Cambridge English: Proficiency

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Report

Question
You work in a department with a large number of colleagues, all of whom are learning English. You recently discussed the idea of setting up an after-work Film Club with the aim of improving or maintaining your skills in English. You volunteered to write a report for your colleagues and you should make suggestions about the following points:

Write the report for colleagues. (around 280 - 320 words)

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

• First, make a list of points that could be included as a rationale for setting up the club:
  - fun and sociable way to learn English
  - a useful addition to any language courses that your colleagues attend
• Next, you need to consider how it could be organised. Think about the following points if you are stuck for ideas:
  - how often would the members meet up?
  - what time/day of the week would suit everybody?
  - where would the club meet?
  - who would pick the films?
• A report also has to consider the costs of any recommendations! What are the costs likely to be and how could the money be raised?
  Example:
  Cost - hiring the videos
  Solution - everyone pays a small amount toward it.
• Finally, a report is normally a fairly formal document but as this is for circulation amongst your colleagues you can be a little more informal.
  Example:
  "I propose/suggest that we ....."
  is preferable to
  "It is proposed that ....."

Drafting and proofreading your work

You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

• Have you answered the question?
• Is the layout and organisation appropriate?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent?
• Will it be useful and helpful in setting up the Film Club?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!