C1 Advanced Writing · Part 2

How to Write a C1 Advanced Review: Step-by-Step Lesson ✍️

Welcome, my lovely students! 💙 In this lesson, we are going to learn how to approach the second part of the Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing paper with confidence. And please remember this: with enough training, you do not need to panic about this task. We are going to break it down calmly, step by step, until it feels manageable.

Official exam information you must know

  • Paper: C1 Advanced Writing.
  • Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes for the whole Writing paper.
  • Total parts: 2 parts.
  • Part 1: a mandatory essay. You must answer it.
  • Part 2: you choose one task from three options.
  • Word count: 220–260 words for each answer.
  • Paper-based exam: write clearly in pen, not pencil. You may make alterations, but your work must be easy to read.
  • Digital-based exam: you type your answers, but the same time limit, word count and task requirements apply.
  • Important: you must complete the answer sheet within the time limit.

Part 1

Mandatory essay based on notes and opinions.

Part 2

Choose one option: email/letter, review, report or proposal.

In this lesson, we are going to focus on the Review, because it is one of the most practical and student-friendly options when you know how to structure it. 🌟

Understanding the task

What do you have to do in C1 Advanced Writing Part 2?

In Part 2, Cambridge gives you three possible writing tasks. You do not answer all of them. You choose the one you feel most confident with. In the official 2022 Sample Paper 2, the options are:

Question 2

Proposal about saving and modernising an old building.

Question 3

Report about a study and work programme.

Question 4

Review of a holiday resort for a travel website.

Tiny but important correction: the review task in this official paper is Question 4. So, for this lesson, we will practise the review because that is the text type we want to master today. 🧭

Official Cambridge C1 Advanced Sample Paper 2 Writing Part 2 task
Official Cambridge C1 Advanced Sample Paper 2 Writing Part 2. Upload the image to your WordPress Media Library and replace the image URL above.

Assessment criteria

CriterionWhat it meansIn a review, this means...
ContentYou answer all parts of the task.You say who the resort appeals to, what you recommend, and how it could improve.
Communicative AchievementYour style is appropriate for the target reader.You sound like a helpful travel reviewer, not like someone writing a school essay.
OrganisationYour text is logical, clear and easy to follow.You use paragraphs, headings if appropriate, and linking expressions naturally.
LanguageYou use accurate and varied grammar and vocabulary.You include descriptive adjectives, recommendation phrases and advanced structures.
Examiner secrets

Problems and common mistakes in C1 Writing Part 2 🚨

The review task is not difficult if you know what Cambridge wants. However, students often lose marks not because their English is terrible, but because they do not manage the task properly. So, let’s protect your marks.

Time management warning ⏱️

You have 1 hour 30 minutes for two writing tasks. That means you cannot spend 60 minutes on Part 1 and then rush Part 2. A smart target is around 40–45 minutes per task, including planning and checking. For Part 2, spend about 5 minutes planning, 30–35 minutes writing, and 5 minutes checking.

What lowers your score?

Memorised phrases

Phrases that sound copied or unnatural can damage your communicative achievement.

Repetition

Repeating “good”, “nice”, “interesting” or “I recommend” makes your language look limited.

Bad organisation

A review with no clear paragraphs feels confusing, even if the English is accurate.

Wrong style

A review should be descriptive, evaluative and engaging. It should not sound like a formal report.

Common mistakes Spanish students make

IncorrectCorrectWhy?
❌ People is very friendly.✅ People are very friendly.“People” is plural.
❌ I am agree.✅ I agree.“Agree” is a verb, not an adjective.
❌ It depends of the price.✅ It depends on the price.The correct preposition is “on”.
❌ I recommend to visit it.✅ I recommend visiting it.After “recommend”, use a gerund or object + infinitive.
❌ The resort has a good ambient.✅ The resort has a pleasant atmosphere.“Ambiente” is often better translated as “atmosphere”.
Strategy

Tips for success: how to plan before writing 🧠

Please do not start writing immediately. I know it feels tempting, especially when you are nervous, but planning is what makes your answer look mature, organised and C1-level. A good plan can be done in less than 5 minutes.

