Every problem regarding ‘the’ environment and pollution can be solved. Science is always working on new solutions , ‘and’ new suggestions for alternative means of production are frequently put on the table (good language) . The most difficult issue in this scenario is the interest s of different social groups in the world society (this is okay to mention here if it is your own idea and third point) .
The vision of profit gains must been align with environmental protecti on ve measures which is really challenging (good word) . First (why did you write ‘first’ – do you mean ‘The first’) positive changes begin with this alignment, for example, hotels proposing to clients to use the same bath towe ’l’ r while they stay s in. I t s is good for nature, and i t ( your spelling doesn’t need to be perfect in the exam, but you will lose marks if bad spelling confuses the meaning of your sentence) good for the business men (you could expand on what you mean here) .
For all other matters, conciliate (I don’t know this word. Perhaps you mean ‘finding an effective relationship between’) both aspects (does ‘both aspects’ refer to ‘the environment’ and ‘economics’) is not a simple task, more difficult than the most high tech science. Efforts for environmental purposes should focus on changing culture, values, business perspectives of profits in global society, otherwise there will ‘not’ be not enough progress.
|
|
|
| 2 | Most of your content is relevant to the task. There is a strong introduction, however, not all the notes are addressed in the body of the essay. There are 47 extra words to use before reaching 190, so these could be used to talk about the other notes. There is also room to expand some of your points and explain why you made them, for example, in the first paragraph, how is it ‘ ’? |
| 3 | The overall argument is fairly easy to understand, but some of the phrases used are not specific enough, for example what does ‘ ’ refer to in the final paragraph? The main paragraph about ‘profit’ is developed quite well, it would be good if other paragraphs existed and were developed in the same way. |
| 2 | The organisation of this answer is not clear. There is a clear introduction, which is good, however, there are only two more paragraphs after this. Two of the ‘notes’ are mentioned in the introduction but ‘social groups’ is not mentioned again and ‘science’ is only mentioned in the concluding paragraph. It would be better if these two points had their own paragraphs. The conclusion could be shortened to allow this. |
| 4 | The language used is quite good. It is written in an appropriately formal style and there are some good words and phrases, for example: ’. The writing would benefit from more linking words and phrases being used. Some effort has been made to use simple and complex grammatical structures, for example ‘ ’ and while there are a few errors, these do not impede communication. |
This student got:
Communicative Achievement: 3
Organisation: 2
Language: 4
Total = 11/20
You need to get 24/40 in the Writing paper to pass at B2 level.
So if the student got 13/20 for their part 2 writing, they would pass this part of the exam.
You do not need to pass every exam paper but you need to have an average of 60% across all 5 exam papers to pass and get your B2 certificate.
If you want to find out more about how to calculate your scores, read page 4 of this document .
Try to remember the words and phrases below which you can use in B2 First essays. A good way to remember is to write them down on a separate sheet of paper. Add more words and phrases to your list and write them in the comments section at the bottom of this page! If you are unsure about what language to use in an essay, you can also ask me in the comments at the bottom of the page.
Introducing an argument or point of view
Some/Many/A few people think/feel/say that… Other people disagree/argue that…. One point of view is… The general belief is that… Most people believe that… Public opinion is divided on the topic of… It is sometimes/often said/thought/claimed that….
Giving opinions
In my opinion I am of the belief that… In contrast to …. I feel that… My personal opinion is that… It is my wholehearted/sincere opinion that…
Linking Words and Phrases
However Nevertheless In addition… Firstly…Secondly On the one hand…On the other hand… In contrast… Meanwhile Whereas
At school you have been talking about environmental issues. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay on this topic.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons to support your view. (140-190 words)
The awareness of environmental problems has grown over the last few years. Do you think it’s possible for us to solve these problems?
Notes Write about: Plastic Transport ……………… (your own idea)
You should complete this online plan in no longer than 5 minutes. This is how long I recommend you plan for in the exam.
Alternatively, download and add a third paragraph to this FCE Essay plan template.
The plan below is available for paid members only. Register here >>
Here is an answer to the question above which one of my students wrote.
FCE Essay – Download This Sample Answer and correct any mistakes you find.
If you have written down the mistakes above, you’re ready to complete the assessment scale below. If you want more help with this, check out my FCE writing marking criteria page .
