Understanding CP Writing Tasks

2. Understanding CPWriting Tasks Dr Daniel Brint British Council Adult Centre

3. CP tasks: • Report • Proposal • Article • Essay • Review • Letter

4. CP (compulsory question) • Article • Report • Proposal • Letter • Essay

5. How is a piece of writing marked? General Impression mark Content Organization Cohesion Range of structures and vocabulary Register and format Target reader

6. Pass or fail? • Although the writer does not always choose the most natural word, his meaning is always clear. • PASS • The candidate makes some errors of vocabulary and spelling, there are also a couple of examples of the verb not agreeing with its subject and of the wrong choice of preposition… the content is relevant and all aspects of the task are addressed. • PASS

7. What makes a piece of writing fail? • Would only be partially informed… • Inappropriate informality… • Target reader would not be informed… • Weak introduction and conclusion…

8. Creating a good effect on the target reader means • Completing the task • Using the correct format • Using the right kind of language • Not making mistakes that confuse the reader

9. Reports and Proposals A PROPOSAL …persuade the reader of a course of action. A proposal should be clearly organized and may include headings. In a PROPOSAL you will probably need to • Give reasons • Make polite recommendations • Persuade • Compare ideas

10. Report • A REPORT • give some factual information and make suggestions or recommendations. A report should be clearly organized and may include headings. • In a REPORT you will probably need to • Summarize information • Make suggestions • Make recommendations

11. Tips • Use headings • Avoid informal language • Give examples or explanations but don’t go too far off the point

12. ARTICLES • You read a report or proposal because you have to • You read an article because you want to • Articles need to ENGAGE and INTEREST

13. Making your article engaging and interesting • Check who you are writing for an why you are writing • Have a clear idea of your audience • Use opportunities for description and narration • Use of adjectives • Questions (Why should you visit this modern city?, rather then Visit this city because…) • Expressions/proverbs

14. TIPS • Aim for 3 paragraphs • Think carefully about your reader when choosing a style/register • Use a 1st person form if possible

15. ESSAYS • Unlike articles, essays are not written to engage but to present clear, well-organized ideas. • Your essay is probably written for your tutor • You may be asked to present balanced or one-sided arguments • An important SET BOOK task

16. TIPS • Be sure to write an introduction and conclusion • Use examples to support your ideas • If your writing is one-sided, don’t contradict yourself! • Connect your ideas with linking words and back-reference words/expressions

17. REVIEW • usually written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website • Description • Explanation • Recommendation

18. TIPS • Write a 3 or 4 paragraph piece with introduction and conclusion • Avoid exaggeration – enthuse, criticize and recommend but in a balanced way • A strong first paragraph will get your readers attention

19. Letters • Respond to the situation outlined • Must be appropriate for the specified target reader • opening salutation, clear paragraphing and closingphrasing are always important.

20. Tips • Letters often include personal aspects that mean you can use narrative/description – these make your writing more interesting. • If the letter is for informational/factual purposes check you give clear information • Keep your register (more or less formal) consistent