Top 10 Tips to Improve Your Writing in English
At our local academy in Lugo, Welcome English School, we've successfully guided hundreds of students in Lugo towards Cambridge exam success (B2, C1 Advanced - CAE Cambridge). With years of experience in writing correction and Cambridge exam preparation, we've put together our top 10 practical tips to help you boost your writing skills in a friendly and straightforward way:
-
Understand the Examiner's Criteria
Cambridge examiners look for specific things: Content (did you answer the question?), Communicative Achievement (is your writing appropriate?), Organisation (clear structure), and Language (grammar and vocabulary). Getting familiar with these will instantly improve your marks. We will expand on these topics in future blog posts.
Example: If the question asks for a proposal, make sure your style is formal and that you include clear suggestions.
-
Plan Your Writing Carefully
A few minutes spent planning can save lots of editing later. Jot down your main ideas first, then organize them into clear paragraphs. This simple step greatly improves clarity. Not using paragraphs is one of the most common mistakes we observe in our students.
Example: For an essay, list your main arguments before you start writing so each paragraph has a clear topic.
-
Expand Your Vocabulary
The examiner will be impressed if you use a variety of interesting words and expressions. Practice learning new vocabulary regularly and try to use it naturally in your writing. A good way of naturally learning new words and expressions is by participating in forums in English about your hobbies or interests. Just make sure you don't use any inappropriate language in your tests!
Example: Instead of writing "very good," use words like "excellent" or "exceptional."
-
Master Grammar and Syntax
Grammar mistakes can cost valuable points, especially at the advanced Cambridge C1 level. Regular practice and feedback can dramatically reduce errors. Practice writing different sentences and experimenting with various grammatical structures. This helps you become comfortable with complex sentences, conditionals, passive voice, and relative clauses, all of which can boost your score.
Example: Pay attention to verb tenses; writing "I have lived in Lugo since 2020" rather than "I live in Lugo since 2020." Also, practice using advanced structures, like "Had I known, I would have called sooner" instead of simpler forms like "I didn't know, so I didn't call sooner."
-
Read Model Answers
Looking at good examples helps you understand what a great response looks like. Analyze why these examples score high and try to emulate their style.
Example: Notice how well-organized sample answers are and how clearly each paragraph starts.
-
Practice Regularly
The best way to improve is regular practice. Write different types of texts often—essays, reviews, reports, proposals—so you're comfortable with whatever comes up in the exam.
Example: Try to write one practice piece every week and ask for feedback to track your progress.
-
Seek Professional Writing Correction
Constructive feedback from a teacher can show exactly what needs improving. At Welcome English School, our expert teachers provide personalized corrections that help you understand your mistakes clearly.
Example: Your teacher might highlight a repeated grammar error, showing you precisely how to avoid it in future.
-
Stay Relevant to the Task
Always stick to the topic. If your writing drifts off or becomes too general, examiners notice immediately. Keep your points specific and related to the question.
Example: If the question asks about technology, don't spend half your essay talking about unrelated topics like sports.
-
Edit Your Work
Editing is crucial. Always leave a few minutes at the end to check for small mistakes. Your finished writing will look polished and professional.
Example: Quickly check for common mistakes like missing articles (a, the) or incorrect verb forms.
-
Get Expert Guidance
Professional guidance makes preparation easier and more efficient. At Lingolugo, we understand the nuances of Cambridge exams and guide you every step of the way.
Implementing these tips consistently will significantly improve your writing skills for the Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced exams. Remember, becoming a skilled writer takes time and practice, but with the right strategies and support, you can achieve excellent results in your Cambridge English examinations.
Stay tuned for more detailed guides on specific aspects of the Cambridge writing exams in our upcoming blog posts!