he different task types are intended to provide frameworks for candidates so that they can put together and develop their ideas on a topic with a purpose for writing and a target reader in mind. These indications of readership and purpose are not comprehensive, but are intended to provide some guidance about the different task types.
AN ARTICLE is usually written for an English-language magazine or newsletter, and the reader is assumed to have similar interests to the writer. The main purpose is to interest and engage the reader, so there should be some opinion or comment.
AN EMAIL/A LETTER is written in response to the situation outlined in the question. Letters and emails in the Cambridge English: First Writing paper will require a response which is consistently appropriate in register and tone for the specified target reader. Candidates can expect to be asked to write letters or emails to, for example, an English-speaking friend or colleague, a potential employer, a college principal or a magazine editor.
AN ESSAY is always written for the teacher. It should answer the question given by addressing both content points and providing a new content point of the writer’s own. The essay should be well organised, with an introduction and an appropriate conclusion and should be written in an appropriate register and tone. Take care to read every part of each question, and not to omit any required development of the topic