This is the fifth sample article candidates of the ECPE examination (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English of the University of Michigan) My first post to deal with articles , explains what needs to be present in this type of piece of writing. As stated, examiners are looking for articles that elaborate on ideas and have solid arguments; are well organized; make use of a wide lexical and grammatical range; have an original ring to them (in other words, readers are able to distinguish the author's unique "voice"). Before reading, take a look at the following post if you haven't already done so. It will help you focus on the vital aspects you need to be aware of while reading the article and what you should make sure to use when you write your own. The question appeared in Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 1 (revised 2021 version) and is accompanied by the following three writing prompts:
Examinations for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) are one of the most widely recognized English-language exams that certify one has mastered the language at C2 level (based on the Common European Framework of Reference or CEFR for languages).
It is not without apprehension that candidates sitting this exam prepare to tackle Paper 2 -- the dreaded Writing section.
This post will
outline the various points candidates should keep in mind when dealing
with the essay in Part 1 of Paper 2 and provide tips to help with the
whole task through a step-by-step approach.
Writing Part 1 - A Quick Look
This section consists of two parts, the first which leaves test takers no choice when it comes to choosing the topic they will have to write a paper on.
Unlike part 2 which presents three questions (candidates select one of them), part 1 instructs test-takers to read two excerpts then proceed to writing a essay. These two excerpts are related in that they treat the same topic but from differing perspectives.
What to keep in mind:
- you should write 240-280 words
- you need to summarize and develop arguments that relate to the key points found in the two excerpts
- you ought to phrase your arguments using your own words as much as possible
- the end result will be an essay
What do these points tell us?
First of all, since the end product will be an essay
- you need to write a cohesive and coherent discursive piece of writing which takes into account what the authors of each excerpt have stated and add your own thoughts
- you need to elaborate the main points you found in the two texts. Merely stating what you read without any kind of evaluation is simply not going to cut it. Like any self-respecting essay would tell you if it could speak, arguments need to be explained first then supported with pertinent examples
Secondly,
- your piece must combine the objective with the subjective in that you state what each writer brings to the forefront in each respective text (this you must do objectively) and then evaluate what they each claim from your own standpoint (subjectively, in other words)
Thirdly, you must avoid copy-pasting words found either in the rubric or the texts given. Do this, and you prove to examiner-scorers that you don't have the lexical range expected at this level. To prevent this from happening, you should start early by building a lexical arsenal in the form of vocabulary lists you compile from either the various reading texts you come across or vocabulary practice text books you might have been burdened with.
Lastly, there's a word limit. You should stick to it and keep track of your time. You are given 90 minutes to complete this paper and produce two pieces of writing so divide your time equally. At this level, writing one essay in 45 minutes shouldn't be an issue if you have practiced adequately. What might be more difficult is to maintain momentum throughout the whole ordeal, so another thing to keep in mind as you're preparing for the exam is to put yourself through the wringer by doing two essays back-to-back in the comfort of your home or classroom as often as possible. This is the only way to build up endurance and speed, so that on the day of the exam you won't be in for any surprises (other than the exam questions themselves).
With that said, let's see if we can organize our time by enumerating key actions.
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Steps to follow
Step 1: Read the two texts
- read the first text all the way through once, then go back and re-read it while noting down on paper what the writer's trying to convey
- differentiate main points from explanations and examples
- differentiate facts the writer states from opinions expressed
Step 2: Brainstorm
- look at what you've written from Step 2 and isolate the main issue discussed
- now jot down your own views on the subject
- look at the strengths and weaknesses of each writer's assertions and note them down
- verify that your points consist of arguments, explanations and examples where applicable
Step 3: Organize your ideas
- combine your arguments with those found in the texts
- think about how to separate paragraphs and what you need to include in each
- your main concern is to organize your notes into paragraphs in such a way that the overall effect on the reader is a positive one. This means you need to convince the reader that you have done a thorough job exposing the main points while adding relevant observations of your own. The final result will be a concise discussion that addresses various angles of a controversial issue.
Step 4: Write the essay
- read the posts on essay writing I've drafted
- check your time as you move from one paragraph to the next
Step 5: Check your work
- leave 3-5 minutes at the end so you can look over your work for spelling mistakes, punctuation marks left out or any quick amendments to improve wording
In a subsequent post, we'll take a closer look at how these steps can be applied to an actual prompt.
Read a sample Part 2 CPE Writing
(Review)
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