English Refresher

B2 First for Schools · Writing Paper

The B2 Writing Paper

Both parts of the exam on one page. Learn what the examiner rewards, study annotated models, then write your own and send it for personal feedback.

Part 1: compulsory essay Part 2: choose one task 140–190 words each Personal feedback
How this page works. Each part gives you the exam task, strategy, and an annotated model. Write your answer in the draft box, run the self-check, then click Build my submission and paste the result into the form directly below that part. You will get band scores on all four subscales plus advice on how to improve.
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Part 1 · Essay

Your exam task

Strategy, tips & common traps

What it tests: your ability to organize ideas and give your opinion in clear, neutral English.

  • Use all the notes. Write about both given points and add your own third idea.
  • Give your opinion and reasons — in the introduction and again in the conclusion.
  • Plan four paragraphs: introduction, point 1, point 2 (and your idea), conclusion.
  • Use linking words: Firstly, Secondly, However, To sum up.
  • Keep a neutral register and write 140–190 words.
Exam task

In your English class you have been talking about how teenagers spend their free time. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

“Is it better for teenagers to spend their free time outdoors than online?”

Notes — write about:

  • health
  • friendships
  • ……… (your own idea)

Write your essay in 140–190 words.

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Learn from a strong answer

Annotated model

Model essay own idea: learning & balance · 174 words

These days, many teenagers spend hours online every day, and some people worry that this is unhealthy. In my opinion, although the internet has its uses, spending free time outdoors is usually better for young people.

Firstly, being outdoors is much better for our health. When we go for a walk, play sport, or simply get some fresh air, we exercise our bodies and feel less stressed. Sitting in front of a screen for hours, on the other hand, can cause tiredness and poor sleep.

Secondly, I believe outdoor activities are better for friendships. When teenagers meet in person, they talk, laugh, and solve problems together. Online, it is easy to misunderstand each other, and a message can never fully replace a real conversation.

However, the internet is also useful for learning new things and staying in touch with friends who live far away. The key, I think, is balance.

To sum up, I believe teenagers should spend more of their free time outdoors, because it is healthier and helps them build stronger friendships.

Content

Uses both given notes (health, friendships) and adds an own idea (learning/balance), with a clear opinion — everything the task asks for.

Communicative Achievement

A suitable neutral essay register that is easy for the reader to follow from start to finish.

Organisation

Introduction, one idea per paragraph, and a conclusion, linked with Firstly, Secondly, However, and To sum up.

Language

A good B2 range (although, on the other hand, because) with generally accurate grammar and clear vocabulary.
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Before you submit

Self-check: the four subscales

Cambridge marks every Writing answer on four subscales, each out of 5. Tick each box honestly — if you cannot tick one, that is what to fix.

Content

Communicative Achievement

Organisation

Language

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Useful language

Essay language bank

Giving your opinion

In my opinion,…I believe (that)…It seems to me that…Personally, I think…

Adding ideas

Firstly,…Secondly,…In addition,…Another reason is…

Showing contrast

However,…On the other hand,…Although…Even so,…

Concluding

To sum up,…In conclusion,…All in all,…For these reasons,…
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Write & send

Draft your essay

0 words · aim for 140–190

Send it for personal feedback

I will read your essay and return band scores on all four subscales plus advice on how to improve. A quick check first:

How to submit — two easy steps

1 Click the Build my submission button below. Your essay is copied for you automatically.

2 Paste it into the form directly below, in the box labeled “Paste your text here.” (Press Ctrl+V, or Cmd+V on a Mac.)

Paste your essay in the form below
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Part 2 · Choice of tasks

What Part 2 demands

Each option below shows the task, its key features, and a model answer (try writing first, then reveal the model). In the real exam you choose one task type, so pick one to practice, write it in the box at the bottom, and send it for personal feedback.

Strategy, tips & common traps

What it tests: writing for a real reader and purpose in the right style for the text type.

  • Choose the task you have the most ideas for — you only write one.
  • Match the style: an article and an email to a friend are friendly; a story uses past tenses and description.
  • Answer every part of the task (an email often asks two questions).
  • An article and a review usually have a title; an email has a greeting and a sign-off.
  • Write 140–190 words and keep your style consistent.
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Option · Article

The article

Exam task

You see this announcement on a website for teenagers:

Articles wanted! What is the best way for young people to learn about the world — traveling, reading, or the internet? Tell us what you think. We will publish the best articles!

Write your article in 140–190 words.

Key features

  • A catchy title and a friendly, lively register.
  • Speak directly to the reader (questions like “Have you ever…?”).
  • Give a clear opinion and a final thought to leave the reader with.
Show model answer (166 words)

The Best Way to See the World

Have you ever wondered what really opens your mind — a plane ticket, a good book, or your phone? In my opinion, all three help, but traveling teaches you the most.

