Writing test. Remember you need to complete both tasks: 1 and 2.

Dont write in the grey areas reserved for the teachers.

Write ONLY the specified number of words (+/- 10%). Otherwise, you will be
penalized.
TASK 1 : 180-210 words.

60 points

CHOOSE ONE of the following options (A or B)

You have read about the following travel writing contest on your university

website:
Sliced Bread Magazine and the Study Abroad Office are pleased to
announce the 2nd annual Why We Travel Contest! A writing contest for
current students who have completed a study abroad program.
You are encouraged to submit a piece that expresses how your time
abroad shocked, delighted, challenged and changed you. Please include
details about your accommodation, the people and lifestyle in the
foreign country where you stayed.

You spent last year abroad as an Erasmus student and would like to enter the
competition. Write your article for the magazine.
OR

This is part of an article you read in a Sunday magazine

During lunch, we couldn't help but look at
the attractive, well-dressed family at a
nearest table. Mum, Dad, daughter and son
all had their own hand-held games and
proceeded to play them constantly, only
stopping when their food arrived. Not a
single word was exchanged between the
four the entire time we observed them.

2/8

You would like to write a letter to the editor to be published commenting on this
topic. You should include:
- opinions for and against the use of video games.
- effects on communication.
- your own view.
(You neednt include any postal addresses)

You can use this page to make notes.

3/8

TASK 2: 120-140 words.

40 points

You are a student in the last year of a Business and Administration degree. Last week
you visited a multinational company as part of the careers advisory service at your
university. During your visit, the company manager told you that they are looking for
a new trainee administration assistant.
You would like to write a formal letter to the company including:
-

Why you enjoyed the visit.

Your interest in receiving training there.

Reasons why you are a good applicant.

You can use this page to make notes.

6/8

Writing test. Remember you need to complete both tasks: 1 and 2.

Dont write in the grey areas reserved for the teachers.
Write ONLY the specified number of words (+/- 10%). Otherwise, you will
be penalized.

TASK 1

60 marks

Choose ONE of the following writing activities (A or B) and write a text of 120-150
words.
A) You have read this job advertisement on a website and you realize it would be a
great opportunity to do what you have always dreamt of doing. This would mean
leaving your current stable job but you really need a change in your life and
decide to take the risk. Write an email to your best friend and tell him/her about
your decision, explain why you think you are a good candidate, why you really
need a change in your life, in what ways this could affect your future and ask
him/her what he/she thinks about it.

WANTED: Spanish Music Show Presenter

Do you have a real passion for radio?
Would you like to have a creative artistic job?
Do you love Spanish music?
If you can say YES to all the above then we want to hear from you. Spanish Star Radio is looking
for a DJ who is interested in presenting our Friday night show on the radio across Oxford.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
You ONLY need to be:
Active
Self-motivated
A strong communicator

OR
B) The editorial team of your language school is encouraging students to take part in
the school magazine. You decide to write an article entitled What does a school
of languages need in order to work efficiently? Include at least four of the
following topics:

Facilities

Timetable

Teachers

Cultural activities

Languages

Celebrations
2/8

TASK 2

40 marks

You have found this review of Hotel Aquarius posted by someone on the net. You
have also stayed at this hotel for a week and you decide to write your own review
taking into account your rating below. Refer to at least four of the points. You must
write between 80 and 100 words.

Hotel Aquarius Review

The hotel was ideally located for the brilliant beach, just a few
minutes walk away. The rooms were clean and comfortable, but we
were facing a busy road which was quite noisy. The food was of a
good standard and good choice, although the staff was run off their
feet clearing tables. The bar area was always busy, there werent
enough seating areas and the place was full of mosquitoes. The
pool area at the hotel is far too small. The hotel is suitable if you
want a quite relaxing beach holiday with a clean base to stay in.
By: T Burdett - Submitted 23rd July 2010

Your rating:

Location
Cleanliness
Food
Room comfort
Hotel service
Swimming pool

6/8

TASK 1 (12 marks)

MARK

Write about 150-180 words following the instructions.

The recommended time for this task is: 35 minutes.

You have read this advertisement in an airline

magazine.

The University of Westminster offers rooms for your every need from June to September, with
self-catering and laundry facilities, 24-hour security and high-speed wireless Internet. We offer
a choice of convenient locations throughout London at affordable prices. Now we are looking
for a Spanish full-time secretary with excellent level of English to deal with Spanish and SouthAmerican students. We need qualifications, proven ability to deal with customer enquiries,
previous experience, IT skills and ability to work flexible (and sometimes long) hours. Send
covering letter to Ms Sandra Dee at the address below.
Unilet Holidays
26, Hartfordshire Rd.
SWE201 - London
(adapted from Ryanair Magazine -16 August-15 September 2010)

Write the covering letter, including the following:

What the University asks for.

