs of supporting prisons represent a heavy burden to economic systems all over the world. While this argument has considerable merit, it fails to account for the preventative effect that incarceration may have on potential offenders.
2
Body Paragraph 2 — Summarise and Evaluate Text 2
3 steps
1
Introduce the second author’s view with contrast language
Signal the shift to the opposing view clearly.
Conversely, the second passage views [topic] as [position].
The second author regards [issue] as [alternative stance].
The writer places more emphasis on [counter-argument].
In contrast, the second text espouses the view that [alternative position].
2
Develop the argument
Add a supporting point or detail from the second text.
What is more, [supporting detail from text 2].
The author further claims that [development].
This view is supported by the observation that [evidence].
The passage highlights [key point], suggesting that [conclusion].
3
Personal evaluation
State how convincing you find this view and why.
From my perspective, this argument is more convincing because [reason].
In my opinion, [evaluation of text 2’s position].
Although this view has its merits, [qualification].
Although imprisonment is far from being the gold standard in the pursuit of corrective behaviour, [evaluation].
Conversely, the second passage views deprivation of freedom after committing crimes as a form of prevention for further law breaking. The writer places more emphasis on the beneficial influence of imprisonment by decreasing the availability of drugs or contact with criminal networks. What is more, prisons should be seen as a great opportunity for transforming one’s habits. From my perspective, although imprisonment is far from being the gold standard in the pursuit of corrective criminal behaviour, taking away one of the most fundamental human rights seems to make a valuable contribution to decreasing the number of crimes.
C
Conclusion
2 sentences only
1
Sentence 1 — Summarise both views elegantly
Refer back to both perspectives without repeating yourself word for word.
In conclusion, there are a plethora / a deluge / myriad of benefits and drawbacks related to [topic], some of which have been outlined by the writers.
To conclude, both authors present valid arguments regarding [issue], though neither tells the complete story.
In conclusion, the texts highlight the complexity of [issue] from two distinct perspectives.
2
Sentence 2 — Final evaluative statement
Close with a sophisticated, balanced final sentence. Do not introduce new arguments.
As evidenced by the diverging viewpoints presented, the appropriateness of [issue] remains a deeply nuanced matter.
Ultimately, the most effective approach to [issue] is likely to depend on [condition or context].
While both perspectives have merit, it is clear that [balanced final position].
In conclusion, there are a plethora of benefits and drawbacks related to incarceration, some of which have been outlined by the writers. As evidenced by the diverging viewpoints presented, the appropriateness of prison sentences remains a deeply nuanced issue.
Vocabulary — Task 1 Essay
Reporting verbs
positsespousescontendsassertshighlightsmaintainsregardsrevealscalls into question
Sophisticated collocations
makes a valuable contributiona heavy burdena form of preventionthe vast majoritypressing community needs
Idioms & elevated phrases
it begs the questionthe gold standarda plethora ofa deluge ofmyriad ofdeeply nuancedfar from being
Linking words
moreoverfurthermorewhat is moreconverselyhoweveralthoughthat being saidconsequentlyabove allin particular
Formal Letter
Written to people in authority — mayors, councils, organisations
Register must be consistently formal throughout. No contractions. Precise, professional vocabulary. Aim for 280–320 words.
Salutation
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Opening
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Body Paragraphs
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Call to Action
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Close
S
Salutation & Opening
1
Salutation
Use Dear [Title Surname] if you know the name. Use Dear Sir or Madam if you do not — and then close with Yours faithfully.
Dear Mayor [Surname], / Dear Ms [Surname], / Dear Sir or Madam,
2
State your purpose immediately
Open with a clear, formal statement of why you are writing.
I am writing as a concerned [resident/citizen/professional] regarding [issue].
I am writing to formally raise concerns about [issue] and to suggest [solution/alternative].
I am writing on behalf of [group] to draw your attention to [problem].
I am writing to express my [concern/dissatisfaction] regarding [matter].
