Showing posts with label CAE Weekly Writing Activity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CAE Weekly Writing Activity. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

FCE Writing Part 1. Two Samples.

Two FCE Formal Letters.

Take a look at these two letters answering the same Part 1 question. Decide which you think is better and why. You'll find corrections underneath. We'll give an opinion next week.


Letter 1

Dear Sir or Madam,
 
I am writing to apply to the [m1] Adrenalin Adventure whichü I have seen the advertisement in a magazine. I am thinking in[m2]  the possibility of surfing or horse-riding. Could it be possible?

 We are a group of seven[m3] . We would like to know ifü |+| is possible to sleep in single rooms, just becauseü |+| is not very confortable[m4]  to share the room with other people. Could you search if there are places avaliable on 12-13 august[m5] ?

I would be grateful if you could tell me ifü the prize [m6] includes meals and hire of equipment[m7] ? We are also worried about the lower age limit since I have a friend who is only 17. Could he come?
 
I look forward to hearing from you[m8]  ü.
 
Yours faithfully,

Elizabeth Mark.

You need to add a bit more interest in the language to convince that it deserves the higher mark.


Letter 2

Dear sir/ madam

I am writing to enquire about the üadvertisement I have seen in a magazine. I was consideringü some options to spend an amusing weekend  with my friends and I think the Adrenalin Adventure is the best one.

With regards to our permanence[m9] there I was wondering if you have single rooms instead of the wooden lodges[m10]  .

Moreoverü we are interested in surfing and mountain-biking since the weather is suposed to be nice those days. Could you clarify if the price includes meals and neccesary equipment such as waterproof swimsuits, surfboards, bicycles, tyres among othersü.

There are seven of usüand we would like to go on 12-13 August. I would be grateful if you could confirm there will be places availableü.

According to the age there [m11] is no problem except for one person. Would be accepted not to be grown up?

It would be appreciated [m12] if you could address these queries as soon as  possible to[m13]  reachü a final decition[m14] . Thank you a lot for your time. I am looking forward to hearing from youüagain[m15] .

Yours faithfully.

Alan Partridge.

Good work!


 [m1]I think you’re enquiring for a trip, not applyiong for a job
 [m2]$
 [m3]There are..
 [m4]$
 [m5]%
 [m6]$
 [m7]Such as….?
 [m8]And hope you can answer….
 [m9]Good try, but not really english
 [m10]A because  might be good here
 [m11]Regarding not according I think
 [m12]I would appreciate it would be better
 [m13]So we can

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Writing Activity 2.4: Mock Exam Preparation

Use the labels on the right if you need help answering these questions.

Can you list the types of part 2 questions for the exam you've practised up to now?
Can you explain in two or three sentences what is typical of each type of question?

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

FCE and CAE Weekly Writing Activity 2.1

Go here and go to your level page for this week's task which is a download connected to writing articles.

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Monday, November 16, 2009

CAE Weekly Activity 1.5 Feedback

Some examples

Here are some ideas about where and when to use some of the combinations

categorically deny
- TOO DIRECT for most exam writing
deeply regret - bad news
enthusiastically endorse - recommending an idea formally
freely appreciate - accepting another opinion - good for essays
fully recognize - opinions in formal/neutral writing - essays, reviews
honestly believe - opinions in formal/neutral writing - essays, reviews
positively encourage - reports, proposals, suggestions
readily endorse - recommending an idea
sincerely hope - finishing letters
strongly recommend - proposals, letters, give advice
totally reject - TOO DIRECT for most exam writing
utterly refuse - TOO DIRECT for most exam writing