How many texts do I need to write?
Two. You must do the task in Part 1, and you can choose one task from Part 2.
How long should I spend on each part?
This is up to you. However, remember that each part is worth the same number of marks. You should allow time for planning before you start writing each task, and for checking your own work after you have finished.
In what ways is Part 1 different from Part 2?
In Part 1 there is one compulsory task, while in Part 2 there is a choice of tasks. In Part 1, before you start writing you will need to read material of up to 160 words, e.g. advertisements, extracts from letters, articles, etc., while in Part 2 the instructions are shorter. In Part 1, you always need to write a letter or an email, whereas in Part 2 there is a range of different text types to choose from.
How many marks is each part of the Writing paper worth?
Each part of the Writing test is worth the same amount of marks: Reading, Writing, Listening, Use of English and Speaking are each worth 20% of the total score for the Cambridge English: First exam.
Where do I write my answers?
In the question booklet. This booklet also contains enough space for you to write your rough work.
How is the Writing paper marked?
Your Writing paper will be marked by a trained examiner working with a Team Leader, all guided and monitored by a Principal Examiner. Each examiner is given tests to mark randomly from all the entries. In this way, examiners will be assessing scripts from a variety of centres and countries.
What if I write too little/too much?
You are given guidelines about how much to write, but this is to help you in planning your writing. If you write considerably more than the guideline, you will only be penalised if the answer contains irrelevance or would have a negative effect on the intended audience. If you write considerably less than the guideline, but still cover the requisite aspects of the task, you will not be penalised. However, you should bear in mind we are gathering evidence that you have achieved the Cambridge English: First level in tory for the ‘report’ in the Writing paper?
Reports should be clearly organised and may contain headings. The report format is not obligatory, but will make a good impression on the target reader if used appropriately. The mark awarded to the report will, however, depend on how the report meets the requirements.
Are addresses to be omitted ONLY when stated in the task?
As a matter of policy, where the genre is given as a letter, the instruction ‘You do not need to include postal addresses’ is added. Where other genres are given in the instructions (e.g. report, article), candidates sometimes choose to use a letter format to answer the question if appropriate to the task. In no case will the address, if you include it, be subject to assessment, either negative or positive.
Do I have to study both the set texts?
The set text questions are optional. If you decide to answer on a set text, it is only necessary to study one of the books as there is always a question on each of them. The Cambridge English: First texts are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level and are suitable for Cambridge English: First candidates. Other editions of these books may be available. However, you should be aware that the language level in other editions may be less accessible.
