Proficiency C2 Writing an Article

Cambridge Proficiency article writing is an optional exam task in part 2. Here we will look at what is required in a Proficiency article. 

What you find in the Cambridge Proficiency Article

In Part 2 of the Proficiency exam another writing option candidates may be asked to choose from is an article.

An article is written on a particular theme in a style which makes it suitable for publication in an English-language newspaper, magazine or newsletter and the type of publication mentioned gives the candidate guidance as to the appropriate register to be used – for example, how academic or less formal the article should be. The purpose of an article is to convey information; it may contain some description and/or narrative, and candidates should attempt to engage the interest of their readers.

Like all the other writing tasks at Proficiency, articles can explore an extremely wide range of topics. Nonetheless, the task is not an unfamiliar one to candidates who have completed other Cambridge exams and the format requirements are identical. Here’s a sample CPE article question.     

Proficiency C2 Article sample question

An international travel magazine is running a series of articles on alternatives to travelling by plane. The magazine has invited readers to send in articles briefly describing a memorable long-distance train or bus journey they have made. The article should explain the advantages of travelling a long distance by train or bus and consider whether in general travelling in this way may result in a more satisfying travel experience.

 Write your article (280-320 words)

Writing an Article

As we mentioned earlier this type of review writing task should not be unfamiliar so we will provide a summary of how it should be organised.

Note from the question that there are three elements to this question.

  • A description of the journey
  • Advantages of travelling like this
  • Is it a more satisfying experience?   

Let’s briefly summarise the structure of the article via this diagram. For a complete answer all of these items must be included.

c2-article-plan

Proficiency Article Completed Example

Fly like a bird

I’ve always had a fondness for travel and long before the advent of cheap flights I loved trains. Every journey is something new and anything can happen; the thrill of departure and arrival is what makes us feels alive.

Some years ago I was planning a trip to Spain that would have had me at both ends of the country so I was researching flight connections. Unexpectedly, Google showed me a train option with AVE, the Spanish high velocity train and I booked there and then.   

The first thing you notice about the train is the sleek hi-tech shape and the ultra-modern interior. Coupled with the check-in and security you are definitely going on a journey. As we pulled out of Barcelona the train was very smooth but at quite an ordinary  speed, a speed that was displayed inside every carriage but one that very rapidly changed.  Inside our sealed and rushing train it was like being on a plane , with films to watch and refreshments to buy.

Outside there was little to see or little that stayed in view for long. Passing cars vanished in an instant and distant animals in seconds. We reached the target speed of 307 kph to a loud fanfare and we passengers just went back to our distractions. In just under three hours we pulled into Atocha in Madrid.       

Even without that usual long reflection time, at such velocities we don’t miss out on a lot as there is still much to enjoy on the journey, just differently. It is also evidence of how trains, particularly in Europe, can compete with flights. For passengers it does away with that tiresome wasted time getting to and from airports. Why bother with that when it’s a true city to city service?

On a wider scale it offers tangible solutions to the environmental effect of mass travel and many European countries are starting to urgently pursue this high speed strategy. More importantly it’s just fun.

321 words

Evaluating a C2 Article

 Here we will consider how well the article is written by using the criteria that is used by CPE examiners. CPE review writing criteria graphic

Content

This is effectively answering the question and including all of the details required. At C2 there is also a strong emphasis on how well a the reader would be informed or that they will have learnt something having read this content. At this C2 level it is extremely important to satisfy the expectations of reader.

Communicative achievement
This looks at how well the candidate has used the conventions of review writing tasks and at the level of flexibility of language they use to complete the task. At C2 you must show a minimum ability to comfortably communicate your ideas. Furthermore, writing must demonstrate that it can hold a reader’s attention. 

 

Organization

While this specifically refers to the use of paragraphs, it also refers to the use of text linking  expressions. In this case candidates must show that they can flexibly link ideas and parts of the text together by using a very wide range of devices. 

Language

As you would expect this looks at the language the candidate chooses. What’s most important at C2 is the accuracy and the range of language you use. A candidate at C2 can use vocabulary precisely and effectively. They can also produce a wide range of very accurate grammar forms. Any mistakes are usually limited to less common expressions and words.

Some points to think about!

  • Answer the question fully
    This means successfully including the required points and discussing them in detail.
  • Vary your language
    Try to use a very wide range of vocabulary and structures. Be mindful too to focus on language you can use with confidence and try not to use the review to experiment with new expressions. 
  • Look at examples of articles
    There are articles almost everywhere we look online. While many may be quality, useful examples, in particular those written by journalists, you should also develop a critical eye with online content. Look at both academic and more informal articles.