- Si el alumno/a responde a las tres preguntas en lugar de dos, se corrigen las dos primeras que aparecen en su cuaderno de examen.
- Las respuestas no pueden ser copia literal del texto (i.e., citas), aunque se puede emplear alguna palabra que aparezca en el texto.
- Esta pregunta se refleja la capacidad del alumno para parafrasear y sintetizar o resumir, por lo tanto, no hay un extensión mínima ni máxima para responder a estas preguntas.
European Parliament Ambassador School
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
PAU TIPS.
Monday, 11 May 2026
Friday, 8 May 2026
PAU 26. Writing typology
Written production. Choose ONE of the two options below and write a short composition (120-150 words). Compositions up to 200 words won’t be penalized. Remember that compositions MUST NOT be signed.
- OPINION ESSAY: Write an opinion essay on the following topic: Do you think social media is more helpful or harmful for teenagers? Give reasons to justify your opinion. (JUL25)
- DISCOURSIVE ESSAY (FOR/AGAINST-AD/DISADVANTAGES); Write a for and against essay on the following topic: What are the advantages and disadvantages of allowing students to use mobile phones in schools? (JUN25)
- NARRATIVE: Write a story about something that happened to you in the past. Your story must begin with this sentence: It all started with a phone call late at night. (JUL25)
- COMPLAINT LETTER: You recently took a self-catering holiday in a luxury apartment, but the standard of the accommodation was very poor. The holiday company that you booked with have offered you some vouchers as compensation, but you have decided you would prefer a cash refund instead. Write a letter to the company outlining the problems you experienced with the accommodation and the action you want them to take.
- APPLICATION LETTER: A tourist company which organises coach tours of your home town has placed the following advertisement in your local newspaper: TOUR GUIDES REQUIRED: Are you an outgoing and sociable person, who has a good command of English and some knowledge of local history? Take-a-Tour is setting up a branch in your area and we are looking for tour guides to accompany up to fifty passengers a time on our coach tours. Your duties will include welcoming passengers aboard the coach, giving a commentary about the local sights, and taking small groups around the town on foot.
Monday, 4 May 2026
Essay writing. PAU Practice
ractice makes perfect. Try these activities and then write your own composition. Rememeber the structure, linking words, vocabulary, etc...
https://wordwall.net/es/resource/28871847/opinion-essay-connectors
https://wordwall.net/es/resource/52733708/opinion-essay-vocabulary
Structure of the Opinion Essay:
- Introduction – introduces the topic and state your opinion clearly
- Body - consists of three or more paragraphs each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples
- Conclusion – summarizes/restates your opinion using different words

https://en.ppt-online.org/284818
Useful expressions and linking words/phrases
Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To begin/start with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally
• To list advantages:
One/Another/A further/An additional (major) advantage of… is … The main/greatest/first advantage of… is …
• To list disadvantages:
One/Another/ A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of. The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage /drawback of… Another negative aspect of…
• To introduce points/arguments for or against:
One (very convincing) point/argument in favour of… / against,
often claimed/suggested
It is widely argued maintained that…..
