A new exam? What’s changed? Starting in January 2015, there will be a new version of the Cambridge English: Advanced exam (previously known as the CAE). This post will explain the major changes in the new exam so you know what to expect. Big changes to Reading and Use of English papers First the good news: starting in January the exam will be 45 minutes shorter! There will be 4 papers instead of 5, which means there will be one fewer break as...

The obligation to write in the correct style does not only apply to examinations.  The author of this article is struggling with the rigid constraints of academic style.  I am having the same struggle as I complete my master’s degree.  It’s very strange having to write about what I think without being allowed to use the word “I”! But unfortunately, this is just the way things are.  This is the style and fighting against...

Freerice.com seems like a simple game: you just match the word you see with a synonym.  But for every correct answer you get, the game gets harder.  When you choose an incorrect answer, the game gets easier.  The real challenge is trying to remember if the words are nouns, verbs or adjectives… it’s a lot harder than it seems!  This is a good way to practice for Part 4 of the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). The game is run by the...

5 of 5, click the buttons to read more about the the different styles of writing you may have to do in the exam: Essay Email/letter  Proposal  Report This is a short summary of some style points to keep in mind when attempting the tasks in the Cambridge English: Advanced writing section. Review Who is the audience? The audience for this question is usually an interested consumer or magazine reader. What is the purpose of the writing? You need...

Part 4 of 5, you can find the other style guides by clicking here: CAE writing style guides. This is a short summary of some style points to keep in mind when attempting the tasks in the Cambridge English: Advanced writing section. Report Who is the audience? The audience for this question is usually your boss, a professional group, a school administrator or a group of your peers. What is the purpose of the writing? You need to summarise...