Complete an online version of the template below here
Download, print and complete the template below here .
Compare the mistakes you found with the ones I have written below…
At school, during ‘ science and geography ’ lesson s of science and geography , everyone studies how ‘ the’ is made natural environment ‘is made’ and how we can protect it. Despite ‘the fact’ we study the importance of environment , we don’t pay much attention to this ‘in reality’ . At the moment we are attending particular and extreme phenomena, so we are very scared and worried and we want to change. It may not be as easy as it sounds.
( I would start a new paragraph here) First ly , it is difficult to change ‘ our’ own lifestyle and habits. Change has an economic and personal cost. We don’t mind how much plastic we use every day. Plastic is everywhere: it wraps the (you don’t need ‘the’ here because we’re talking about ‘food’ in general) food, it is useful when we want to eat quickly, it is also in our clothes. The products , that don’t have plastic in their pack aging s , are more expensive ( this is a defining relative clause, not a non-defining relative clause) : . I think for example , when I buy drink s in the glass bottle s , they are very expensive. So , if I want to save money , I buy plastic bottles. Then I observe that (‘Another example that I have observed is…’) in the supermarket I can find many small food packs, also for single dose’ s/’portions’ of food’ . I don’t waste food but I pollute more ‘because of this’ . So we can find sustainable development (If you want to keep this sentence, you should explain in more detail what you mean) .
( I would start a new paragraph here) Another problem is about transport: we are all in favor that we have to use more public transport s . The problem is that too often we don’t have a good public transport service with a capillary distribution (this term is only used in specific fields of work and is not used in everyday English) . However we can ‘make an’ effort to use ‘ our’ own car ’s’ only if it is necessary.
‘The’ last thing it is about differentiated collection of waste: too few people do es it (You should remove this sentence . Don’t introduce too many ideas without developing them into detailed arguments).
I think that there are many ‘environmental’ problems but we have to stop to think that ‘these’ are only an obstacle. It is ‘ They are ’ also an opportunity. So it is important to change our mind’ set’ but we need also ‘need’ of more education in every where place ( ‘in’ school s , within famil ies y , at cinema s , etc.) about good (‘environmentally friendly’) behavior. Second ly, (I would only write this if I’ve written ‘firstly’ before it) , if the law and the penalties don’t work, probably we would change them in (‘people’s behaviour’?) ‘through’ incentives. For example , if the condo (what is ‘the condo’?) applies perfectly the rules about differentiated collection of waste it would have a discount in the invoice (I don’t understand this sentence) . Third ly , we need more investment ‘ in ’ for transport and sustainable development.
|
|
|
| 1 | The writing is too long. If you write this much in the exam you will lose points because the examiners will regard the content as unimportant or irrelevant. In order to create more of a balanced argument, the introduction, conclusion and first body paragraph could all be shortened and more detail could be added to your own idea. |
| 3 | Some parts could be improved through using different expressions, for example, it would be better to say ‘ …’ rather than ‘ ’ in the second paragraph. Your main paragraphs have good structure, but sometimes the argument falls down slightly due to inappropriate word choices, e.g. ‘ ’. |
| 2 | The essay consists of two big paragraphs. It would be better to have 5 paragraphs in total. The overall structure within the two paragraphs is good, but some arguments should be shortened and others lengthened to create a greater balance. |
| 2 | The language is a little informal for an essay. The writing would benefit from fewer first person pronouns (‘ etc). There is attempt to use linking words, especially when developing points ‘ ’ but it is difficult to know which arguments these are addressing in the main body paragraphs. Some complex vocabulary has been used, e.g. ‘ The essay would benefit from a wider variety of grammar and different verb tenses. |
This student achieved:
Language: 2
Total = 8/20
So the student would need to get 16/20 for their part 2 writing in order to pass this part of the exam.
I can tell by reading this essay that the student has not prepared much for this part of the exam, so it is unlikely that they would get a much higher mark for their part 2 writing.
Wow….you’ve made it this far through the page….congratulations, you should now have a good idea how to write an FCE essay!
I hope I didn’t bore you zzzzzzzzzzz…here’s a random picture 😉
Anyway, now it’s your turn to write an essay. You can answer the question above or answer a different question. Then you have 3 options:
I’ll leave the choice up to you.
