THE FCE WRITING PAPER
A
guide to tackling the various writing tasks for FCE
by Jane Mackinlay
PART 1 (COMPULSORY TASK)
TRANSACTIONAL LETTER
What is a transactional letter?
A
formal or informal letter written to get something
done. It may be a letter in response to request for
action or a letter to initiate action
What
kind of functions can be included in a
transactional letter?
•
giving information
•
requesting information
•
making complaints
•
making suggestions
•
asking for permission
What
letter writing conventions are required?
•
an opening salutation (Dear Sir; Dear Mrs
Parker;)
•
paragraphing (usually 3-4 distinct paragraphs)
•
closing phases (looking forward to your reply
etc.)
What
makes a good transactional letter?
•
good organisation (planning is
important)
•
good cohesion (linking words, phrases and other
techniques)
•
clear layout (logical structure of
ideas)
•
appropriate register (formal, informal,
friendly etc.)
•
well-controlled and (correct grammar, spelling
and
accurate language punctuation)
•
ability to use a range of (varied structures
(simple & more
language complex tense forms; use of adjectives
and adverbs etc.)
•
all essential points of the (thorough reading
and
input information understanding of the
question)
covered
What is the format of the question?
•
situation is described
•
visual prompts (letters, notes, signs etc.) are
used
•
points are given that must be used and expanded
in the letter
You are organising a visit to an international
newspaper for your English class. You have just
received this letter from Chris Manners at the
newspaper office with a suggested programme for the
day. You need to write a reply, so the programme
can be agreed.
Read the letter and the programme carefully,
together with the notes you have written. Then
write a letter to Mr Manners. You must use all your
notes.
Here is a possible programme for the day of
your
visit. Please give me your comments and tell me
any changes you think are necessary.
Chris Manners
International News
Programme
for the day
11.0 Guided tour
11.30
Demonstration: how a newspaper is produced
12.30 Either: video showing the daily life of a
journalist
Or: talk on the history of the
newspaper
13.30
Lunch in canteen
14.30
Your chance to interview our journalists
15.30 Group photograph with
staff
16.00
Tea and refreshments
16.30
Depart
Write
a
letter
of between
120
and
180
words in an appropriate style.
Do not write any postal addresses.
PART 2
A CHOICE OF TASKS FROM WHICH YOU MUST CHOOSE
ONE
OF THE FOLLOWING:
•
a discursive composition
•
an article
•
a report
•
a letter of application
•
an informal letter
•
a short story
•
an article, letter, composition or report based
on the prescribed reading text currently in
use
What is a discursive composition?
A
piece of writing which is usually written for a
teacher and would probably include some opinions
and suggestions on a specific subject and would be
relatively formal in style.
You
recently took part in a class discussion about
choosing an interesting job. Your teacher has now
asked you to write a composition, answering the
following question and giving reasons for your
choice.
Would
you rather be a politician, a teacher or a
musician?
Write
your
composition
What
is an article?
A
piece of writing which could be written for a
magazine or newsletter. The reader may be someone
with a similar interest to the writer, or be in the
same age group as the writer. The main purpose of
an article is to interest and engage the reader, so
there should be some opinion and comment.
Descriptions and anecdotes may be included in an
article. The style could be formal or informal,
humorous, persuasive etc.
You
see this announcement in
The English Learner,
a magazine for learners of English around the
world.
CHANGING EATING HABITS
Many people nowadays buy ready-made meals from a
supermarket instead of preparing food at home.
What is your opinion about this?
What effect has this had on your own way of life?
Write us an article answering these questions
Write
your
article
What
is a report?
A
piece of writing which could be written for a
superior (a boss or a teacher) or for a peer group
(club members, classmates, colleagues) and will
definitely contain facts. A report often includes
suggestions and recommendations. A report should be
clearly organised and may include headings. The
style would be quite formal.
Your
local tourist office has asked you to write a
report for English-speaking visitors, giving
helpful advice about public transport services in
your region.
Write your
report.
What is a letter of application?
A
piece of writing which is written to an individual
or an organisation. The purpose is always clear (to
get a job, a scholarship, etc.). It will include
relevant information and expressions of interest.
It would be a fairly formal style.
A letter of application will not be offered
if the Part 1 task requires formal
language.
You
see this advertisement in your local paper for a
job as part-time worker in ‘Healthy
Eating Burger Bar’.
WANTED
part-time (evenings and weekends) kitchen and
serving staff. No previous experience necessary,
but must be reliable, hard-working and can work
under pressure. Knowledge of a foreign language
would be useful (for serving staff) and an interest
in healthy eating. Uniform and meals provided.
