2016年度から英検がCSEスコアを採用した結果、入試や就職の優遇で英検を使おうと思った場合、2016年度以降の合格（準2級と3級は2017年度以降）でないと優遇されない場合がでてきています。2016年から始まった問題変更の一番大きな点はライティング試験が採用され４技能となった点ですが（現在1級～3級まで、4級、5級は準備中）、面接も以前と比べ3級でもかなり話さなければならなくなっています。
以下、ライティング試験についてまとめましたのでご参考にしてください。
【準1級】
2015年度までは手紙やEメールに対して100単語程度の返事を書く問題でしたが、2016年からはTOPICに対して与えられたPOINTSから2つを用い、序論、主節、結論を含む120～150語の小論文を書く方式になりました。
2016年度以降の問題例
TOPIC
Will humans live on other planets someday?
POINTS
Cost, Dangers, Situation on Earth, Technology
解答例
Colonizing other worlds once seemed like science fiction. However, scientific advances and increased threats to humankind’s survival are making it a near certainty.
First, tremendous progress has been made in developing the necessary technology. Innovations like reusable rockets will facilitate the transport of the people and materials necessary to support colonies on other planets. Scientific advances are also reducing costs, making colonization more practical.
Second, the combined threat of global warming, nuclear war, and disease outbreaks has the potential to wipe out humanity. As the fragility of human existence on Earth becomes clear, the will to devote resources to colonizing other planets is growing. Now, there is so much momentum behind it that the movement is certain to succeed.
Colonizing other planets is not without obstacles. However, technological development will allow humans to colonize other worlds in order to lessen threats to human survival.
＜2級＞
TOPICについて80語～100語を目安に、自身の意見とその理由を2つ書く。POINTSは参考となる観点を示したものだが、これら以外の観点からから理由を書いてもかまわない。
TOPIC
Some people say that the number of cars in cities should be limited. Do you agree with this idea?
POINTS
Convenience, Public safety, The environment
解答例
I agree that the number of cars in cities should be limited, and I have two reasons for feeling this way. First, if there were fewer cars, city streets would be safer. Crossing the street would be far less dangerous for people on foot or on bicycles.
Second, fewer cars would also be better for the environment. Cars produce a lot of harmful gases, and limiting them might encourage people to use public transportation like trains or buses. This would make the air cleaner.
Therefore, I think that the number of cars in cities should be limited.
＜準2級＞
外国人の知り合いからされたQUESTIONについて、50語～60語を目安に、自身の意見とその由を2つ書く
QUESTION
What is the best way for students to spend time after school?
解答例
I think students should do their homework after school. Nowadays,
teachers give lots of homework. If students do not spend time doing their homework after school, they cannot finish it. Also, homework helps them learn new things. These things are important for their future. That is why I think doing homework is the best way to spend time after school.
＜3級＞
外国人の友達からされた以下のQUESTIONに対して、25語～35語を目安に、自身の考えとその理由を2つ書く
QUESTION
Which city do you want to visit?
解答例
I want to visit Sapporo because I want to go to the famous snow festival in winter. Also, there are many delicious foods to enjoy in Sapporo. For example, sushi and crab.