Lesson 1: Introduction to Cambridge Exam Writing Types
Learning Objectives:
Identify the different types of writing required for the Cambridge Exam, including essays, reports, reviews, formal letters, and proposals.
Understand the primary purpose and audience for each writing type.
Describe the basic structure of each writing type, including key components such as introductions, body sections, and conclusions.
Part 1: Warm-Up
Test Your Knowledge:
Take this quiz to test what you know about different writing types. Don’t worry if you’re unsure—we’ll go over each type afterward.
Part 2: Understanding Cambridge Exam Writing Questions
Look at the types of questions you’ll encounter on the Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam’s writing section. Understanding the structure will help you approach each task with confidence.
Below are collapsible sections for each writing type you’ll encounter in the Cambridge Exam. Click on each to learn about its purpose, structure, and key elements.
Purpose: Essays are typically written to argue a point or present an opinion on a topic. They are used to analyze arguments in a structured format.
Audience: Generally directed at a general or academic audience.
Structure:
Introduction: Present the topic and state your main argument or position.
Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph discusses one point, with supporting evidence or examples.
Conclusion: Summarize key points and restate your position.
👉 Click here - 2. Report
Purpose: Reports provide a structured summary of findings or evaluations of a situation. They often include recommendations for future actions.
Audience: Typically written for a superior, like a manager, director, or peer group (e.g., club members or fellow students).
Structure:
Introduction: State the purpose of the report (e.g., “The purpose of this report is to…”).
Main Content: Organized into sections with subheadings:
Paragraph 1: Present key factual information.
Paragraph 2: Provide additional details or background.
3. Conclusion: Make recommendations based on the findings.
👉 Click here - 3. Review
Purpose: Reviews evaluate and give opinions on items like films, books, or restaurants. They combine a summary and an evaluative opinion.
Audience: Written for readers of a magazine, website, or newspaper who may be interested in the item being reviewed.
Structure:
Title: Include the name of the item being reviewed.
Introduction: Identify the item and briefly introduce it.
Body Paragraphs: Describe key aspects and provide evaluative comments.
Conclusion: Summarize your opinion and give a recommendation.
👉 Click here - 4. Formal Letter/Email
Purpose: Formal letters/emails are used for official or formal communication, often to request information or make a formal statement.
Audience: Directed at a specific individual or organization, often a superior or official contact.
Structure:
Salutation: Begin with a formal greeting (e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam”).
First Paragraph: Explain the purpose of the letter.
Main Content: Provide detailed information in a clear and logical format.
Closing: End with “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely” as appropriate.
👉 Click here - 5. Proposal
Purpose: Proposals outline a plan or suggestion for a future project or action. They are intended to persuade the reader to support or approve the idea.
Audience: Often written for colleagues, club members, or a superior (e.g., manager, principal).
Structure:
Title + Introduction: State the proposal's purpose (e.g., “The aims of this proposal are to…”).
Main Content: Use subheadings to organize sections:
Current Situation: Describe the current conditions or needs.
Recommendations: Provide specific suggestions or actions.
Final Recommendations: Summarize the recommendations to persuade the reader.
Using transitional words and phrases can greatly improve the flow of your writing, making it easier for readers to follow your arguments and ideas. These words help indicate relationships between sentences and paragraphs.
Types of Transitional Words and Phrases
1- Addition: Use these to add more information or ideas.
Furthermore, in addition, also, moreover
2- Contrast: Show a difference or opposing idea.
However, on the other hand, nevertheless, although
3- Cause and Effect: Indicate a cause or result.
Therefore, as a result, consequently, thus
4- Sequence or Order: Help organize steps or ideas in a specific order.
Firstly, secondly, next, finally
5- Example: Use these to introduce examples that support your point.
For example, for instance, in particular
6- Emphasis: Highlight a key point or idea.
Indeed, certainly, above all, in fact
7- Clarification: Clarify or restate an idea for better understanding.
In other words, that is to say, to clarify, to put it another way
8- Concession: Acknowledge a contrasting point before presenting your own.
Although, even though, admittedly, granted, in spite of that, despite this
9- Comparison: Show similarities between ideas.
Similarly, likewise, in the same way, just as
10- Summary or Conclusion: Sum up or conclude ideas.
In conclusion, to summarize, in brief, overall
Activity: Text Sample Identification
You’ll see a selection of brief text samples below. Read each sample carefully and decide whether it’s an essay, report, formal letter, review, or proposal.
Instructions:
Click on the Nearpod activity.
Read each sample: Carefully read the brief text samples provided.
Identify the writing type: Choose whether each sample is an essay, report, formal letter, review, or proposal.
Answer the following questions in 2–3 sentences each:
Click on the comment link to add your responses and share your thoughts with the class.
Confidence Check: Which writing type do you feel most confident about? Why?
Challenge Check: Which writing type do you think will be the most challenging? What steps can you take to improve in that area?
Looking Ahead:
Each of the upcoming lessons will cover one writing type in depth, with examples, strategies, and practice exercises. By the end of the unit, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle both Part 1 and Part 2 with confidence.
Session PowerPoints
