Summary of "Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): How to Write an Essay"

Overview

Essays are the only mandatory Writing task in the C1 Advanced (CAE) exam. You must know the required format, register and marking focus.
Essays are usually written for a teacher or academic official, so use formal language and an academic register.
Each task gives three topic points (choose two to discuss) and three optional ideas (on the right) which you may paraphrase and use or ignore.

What is the overall topic?
- Identify topic vocabulary and the appropriate register.
What exactly must I include?
- Choose two of the three left-hand topic points.
- Consider the optional right-hand ideas — paraphrase them if you use them.
- Do NOT discuss all three topic points.
Who is the reader?
- Write for a teacher/academic: formal language is required.

Use formal language and an academic tone.
Avoid:
- Contractions (e.g., write I am, you are).
- Informal phrasal verbs that give a conversational tone.
- Colloquial expressions or spoken phrases.
Paraphrase task-supplied ideas rather than copying them word-for-word.

Introduction — three purposes:
- Put the topic in context (brief background).
- Restate the topic and outline what you will discuss.
- Pique the reader’s interest (pose a relevant question or a striking statement).
Topic paragraphs (body) — typically one paragraph per chosen topic point:
- Start with a clear topic sentence stating what the paragraph will discuss.
- Present your argument (state your position).
- Support with reasons and specific examples.
- Use a variety of linking expressions to connect ideas and show relationships.
- Maintain formality (avoid heavy use of I; express opinions in general statements where possible).
- Arrange paragraphs in a logical, coherent order.
Conclusion — two purposes:
- Summarize the main ideas from the body paragraphs.
- Answer the question and give your final opinion/stance.

Read the task once to get the gist.
Do a task analysis using the three questions above.
Choose two topic points you can write about best; decide whether to use any optional ideas (paraphrase if used).
Plan quickly:
- Intro idea (context, outline, hook).
- Two paragraph outlines (topic sentence + 2–3 supporting points/examples each).
- Conclusion point (summary + final stance).
Write:
- Introduction (context + outline + hook).
- Body paragraphs (topic sentence → argument → reasons/examples → linking).
- Conclusion (summarize + explicit answer/opinion).
Check register and language (no contractions/colloquialisms; paraphrase task prompts).
Revise briefly for coherence, linking, and formal tone.

Present a clear argument and support it with reasons and examples.
Demonstrate ability to agree/disagree and to express an evaluative opinion.
Show paragraph organization and use a wide range of linking devices.
Paraphrase task ideas to show ability to rephrase source material.
Follow the set structure reliably — examiners expect clear, formal, well-organized essays.

Example topic items used in the video: museums, sports centres, public gardens/parks (the example chosen in the video was sports centres and public parks).
Resources offered by the presenter: a free writing cheat sheet and paid personalized writing feedback (links on teacherfield.com).