Ideas for writing a CPE essay

Ask yourself the following questions to help you get

started:

What are the key points in each extract?

How do the points in each text relate to each

other?
- Do both texts have different points of view?
- Do the texts complement each other in any
way?

Now make some notes about your reaction to the

key points in each text:
E.g. Is flexible working something employers
should feel positive about?
Do small businesses face too many regulations as
it is?

Whilst making notes think about how you might

paraphrase the key points to avoid copying
sections from the texts?

Do you have any anecdotal evidence to support

your own views?

E.g. "The company I work for is a good example

of how ..."

How many paragraphs should your essay have?

What will the focus of each paragraph be?

Read the two texts below.

Identify the key points from both texts. Use your own words
throughout as far as possible.
Modals of Flexible Working
Over recent years many companies have moved away from the notion of fixed working
hours, following the standard nine-to-five, Monday-to-Friday pattern. There is far more
provision today for staff to take advantage of flexible working opportunities of various
kinds. With high-speed Internet connections available to many, home-working has
become a practical option for companies and members of staff. This modal of flexible
working has been particularly beneficial for staff working on projects that entail
spending little time in the office. The introduction of formal job-sharing also benefits
employees who wish to have a greater work-life balance, particularly those with young
children. Finally, employees often have access to flexi-time, the chance to 'bank' hours
by working overtime and 'withdrawing' hours when time off is needed.
KEY POINTS:
1__________________________________________________________________
2__________________________________________________________________

Employer Concerns
A recent survey of UK small-businesses discovered an underlying sense of disquiet
about the issue of flexible working. Many companies feel under pressure to agree to
requests out of fear they will be taken to court by their employee should they refuse.
However, business advisers point out that employees have the right to request flexible
working not the right to have it agreed. It might not be feasible for a company to agree
to requests if the business depends on particular modals of operation, or if such a

request would require significant change for a small business. As well as reassuring
small businesses of their legal position, companies are also being encouraged to see
flexible working as an opportunity rather than a threat. Experience shows it will often
benefit both the company and its employees by having a positive impact on motivation
and efficiency.
KEY POINTS:
1___________________________________________________________________
2___________________________________________________________________

Writing criteria
Content
Should include a summary of the key points in each text. The essay should also
include an evaluation of these key points including the writer's own views on the
subject.

Communicative achievement
Should be fairly formal as that is consistent with the requirements of an academic
essay. The reader would get a clear summary of the two texts along with the
writer's point of view.

Organisation
The essay must be divided into clear paragraphs and these should be linked
appropriately. The format should be that of a standard essay, i.e. without headings in
the body of the essay

Language
Language of evaluation, discussion, comparison (between the two texts) narrative (use
of a personal anecdote) and speculation (possible results of various schemes).
Vocabulary for describing working conditions (e.g. 'part-time/full-time', 'job sharing
scheme', 'flexible working conditions', 'homeworker/homeworking' etc.) could be used.

Does not have to be completely accurate but any errors should be minimal.

Whats in the Writing paper?

In the two parts of the Cambridge English: Proficiency Writing paper, you have to show
that you can write different types of text in English.
Summary
Time allowed:

1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts:

Number of questions:

Part 1: one compulsory question

Part 2: one question from a choice of four

Set texts
Set texts for Cambridge English: Proficiency January 2014 December 2015:

E. M. Forster: Howards End (any edition)

Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by
studying the film directed by James Ivory (1992) as well as, or instead of, the novel.

Nick Hornby: An Education (screenplay) and film directed by Lone Scherfig (2009).

Candidates should not attempt the optional set text question in Part 2 unless they
have the necessary understanding of the text to answer the task set.

Teachers are best placed to judge which, if any, of the set texts and/or film versions
may be appropriate and stimulating for a given teaching situation.

Part 1
What's in Part 1?

Some material to read (two texts, each

approximately 100 words). Using the
information in this material, you have to write
an essay.

What do I have to practise?

Writing a discursive essay in which you have

to summarise and evaluate the key points
contained in two texts of approximately 100
words each. Candidates must integrate a
summary of these key points, an evaluation of
the abstract arguments involved and their
own ideas on the topic in a coherent essay.

How many questions are

One compulsory question.

there?
How much do I have to write?

240280 words

Part 2
What's in Part 2?

A choice of four questions (25). For

Questions 24, you may have to write an
article, a letter, a report or a review.

What about Question 5?

If you read one of the set books and want to

write about it, you may decide to try Question
5. You have a choice of two tasks, 5(a) or 5(b)
for this question. You may have to write an
article, essay, letter, report or a review.

What do I have to practise?

Writing different types of text as specified

above, based on a given context.

How many questions are

One question from a choice of four.

there?
How much do I have to write?

280320 words