Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) · Writing
Free C2 Writing practice tests
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing practice — essays, articles, letters, reports and reviews with structured prompts and AI feedback. No account required.
Paper guide
C2 Writing: format, scoring & how to train
What Parts 1–2 actually require, how examiners mark, and how to practise with AI feedback.
Parts
2
P1–P2
Marks
equal weight
Writing paper
Timing
90 min exam
focused practice
Pass
200+
Cambridge Scale
Cambridge C2 Proficiency Writing is 90 minutes and two tasks: a compulsory discursive essay synthesising two short input texts (Part 1, 240–280 words) and one genre task from a choice of article, report, review, or letter/email (Part 2, 280–320 words). Each task is marked on Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language. On this hub you pick a prompt, write, and get structured AI feedback.
Format & timing
Word counts and times below match typical C2 Writing recommendations for planning plus writing — not a stopwatch in the official room.
Part 1·Essay (compulsory)
1 task·20 scale marks·~40–45 min
Part 2·Article / Report / Review / Letter
1 task·20 scale marks·~45–50 min
Total·Writing paper
2 tasks·equal weight marks·90 min exam
On this hub you train one task type at a time. Aim for full exam word counts; use AI feedback to repair organisation and register before the next attempt.
How it is marked
Each writing task is assessed on four criteria (Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, Language) on a 0–5 band that maps to the Cambridge English Scale for the paper. Both tasks carry equal weight. Practice feedback on this hub targets those criteria so you can see which band is holding the score down.
How to train Writing
Register and task fulfilment beat “more advanced words” without a plan.
- 101
Practise by task type
Use the tabs above to isolate essays vs reports, reviews, and letters until genre conventions stick.
Open practice grid - 202
Rewrite from feedback
Fix the top issue (content coverage, organisation, or register) before starting a brand-new prompt.
- 303
Build phrase banks that fit genres
Hedging, evaluation, and formal signposting transfer across tasks better than rare adjectives.
C2 Vocabulary - 404
Simulate full papers
When ready, write Part 1 and Part 2 in one 90-minute block with realistic word counts.
Back to tasks - 505
Deep-dive weak genres
Use the guides below for essay synthesis or Part 2 register, then retest the same type.
Writing guides
Frequent mistakes at C2
These cost bands even when language looks “advanced” on the surface.
Part 1
Summarising without evaluating
The essay must synthesise and take a reasoned stance — not retell both input texts.
Part 2
Wrong register for the genre
Reports need headings and objectivity; reviews need evaluation; letters need openings and closings that fit the reader.
All parts
Missing content points
Brilliant language cannot rescue a task that ignores a required bullet or audience.
All parts
No planning time
Jumping straight into drafting is the fastest path to weak organisation under 90 minutes.
All parts
Decoration over control
Forced inversions and rare words that break accuracy lower Language more than they raise it.
All parts
Volume without rewrite
A second draft of one weak essay teaches more than five unreviewed first attempts.
Study guides
Strategy before more volume
Essay synthesis and Part 2 genres that examiners mark hard on register.
C2 Blog
More C2 strategy & context
Writing craft plus Proficiency structure, scoring, and exam-day context.
FAQ
Writing
FAQ.
Clear answers about format, scoring, timing, and how to practise on this hub.
What is in Cambridge C2 Writing?
C2 Writing is 90 minutes with two tasks: a compulsory essay (Part 1, 240–280 words) using two short input texts, and one Part 2 genre task (280–320 words) such as an article, report, review, or letter.
How is C2 Writing marked?
Each task is marked on Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language. Both tasks carry equal weight within the Writing paper scale score.
Can I get free AI feedback on C2 writing?
Yes. This hub provides structured writing prompts with instant AI feedback aimed at the same criteria examiners use. No account is required to start.
How should I split the 90 minutes?
Many candidates use about 40–45 minutes on Part 1 and 45–50 on Part 2, leaving a short proofread. Plan before you draft.
What is the biggest Part 1 mistake?
Retelling the two input texts without evaluation. Examiners want a discursive essay that synthesises and takes a clear, supported stance.
Do I need an account?
No. Writing practice can be used free without registration. Accounts are optional for progress syncing.
How can I improve register in Part 2?
Match audience and purpose: reports are objective with headings; reviews evaluate; letters need appropriate openings, closings, and tone.
Is AI feedback the same as a Cambridge examiner?
No. It is a practice coach aligned to the four criteria so you can iterate faster. Use official sample answers and teacher review when you can.