generally felt/believed/held
claim/suggest/argue/feel that…
maintain/believe/point out/agree/hold that…
advocate (+ing/noun)/support the view that…
oppose the view that…
are in favour of/against…
are of the opinion that/convinced that…
are opposed to…
in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also/as well, both … and, There is another side to the issue/question/argument of…
• To make contrasting points:
on the other hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless, nevertheless, even so,
it may be said/argued/claimed that,…
others/many people oppose this viewpoint/strongly disagree…, claim/feel/believe this argument is incorrect/misguided
although, though, even though, while, whilst, whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that), regardless of the fact that
Opponents of … argue/believe/claim that…
The fact that… contradicts the belief/idea that…
While it is true to say that…, in fact…
While/Although …, it cannot be denied that…
for example, for instance, such as, like, in particular, particularly, especially, This is (clearly) illustrated/shown by the fact that… One/A clear/striking/ typical example of (this)… The fact that…. shows/illustrates that…
• To emphasise a point:
clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed
• To express reality:
In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect
• To make general statements:
as a (general) rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases
• To make partially correct statements:
to a certain extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point
• To explain/clarify a point:
in other words, that is to say, this/which means that
• To express cause:
• To express effect:
• To express intention:
• To emphasise a point:
clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed
• To express reality:
In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect
• To make general statements:
as a (general) rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases
• To make partially correct statements:
to a certain extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point
• To explain/clarify a point:
in other words, that is to say, this/which means that
• To express cause:
• To express effect:
• To express intention:
Conclusion expressing balanced considerations/opinion indirectly
On balance,
All things considered,
Taking everything into account/consideration,
To conclude,
To sum up,
All in all,
Finally/Lastly,
- it seems/appears that…
- it would seem that…
-it is likely/unlikely/possible/foreseeable that …
- it is clear/obvious that…
-. there is no/little doubt that …
- it is true to say that …
- although it must be said that …
- it may be concluded/said that …
Read the task fully: Carefully check the entire question, the job/course advertisement or description, all the given notes or bullet points, and identify exactly what you need to cover (e.g., your qualifications, experience, reasons for applying).- Plan your letter before writing: Take 5-10 minutes to outline the full formal layout and content. This keeps the letter professional, logical, and within the required word limit from the start.
- Comment on all the points: Discuss every bullet point or requirement in the task in detail. Support each with specific reasons, examples from your studies/work experience, or personal qualities. If you don’t have real-life details, invent plausible and relevant ones.
- Divide into paragraphs: Dedicate one clear paragraph to each main point (e.g., Paragraph 2: education and qualifications; Paragraph 3: relevant experience and skills; Paragraph 4: why this opportunity appeals to you). Use formal linking expressions such as “furthermore”, “in addition to this”, “however”, “therefore” or “as a result” to create smooth, coherent flow and demonstrate organisational skills.
- Use advanced vocabulary and formal language: Employ a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary, collocations, and structures appropriate to the level – B2 (FCE) needs solid formal phrases, while C1 (CAE) and C2 (CPE) demand more precise, idiomatic, and nuanced language. Maintain a consistently formal register: no contractions, no slang, polite indirect questions, and complex sentences. T
- Express your suitability and enthusiasm: Clearly explain why you are the ideal candidate and show genuine interest in the final body paragraph or conclusion. After presenting your key strengths, summarise briefly and finish with a confident, polite statement of what you hope will happen next (e.g., an interview).
- Revise your letter: After finishing, spend the last few minutes checking grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary accuracy, and overall coherence.
- Follow the correct letter format and conventions: Always include the full formal layout, choose the right salutation (“Dear Sir/Madam” or “Dear Mr/Ms Smith”), and end with an appropriate closing (“Yours sincerely” if you know the name, “Yours faithfully” if you don’t). These elements are assessed separately in most exams and signal professional awareness – small mistakes here can undermine an otherwise strong letter.
- Practice useful phrases: Learn and incorporate ready-to-use formal expressions such as “I am writing to apply for the position of…”, “I would like to express my strong interest in…”, and “I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience”. These phrases improve organisation, raise the register instantly, and help you sound natural and confident at any level (FCE/CAE/CPE).
Letter of Application: Useful Phrases & Language
Reasons
I’m writing to apply for the post/position of…..as advertised in……..
I’m writing with reference
I’m writing in response to your advertisement which I saw….
I’m writing in connection with your advertisement
Qualifications /Experience
I gained some experience while …
I am currently working as …
I have been working for … for the last four years.
I worked part-time for three years as …
At the moment| am employed by …
My qualifications include …
I have a diploma in …
I graduated from Barcelona University last year with a degree in …
Please find attached my CV
As you can see from the attached CV …
Personal Qualities
I see myself systematic, meticulous in my approach to work…..
I have a clear insight of………
I value time and not squander……
I tackle a problem…..
Closing remarks
I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience
Please contact me with any queries you may have,
I would be glad to attend an interview at any time convenient
I look forward to hearing from you in due course….