Contact in writing Mr J. Carrott
Write
your
letter of application
What
is an informal letter?
A
piece of writing which is written to a known reader
such as a pen friend, family member etc. and would
share an experience or explain feelings of personal
opinions. Naturally, It would be written in a
fairly informal style.
Last month, you enjoyed helping at a pop concert
and your pen friend, Kim, wants to hear about your
experience. Write a letter to Kim, describing what
you did to help
and
explaining what you particularly liked about the
experience.
Write your
letter.
Do not write any postal addresses.
What
is a short story?
A
short story would be written for a magazine or
collection of stories which might be a particular
type of fiction (thriller, romantic, children’s
story etc.) or for a particular type of reader
(fellow student). The story might be written for a
fee or hopefully to win a prize. The main purpose
of this kind of writing is to engage the interest
of the reader.
An
international student magazine is running a short
story competition which you have decided to enter.
The story must
end
with the following words:
‘Michael closed the door and knew at that moment he
had made a mistake.’
Write your
story.
What
is the prescribed reading text question?
There
is a choice of two tasks from which
one
must be chosen. The writing tasks are in the
style of an article, letter, composition or report
(see above) and are general enough to apply to any
of the set texts. The target reader is someone who
may not have read the text. Direct reference to the
text should be made but NOT simply a summary of the
plot given.
Answer
one
of the following two questions based on your
reading of
one
of these set books ………
Either
(a)
You have had a discussion on the importance of the
place
where the action happens in the book or one of the
short
stories you have read. Now your teacher has asked
you to
write a
composition,
in which you describe one location in your book or
short story and explain how the story is connected
to the place.
Or (b)
‘This is such a marvellous book you will want to
read it again.’
Write an
article
for your college magazine, saying whether
you think this statement is true of the book or one
of the short
stories you have read.
WRITING LETTERS
FORMAL
LETTERS
How
do I begin a formal letter?
•
with the name of a person: Dear Mr…/Mrs…/Miss…/Ms…
•
with Sir or Madam: Dear Sir, Dear Madam, Dear
Sir/Madam
•
followed by a standard opening
phrase:
I am writing to inform you that…
I am writing to complain about…
I am writing with reference to…
I am writing regarding your advertisement…
I am writing to inquire about…
Further to your recent inquiry…
Further to my letter of April
22nd…
With reference to my recent holiday…
How do I end a formal letter?
•
with a standard closing phrase:
Thank you in advance for your help
I look forward to meeting you next week
I look forward to hearing from you soon
Please do not hesitate to contact me for further
information
•
if you use the name of a person at the
beginning:
Yours sincerely
•
if you use Sir or Madam:
Yours faithfully
What can I write in the main part (‘body’)of the
letter?
•
to ask for information:
Could you tell me…? Could you inform me…?
Would it be possible to…?
I would like to know whether…
I would be grateful if you could send me details…
•
to respond to requests for
information:
As requested, I am sending you…
Please find enclosed…
In response to your request…
•
to give information
I/We would like to inform you…
I am afraid to inform you...
We regret to inform you…
•
to give an explanation
The reason for this is…
Unfortunately, we are unable to… because…
•
to make a suggestion
I think it would be a good idea if…
The best thing would be to…
•
to make a complaint and ask for
action
I am sorry to say that…
I wish to/should like to complain about…
In view of the problems…I feel that you should…
We are interested to know what you intend to do
about…
•
to apologise
I am writing to apologise for…
We are extremely sorry for…
•
to ask for permission
Is it possible to…?
Could we possibly…?
INFORMAL
LETTERS
How
do I begin an informal letter?
•
with the first name of a person:
Dear John, Dear
Suzanne,
•
followed by a standard opening phrase:
Thanks for your letter
How are you?
I hope you’re well
Sorry it’s been so long since I last wrote
It was lovely to hear from you
Great to hear from you again
It’s ages since I heard from you
How do I end an informal letter?
•
with a standard closing phrase:
Drop me a line soon
Write soon
Take care
Do keep in touch
Give my love to…
Hope to hear from you soon
Looking forward to…
•
before your name, to close friends:
love from
all my love
lots of love
•
before your name, to less close
friends/acquaintances:
Best wishes
All the best
Yours
Kind regards
What
can I write in the main part (‘body’) of the
letter?
•
to ask for information
Let me know…
Can you tell me…?