Why you want the job and why you are perfect for it.
Why you could be a benefit for the company.

-2-

TASK 2 (13 marks)

MARK

Choose one of the following options (A or B) and write about 200-230 words
following the corresponding instructions.
The recommended time for this task is: 55 minutes
OPTION A
Obesity is becoming a serious problem among children. Spain has recently witnessed an
increase in the number of patients suffering from diseases associated with obesity, such as
diabetes.
Doctors have raised the alarm because if nothing is done, these childrens health will be
seriously affected, increasing the costs for the National Health Service.
Write an article for a leading parents' magazine to raise awareness on this problem. Include:

Analyse the causes of obesity in children and teenagers.

Suggest measures to be taken at home and at school in order to reduce obesity
among children and teenagers.
Indicate how the National Health Service could help sort out the obesity problem.

OPTION B
Respect for teachers has been greatly reduced over the last fifteen years. Many people in the
teaching profession are regularly threatened by unruly students. The number of teachers on sick
leave is on the increase due to depression, anxiety or stress.
Write a letter to a national newspaper in relation to an article published last week where it
was stated that only the teachers were to blame for this situation. Include:

Why you don't think only teachers are to blame for this terrible problem.
Which the possible causes of impolite behaviour are.
What could be done to solve the problem.

-4-

TASK 1: 10 marks. Write a letter between 200 and 250 words according
to the instructions below.

MARK

You have just been notified that your application for a post in an international
company or organisation has been unsuccessful. Write a letter to a close friend
referring to the following:
What the job involves.
Your surprise and disappointment.
Your immediate plans.

Use the space below to note down your ideas

TASK 2: 10 MARKS. Write a letter of between 200 and 250 words

according to the instructions below.

MARK

Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing your disagreement with an

article published recently concerning immigrants occupying local jobs referring to:

The kind of jobs involved.

The opinion expressed in the paper.
What you want the newspaper to do.

Use the space below to note down your ideas

-1-

Consejera de Educacin, Cultura y Deporte

Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 1
AN EMAIL OF COMPLAINT
You have just come back from a winter resort highly recommended
by your travel agent. You rented an apartment for a week, all inclusive, and
paid for a skiing course for you and your family. However, nothing went as
you had planned and you encountered a number of inconveniences.
Write an email to the travel agency describing what happened and
asking for action to be taken as well as for compensation. The email should
include the following information:

some meals were not included

skiing course did not include equipment as in brochure

no night heating, filthy, tiny room, shared bathroom, noise, etc.

overcharged

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. SEPTIEMBRE 2013

by tmbulgar

Consejera de Educacin, Cultura y Deporte

Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 2
AN OPINION ESSAY
Your Town Hall is currently regulating the use of bicycles in your area. It is asking for opinions
from residents (pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, etc.). Write an essay offering your point of view on the
matter.

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. SEPTIEMBRE 2013

ESCOLAS OFICIAIS DE IDIOMAS

Proba de certificacin de nivel avanzado
Ingls XUO 2011 Proba A
Expresin escrita

TASK 1

( /10)

You have an estimated 35 minutes to complete this task.

TOPIC: APPLYING FOR A COURSE
While browsing the Internet, you find the advert below:

Travel Writing Workshop

Do you want to become a travel writer?
The travel writing workshop takes place over one day in central London and is
dedicated to helping participants to write travel features and sell them to
newspapers, magazines and websites.
The next two workshop dates will be July 28th and August 18th.
For more information please contact us at travelwriting@guardian.co.uk
Adapted for this test from http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/

You would like to join the workshop so you decide to write an e-mail to the
organisation to apply for the course.
You must develop the following three points in the most appropriate order:

Explain your interest in the workshop, your motivations and preferred date.

Describe your skills and travel experience.

Request a copy of the teaching programme.

Write between 150 and 180 words. You must include all three points.

Do not forget to include address, addressee, and opening and closing remarks.

Pxina 2 de 4
InAVEEA

ESCOLAS OFICIAIS DE IDIOMAS

Proba de certificacin de nivel avanzado
Ingls XUO 2011 Proba A
Expresin escrita

TASK 2

( /15)

You have an estimated 55 minutes to complete this task.

