In the Writing section of the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) exam, candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to write in different formats. The correct answer highlights that candidates must complete an essay, which is a fundamental component, along with one of several options, including a letter, proposal, report, or review. This variety allows candidates to showcase their writing skills across different contexts and styles, reflecting real-world communication needs.
The inclusion of an essay and one additional task underscores the exam's emphasis on assessing a candidate's ability to present arguments clearly and coherently, as well as to adopt suitable tones and structures for different purposes. Writing a letter could involve addressing specific recipients and situations, while a proposal may need to persuade readers, a report typically presents information systematically, and a review critiques and evaluates works. Each of these tasks requires different skills and approaches, making the exam comprehensive and reflective of practical English writing proficiency.
In contrast, options that suggest combinations not included in the CPE standards, such as only focusing on dialogues or summarizing, do not meet the requirements outlined by the exam format, thereby distinguishing the correct choice effectively.