Koydo
CDLNCLEXIELTSOpen Koydo

CPE · Writing — Register Task (Part 2) · France

Writing — Register Task (Part 2) for the CPE Exam — French candidates

10% of the CPE test plan. Producing a highly effective piece of writing in a specific genre and register at C2 level. Calibrated for French candidates.

For candidates aiming to clear this exam on the first attempt, the difference between Band 6 and Band 7+ — or "passing" and "comfortable margin" — usually comes down to fluency on a small number of high-leverage topics. Writing — Register Task (Part 2) sits at roughly 10% of the Cambridge Proficiency (C2) content distribution — CPE Writing Part 2 requires producing a text in a specified genre (review, report, letter, proposal, article) with complete register mastery. At C2, genre conventions must be fully internalised — the format, vocabulary, tone, and discourse structure of each type should be automatic. Pass rates for the CPE are published annually by the awarding body and vary by cohort and locale. For French candidates preparing for CPE, the calibration of study to local context matters: France's domestic credentials are the Baccalauréat (school leaving) and DELF/DALF (French proficiency). IELTS and Cambridge are common for English certification.

Pass rates for CPE (France) are published periodically by the awarding body.

Common failure modes

These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.

  • !Generic writing that could be any genre — not exploiting the specific conventions of the chosen type
  • !Inconsistent register: formal language followed by colloquial expressions
  • !Reviews that only summarise content rather than critically evaluating quality and impact

Study tips

  • 1Collect model texts for each genre: read 5 real examples of each — professional reviews, formal letters, business proposals.
  • 2Practise "register transformation": take one text and rewrite it for a different audience and purpose.
  • 3For proposals, practise the language of justification and persuasion: "This measure would inevitably lead to...", "The long-term benefits are self-evident...".
  • 4Les candidats français préparant le CPE doivent privilégier les ressources alignées sur le CECRL — les niveaux B2 et C1 sont systématiquement attendus pour les programmes de mobilité internationale.

Sample CPE Writing — Register Task (Part 2) questions

These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real CPE questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.

  1. 1

    A CPE Writing Part 2 review of a novel should NOT include:

    • ACritical evaluation of the author's technique
    • BA plot summary that replaces evaluationCorrect
    • CYour recommendation to potential readers
    • DAnalysis of specific language and imagery
    Why this answer?

    A literary review at C2 level is an evaluative genre — it should assess quality, technique, and impact, not simply retell the plot. A plot summary substituting for evaluation is a genre error that signals the candidate does not understand the purpose of a review. Brief reference to plot is acceptable as context, but it should not dominate the piece.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the CPE Writing exam?
CPE Writing lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Part 1 (compulsory essay: 240–280 words) typically takes 45 minutes. Part 2 (choice task: 280–320 words) takes the remaining 45 minutes. Time management — leaving time to plan and check both pieces — is essential.
What is the CPE pass rate for French candidates?
Pass rates for CPE candidates in France are published periodically by the awarding body. Practice questions, full-length simulations, and weak-area drills are the highest-impact way to improve your odds.
How long should French candidates study Writing — Register Task (Part 2) for the CPE?
For most candidates, focused mastery of Writing — Register Task (Part 2) requires 20–40 hours of deliberate practice — drilling sample questions, reviewing failure modes, and timing yourself against exam conditions. France's domestic credentials are the Baccalauréat (school leaving) and DELF/DALF (French proficiency). IELTS and Cambridge are common for English certification. Combine Writing — Register Task (Part 2) study with full-length mock exams in the final two weeks before your test date.

Practice Cambridge CPE (C2) free with Koydo.

Proficiency — the highest CEFR English credential.

Start free CPE practice →Practice this topic with AI

Related study guides