Choose ONE of the following two options:
OPTION A
TOPIC: COMPLAINING
You read the following post on a website:

Why Its Important to Complain

I am sure you complain to your family and friends when you have a bad experience
as a consumer. But your family and friends cant fix these problems. What you should
do is take your complaint to the person who can remedy your problems the
business owner who ultimately received your money.
What do you think about this topic? Please, write a comment.
Adapted for this test from http://www.savingadvice.com/articles

Write your comment for the online message board.

You must develop the following three points in the most appropriate order:

Your general attitude to problems as a consumer.

Describe a situation when you had to complain and the result.

Give tips on the most effective way to complain.

Write between 200 and 230 words.

You must include all three points.

Pxina 3 de 4
InAVEEA

ESCOLAS OFICIAIS DE IDIOMAS

Proba de certificacin de nivel avanzado
Ingls XUO 2011 Proba A
Expresin escrita

OPTION B
TOPIC: YOUNG AND UNEMPLOYED

You read the following post information on a government website:

Despite improving employment signs in Europe, Spain continues to go against the

trend with an unemployment rate for young adults of 43.5%, according to figures
published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
Adapted for this test from http://www.eurasiareview.com/spain

You decide to write an article for your local newspaper analysing this situation.
You must develop the following three points in the most appropriate order:

Describe the causes and effects of this increase.

Tell your own experience (or that of someone you know).

Predictions for the future.

Write between 200 and 230 words.

You must include all three points.

Pxina 4 de 4
InAVEEA

SERVICIO DE PLURILINGISMO Y TECNOLOGAS EDUCATIVAS

IDIOMA

Ingls

NIVEL

Avanzado

DESTREZA

Expresin e interaccin escrita

MODELOS DE PRUEBAS DE CERTIFICACIN DE IDIOMAS 2012

WRITING A COMPLAINT
You have just had an unpleasant flight to Paris with PeasyJet. Read the tips below to try and create the imaginary situation. Then, write an email
to the airline, complaining.
Speedy Service
Paid for it because I was travelling with children
Never got on the plane in front of other passengers
Plane: miles away from the gate
Bus used to approach the plane
Boarded the plane at the last minute
Not able to find a seat together
Feel like being reimbursed

SERVICIO DE PLURILINGISMO Y TECNOLOGAS EDUCATIVAS

IDIOMA

Ingls

NIVEL

Avanzado

DESTREZA

Expresin e interaccin escrita

MODELOS DE PRUEBAS DE CERTIFICACIN DE IDIOMAS 2012

WRITING AN ARTICLE
Many aspects of life have changed over the last 20/30 years, such as family policies, peoples relationships, dating, couples, and so on.
Write an article for an online journal about how some of these areas have changed in your country and say whether you think these changes are
positive or negative.

Consejera de Educacin, Cultura y Deporte

Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 1
JOB APPLICATION EMAIL
The following advertisement was published in last Sundays edition of The Early News. Write
a job application email asking to be considered for the position. The email should include:
reasons for the application
qualifications and training
work experience
languages
additional relevant qualities and skills
Engineering Job
Join one of UKs most recognised suppliers of Turnkey Capital Equipment. Graduate
Engineer Based in North East England. Negotiable Salary+ Bonus+ Pension+
Health+25 days holiday+ life insurance.

Ideally 6 months-1 year engineering work experience.

We will also look at motivated graduates with limited work experience who are passionate about
starting a career.

A confident and out-going personality and be very technically minded.

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. JUNIO 2013

Consejera de Educacin, Cultura y Deporte

Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 2
YOUR POST ON A WEBSITE
litstack.com

The website The Film and Book of your Life is looking for contributions from
its many followers. Write a review of a film or a book that has marked your life.
The review should include:
Introduction: reasons why you have chosen the film/book, type of film/book, type of
reader/viewer, etc.
Body:
background information (i.e. type, time, setting, title and information about the
writer/director)
comments on the plot, the main characters, the acting, etc.
Conclusion: opinion
Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de Ingls
Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. JUNIO 2013

Consejera de Educacin, Cultura y Deporte

Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 1
A REVIEW EMAIL
You have spent a weekend at the B&B in Barnes, London. You have been asked to send a review
of your stay to tripadvisor.co.uk. by email for other travellers around the world. Decide whether
your stay fully met your expectations and say whether you would recommend this B&B and who it
is suitable for.
.

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. JUNIO 2014

Consejera de Educacin, Cultura y Deporte

Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 2
Your school is promoting healthy habits and your teacher has asked you to write an opinion essay
in answer to the following question:
Is there a relation between food, exercise and good health?

