Cambridge English: First

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Review

Question
An international student magazine has asked its readers to send in a review of a local festival in their country:

Write your review for the magazine. (around 140-190 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:

• Decide which event you are going to describe. (Is it a small local festival or something people celebrate across the whole country? Is it a regular, annual event?)
• Does it have any cultural or religious significance?
• What do people do during this event? Where do the events take place? Who organises it?
• Is it something that would appeal to visitors from other countries? (Could they participate in the event? Would they more likely be spectators?)

Drafting and proofreading your work

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

• Does your review keep to the point?
• Are the events told in a clear and logical way?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Will the reader enjoy reading your review?
• Is the style OK?

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