Cambridge English: Proficiency

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Review

Question
A magazine that you subscribe to is interested in reader reviews based on the following topic:

Write a detailed review of two or three websites that you use on a regular basis. You should explain the reasons why you visit the websites and comment on what you like (and dislike) about them.

Write the review for the magazine editor. (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, decide if you are going to focus on websites that you visit for work or leisure purposes. You could include websites from each category.
• Make notes on what makes the website so useful. Here are some ideas:
  - buying a product that is difficult to find in ordinary shops
  - finding out information more quickly than from other sources
  - meeting people with similar interests around the world
• The main part of your review should describe how the websites work and what features you like most. You can also include anything you dislike, although the main focus is on websites that you are recommending to others.

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 for a review?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent?
• Will the magazine editor and other readers be interested in what you have written?

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