Dear Mayor Thompson, I am writing as a concerned resident of Cambridge regarding what I believe to be an unfortunate misuse of public funds on recent municipal projects. While I appreciate the local authority’s commitment to local development, some initiatives appear to lack both practicality and public support.
1
Body Paragraph 1 — First Issue
1
Introduce the issue
Raise the first concern diplomatically. Acknowledge any positive intent before criticising.
To begin with, [issue], though [acknowledgement], appears to lack both practicality and public support.
While I appreciate [positive aspect], [concern] only further burdens [resource/system/budget].
The [initiative/project] may have sounded intriguing on paper, but the end result is underwhelming.
2
Develop with evidence or detail
Maintenance costs and frequent [problems] only further burden [budget/system].
Most [people/residents/users] [action], rendering [initiative] redundant.
The funds invested in [activity] could have been better spent addressing more pressing community needs.
To begin with, the installation of interactive digital kiosks in the town square, though modern and eye-catching, serves little purpose. Most residents access town information via mobile apps or the website, rendering these machines redundant. Maintenance costs and frequent malfunctions only further burden the city budget.
2
Body Paragraph 2 — Proposal or Second Issue
1
Introduce a second concern or propose an alternative
Likewise, [second issue] raises similar concerns.
In contrast, I believe investment in [alternative] would be more impactful.
Enhancing [area] would benefit [group] and [positive outcome].
Additionally, allocating funds toward [alternative] would not only [benefit A] but also [benefit B].
Another area worth exploring is [suggestion]. By [action], [positive outcome].
In contrast, I believe investment in public transportation, especially the outdated bus system, would be far more impactful. Enhancing service frequency and improving shelter facilities would benefit commuters and reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, allocating funds toward youth programmes and skill-building workshops would not only engage the younger generation but also prepare them for meaningful employment.
C
Call to Action & Close
1
State what you want the reader to do
I urge you to reconsider [issue] and redirect efforts toward [solution].
I would be grateful if you could give this matter your urgent attention.
I look forward to hearing your response on this matter.
I trust that you will take the necessary steps to [resolve/address] [issue].
2
Sign-off
Yours sincerely (if you used a named salutation) / Yours faithfully (if you wrote Dear Sir or Madam)
Yours sincerely, [Your name]    OR    Yours faithfully, [Your name]
I urge you to reconsider current spending priorities and redirect efforts toward sustainable development that addresses the genuine needs of our population. Yours sincerely, Candice
Vocabulary — Formal Letter
Formal openers
I am writing to formally requestraise concerns aboutdraw your attention toexpress my dissatisfaction
Hedging & diplomacy
it would appear thatit seems thatone might argueI would suggest that
Strong formal verbs
urgerequestproposehighlightrecommendreconsider
Sophisticated phrases
appears to lack practicalityrenders [X] redundantmore pressing community needsunderwhelming end resultrestoring public trustsustainable development
Linking words
to begin withlikewisein contrastadditionallyfurthermoreanother area worth exploringconsequentlyabove all
Semi-formal Letter
Written to professional contacts you know but not personally
Line managers, tutors, course organisers, landlords. Polite and professional but warmer than a formal letter. Aim for 280–320 words.
Salutation
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Purpose
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Body
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Reassurances
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Close
O
Opening — State Purpose and Context
1
State your purpose clearly and immediately
Be direct but warm. Reference any prior agreement or support if relevant.
I am writing to formally request authorisation to [action], which I believe will be highly beneficial for both [benefit A] and [benefit B].
I am writing to request [action]. My [manager/tutor], [name], is fully supportive and suggested I submit this request for your approval.
I am writing to inform you of [situation] and to request [action].
I would like to formally bring to your attention [issue/request].
I am writing to formally request authorisation to attend a week-long professional training course which I believe will be highly beneficial for both my work and my long-term development. My line manager, Mr Tim, is fully supportive of my attendance and suggested that I submit this official request for your approval.
B
Body — Develop with Relevant Detail
1
Describe the request in detail
Give specific information that makes your case compelling.
The [course/event/request] will take place from [date] and focuses on [description].
As [area] forms an important part of my daily responsibilities, I am confident that [benefit].
