CAE Writing Practice
CAE Writing has two parts: a compulsory essay and one task chosen from four options. 90 minutes total, 220–260 words per task. Scoring uses the four official Cambridge bands at C1 level — examiners are looking for sophisticated grammar (inversion, cleft sentences, advanced participles), precise vocabulary and tight argument structure.
CAE Writing: part by part
- Part 1 — Compulsory essay (220–260 words): based on a classroom discussion. Discuss two of three options, evaluate, conclude with a clear recommendation.
- Part 2 — Choose ONE (220–260 words): proposal, report, review, or email/letter. Each genre has its own conventions and register.
How CAE Writing is scored
Bands 0–5 per criterion. Band 5 = sophisticated genre conventions, consistent appropriate register, wide range of C1 features used precisely with very few errors that don't impede communication. Band 3 = generally appropriate conventions, register mostly suitable, adequate range with errors but meaning clear. Band 1 = inconsistent conventions, register often inappropriate, limited range with frequent errors.
Sample CAE Writing item
A typical writing task you'd see in a CAE mock exam.
Write an article for an international magazine answering the question: 'Has technology made our lives better or worse?' Give specific examples and reach a clear conclusion.
What examiners look for
- Use C1 grammar visibly: at least one inversion (Not only..., Rarely have I...), one cleft sentence (What struck me most was...), one advanced participle (Having considered...).
- Avoid hedging clichés ('In conclusion, I think...' — replace with 'On balance, the evidence suggests...').
- For proposals: use clear headings (Introduction / Current Situation / Proposed Changes / Benefits). Examiners reward visible structure.
- Stay within 220–260 words. Below 220 the Content band can't reach 5; above 260 you're wasting time and risking Organisation marks.
Practise CAE Writing now
Free to start. Auto-marked with detailed per-question explanations.