C1-Level General English Writing Activities

Lesson #1: Sleep and Dreams

Outcome: I can write about a dream I have had.

Instructions: Write one paragraph about a dream you have had. Write one paragraph about a dream a friend or family member has had.

Lesson #2: Subculture

Outcome: I can write a letter to a celebrity asking them to be an ambassador for a subculture.

Instructions: Choose a subculture from this page. Then, choose a celebrity to be an ambassador for that subculture. Write an email requesting them to be an ambassador for this subculture.

Lesson #3: Nostalgia

Outcome: I can write a letter to a family member reminding them about the good ole’ days.

Instructions: Write a letter addressed to a family members or friend in which your reminisce on memories from the past.

Lesson #4: Concentration 

Outcome: I can write a list of mnemonics for studying.

Instructions: Create a list of 5-10 mnemonic devices which could aid you in your studying for your work or post-secondary program.

Lesson #5: Consumerism

Outcome: I can write an advertisement incorporating advanced level vocabulary.

Instructions: Think of a product you have bought in the past six months. Write a two-paragraph advertisement for it. 

Lesson #6: Internet Virality

Outcome: I can engage in a text dialogue using internet slang.

Instructions: Create a 20-line dialogue using internet slang terms.

Lesson #7: The Future and Technology

Outcome: I can write a letter to my future self giving myself a list of reminders.

Instructions: Think about what your life circumstances will ideally be in five years. Write a list of reminders for you to read. These could be related to your lifestyle, your values, etc. 

Lesson #8: Environment

Outcome: I can write a letter to a town councillor protesting a recent environmental project.

Instructions: Imagine there is an environmental project in your community that you disagree with. Write a formal letter to a town councillor expressing your disapproval. 

Lesson #9: Eating Habits

Outcome: I can rewrite a recipe using different ingredients.

Instructions: Look up a recipe for a dish you like. First paraphrase the recipe and then make at least one change to the ingredients. 

Lesson #10: Greed and Generosity 

Outcome: I can write a report of a documentary. about white-collar crime.

Instructions: Choose any documentary about white-collar crimes. Summarize it and give a review of it in 100 or more words. You may choose from this list of you wish:

1. "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room"
2. "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley"
3. "Dirty Money"
4. "The China Hustle"
5. "Inside Job"
6. "American Greed"
7. "Banking on Bitcoin"
8. "Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer"
9. "The Madoff Affair"
10. "The Corporation"

Lesson #11: Games

Outcome: I can write a description for an upcoming game.

Instructions: Look up video games that are coming out in the coming year. Choose one and write a description of it based on the trailer. 

Lesson #12: Memory

Outcome: I can write a list of recommendations to improve memory.

Instructions: Brainstorm a list of ten ways how someone can improve their memory.

Lesson #13: Extinction

Outcome: I can report on and write about my favorite extinct creature.

Instructions: Look up extinct animals. Write one paragraph about the animal that you find to be the most interesting. You may choose from this list if you wish:

Lesson #14: Medication

Outcome: I can write about common pros and cons of modern medication.

Instructions: Write about 3-5 advantages and 3-5 disadvantages of modern medication or the medication system.

Lesson #15: Crime

Outcome: I can write a letter to town hall recommending ways to improve security in the community.

Instructions: Write a letter addressed to town hall recommending ways to improve security in the community. Alternatively, write about ways that the safety has improved in recent years. 

Lesson #16: Protests

Outcome: I can write about a cause which means a lot in my country.

Instructions: Think about an important political or social issue in your country. Write two paragraphs about it. 

Lesson #17: Pet Peeves

Outcome: I can write about ways to deal with annoying people.

Instructions: Think about pet peeves that you have. What do others do that annoy you? For each pet peeve, how do you deal with them. Write a list of 5-10 points.

Lesson #18: Manners and Taboos

Outcome: I can write about ways to fit-in in my native country.

Instructions: Write about 5-10 ways how people could fit in in your country.

Lesson #19: Risk

Outcome: I can create an investment plan.

Instructions: Write a 50-100 word investment plan. If you don't wish to share this information, create a hypothetical investment plan for a made-up person.  

Lesson #20: Job Interviews

Outcome: I can write a cover letter for a job.

Instructions: Go online and find a job that you would like or that you would apply for if you were job-hunting. Then, write a cover letter for the job. 

Lesson #21: Workplace Issues

Outcome: I can write about one’s best and worst jobs.

Instructions: Write about at least two of your best jobs and at least two of your worst jobs.

Lesson #22: Education

Outcome: I can write an annotated bibliography for an essay.

Instructions: Choose an essay topic and write an annotated bibliography for that essay using three sources.

Lesson #23: Retirement

Outcome: I can write a letter to someone congratulating them on their retirement.

Instructions: Imagine a friend of family member has recently retired. Write a congratulatory letter for them.

Lesson #24: Scandals

Outcome: I can write about famous scandals that have happened in one's country.

Instructions: Write about at least one famous scandal that has happened in your country.

Lesson #25: Polyglots

Outcome: I can write a list of measures of C1 proficiency.

Instructions: Research and write at least five measures of C1-level writing proficiency. Conduct a self-diagnosis. Mention whether you have attained this level of proficiency or not.