It also offers the opportunity to [benefit], which I believe will be invaluable for [development].
I am confident that [action] will enable me to carry out my role more effectively and contribute more confidently to [team/organisation].
The course, Effective Workplace Communication, will take place from 12–16 October and focuses on building practical skills in clear communication, conflict management, and collaborative problem-solving. As these areas form an important part of my daily responsibilities, I am confident that the training will enable me to carry out my role more effectively and contribute more confidently to team projects. It also offers the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals from other organisations, which I believe will be invaluable for broadening my perspective.
R
Reassurances & Arrangements
1
Show you have planned for your absence
Reassure the reader that your absence will cause no disruption.
I have already taken steps to ensure that my absence causes minimal disruption.
My current tasks have been organised in advance, and I have arranged for colleagues to cover essential duties.
I will remain fully contactable should any urgent matter arise.
I am willing to assist remotely whenever necessary.
I will prepare a brief handover document so that the team has full clarity on ongoing work during my absence.
I have already taken steps to ensure that my absence causes minimal disruption. My current tasks have been organised in advance, and I have arranged for colleagues to cover essential duties. I will also remain fully contactable should any urgent matter arise, and I am willing to assist remotely whenever necessary. In addition, I will prepare a brief handover document so that the team has full clarity on ongoing work during my absence.
C
Close — Polite and Professional
1
Close with a polite request and sign-off
For these reasons, I kindly request your permission to [action].
Once I return, I would be pleased to share the key insights with the team.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I would appreciate your decision at your earliest convenience.
I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely / Kind regards
For these reasons, I kindly request your permission to attend the course. I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained will strengthen my performance and support our department’s goals. Once I return, I would be pleased to share the key insights with the team, ensuring that the organisation benefits as a whole. Thank you very much for considering my request. I would appreciate your decision at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely, Candice
Vocabulary — Semi-formal Letter
Purpose phrases
I am writing to formally requestformally bring to your attentionkindly request your permission
Reassurance phrases
minimal disruptionfully contactableorganised in advancearranged for colleagues to coverbrief handover document
Confidence & persuasion
I am confident thatI believe will be invaluableenable me to carry out my role more effectivelycontribute more confidently
Professional collocations
highly beneficiallong-term developmentcollaborative problem-solvingstrengthening my performancemeaningful employment
Linking words
furthermorein additionnot only... but alsoconsequentlyfor these reasonsI am confident that
Informal Letter
Written to a close friend or family member
Warm, personal and conversational. Contractions are acceptable. Use idiomatic language, rhetorical questions, and direct address. Aim for 280–320 words.
Salutation
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Warm Opening
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Body
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Warm Close
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Sign-off
S
Salutation & Warm Opening
1
Salutation
Dear [First name],    /    Hi [Name],
2
Open with warmth and personality
Reference the relationship, ask a question, or react to their last letter. Set a friendly tone immediately.
I hope this letter finds you well — it feels like ages since we last caught up!
How are things going? I have been meaning to write for a while now.
It was so lovely to hear from you — your letter really made my day.
I have been meaning to write for weeks, but life has been absolutely manic lately.
Can you believe it has been [time] since we last saw each other?
B
Body — Engaging and Personal
3 steps
1
Share your news or respond to theirs
Lead with something vivid and engaging. Hook the reader straight away.
I have some exciting news to share — you will never guess what has happened!
You will not believe what I have been up to lately.
Things have been a whirlwind here — let me fill you in.
I am over the moon about [news], and I had to tell you straight away.
2
Develop with warmth, detail or humour
Use idiomatic language, vivid detail and a personal voice throughout.
Honestly, it was one of those experiences you could not make up.
I have to say, I was absolutely blown away by [experience].
The whole thing was a bit of a rollercoaster, but it turned out to be worth it in the end.
On the other hand, [alternative view or complication].
3
Turn the attention to the reader
Ask about them or make a suggestion. Show genuine interest.
Anyway, enough about me — how are things on your end?
I would love to hear all about [topic] when you have a moment.
