B2 First: Writing

B2 First (FCE) Writing Preparation Guide


Overview

The B2 First (FCE) Writing section assesses your ability to write different types of texts in English. It consists of two parts: Part 1 is a compulsory essay, and Part 2 offers a choice of three tasks (article, email/letter, report, or review). Below, you’ll find detailed explanations, tips, strategies, and activities to help you excel in this section.

Part 1: Essay

What to Expect:

  • You are required to write an essay of about 140-190 words.
  • The essay should discuss a topic, presenting and supporting your opinion.

Tips:

  1. Plan Before You Write: Spend a few minutes planning your essay structure and main points.
  2. Clear Introduction and Conclusion: Start with an introduction that outlines your main idea and end with a conclusion that summarizes your points.
  3. Use Linking Words: Enhance coherence with connectors like “firstly,” “in addition,” “however,” and “therefore.”
  4. Support Your Arguments: Use examples and reasons to back up your points.
  5. Check Your Work: Leave time to proofread for grammatical errors and clarity.

B2 First Writing Part 1: Write an Essay

Instructions

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.


Question

In your English class you have been talking about the environment. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay. Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Essay question:

 

Some people think that individuals can do nothing to improve the environment. Others believe that individuals can do a lot to help the environment.


Notes: Write about:

  1. Recycling
  2. Energy use
  3. (your own idea)
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Strategies for Writing Part 1: Essay

  1. Understand the Task:
    • Read the question and notes carefully. Make sure you understand what you need to write about.
  2. Plan Your Essay:
    • Spend a few minutes planning your essay. Decide what points you will make and in what order. Include the given notes and add your own idea.
  3. Structure Your Essay:
    • Use a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on one point.
  4. Develop Your Ideas:
    • Expand on each point with reasons, examples, and explanations. Make sure each point is relevant to the essay question.
  5. Use Linking Words:
    • Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly (e.g., firstly, moreover, however, in conclusion).
  6. Check Your Work:
    • After writing, take a few minutes to check your work for any mistakes in grammar, vocabulary, or spelling.

B2 First Writing Part 2: Article/Review/Letter/Report

You will have to select one task from four options (e.g., article, letter/email, report, review).

Part 2: Article

What to Expect:

  • You need to write an engaging article, usually for a school magazine or website.
  • The article should be about 140-190 words.

Tips:

  1. Engage the Reader: Start with a catchy introduction to grab attention.
  2. Personal Touch: Use a conversational tone and share personal experiences or opinions.
  3. Clear Structure: Organize your article with clear paragraphs.
  4. Interesting Conclusion: End with a thought-provoking statement or call to action.

Instructions

Choose one of the following questions. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Article

You see this announcement in an international magazine.

Articles wanted:

The Best Way to Spend a Weekend

We want to know about the best way to spend a weekend in your country. What can people do? Why is it enjoyable?

The best articles will be published in our next issue.

Article Strategies

  1. Engage the Reader:
    • Start with an interesting introduction to grab the reader’s attention.
  2. Organize Your Content:
    • Use headings or subheadings if appropriate. Organize your article into clear paragraphs.
  3. Make It Interesting:
    • Use descriptive language and give personal opinions to make your article engaging.

Part 2: Email/Letter

What to Expect:

  • You need to write either a formal or informal email/letter of about 140-190 words.
  • The task will specify the context and purpose of the email/letter.

Tips:

  1. Appropriate Tone: Use a formal tone for official letters and a friendly tone for informal ones.
  2. Structure Matters: Include a greeting, body paragraphs, and a closing.
  3. Purposeful Writing: Clearly state the reason for writing and any actions required.
  4. Polite and Clear: Be polite and ensure your message is clear.

Formal Email

You see this job advertisement in an English-language magazine.

Job opportunity:

We are looking for volunteers to work on conservation projects in various locations around the world. Write a letter applying for the position, explaining why you are interested and what skills and experience you can bring to the role.

Formal Letter Strategies

  1. Use Formal Language:
    • Use a formal tone and structure, including a proper greeting and closing.
  2. Be Clear and Concise:
    • Clearly state why you are writing and what you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience.
  3. Provide Details:
    • Provide specific examples of your experience and explain why you are interested in the position.

Part 2: Report

What to Expect:

  • You need to write a report of about 140-190 words, usually based on a given scenario.
  • The report should be structured with headings and subheadings.

Tips:

  1. Clear Structure: Use headings for each section to organize your report.
  2. Factual Tone: Keep a formal and objective tone.
  3. Detailed Information: Include all relevant details and data.
  4. Recommendations: Often, you need to make suggestions or recommendations based on the information provided.

Scenario

Your school has decided to start an international exchange program and has asked students to suggest ideas for activities. Write a report for the school principal suggesting two activities that you think would be suitable for visiting students and explain why these activities would be beneficial

Report Strategies

  1. Use a Clear Structure:
    • Use headings and subheadings to organize your report. Include an introduction, main points, and a conclusion.
  2. Be Objective:
    • Write in a formal, objective style. Focus on presenting information and suggestions clearly.
  3. Explain the Benefits:
    • Explain why the activities you suggest would be beneficial for the visiting students.

Part 2: Review

What to Expect:

  • You need to write a review of about 140-190 words, often for a book, movie, restaurant, or event.
  • The review should be informative and engaging.

Tips:

  1. Engaging Opening: Start with an attention-grabbing introduction.
  2. Clear Opinion: Clearly state your opinion and back it up with reasons.
  3. Describe and Evaluate: Provide a description and your evaluation of the subject.
  4. Conclusion: End with a recommendation or final thought.

Review

You see this announcement on an English-language website.

Reviews wanted:

A Film That Made You Think

Have you seen a film recently that made you think about life or society? Write a review of the film explaining what it was about, what you liked and disliked about it, and why it made you think.

The best reviews will be featured on our website.

Review

  1. Summarize the Film:
    • Give a brief summary of the film’s plot without giving away too much detail.
  2. Share Your Opinion:
    • Discuss what you liked and disliked about the film. Be specific and provide examples.
  3. Explain the Impact:
    • Explain why the film made you think and what thoughts it provoked about life or society.

Extra Resources

  • Online Writing Samples: Check Cambridge English for sample writings and examiner comments.
  • Writing Apps: Use tools like Grammarly to check your writing.
  • Reading Material: Read a variety of English texts to see different writing styles.

Back to B2 First Training Course Main Page

Back to the Home Page