Adios amigos…don’t forget to click the Next Page >> link below 😉
Are you a teacher?
You can use my resources to help your students in class or set them homework activities.
If your students use computers in class, or you want to set them activities for homework, this is what I recommend.
Tell your students to:
If your students don’t have computers in class, this is what I recommend.
Leave a reply cancel reply.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
B2 first: fce >>, c1 advanced: cae >>, linguaskill >>.
You need Gold membership to access this…
Can you beat the quickest time and register within 24 seconds?
Can you beat the quickest time and register within 52 seconds?
Can you beat the quickest time and register within 51 seconds?
Marketing Permissions: Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Student Languages. By checking the box below you also agree to our Terms and Privacy policy .
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website .
We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices here.
Which membership level do you want, free >>, pay monthly (£14.53) >>, pay annually (£84.47) >>.
Marketing Permissions
How would you like to receive your feedback and other useful English information? Please remember to check your junk/spam email! By checking the box below you also agree to our Terms and Privacy policy .
We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking above to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices here.
* indicates required.
Marketing Permissions: How would you like to receive your free e-book and other useful English information? Please remember to check your junk/spam email! By checking the box below you also agree to our Terms and Privacy policy .
The writing paper for the B2 First exam has two parts, and candidates will be expected to produce pieces of writing for both parts in one hour and twenty minutes.
The parts of the writing paper are as follows:
Part one of the writing paper will be an essay question where the candidate will be asked to write about a specific topic using two points given to them and also a third point which they need to think of themselves. In part two candidates will be given a choice of three written tasks to complete. Candidates will with be required to do either an article, letter (formal or informal), review, email (formal or informal) or report.
Knowing the format and structure of the different type of tasks in the writing paper is extremely important. Candidates should prepare for both parts by repeating different sample papers and practice questions so they are used to and comfortable with the format of all the different tasks.
Planning is also a key element of this part of the exam. It is worth spending a few minutes planning the structure and content of the writing piece before starting. This will not only help ensure that your writing is structured correctly, but will also help ensure that you have included everything that you are expected to have in your writing piece.
In order to help you plan the writing tasks properly candidates should also spend some time carefully reading the question and highlighting the key elements that they must include in their plan.
Although the writing task can be on a variety of different topics , there are some common vocabulary and grammatical structures that can be used regardless of the topic such as linking words and expressions. Candidates should also be aware that they can get extra marks simply by attempting complex language even if it is not used correctly and as long as it doesn’t take away from the communication fo the writing.
Get ready for part 2 of the writing exam with this example question that asks you to write a review… read more
Practice for part 2 of the writing exam with this sample task where you need to write a review about… read more
Practice for part 2 of the writing paper in the B2 First exam with this sample exam question about your… read more
Practice for part 1 of the writing paper in the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam with this sample question about… read more
Prepare for part 1 of the writing paper by doing this sample exam question about children being taught from home… read more
Practice your writing skills for the B2 First exam with this practice question for part 1 of the writing paper… read more
Prepare for part 2 of the writing exam with this sample exam question where you have to write an email… read more
Practice for part 1 of the writing paper in the B2 First exam with this sample question about going to… read more
Practice your writing skills for part 1 of the writing paper in the B2 First exam with this sample question… read more
Practice for part 2 of the writing paper by doing this sample exam question where you need to write an… read more
Practice for part 1 of the writing paper with this sample exam question all about improving our diet. Why not… read more
Practice for part 1 of the writing paper in the B2 First exam with this sample essay question about the… read more
Prepare for the B2 First exam by doing this sample exam question for part 1 of the writing paper about… read more
Practice your writing skills with the sample exam question for part 2 of the writing paper where you need to… read more
Practice your writing skills for part 1 of the writing paper with this exam style essay question about getting children… read more
Practice for part 2 of the writing paper with this practice exam question where you need to write an article… read more
What is the most fascinating place you’ve been to? Practice for part 2 of the writing paper by writing an… read more
Practice this exam style question for part 1 of the writing paper in the B2 First exam. In this practice… read more
Practice writing an informal email with this sample exam question for part 2 of the writing paper.
