Formal Opinion Letter: The Construction of a Second Nichupte Bridge

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing Exam

Part 2 – Formal Opinion Letter

Topic: The Construction of a Second Nichupte Bridge

This exam is designed according to the writing standards and assessment criteria used in the University of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) examination.

Instructions to Candidates

You have seen the following announcement in a local newspaper in Cancún:

“The construction of a second Nichupté Bridge has divided public opinion. While some residents believe the project will improve transportation and boost the local economy, others argue that it could seriously damage the environment and alter the character of the city.”

You have decided to write a letter to the editor expressing your opinion.

Write your letter.

In your letter, you should:

• explain your opinion clearly;
• support your ideas with relevant arguments and examples;
• respond to opposing views;
• persuade readers to consider your position.

Write your answer in 220–260 words in an appropriate formal style.

Candidate Answer Sheet Reminder

Candidates should:

• organise their ideas into clear paragraphs;
• use a consistent formal register;
• include appropriate opening and closing expressions for a formal letter;
• demonstrate a range of complex grammatical structures and advanced vocabulary.

Assessment Scale (Cambridge C1 Advanced)

The task will be assessed using the official Cambridge-style criteria below.

Band	Content	Communicative Achievement	Organisation	Language
5	All content is fully relevant and developed effectively.	Uses the conventions of a formal opinion letter effectively to persuade the target reader.	Ideas are logically organised with excellent cohesion and paragraphing.	Wide range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex grammar used accurately and naturally.
4	Content is relevant and well-developed.	Register and tone are mostly appropriate and effective.	Generally well-organised with clear progression of ideas.	Good range of vocabulary and grammar with occasional minor errors.
3	Task is completed adequately, though some points may lack detail.	Style is generally appropriate but may occasionally lose consistency.	Clear overall structure, though linking may sometimes be mechanical.	Sufficient range of language with noticeable but non-impeding errors.
2	Some content is irrelevant, unclear, or insufficiently developed.	Limited awareness of the conventions of a formal letter.	Organisation is uneven or repetitive.	Limited range of language; errors sometimes affect communication.
1	Content is minimal or off-topic.	Register and format are inappropriate.	Poor organisation and weak cohesion.	Frequent errors seriously impede understanding.

Cambridge C1 Expectations

A successful C1-level candidate is expected to:

• express opinions with precision and nuance;
• develop balanced arguments;
• evaluate different perspectives critically;
• use persuasive and diplomatic language;
• demonstrate flexibility in sentence structure;
• maintain a consistently formal tone.