CAE Writing Part 2 Reference teachers notes

Description This activity familiarises students with the text types, focus and word limit in Part 2 of the CAE Writing paper. Students discuss the requirements of a task which asks them to write a reference. They then check a sample answer to the task to make sure it answers the question. Time required: Additional materials required: Aims: 25 minutes CAE Handbook

to familiarise students with the text types, focus and word limit in Part 2 of the CAE Writing paper. to help students understand the requirements of a Part 2 task. to familiarise students with writing references.

Procedure

1. Ask students, in pairs, to complete the key facts. They should use the CAE Handbook to check the information. 2. Check the answers with the whole class. Ask if there are any other questions about Part 1, you could look through the FAQs for Writing to see if there are any points there you would like to raise with your class. 3. Ask students when people usually write a reference (for people applying for a job) Ask students to read the Part 2 question very carefully, and with a partner to discuss what they have to do to answer the question. Ask students to complete the table. 4. Check the answers with the whole class (see key). Emphasise the importance of answering the questions, writing in an appropriate format and style and keeping to the word limit. 5. Ask students to read the sample answer and to underline the parts where they find the answers to the question.

6. Check the answers. Use this sample answer as a model for writing references.

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Suggested follow-up activity Ask students to write four pieces of advice for someone who has never written a reference before. Whats the format? How is it organised? What sort of language is used? Key (suggested answers) 1. Explain your relationship to the person. 2. Consider the qualities the person has that would make her/ him a good candidate for the job. 3. Plan and structure your paragraphs e.g. 1. the performance of the person at work; 2. her/ his personal qualities; 3. her/his specialist skills and academic qualifications. 4. Find a good way of rounding off the letter and summarising your points. The language used will be formal.

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CAE Writing Part 2 Reference answer keys

Key to Students Worksheet Exercise 1 1. a) a competition entry 2. b) a contribution to a longer piece

3. c) an essay 4. d) an information sheet 5. e) a review. 6. The focus can include: comparing, giving advice, giving opinions, justifying and persuading. 7. Candidates must write 220 - 260 words.

Exercise 2 Who is going to read this? The Principal or Manager of an English language college.

What am I going to write, a report, a review A reference. etc? What style / format is it going to be in? Similar to a letter, clearly organised into paragraphs with appropriate linking devices.

How many content points are there? What 3 are the content points? describe character/qualities and skills describe previous experience explain why the person should be selected What sort of language do I need to use? Formal or neutral; language of description, explanation and recommendation.

Exercise 3 To whom it may concern: Michelle Wong Michelle Wong and I have been working for seven years for ACB Ltd, an international engineering company which specialises in the use of plastics. During the time we have worked together she has proved herself to be a very competent and efficient receptionist. She is undoubtedly a trustworthy and punctual person, rarely absent from work. She has a level-headed approach to problems and is never daunted when things
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go wrong. She is extremely dedicated to her job and she is known to be a hard-worker, working overtime should the need arise. As a colleague, she is a friendly person who is always on hand to help. Therefore, she is liked and respected by everyone. Regarding dealing with customers, she has a great deal of experience, and her polite and tactful manner is vital in customer relations. When she first started work in the company, because she likes to be organised, she used to get a little nervous when she was under stain. Nevertheless, she soon changed and became more self-assured. It is undeniable that Michelle has a talent for foreign languages, and she is fluent in English, French and Chinese. This is a great advantage when working in an English language college. Despite being such an intelligent person she keeps a low-profile. For all these reasons, I strongly believe that Michelle would have much to contribute, and therefore, I have no hesitation in supporting her application wholeheartedly. (244 words)

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CAE Writing Part 2 Reference Students Worksheet

Exercise 1. Key facts for Writing part 2 Working in pairs, complete the Key Facts below. The first word of each answer is given and each _ represents one letter. Use the CAE Handbook to check the information. Key facts: Part 2 offers a choice of 5 questions. The possible types of writing are the same as for Part 1: a letter, an article, a report, a proposal PLUS a) a c _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ entry b) a contribution to a longer piece c) an e_ _ _ _ d) an information sheet e) a r _ _ _ _ _. The focus can include: comparing, giving a_ _ _ _ _ , giving o_ _ _ _ _ _ _, justifying and persuading. Candidates must write _ _ _ - _ _ _ words.

Exercise 2. Writing Plan Look at the Part 2 question below and complete the writing plan.

Writing plan Who is going to read this? What am I going to write, a report, a review etc? What style / format is it going to be in?

How many content points are there? What are the content points? What sort of language do I need to use?

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Part 2 Write your answer in 220 260 words in an appropriate style. You have been asked to provide a reference for a friend of yours who has applied for a job as a receptionist in an English language college. The person appointed will be good at dealing with a range of different people and will have excellent administrative skills. You should include information about your friends character and personal qualities and skills, their previous relevant experience and reasons why they should be considered for this job. Write your reference.

Exercise 3 Now read the sample answer and underline the information that was asked for. In this way you can check to make sure the question has been answered.

To whom it may concern: Michelle Wong Michelle Wong and I have been working for seven years for ACB Ltd, an international engineering company which specialises in the use of plastics. During the time we have worked together she has proved herself to be a very competent and efficient receptionist. She is undoubtedly a trustworthy and punctual person, rarely absent from work. She has a level-headed approach to problems and is never daunted when things go wrong.. She is extremely dedicated to her job and she is known to be a hard-worker, working overtime should the need arise. As a colleague, she is a friendly person who is always on hand to help. Therefore, she is liked and respected by everyone. Regarding dealing with customers, she has a great deal of experience, and her polite and tactful manner is vital in customer relations. When she first started work in the company, because she likes to be organised, she used to get a little nervous when she was under stain. Nevertheless, she soon changed and became more self-assured. It is undeniable that Michelle has a talent for foreign languages, and she is fluent in English, French and Chinese. This is a great advantage when working in an English language college. Despite being such an intelligent person she keeps a low-profile. For all these reasons, I strongly believe that Michelle would have much to contribute, and therefore, I have no hesitation in supporting her application wholeheartedly. (244 words)

UCLES 2009. This material may be photocopied (without alteration) and distributed for classroom use provided no charge is made. For further information see our Terms of Use at http://www.teachers.cambridgeESOL.org/ts/legalinfo

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