Practice for part 2 of the writing paper with this exam question that involves writing a review about a biography… read more
Practice your writing skills with this exam style question for part 1 of the writing paper about the problem of… read more
Practice this exam style question for part one of the writing paper. This question is all about social media, which… read more
Writing in your only language can be a challenge, but writing in another language can be a complete nightmare ! Where do you even begin?
If you are taking your Cambridge B2 First exam you’ll have to write two texts in an 80-minute period. In part 1 you must write an essay but in part 2 you will be able to choose between a number of options. This could be could be an email, a letter, a report, a review or an article.
Read more about the format of the Cambridge B2 First exam .
In this writing guide, we’ll focus on how to write an article for the Cambridge B2 First Writing paper – part 2. We’ll also share with you some tricks and tips for passing this part of the exam. You’ll learn how to plan your article, structure it, use rhetorical questions , exclamation marks – and lots more. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to write an amazing article in English!
You’ll find lots of examples of articles in magazines, newspapers and internet blogs. In these texts, writers share information, guides and opinions on specific topics. The idea is to write in a way that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them interested until the very end.
In the Cambridge B2 First Writing Paper – part 2, you could be asked to write about a variety of topics. However, it’s often something you’ve recently learned to do or know a lot about. For example, the question might be about a concert you’ve been to recently, you favourite hobby or your hometown.
Here’s an example of a B2 First article question.
Now let’s look at how to get started!
You’ve got the question in front of you, so now it’s time to start writing your article, right?
Wrong! If you do that, you’ve missed an essential stage: planning.
You can compare writing an article to preparing your favourite meal. No good tortilla de patatas was ever made without carefully preparing the ingredients first. It’s exactly the same with your writing – only, you’ll need fewer onions. Time management is also important. You only have about 40 minutes total so you need to plan your time carefully.
Here’s how to do it:
Think about the question.
Really focus on the question. Decide who your role model is. Is he or she a sporting hero you really admire? Or someone closer to home? It could be a family member that you look up to or a person in the community who’s done something amazing. Think about why they inspire you and make some notes on your ideas.
Consider the best blogs you read on the internet. Are they relaxed and friendly? Or do they sound like boring school essays? The truth is most articles are quite conversational. They are somewhere between semi-formal and informal. They are often informative, whilst entertaining and engaging the reader. You can also try to add some humour in too!
Structuring your article is key and there’s normally more than one way to do it. Decide which structure makes sense for the question. Try to keep it logical and include different ideas in different paragraphs.
Here’s an example structure:
Note: For many articles four paragraphs will be more appropriate – it depends on the question you are given.
Linkers are a fantastic way to organise your ideas. Experiment with some of these in your next article:
For a start…
Not to mention…
On top of that…
*Remember, you don’t need headings or titles in the article it should read as one continuous piece of work.
Brainstorming vocabulary is a great way to get your ideas flowing . What are some great words related to the topic? List some adjectives for being a good role model. Pick out some verbs related to motivation or any good nouns or collocations you think would work. Throw some phrasal verbs and idioms in there too!
Here’s an example for the question above:
Articles tend to have a personal touch. You can be a lot more familiar with the reader addressing them personally with pronouns like ‘you’ and ‘I’. Give your own opinion and also use contractions. Here are some more ways to sound personal:
Have you ever wondered…?
I’m sure you can imagine…
Can you believe…?
I will never forget…
There’s nothing more amazing than…
If you ask me…
An interesting introduction is the key to a first-rate article. You want to capture your audience’s attention whilst making it clear what it’s going to be about. Start with an opening line that sets the tone of the topic. Try to catch the attention from the first word. Here’s an example:
Firefighters and superheroes are obvious role models. But sometimes the person that inspires us the most is so much closer to home. I have never had a favourite singer or sports star but my father has always been an important inspiration for me.
Next, think about the original question. What makes your role model special? Remember to keep it interesting and include some personal feelings. Use exclamation marks like this:
One of the things that makes my father so special is that he always does everything for his family, and he’s an excellent listener too. Whenever we have a problem he’s always there for us. Not to mention the fact that he’s also really fun-loving! If there’s a party, my dad is the first person on the dancefloor.
But only include one or two exclamation marks in the article or they’ll lose their impact.