The 5-minute lightning plan ⚡

  1. Identify the text type: review.
  2. Identify the reader: readers of a travel website.
  3. Underline the task points: who the resort appeals to, what you recommend most, and one improvement.
  4. Choose your opinion: mostly positive, but with one balanced criticism.
  5. Decide your paragraphs: introduction, target visitors, best aspects, improvement, final recommendation.

Example: this is what your lightning plan should look like ✅

Imagine you choose the official review task about a holiday resort. Before writing, your plan could look like this:

Lightning Plan — Review of a Holiday Resort

Exam pointMy quick decision
Text typeReview
ReaderVisitors reading a travel website
ResortBlue Cove Resort — calm coastal resort near a fishing town
Overall opinionMostly positive: relaxing, scenic, good value for money
Who it appeals toFamilies, couples and travellers looking for peace rather than nightlife
Most recommended aspectsOutdoor dining area, sea views, fresh food, guided boat tour
ImprovementEvening entertainment is limited; add live music or cultural events twice a week
Final recommendationHighly recommended for a calm holiday, but not ideal for partygoers

This plan is enough. You do not need full sentences yet. You only need clear ideas, task coverage and a logical order. Then writing becomes much easier. 💪

From plan to paragraphs ✍️

ParagraphWhat I will writeUseful language
1. IntroductionIntroduce the resort and give my general opinion.Although it is not..., it offers...
2. Target visitorsExplain who would enjoy it most.It would particularly appeal to...
3. Best aspectsRecommend the restaurant, views and boat tour.What impressed me most was...
4. ImprovementMention limited evening entertainment and suggest a solution.However, the resort could improve...
5. Final recommendationRecommend it clearly and say who it may not suit.Overall, I would highly recommend...

What raises your score?

Good paragraphing

Each paragraph has a clear purpose, so the examiner can follow your ideas easily.

Variety of grammar

Use relative clauses, participle clauses, conditionals and passive structures naturally.

Topic relevance

Every sentence should help answer the task. Do not write beautiful but irrelevant English.

Formal register when needed

A review can be semi-formal and engaging, but it should not be too casual or full of slang.

Cohesion

Use linking words, pronouns and topic sentences to connect your ideas smoothly.

Teacher tip 💡: In a review, the examiner wants to feel that you are guiding a real reader. Do not just describe the place. Evaluate it, recommend it, and explain who would enjoy it most.

Model answer

Solving Step by Step – MODEL ANSWER

Now we are going to solve the review task step by step. Remember: in a C1 review, you are not only describing a place. You are helping a real reader decide whether that place is right for them. That is why your answer needs description, opinion, recommendation and balance. ✍️

Official task focus

A travel website has asked you to write a review of a holiday resort you have been to. You must:

  • Explain what kinds of people the resort is likely to appeal to.
  • Say which aspects of the resort you would most recommend.
  • Suggest at least one way in which the resort could be improved.

Paragraph structure Cambridge wants to see

ParagraphPurposeApprox. length
1. IntroductionName the resort and give your overall impression.35–45 words
2. Who it appeals toExplain the target visitors clearly.45–55 words
3. Best aspectsRecommend the strongest features with examples.55–65 words
4. ImprovementMention one weakness and suggest a realistic solution.45–55 words
5. Final recommendationGive a clear final verdict.30–40 words

A peaceful resort with plenty to offer

Last summer, I spent a week at Blue Cove Resort, a coastal hotel located just outside a small fishing town. Although it is not the most luxurious resort I have ever visited, it offers a relaxing atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and excellent value for money.

The resort would particularly appeal to families, couples and travellers who are looking for a quiet break rather than a lively nightlife scene. The beach is clean and safe, the staff are welcoming, and most facilities are within easy walking distance, which makes the place especially convenient for visitors with young children.

What I would recommend most is the outdoor dining area overlooking the sea. The food was fresh, varied and reasonably priced, and having dinner while watching the sunset was easily one of the highlights of the trip. I was also impressed by the guided boat tour, which gave guests the chance to explore nearby caves and learn about the local coastline.

