CAE Writing   (Exit)

Writing an introduction

Aims: to provide learners with practice in writing a good introduction to a magazine article, a task which often appears in Paper 2 (Writing)

Level: CAE or FCE

Example: CAE


Instructions for students

1. Look at the following writing task which you might find in a CAE Writing Paper.


You have been asked to write a magazine article about young people and the dangers of smoking.

2. You have 10 minutes to write an introduction that will really get the reader's attention. Before you start, discuss with a partner which of these opening sentences would have the most impact.

"Young people are putting their health at risk if they start smoking at an early age."

"Do you realise that you actually smell like an ashtray?"

"If you read this article instead of having another cigarette you will add four minutes to your life."

"Doctors have spent many years trying to tell young people that it's unwise to start smoking."

3. Work in a small group. Take it in turns to read your introductions to each other and comment on whether they are interesting or not.