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. JUNIO 2014

Consejera de Educacin, Cultura y Deporte

Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 1
AN E-MAIL OF COMPLAINT
A few days ago you bought a tablet through an online shopping site. Neither the item nor the
service were what you expected.
Write an e-mail explaining why you are not happy with your purchase nor with their service and ask
for some kind of compensation.
In your e-mail you should include the following:

Wrong features (you

had asked for 32G
Band you got 16GB)

Instead of Wi-Fi + 4G
you got Wi-Fi only

Delivery took longer

than advertised

Discount was not

applied

Delivery costs to send it back not included

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. SEPTIEMBRE 2014

Consejera de Educacin, Cultura y Deporte

Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 2
AN OPINION ESSAY
Read the following extract from a website entry and write an essay giving your opinion about the
topic suggested.
Television has had a significant influence on the culture of many societies. To what extent would
you say television has positively or negatively affected your countrys cultural development?

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. SEPTIEMBRE 2014

Servicio de Evaluacin, Calidad y Ordenacin Acadmica

EJERCICIO 1
You have stayed at Loch Lewen Hotel for four days and you havent fully enjoyed it, because
what you actually got did not match the descriptions in the publicity you had previously read
on Internet. Decide what went wrong and then write a report on the webpage TripTips giving
your personal opinion and recommending it - or not - to other users (200-230 words).

Loch Lewen Hotel

Loch Lewen Hotel is a charming little hotel in the village of Lewen, close to the bus
station, within walking distance from the centre and two miles from the lake. Hosted by
Geraldine and Michael you will experience true Scottish warmth. You may arrive as a guest
but you will leave as a friend.
The hotel offers 15 spacious bedrooms, a superb restaurant service with exciting,
contemporary cuisine, a childrens indoor soft playground and a lively bar, which shows
some light entertainment at weekends.
Loch Lewen Hotel room description:
*Standard double room
*Standard twin room
*Triple bedded room
*Non smoking rooms available on request only
*Room amenities in all rooms
*Bathtub
*Cable TV
*Direct dial phone
*Iron and ironing board

*Trouser press
*Remote control TV
*Shower stall
*Hair dryer
*Toiletries

TripTips

traveller reviews & opinions of hotels, vacations & more

Tips for writing a great review
DO

Describe the service you experienced

Tell us how you liked the room
Talk about the location & amenities
Say what you liked best & least

DON'T

Use profanity, threats, or personal insults

Include e-mail addresses or phone numbers
Write in ALL CAPS
Report someone else's experience

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de idioma Ingls

Expresin e interaccin escrita. JUNIO 2009

Servicio de Evaluacin, Calidad y Ordenacin Acadmica

Title your review

If you could say it in one sentence, what would you say?

Write your review

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de idioma Ingls

Expresin e interaccin escrita. JUNIO 2009

Servicio de Evaluacin, Calidad y Ordenacin Acadmica

EJERCICIO 2
When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.
Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to
explain your position (200-230 words).

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de idioma Ingls

Expresin e interaccin escrita. JUNIO 2009

Pruebas de Certificacin de Idiomas 2010. Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 1
JOB APPLICATION
You are interested in doing a period of work experience at a company in Britain or North
America. You can apply to the following firms:

Cranebank
PO Box 59
Heathrow Airport
Hounslow
Middlesex
TW6 2SL

IBM Corporation
1133 Westchester Avenue
White Plains, New York 10604
United States

Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185
USA

Marriott Royal Hotel

College Green
Bristol
England, Great Britain BS1 5TA

Write a letter of application to one of the firms above asking for a period of work experience.
You should mention the following points in your letter and any other information you consider
relevant.
Your experience with this sort of work / your training
Your qualifications
Your interests
Your reason for applying for a period of work experience
Your reason for wanting to work in Britain / North America
Explain what makes you an ideal candidate for this particular job.

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de idioma Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. JUNIO 2010

Pruebas de Certificacin de Idiomas 2010. Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas del Principado de Asturias

EJERCICIO 2
An English-speaking friend is writing a book on TV programmes in different countries.
Your friend has asked you for a contribution about the most popular TV programmes in your
country. Your contribution should:

Briefly describe at least two of the most popular TV programmes.

Explain why the programmes are so popular.
Explain whether or not you think they deserve their popularity.

Write an article as your contribution to the book.

Prueba Especfica de Certificacin de Nivel Avanzado de idioma Ingls

Expresin e Interaccin Escrita. JUNIO 2010