B2 First for Schools · Writing Paper · Test 2

Writing Part 1
The Essay

The compulsory essay made simple: see what the examiner rewards, study an annotated model, then write your own and send it for personal feedback.

Compulsory task 140–190 words About 40 minutes Personal feedback
How this page works. Read the task and tips, study the annotated model, then write your own essay in the box. The word counter keeps you in range. When you are ready, use the tool at the bottom to send it to me for personal feedback on all four subscales.
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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 part-time jobs for teenagers. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

“Is it a good idea for teenagers to have a part-time job while they are still at school?”

Notes — write about:

  • money
  • free time
  • ……… (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: responsibility · 183 words

These days, many teenagers take on part-time jobs alongside their studies, and people disagree about whether this is a good idea. In my opinion, although a job takes up valuable time, having one while still at school is usually a positive experience.

Firstly, having a part-time job means teenagers earn their own money. Instead of always asking parents for cash, they can buy what they want and start learning how to manage a budget, a skill they will need for the rest of their lives.

Secondly, some people worry that a job leaves too little free time for friends, sport, or simply relaxing, and this is a fair point. Teenagers who work should be careful to still leave themselves time to rest.

However, I believe the biggest benefit is responsibility. Turning up on time, following instructions, and dealing with customers all teach lessons that no classroom can.

To sum up, I believe teenagers should be encouraged to try a part-time job, because it teaches valuable money skills and real responsibility, as long as they do not let it take over their free time.

Content

Uses both given notes (money, free time) and adds an own idea (responsibility), 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, instead of, as long as) 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 writing is copied for you automatically.

2 Paste it into the large paste box in the form below. (Press Ctrl+V, or Cmd+V on a Mac.)

Paste your submission in the form below

English Refresher · B2 First for Schools Writing · Part 1: The Essay (Test 2)