•
to respond to requests for further
information
You asked me to let you know…
You wanted to know if…well, …
•
to give information
You’ll be happy to know…
Here is the information about…
•
to give an explanation
So you see,…
That’s why…
•
to make a suggestion/
Why don’t we…
What do you think about…
Let’s…
Let me know what you think
•
to make a complaint and ask for
action
I’m not really very happy about…
What are you going to do about it
•
to apologise
Sorry for…
I’m sorry for …/not…
•
to ask for permission
Can we…?
•
to give advice
You could/should…
How about…?
My advice would be…How
do I organise a formal/informal letter?
•
both formal and informal letters should be
organised as follows:
Greeting
Dear John, Dear Sir, etc.
Paragraph 1 Introduction
reason for writing/
purpose of the letter
Paragraph 2-4 Main body
information/ details/ questions/etc.
Paragraph 5 Conclusion
action to be taken/
what happens next
Ending
Yours sincerely,
Yours faithfully
Lots of love, etc.
CHECKLIST FOR WRITING A TRANSACTIONAL LETTER (Part
1)
1.
Read the whole question carefully and check you
understand the task
2.
Underline
the key points in the instructions
3.
Underline
the key points in the information you are given
that
You will need to use in your answer
4.
Plan carefully about what you are going to write
(draft?)
5. Write your letter
6. Check you have:
•
used the correct form of greeting and ending
•
divided your writing into distinct paragraphs
•
used an appropriate style of language for the task
(informal for a friend; formal for a company or
person in authority etc.)
•
included all the essential points
•
used a variety of accurate structures
•
used correct spelling and punctuation
DISCURSIVE
COMPOSITION
What
do I need to consider when writing a discursive
composition?
•
my personal opinion (Do I agree/disagree? Am I
neutral? etc.)
•
what ideas I can develop to support my argument
(ideas)
•
the most effective way to organise my ideas
(linking)
•
what is the appropriate style (neutral –
formal)
•
who I am writing for (audience)
How
do I organise a discursive composition?
•
Paragraph 1
– introduction to the question, stating the problem
•
Paragraphs 2-3
– the main body of the composition setting out your
personal opinion and reasons for it. Also other
people’s ideas and why you agree/disagree. Include
supporting points, examples etc. to back up and
justify your opinion.
•
Paragraph 4
– the conclusion which summarises or restates your
main feeling, opinion etc. and relates back to the
original question
What
language should I use in a discursive composition?
•
the language of giving opinions:
I think/do not think /I believe that…
In my view, …
I doubt whether…
It seems to me that…
Personally, …
•
the language of reason, result, purpose and
contrast:
because, as, since + clause
because of + noun
consequently, so, therefore, as a result…
so as to…in order to…so that…in order that…
however, but, nevertheless, yet, although, despite,
in spite of…
•
the language of concluding and
summarising:
In conclusion…
In summary…
Lastly…
Finally…
To sum up…
To conclude…
CHECKLIST FOR WRITING A DISCURSIVE COMPOSITION
(PART 2)
1.
Spend about 5 mins planning your answer
2. Underline the important parts of the question
3. Decide on your opinion/s
4. Jot down some ideas (a mind map?)
5. Think of examples to support your ideas and key
points
6. Write the first paragraph – it should give a
clear indication of what you are going to write
about
7. Write your ideas in paragraphs – be careful how
you link your ideas
8. Write your last paragraph – it should round off
your work and make clear what your conclusions are
9. Check you have:
•
divided your writing into distinct paragraphs
•
used correct spelling and punctuation
•
used an appropriate style (neutral – formal)
•
used a range of linking language and grammatical
structures
WRITING
AN ARTICLE
What
do I need to consider when writing an article?
•
what I know about the subject (ideas)
•
who I am writing for (audience)
•
how to get the reader’s attention (opening
paragraph) and make them want to continue reading
(ideas, organisation)
•
what style is appropriate (neutral, humorous,
lively, serious etc.)
How
do I organise an article?
•
Paragraph 1
– a general introduction to the subject which makes
a positive impression on the reader, perhaps
surprises the reader but certainly makes them want
to read on
•
Paragraphs 2-3
– the main body of the article which expands the
ideas of the first paragraph, using the language of
description, reason, result, purpose, contrast
etc.
•
Paragraph 4
– a conclusion which looks back on the article (or
even forwards) and leaves the reader content with
what you have written
How
do I write a good opening paragraph for an article?
