WRITING HANDOUT Preliminary and First Certificate

• newEditor
• English
• Secondary Education

WRITING HANDOUT Preliminary and First Certificate

Learning objective:

We will explore different writing tasks and how they can be best fulfilled

Drag and Drop

PRELIMINARY

FIRST CERTIFICATE

Part 2: story

Part 2: informal letter

Part 2: email

Part 2: review

Part 2: report

Part 1 Compulsory: Email

Part 1 Compulsory: Essay

Part 2: formal letter

Part 2: article

Preliminary

PART 1: Email

From draft to paragraphs to text

1

remove unnecessary information and double check everything you are writing is relevant and all topics have been adequately covered

2

circle every main idea/topic and draw a few lines to add vocabulary and ideas to develop them 

3

think about ambitious structures to develop the ideas (conditionals, relative clauses, passive or causative...)

4

link ideas and vocabulary with connectors, link circles with connectors too

Do's

1. Plan your answer carefully

2. Open and close your letter in an appropriate way

3. Always refer to the specific part of the email you are replying to

4. Re-read your email and find all the pieces of information you were asked to provide

Don'ts

1. Address teachers or similar by their first name

2. Start your reply using 'Yes' or 'No'

3. Stop every now and then to count words

4. Leave questions unanswered ('whatever you prefer', 'I don't know what games to play'...)

5. Write outside of the answer box

Enter your question here

1

I'd rather hold the party in the park as we can play outdoors games afterwards. Also, if we celebrate it in the class, we could cause damage to the facilities.

2

Dear Ms. Lake

3

You also asked what games we can play, well, I think we should...

4

Kindest regards, Jane

5

I think that the end-of-term party is a fantastic idea

6

As for the food we should bring, I believe...

Preliminary

PART 2: Article

Fill in the blanks

Tips to write a great article:

1. Do not worry about the title until the end, but remember to write it (or leave the blank space to add it later if you are taking PB)

2. Open your article with a question to engage your reader and invite them to read your article

   1. Some useful 1st paragraph openings: Have you ever...? Did you know about...? Would you like to improve...?

   2. Some useful 1st paragraph closings: then read this article, you'll find all the information you need! Then this article is for you

3. Use plenty of adjectives and adverbs, they are a great way to show your opinion and enrich your writing. Use informal language and contractions

4. Close your article encouraging your reader to follow your advice:

   1. Now you can enjoy windsurfing in a safe way too!

   2. So do not hesitate! Grab your rucksack and enjoy your outdoors adventures

title

engage

Have you ever...? Did you know about...? Would you like to improve...?

then read this article, you'll find all the information you need! Then this article is for you

adjectives and adverbs

contractions

So do not hesitate! Grab your rucksack and enjoy your outdoors adventures

Preliminary

PART 2: Story

Fill in the blanks

Tips to write a great story:

Organise your story into three paragraphs linked to the opening sentence:

1. Opening: introduce the conflict and characters of your story. Remember to be consistent in terms of tenses, and pronouns.

2. Development: tell how the main character faces obstacles and make decisions until they reach the turning point and how they solve it

3. Denouement: give closure to your story by explaining how your character goes back to normal.

introduce the conflict and characters of your story

faces obstacles and make decisions

give closure to your story

First certificate

PART 1: Essay

Fill in the blanks

The candidate is given a sentence to agree or disagree with. 

• The candidate is expected to deal with the task by analysing pros/cons and different views on the topic as well as to explain their own view. 

• They are also expected to include two ideas given as well as one own idea. 

• It must have a title

• Candidates should avoid using contractions and relying excessively on phrasal verbs

• Candidates must Clearly state their opinion in the last paragraph

• All information must be relevant

• Exceeding the word limit may result in a reduction of marks since it is often caused by off-topic wandering

agree or disagree with.

pros/cons and different views on the topic

one own idea

must

contractions

on phrasal verbs

state their opinion

relevant

reduction of marks

Useful expressions and linking words

Opening

Introducing ideas

Contrasting ideas

Sequencing

Conclusion

In this essay we will analyse the pros and cons of [...] and decide which is better

 decide which is better.

Likewise / furthermore / moreover

Firstly, Secondly, Finally

As a conclusion, it can be stated / claimed that

On the one hand... On the other hand However,/ Although/ Nevertheless /While / Whereas

It is well known that... It is widely claimed that... /

... has become a major controversial topic over the past few decades.

First certificate

PART 2: Article & review

Drag and Drop

ARTICLE

REVIEW

Highlights and downsides

Description of the item/experience

Anecdote

Opening question

Final recommendation

Adjectives and adverbs showing opinion

Personal experience

First certificate

PART 2: Formal and informal letter/email

In formal letters and emails openings...

A

Candidates should use first names of addressees

B

Candidates should make up a name for their addresee

C

Candidates should open their writing Dear Sir/Madam if they do not know the name of the addressee

D

Candidates should write a title

In formal letters and emails closings...

A

Candidates should close using 'Yours faithfully' if they do not know the name of the addressee

B

Candidates should include their contact details

C

Candidates should close using 'Lots of love'

D

Candidates can use XOXO

Emails and letters

APPLICATION LETTERS:

• Are formal pieces of writing

• Candidates must state clearly what position they would like to apply for and where they saw the advertisement.

• In the body of the letter candidates should explain in detail why they think they would make a great candidate for the position ( hard-working, reliable, great at teamwork…)

• Also, they should talk about past work experience in the field

•In the last paragraph they should express their availability for an interview

formal

what position they would like to apply for

explain in detail

( hard-working, reliable, great at teamwork…)

past work experience in the field

their availability for an interview

Useful expressions

I would be most grateful if you could consider my application for this position.

If you have any further questions, I would be available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Not only have I worked in a similar position in the past but also I was in charge of the section.

most grateful

further questions,

at your earliest convenience.

have I worked in a similar position

in charge of the section

First certificate

PART 2: Report