We absolutely must arrange to meet up soon — it has been far too long.
Let me know what you think — I would love your take on it.
C
Warm Close & Sign-off
1
Close warmly and sign off
Do write back soon — I cannot wait to hear your news.
Take care of yourself and give my love to [family member / friend].
Speak soon! Lots of love / Warm wishes / All the best / Take care,
Vocabulary — Informal Letter
Informal connectors
by the wayanywayspeaking of whichon another notebelieve it or not
Idiomatic expressions
over the moona rollercoasterabsolutely blown awayyou could not make it upa bit of a whirlwindmaniccatch upfill you in
Warm phrases
I had to tell you straight awayit really made my dayI cannot wait to hearit has been far too long
Rhetorical questions
Can you believe it?You will never guess what happened!How are things on your end?
Review
Written for a magazine, website or publication
Engage the reader, describe clearly, evaluate honestly, and make a recommendation. The tone is lively, confident and sophisticated. Aim for 280–320 words.
Title
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Opening Hook
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Description
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Evaluation
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Recommendation
T
Title — Short and Engaging
Write a title that intrigues the reader before they read a single word of your review.
A Hidden Gem Worth Every Penny
An Unforgettable Experience — But Not Without Its Flaws
Worth the Hype? A Candid Review of [Subject]
Stunning, Surprising, and Highly Recommended
A Masterpiece of [Cuisine / Design / Storytelling / Hospitality]
1
Opening Paragraph — Hook the Reader
1
Open with a memorable hook
Grab attention immediately. Your opening sentence must make the reader want to continue.
If you are looking for [experience], look no further than [subject].
[Subject] is one of those rare [places/films/books] that genuinely exceeds expectations.
It is not often that a [restaurant/novel/hotel] leaves such a lasting impression, but [subject] managed to do exactly that.
I went in with high expectations — and I was not disappointed.
Few experiences can claim to be truly memorable, but [subject] is undeniably one of them.
2
Description — What It Is and What You Experienced
1
Describe the subject vividly
Give the reader enough detail to understand the subject. Use precise, evocative language.
Situated [location], [subject] offers [description of main features].
The [atmosphere/writing/food/design] can only be described as [vivid adjective]: [detail].
What immediately strikes the visitor/reader is [first impression].
The [menu/plot/collection/service] is both [adjective] and [adjective], offering something for [type of audience].
From the moment you [enter/begin/arrive], it is clear that [observation about quality or care].
3
Evaluation — Strengths and Weaknesses
1
Highlight the standout strengths
Without doubt, the highlight of the experience was [standout feature].
Particularly impressive was the [detail], which [reason].
What sets [subject] apart from its rivals is [distinguishing quality].
2
Acknowledge a weakness with hedged language
A review that only praises is less convincing. Include a small criticism diplomatically.
That said, it would be remiss not to mention [minor weakness].
While [strength] is beyond question, [limitation] may not suit every [reader/visitor/taste].
On the downside, [criticism], though this did little to detract from the overall experience.
4
Recommendation & Close
1
Make a clear, confident recommendation
Tell the reader directly whether to go, read, watch or visit. Name the ideal audience.
All things considered, [subject] is highly recommended for [type of audience].
Whether you are a [type of person] or simply [alternative], this is not to be missed.
In short, [subject] is a [superlative description] that deserves far wider recognition.
I would not hesitate to recommend [subject] to anyone looking for [experience].
A word of advice: [practical tip]. Other than that, [positive close].
Vocabulary — Review
Vivid adjectives
breathtakingimpeccableunparalleledunderstatedvibrantcompellingevocativeflawlessintimate
Hedged criticism
somewhat lackingcould benefit fromnot without its flawsleaves a little to be desiredfalls slightly short of
Recommendation phrases
not to be missedhighly recommendeda must fordeserves wider recognitiona hidden gem
Sophisticated collocations
exceeds expectationsleaves a lasting impressionbeyond reproacha cut above the restgoes above and beyond
Linking words
without doubtthat saidon the downsideall things consideredin shortabove allit is worth noting that