•
write a controversial or unexpected
statement
•
write with enthusiasm about your topic
•
start with a joke or a story
•
start with a question that you will answer in the
rest of your article
CHECKLIST FOR WRITING AN ARTICLE
1. Brainstorm ideas for a few minutes before
starting to write
2. Think carefully about your audience and the type
of ‘publication’ you are writing for – this will
influence your style
3. Do not mix styles in your writing
4. Use plenty of adjectives and different
structures to engage the reader throughout the
article
5. Check you have:
•
divided your writing clearly into 4-5 paragraphs
•
accurate spelling and punctuation
•
used a range of linking language
WRITING A REPORT
What
do I need to consider when writing a report?
•
who you are writing the report for (audience)
•
why you are writing the report (purpose)
•
what information the reader wants (facts)
•
a suitable heading or sub-headings
•
the tense you will use
•
organisation and style
How
do I organise a report?
•
write the information you are giving under a number
of appropriate headings
•
you may want to use bullet points
•
each paragraph should deal with a different piece
of factual information, which will depend on the
subject of the report
•
usually the last paragraph will be a personal
comment, recommendation or summary
What
style should I use in a report?
•
normally an impersonal style is used in a report
•
a more formal style would be used for a superior
•
a less formal style might be appropriate for your
peer group
•
a clear, unambiguous style is important
What language should I use in a report?
•
the language of recommendation
…you should…
It would be a good idea to…
I thoroughly recommend…
(It)
is worth visiting/buying/ etc
I suggest that…
•
the language of fact
There is/are…
It is situated/located…
•
the language of organisation
The aim/purpose of this report is…
Firstly, Secondly, Finally, etc.
To sum up/In conclusion
•
appropriate headings
Aims/Introduction/Conclusion
Location/Facilities/Activities/Cost
Opening times/Atmosphere
CHECKLIST FOR WRITING A REPORT
1.
Spend about 5 mins planning your answer
2. Underline the important part of the question
3. Decide on the main heading (the subject of the
report)
4. Decide on other headings to organise your report
5. Think about who is going to read your report
6. Give relevant facts (include everything the
question asks for)
7. Remember to include a final comment or
recommendation
8. Check you have:
•
used an appropriate style (impersonal - formal)
•
a clear organisation (headings & sub-headings)
•
included specific details, facts
•
correct spelling and punctuation
•
used a range of accurate structures and linking
devices
WRITING
A LETTER OF APPLICATION
What do I need to consider when writing a letter of
application?
•
it is a formal letter so it needs a formal style
and layout
•
what relevant experience and qualifications are
necessary for the job (facts)
•
how to get the reader’s attention (opening
paragraph) and persuade them to continue reading
(ideas, organisation)
How
do I organise a letter of application?
•
follow the usual formal letter
format:
greeting - paragraph 1, 2, 3 etc. –
ending
•
paragraph 1 should give the reason for
writing
•
paragraph 2/3 should detail relevant qualifications
and work experience and perhaps why you want the
job
•
paragraph 4 may contain information about your
hobbies and interests or other relevant
skills
•
a closing paragraph and appropriate
ending
What
standard phrases can I use in a letter of
application?
•
to give the reason for writing
I would like to apply for the post of…
I am writing to apply for the job of…
…which was advertised in ‘The Scotsman’ yesterday
I have seen your advertisement…and wish to apply
for…
•
to give information about your
qualifications/experience
I have recently left school/graduated from
university
I have …./ I am a graduate in…
I
have worked for…years as a…
During this time, I have been involved in…/I have
done…
At present I am in charge of/responsible for…
My responsibilities include…
As you can see from my enclosed CV,…
•
to say why you want the job
This (job) would give me the chance to…(travel,
use my foreign
language skills etc)
This would enable me to…(get more experience etc.)
•
to give information about your hobbies and
interests or other skills
I am very interested in…
I am a keen…
I am a member of…
I have a (First Aid) certificate
I am familiar with…( Powerpoint and other IT
packages)
•
to close the letter
To sum up…
I hope you will consider my application favourably
I very much hope my application is successful
Should you require any further information I would
be happy to
answer any questions
I am available for interview at short notice
CHECKLIST FOR WRITING A LETTER OF APPLICATION
1.
Read the job advertisement carefully to ensure you
have the necessary experience and qualifications
2. Plan carefully what you want to say – include
only relevant information about yourself
3. Organise your information logically
4. Write your letter
5. Check you have:
•
used the correct form of greeting and ending
•
used distinct paragraphs
•
used a formal style
•
given enough information
•
a variety of accurate structures and correct
spelling and punctuation
WRITING
A SHORT STORY
What do I need to consider when writing a short
story or narrative?
