Part 1: Compulsory Essay
About This Section
Part 1 is always an essay. You are given a topic along with two opinions from different people (often presented as short quotes). You must:
- Summarise and evaluate the two key ideas presented
- Explain which idea you agree with more and why
Unlike at B2, where the two ideas are presented as simple bullet points, at C1 they are typically presented as short texts or quotes that require more careful interpretation.
You must write 220–260 words.
Technique for Part 1
Read the two opinions carefully. Underline the key idea in each one — what is each person's main point?
Plan your essay. Decide your position before you start writing. You can agree with one opinion, disagree with both, or take a nuanced middle position.
Use a clear structure:
- Introduction: Introduce the topic and briefly outline what you will discuss. Don't copy the question.
- Paragraph 2: Evaluate the first opinion — explain it in your own words, then give your response with reasons.
- Paragraph 3: Evaluate the second opinion in the same way.
- Conclusion: State which idea you find more convincing and why. Summarise your overall position.
Proofread. Check for grammar errors, especially with complex structures you've attempted.
Extra Tips for Part 1
Don't just summarise the opinions — evaluate them. Say whether you agree or disagree and explain why with evidence or reasoning.
Use advanced linking: Nevertheless, Be that as it may, Whilst it is true that, It could be argued that, From my perspective.
Show range by using complex sentence structures: conditionals, relative clauses, participle clauses, inversions.
Avoid overly personal language. "It is widely believed that..." sounds more sophisticated than "I think that..." at C1 level.
Don't sit on the fence in your conclusion. Examiners want to see a clear, justified opinion.
Read more: B2 & C1 Essay Examples & Writing Tips
Part 2: Choice of Task
About This Section
In Part 2 you choose one task from three options. Each option specifies a text type, a situation, and a target reader. The possible text types at C1 are:
- Letter/Email — formal or informal
- Proposal — persuasive, with recommendations
- Report — objective, with findings and recommendations
- Review — of a film, book, event, course, etc.
Note that articles are no longer a text type at C1 level (they were removed in the 2015 revision). Proposals replace them — a text type not found at B2.
You must write 220–260 words.
Technique for Part 2
Read all three options carefully before choosing. Consider which topic and text type you are most confident with.
Identify your target reader — this determines the level of formality. A proposal to a company director requires a very different tone from a review for a student magazine.
Underline every content point in the question. You must address all of them.
Use appropriate conventions for your chosen text type. A report should have headings; a letter needs a greeting and sign-off; a proposal should include a clear recommendation.
Plan before you write. Sketch a quick outline with a point for each paragraph.
Extra Tips for Part 2
Choose the text type you know best, even if the topic of another option is more interesting. Format matters at C1 level.
Proposals are persuasive — use language like: I would strongly recommend, It would be beneficial to, I propose that.
Reports are objective — use language like: The findings suggest, It was observed that, Based on the data.
If you choose a review, go beyond description. Include evaluation, comparison, and a recommendation.
Don't forget the target reader. Everything you write should be relevant and useful to them.
C1 Advanced Writing Text Types
Essay (Part 1 only)
Register: Formal to semi-formal
Structure: Introduction, 2–3 body paragraphs evaluating the given opinions, conclusion with your position
Key features: Evaluation of ideas (not just summary), sophisticated linking, clear argument, impersonal constructions
Common mistake: Simply restating the two opinions without evaluating them or giving a clear personal position
Letter / Email
Register: Formal (to organisations, authorities) or informal (to friends, peers)
Structure: Appropriate greeting, introduction stating purpose, body paragraphs, sign-off
Key features: Correct level of formality throughout, all content points addressed, polite but clear tone in formal letters
Common mistake: Inconsistent register — switching between formal and informal language within the same letter
Proposal
Register: Formal — this is a professional document
Structure: Introduction (purpose and context), sections with headings, recommendations or action points, conclusion
Key features: Persuasive tone, concrete suggestions, headings for clarity, forward-looking language
Common mistake: Writing it like a report. A proposal recommends future actions; a report describes current or past situations.
Read more: C1 Proposal Writing: Persuasive Language That Gets Results
Report
Register: Formal to semi-formal
Structure: Introduction (purpose), sections with clear headings, findings, conclusion with recommendations
Key features: Objective and factual tone, passive constructions, data or evidence, clear structure with headings
Common mistake: Being too personal or opinionated in the findings section — save opinions for the conclusion
Read more: C1 Report Writing: Professional Headings and Power Phrases
Review
Register: Semi-formal — engaging but not too casual
Structure: Brief introduction of what you're reviewing, description and analysis, personal evaluation, recommendation
Key features: Vivid descriptive language, balanced assessment (positives and negatives), clear recommendation, engaging for the reader
Common mistake: Writing a plot summary instead of a review — focus on quality and your response, not just content
How C1 Advanced Writing Is Marked
Each task is assessed on a scale of 0–5 across four criteria by trained Cambridge examiners. Your Writing score is reported on the Cambridge English Scale (typically 180–210 for C1, with 200+ indicating C2-level performance).
The Four Criteria
| Criterion |
What examiners look for |
| Content |
Have you addressed all the content points? Is everything relevant to the target reader? At C1, you must fully develop each point, not just mention it. |
| Communicative Achievement |
Does the writing fulfil the conventions of the text type? Is the register consistently appropriate? Does it hold the reader's attention throughout? |
| Organisation |
Is the text coherent and well-structured? Are cohesive devices used effectively and naturally? Are ideas logically sequenced? |
| Language |
Is there a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures? Are sophisticated forms used accurately? Are errors rare and minor? |
What Gets Top Marks (Band 5) at C1
- All content is relevant, and the effect on the target reader is entirely positive
- The conventions of the text type are used with confidence and sophistication
- The text is skilfully organised with natural use of cohesive devices
- A wide range of vocabulary and complex grammar is used with precision and flexibility
Common Reasons for Low Marks at C1
- Insufficient development: Mentioning a content point without expanding on it
- Limited range: Using only simple vocabulary and grammar — safe but not C1 level
- Wrong text type: Writing a report when asked for a proposal, or vice versa
- Inconsistent register: Mixing formal and informal language inappropriately
- Over or under the word count: Going well over 260 words often leads to repetition and errors; under 220 usually means missing content
Practice Your Writing
Use our Writing Correction tool to submit your C1 Advanced writing tasks and receive detailed feedback on all four marking criteria.
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