Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing is 1 hour 20 minutes with two tasks: a compulsory essay synthesising two points from an input text (Part 1, 220–260 words) and one choice task from a letter/email, proposal, report, or review (Part 2, 220–260 words). Each task is assessed across Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language.

Format & timing

Target word counts and estimated practice times for Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing tasks.

Part 1·Essay (compulsory)
1 task·20 scale marks·~40 min
Part 2·Letter / Report / Review / Proposal
1 choice task·20 scale marks·~40 min
Total·Writing paper
2 tasks·equal weight marks·80 min exam

On this hub you can practise individual writing prompts and receive structured feedback to improve before exam day.

How it is marked

Each writing task is assessed on four subscales (Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, Language) from 0 to 5. Both tasks carry equal weight in determining your overall score.

How to train C1 Writing

Task completion, clear organisation, and correct register drive higher band scores.

101

Choose a task type

Filter prompts by genre (essay, report, proposal, review, letter) to build genre-specific skills.

Open practice grid

202

Plan your structure

Outline paragraphs, topic sentences, and cohesive linking devices before writing.

303

Review & refine

Check your draft against evaluation criteria and rewrite to fix weak areas.

Common C1 Writing mistakes

Avoid these frequent mistakes that lower candidate scores in CAE Writing.

Part 1

Missing input points

Failing to discuss both points from the prompt or failing to express a clear final choice.

Part 2

Inappropriate register

Using overly casual language in formal reports or proposals.

General

Weak paragraph cohesion

Lacking clear topic sentences and smooth transitions between ideas.

General

Off-target word count

Writing significantly under or over the 220–260 word requirement.

Study guides

Writing strategies & task guides

Detailed advice and techniques for each C1 Advanced writing genre.

Part 1

C1 Essay Writing Guide

Learn how to structure arguments, compare input points, and write strong conclusions.

Read guide1 min read

Part 2

C1 Report & Proposal Guide

Master section headings, formal tone, and actionable recommendations.

Read guide1 min read

Part 2

C1 Review & Letter Guide

Engage readers with evaluative vocabulary and appropriate register.

Read guide1 min read

C2 Blog

More C1 Writing resources

Guides on vocabulary, linking words, and exam strategies.

All guides

C1Strategy

Mastering C1 Advanced Writing

Key techniques for scoring top bands on Cambridge C1 Writing tasks.

Read1 min read

FAQ

C1 Writing
FAQ.

Clear answers about format, scoring, timing, and how to practise on this hub.

What is the format of Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing?

C1 Advanced Writing takes 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes) and consists of two tasks: a compulsory essay in Part 1 (220–260 words) and one choice task from an email/letter, proposal, report, or review in Part 2 (220–260 words).

How is C1 Writing scored?

Both tasks are weighted equally and assessed across four criteria: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language (each graded on a 0–5 subscale).

What are the recommended word counts for C1 Writing?

Candidates should write 220–260 words for both Part 1 and Part 2. Staying within this range ensures full task fulfillment without unnecessary errors.

How can I prepare for C1 Writing?

Practise each genre type regularly, focus on formal register and cohesive linking expressions, and review your drafts against the 4 evaluation criteria.