•
how imaginative I am
•
if there is a line that I must use to start or
finish the story
•
who I am writing for (audience)
•
what kind of style is suitable for the story
(dramatic, personalised, descriptive etc.)
•
how to make my sentences more vivid (interesting
vocabulary and idioms; varied sentence structures)
•
a clear time sequence for the story (use of tense
forms)
•
a good beginning and ending
How
do I organise a short story or narrative?
•
Paragraph 1
– (Background) - a good way to start a story is to
set the scene by describing a situation before
describing what happens, in a way that arouses the
interest of your reader
•
Paragraphs 2-3
– (Events/Developments) – the story should continue
with events, problems, unusual situations etc.,
that need to be resolved in some way before the end
of the story or how people felt.
•
Paragraphs 4-5
– (Solution/Ending) – it is important to supply an
ending that leaves the reader content that the
implications of the situation have been fully
explored.
•
BACKGROUND – EVENTS/DEVELOPMENT – SOLUTION – ENDING
What
tense forms are important to use in a story or
narrative?
•
for setting the scene or describing a situation,
use the past continuous form (e.g.
I
was having
my breakfast when…)
•
for introducing the action/development of the
situation and saying what happened next, use the
past simple (e.g.
I was having my breakfast when the
doorbell
rang
and…)
•
use the past perfect form if
necessary
How
do I make my story more vivid?
•
use adjectives and adverbs (e.g.
I was
quietly
having my breakfast of
crunchy hot
toast when
suddenly
the door bell rang
loudly…)
•
use long sentences for filling in the background
information, but use short sentences for dramatic
action (e.g.
I opened the door.
There
was no one. A small brown parcel lay on the
step. I picked it up.)
•
include dialogue (e.g.
“I wonder what it is?”
I said to myself.)
•
use idiomatic languge (e.g.
I couldn’t believe my
eyes,
there inside the parcel was the
most…)
CHECKLIST FOR WRITING A SHORT STORY
1.
Read the question carefully and spend 5 mins
planning your answer
2. Make sure you include a first line or final line
if given one in the question
3. Organise your ideas into a beginning – a middle
– an end
4. Use as much vivid and descriptive language as
you can
5. A good beginning and ending
6. Check you have:
•
divided your writing into distinct paragraphs
•
correct spelling and punctuation
•
used a range of accurate structures and linking
devices
WRITING
ABOUT THE PRESCRIBED READING TEXT
What
do I need to consider when writing about the
presecribed reading text (set book)?
•
there is a
choice
of 2 writing tasks based on the set books
•
the writing tasks are the same as for the other
questions of Part 2 of the writing paper
•
the question may ask you to relate aspects of the
book to your own personal experience
•
the questions are ‘multi-purpose’ which means they
are general enough to be answered about any of the
books
•
write the title and question number clearly in the
question booklet so the examiner knows which book
you are writing about
•
provide enough detail to show that you have really
studied the book (and not just watched a film
version)
•
answer the question precisely – do not give a
summary of the story
•
write your answer in the way the question asks: as
an
article,
a
report,
a
letter
or a
composition
POSSIBLE
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
People/Characters, for example
•
Describe your favourite/least favourite character
and say why…
•
Say how one or more characters play an important
part in the book
•
Imagine you were one of the characters. Write a
letter to another character describing some of the
things that happened to you
Places/Settings,
for example
•
Write a composition describing a place which is
important in the story and show why it is
significant
Objects,
for example
•
Write an article for a magazine describing a
particular possession or piece of clothing
belonging to one of the characters and say what it
tells us about the person’s
character
Time,
for example
•
Write a composition on aspects of the story that
might seem out of date in 20 years’ time
Media, for example
•
Write a report on how to adapt the book for a TV
series
Summarising,
for example
•
Your friend has asked you to describe what you are
currently reading in English. Write a letter to
your friend saying what the book is about and why
you are or are not enjoying it
Beginning/End,
for example
•
Write a short story involving one of the characters
from the book
•
Using the information from the end of the book,
write an alternative ending for the book in short
story form
The
reading experience
•
Write a letter recommending the book to a friend
and say why you think he or she should read the
book
CHECKLIST
FOR WRITING ABOUT THE PRESCRIBED READING TEXT
1. Spend about 5 mins planning your answer
2. Jot down some ideas (a mind map?)
3. Make sure you include the title of the book
4. Make sure you write about the book in the form
asked (article, letter, report, composition)
5. Use direct examples and quotations from the book
to show that you have a good knowledge of the book
6. Check you have:
•
organised your writing in paragraphs
•
used correct spelling and linking
•
included a range of structures and vocabulary