CAE TEST AND TIPS

PAPER 2

Writing

(2 HOURS)

Part 1

1 You have recently been on holiday in the USA. During your holiday you were injured and had to pay for medical treatment. You made a claim on your travel insurance policy and have now received a letter from the insurance company.

Read the letter from the insurance company with your handwritten notes on it, and your medical bill, the exchange rates given and the newspaper article. Then, using the information carefully, write a reply to the insurance company's letter explaining why you are not satisfied with their offer.

Write approximately 250 words. You should use your own words as far as possible. You do not need to include addresses.

Tip strip Question 1: Think about your target audience. You will need to write a formal letter. Include: - the name of the person you are writing to - a suitable date for your letter (how long after the letter you have received?) - a suitable formal ending (look at the ending in the input letter) Remember, it's not necessary to include addresses. - Take your main points from the annotations on the letter and plan your answer. - Use the input texts to provide evidence to support your arguments. Summarise information in the newspaper report but express it in a neutral way. Avoid informal phrases such as `hungry monsters' - use the word `alligators' instead. - Write at least three paragraphs. Be polite but at the same time express your dissatisfaction. Clearly state your demand {more compensation) in your final paragraph.

Part 2

Choose one of the following writing tasks. Your answer should follow exactly the instructions given. Write approximately 250 words.

2

A local newspaper has invited readers to send in an article about two or three restaurants in the area which they think are worth eating at. The restaurants can be from any price range, but they must be worth recommending from a particular point of view, such as quality of cooking, pleasant setting, value for money and so on. The artide will be published and the newspaper will pay for a meal for two at one of the restaurants described.

Choose the restaurants you would recommend and write the article.

3

The principal of the school (or college) where you are studying English has received many complaints from students that the building is untidy, is not cleaned properly and needs some repairs. The principal has asked you to write a report, destribing the most serious problems and suggesting how things can be improved.

Write your report for the principal.

4

A student magazine is running a series of articles entitled 'Starting a New Hobby or Sport'. The editor has asked you to contribute an article to this series. Describe the pleasures and possible problems of your chosen hobby or sport. Mention any equipment that is needed and what costs are involved.

Write your article for the magazine.

5

You have seen the following job advertised and have decided to apply for the post.

Melchester Arts Festival Organising Committee Administrative Assistant Full-time Temporary (one-year) Post Salary Ł25,000 We are looking for someone to undertake a wide range of administrative duties in connection with the Melchester Arts Festival which takes place in July and August every year. The successful candidate need not have previous experience of this type of work but must: - speak English and at least one other language. - have a pleasant telephone manner. - be methodical and have an eye for detail. Write your letter of application.

Tip strip Question 2 - You have to write an article for newspaper readers so use: - a headline. - sub-headings. -a fairly colloquial style. - Write about two or three restaurants. Name them and say where they are. - Add points of your own -the phrase `and so on' encourages you to do this. - Write an article which is complimentary. Question 3 - This is a format report so lay it out like this: To: ... From: ... Subject: ... Date: ... You can number the paragraphs and / or give them headings. Make sure you give examples of and suggest solutions for each problem. Question 4 - Consider your target audience. Use an informal and fairly colloquial style. - Write a headline and use sub-headings based on key words in the question, e.g. The pleasures of... Possible problems Equipment you will need How much will it cost? Question 5 - This is a formal letter (see Question 1). You will need about five paragraphs. - Make sure you mention: - the job you are applying for and where you saw the advertisement. - your educational quatifications. - your previous experience. - evidence that you have the three abilities mentioned in the advertisement. - when you are available for interview.

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