However, the resort could improve its evening entertainment. While the calm atmosphere is part of its charm, the few activities available after dinner felt rather limited. Introducing live music or cultural events twice a week would make the experience more memorable without changing the peaceful character of the place.

Overall, I would highly recommend Blue Cove Resort to anyone seeking rest, scenery and good service. It may not suit partygoers, but for a calm and enjoyable holiday, it is an excellent choice.

Highlighted parts explained paragraph by paragraph 🔍

1. Introduction

The introduction gives the reader the basic context: where the writer went, what kind of place it is, and the general opinion. This is important because a review should feel real and specific from the beginning.

2. Balanced overall opinion

The phrase “Although it is not...” creates balance. At C1, this is powerful because the review does not sound childish or exaggerated. It shows maturity and control.

3. Target audience

The task specifically asks what kinds of people the resort appeals to. This paragraph answers that directly: families, couples and quiet travellers. This protects the Content mark.

4. Recommended aspects

The review gives concrete recommendations: the outdoor dining area, the sea views, the food and the boat tour. Specific examples are much stronger than saying “everything was nice”.

5. Improvement

The task asks for at least one improvement, so this paragraph is essential. The criticism is polite and realistic, and the suggested solution is practical.

6. Final recommendation

The conclusion gives a clear final verdict. It also mentions who may not enjoy the resort, which makes the recommendation more precise and useful for the reader.

Useful C1 features in this review

FeatureExample from the reviewWhy it helps
Concession clauseAlthough it is not the most luxurious resort...Shows balance and advanced sentence control.
Recommendation languageI would highly recommend...Matches the purpose of a review.
Specific descriptive vocabularyrelaxing atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, excellent value for moneyAvoids basic words like “good” and “nice”.
Relative clausewhich gave guests the chance to explore...Adds detail naturally without creating short, simple sentences.
Polite criticismthe resort could improve its evening entertainmentAnswers the improvement point without sounding aggressive.

Teacher tip 🌟: A strong C1 review should feel useful. The reader should finish your text thinking: “Now I know whether this place is right for me.” That is exactly what we want.

Language bank

Essential Grammar and Vocabulary Knowledge 📚

At C1, Cambridge does not want complicated language for no reason. They want language that is accurate, flexible and appropriate for the task. Use these phrases as tools, not as memorised decoration.

Useful phrases by text type

Text typeUseful phrasesExample
EssayIn my opinion; Firstly; Moreover; However; As a result; It could be argued that; To a certain extent; This suggests that; Another key factor is; To conclude; From my perspective; The main advantage is; A possible drawback is; It is worth noting that; On balanceIt could be argued that setting an example is more effective than giving advice.
Email / LetterI’m writing to; Thank you for your email; I was delighted to hear; I would be grateful if; Please let me know; I look forward to hearing from you; I am sorry to inform you; Could you possibly; I am contacting you regarding; I hope this helps; Best wishes; Yours sincerely; Yours faithfully; Kind regards; Many thanksI am writing to enquire about the possibility of joining the programme.
ReviewI would highly recommend; One drawback is; What impressed me most was; It is particularly suitable for; The highlight of my visit was; I was pleasantly surprised by; It may not appeal to; The atmosphere was; The service was outstanding; It offers excellent value for money; Visitors should bear in mind that; Despite this minor issue; Overall; If you are looking for; It is well worth visitingWhat impressed me most was the peaceful atmosphere and the quality of the food.
Report / ProposalThe aim of this report is; This proposal outlines; It is recommended that; One possible solution would be; The main findings suggest; In order to improve; A further recommendation is; The evidence indicates; The majority of participants; It would be advisable to; The following measures should be considered; This would benefit; The current situation; A practical approach would be; In conclusionIt is recommended that the council modernise the building while preserving its original character.

Review vocabulary: B2 to C1 upgrade

Basic / B2C1 upgradeExample
goodimpressive / remarkableThe service was genuinely impressive.
nicepleasant / welcomingThe resort has a welcoming atmosphere.
beautifulpicturesque / breathtakingThe coastline is absolutely breathtaking.
cheapreasonably priced / affordableThe restaurant is reasonably priced.
baddisappointing / underwhelmingThe evening entertainment was slightly underwhelming.
usefulpractical / worthwhileThe guided tour was both practical and worthwhile.