When you travel, you do not just read about other places; you live in them. You taste new food, hear new languages, and meet people who see life completely differently. These are lessons you can never forget.

Of course, not everyone can afford to travel, and that is where books and the internet come in. A great book can take you to another century, and the internet lets you explore almost anywhere in seconds, for free.

However, nothing compares to being there in person. A photo of a mountain is beautiful, but standing on top of one is unforgettable.

So my advice is simple: read as much as you can, use the internet wisely, but travel whenever you get the chance. The world is the best classroom there is.

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Option · Email

The email

Exam task

You have received this email from your English friend, Alex:

I've got a free week in the summer and I'd love to visit your town! What is there to do there? And is there anything special I should bring? Can't wait!

Write your email to Alex in 140–190 words.

Key features

  • Informal, friendly register; greeting (Hi Alex) and sign-off (See you soon).
  • Answer both questions: things to do and what to bring.
  • Sound warm and enthusiastic.
Show model answer (144 words)

Hi Alex,

It's fantastic news that you can finally visit this summer — I can't wait to show you around!

There's actually loads to do here. During the day, we can hike up to the old castle, which has amazing views over the whole valley. In the evenings, the main square comes alive with street food and live music, so we'll never be bored. If the weather is hot, we can also swim in the lake just outside town.

As for what to bring, definitely pack comfortable walking shoes, because we'll be exploring a lot. The evenings can get surprisingly cold, so bring a light jacket too. Oh, and don't worry about snacks — you simply have to try our local pastries!

Just send me your dates and I'll plan everything. My family is really looking forward to meeting you at last.

See you soon,
Sam

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Option · Review

The review

Exam task

You see this in your school's English magazine:

Reviews wanted! Send us a review of a book or film you would recommend to other students. Say what it is about and explain why other students would enjoy it.

Write your review in 140–190 words.

Key features

  • A title and a friendly but informative register.
  • Describe what it is about, then evaluate — do not just retell the whole plot.
  • End with a clear recommendation.
Show model answer (163 words)

A Film Everyone Should See: “The Long Way Home”

If you only watch one film this year, make it “The Long Way Home”. It tells the story of Sam, a shy teenager who gets lost during a school trip and has to find his way back across the countryside alone.

What makes the film special is how real it feels. Sam is not a hero with special powers; he is an ordinary student who makes mistakes, gets scared, and slowly learns to trust himself. By the end, you feel as if you have been on the journey with him.

The scenery is beautiful, the music is wonderful, and there are some genuinely funny moments too. My only criticism is that the beginning is a little slow, but it is well worth the wait.

I would recommend this film to any student who has ever felt unsure of themselves. It is exciting, moving, and full of hope — a perfect film to watch with friends.

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Option · Story

The story

Exam task

Your English teacher has asked you to write a story for the school magazine. Your story must begin with this sentence:

As soon as Maya opened the letter, she knew her summer was going to change.

Write your story in 140–190 words.

Key features

  • Begin with the exact sentence given.
  • Use past tenses and some description to bring the story to life.
  • Give it a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Show model answer (171 words)

As soon as Maya opened the letter, she knew her summer was going to change. Inside was a single sheet of paper with the words she had been dreaming of for months: she had won a place at the national music camp.

At first, she could not believe it. She had only entered the competition because her best friend had dared her to. Now, suddenly, she was going to spend six weeks playing the violin with the best young musicians in the country.

The weeks that followed were the happiest of her life. She practiced every morning, made friends from all over the world, and learned more than she ever had at school. On the final evening, the camp held a concert, and Maya played a solo in front of hundreds of people.

As the audience clapped, she thought about that ordinary afternoon when she had opened the letter. One small envelope, she realized, had changed everything. From that day on, she promised herself she would never be afraid to try.

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Before you submit

Self-check: the four subscales

Whichever task you choose, Cambridge marks it on the same four subscales, each out of 5. Tick honestly — an empty box shows you what to fix.

Content

Communicative Achievement

Organisation

Language

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Write & send

Draft your answer

0 words · aim for 140–190

Send it for personal feedback

I will return band scores on all four subscales plus advice on how to improve. A quick check first:

How to submit — two easy steps

1 Choose your task above, then click the Build my submission button below. Your answer is copied for you automatically.

2 Paste it into the form directly below, in the box labeled “Paste your text here.” (Press Ctrl+V, or Cmd+V on a Mac.)

Paste your answer in the form below

English Refresher · B2 First for Schools · The Writing Paper