C1 collocations, phrasal verbs and linking words

CategoryExpressionMeaningExample
Collocationexcellent value for moneygood quality for the priceThe resort offers excellent value for money.
Collocationa lively atmosphereenergetic and enjoyable moodThe main square has a lively atmosphere.
Phrasal verbstand outbe especially noticeableThe seafood restaurant really stood out.
Phrasal verblive up tobe as good as expectedThe resort lived up to its reputation.
Linking wordneverthelesshowever / despite thatThe rooms were small; nevertheless, they were spotless.
Linking phrasehaving said thatintroduces contrastHaving said that, the location could hardly be better.
Extra C1 reference

Formal and informal email formulas ✉️

Even though today we are practising a review, C1 Part 2 may also ask you to write an email or letter. Keep this table as a safe reference for register.

Greetings and endings

SituationGreetingEndingExample
Formal, name knownDear Ms Taylor,Yours sincerely,Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire about...
Formal, name unknownDear Sir or Madam,Yours faithfully,Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing regarding...
Semi-formalDear Alex,Kind regards,Dear Alex, Thank you for your message about...
InformalHi Jamie,Best wishes, / Take care,Hi Jamie, Thanks for getting in touch!

When to use Mr, Ms, Miss, Mrs and Dr

TitleUseSafe example
MrFor a man, followed by surname.Dear Mr Johnson,
MsFor a woman when marital status is unknown or irrelevant. This is usually the safest option.Dear Ms Carter,
MissTraditionally for an unmarried woman, but avoid guessing.Dear Miss Green,
MrsFor a married woman, only if you know she uses this title.Dear Mrs Wilson,
DrFor someone with the title Doctor.Dear Dr Evans,

Safe exam rule 💡: If you do not know whether a woman uses Miss or Mrs, use Ms. It is neutral, respectful and appropriate in formal writing.

Final message 🌟

You can do this — but you must practise smartly

My final advice is very simple: never leave a writing task unanswered. Cambridge does not reward blank pages, and even an imperfect answer gives the examiner something to assess. If you plan, write clearly, answer every part of the task and check your language, you are already giving yourself a much better chance.

Remember these exam facts

  • The Writing paper has 2 parts.
  • You must answer Part 1 and one option from Part 2.
  • Each Writing question carries equal marks.
  • The Writing paper represents approximately 20% of the total C1 Advanced exam score.
  • In each writing task, Cambridge assesses Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language.

Before writing 🧠

Read the task twice and plan your paragraphs.

While writing ✍️

Use clear paragraphing, relevant ideas and natural C1 language.

After writing ✅

Check prepositions, subject-verb agreement, spelling and word count.

Please remember: you are not expected to write like a novelist. You are expected to communicate clearly, appropriately and accurately. Step by step, we can train that. 💙

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Source: This activity is based on the official Cambridge C1 Advanced Sample Paper 2 (2022) – Writing: Part 2.

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Review Writing: Structural and Stylistic Choices

Pregunta 1:

Tone and Register


When writing a review for a Cambridge C1 exam, the tone should generally be 1 to engage the reader while maintaining a sophisticated level of English.

Which option best completes the gap?
Pregunta 2:

The Art of Critiquing


A successful review doesn't just describe the plot; it 1 the strengths and weaknesses to provide a balanced recommendation.

Choose the most appropriate verb.
Pregunta 3:

Descriptive Adjectives


The cinematography in the film was absolutely 1, leaving the audience in complete awe of the visual landscapes.

Which adjective fits best for a C1 level?
Pregunta 4:

Introduction Techniques


The opening paragraph of your review should 1 the reader's interest immediately, perhaps with a rhetorical question or a bold statement.

Choose the correct collocation.
Pregunta 5:

Concluding the Review


In the final paragraph, you must provide a clear 1, stating whether you believe the target audience should experience the product or service.

What is the essential final element?
Inglés · Cambridge · C1
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Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam: Mastering Writing Part 2 Review

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