Finally you want to tackle the last question. Why did you choose him as your role model? A great technique here would be to address your reader personally and even include a rhetorical question at the end. This gives them something to think about. A little bit like this:
I think my father is the best role model because he is the most hardworking person I know. He has a really difficult job as a doctor and is always saving lives. That’s so inspiring for me!
I really look up to him and he really pushes me to be the best I can be. Wouldn’t you want a role model like my dad?
Everything has come together and you’ve got your final article. Now you can sit back, relax and put your feet up until the examiner says stop. Wait, not quite!
You’re missing the last important step. Always check your writing. You’d hate for all your hard work to be wasted at the last moment. Here are some things to check for.
To get the very best results, you need to know what the examiners are looking out for when they are marking your writing.
These are the four most important things to consider:
Ask yourself these questions when checking your work and make any necessary changes before the time is up!
Read, read, read. Go online and search for blogs in English that interest you. If you love sports, look at the sports news. If you prefer fashion, find fashion articles. Whatever it is read real examples for real inspiration!
If you’re still not confident about writing in English, or you want some help preparing for the B2 First exam, take a look at our exam courses .
You can also check out our articles on how to write an Essay or a Review in the Cambridge B2 First.
Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.
Nightmare (n): : a bad dream.
Rhetorical question (n): a question that doesn’t need to be answered, for dramatic effect.
Time management (n): the way to use your time effectively.
Look up to somebody (pv) : to admire someone.
Humour (n): something amusing or funny.
To hook (v): to attract and captivate your attention.
To flow (v): to move steadily and constantly.
First-rate (adj): excellent, top quality, well made or done.
An exclamation mark (n): this punctuation symbol: !.
To tackle (v): dealing with a challenge or something difficult.
To put your feet up (exp): to rest and relax.
pv = phrasal verb
adj = adjective
exp = expression
Name (required)
Email (required)
Are you studying for the ? Like many students, perhaps you find Reading and Use of English Part 4 daunting. Is it an... Read More
Summer’s finally here so it’s time to relax and catch some rays. You can forget about studying and taking tests unti... Read More
Does this situation sound familiar? You’re writing a message to a friend in English arranging to meet. As you start to... Read More
If you work in the tech industry, chances are you’re learning English to advance your career. After all, it’s the mo... Read More
If you’ve never heard of the schwa before, you might think it’s an unusual piece of pronunciation. It’s actually t... Read More
Countries can have extremely different English accents despite sharing the same language. Just take the word ‘water’... Read More
Many sections of the Cambridge Proficiency are multiple-choice, so Part 2 of the Reading and Use of English can seem cha... Read More
Gone are the days of learning from phrasebooks and filling in worksheets for homework. Now students have access to a wid... Read More
Although you learn plural nouns early on, they can be challenging. There are many rules and exceptions to remember plus ... Read More
No matter where you live, you’ve probably experienced record-breaking temperatures and severe weather. You may have se... Read More
We all know that Barcelona is a fantastic city to live in. You only need to spend the afternoon wandering around one of ... Read More
The arrival of a new year presents an ideal opportunity to work on your language goals. Whether you’re preparing for a... Read More
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! If you resisted the urge to sing that line instead of saying it, then, we... Read More
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to get ready for the festive period than by learning some typical Chr... Read More
Are you ready to embark on your latest journey towards mastering the English language? We all know that music is there f... Read More
Do you sometimes feel a bit lost when deciding which tense to use? Are you a little unsure of the differences between th... Read More
We all need a break from time to time. Sometimes we’re up to our eyeballs in projects at work, and we just need a mome... Read More
If you’re interested in getting a promotion at work, earning a higher salary or landing your dream job, then working o... Read More
Understanding the need for exams An official exam is a fantastic way to demonstrate your English. Why? Firstly,... Read More
One of the most fun ways to practise and improve your pronunciation is with tongue twisters. That’s because they’re ... Read More
We all know that fantastic feeling we have after completing an academic year: nine months of English classes, often twic... Read More
Are you working towards the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam? Have you been having sleepless nights thinking about wh... Read More
When travelling to or living in an English-speaking country, getting to know the local people can greatly enhance your e... Read More
Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If those pre-exam jitters have started to appear,... Read More
Are you feeling bored of the way your hair looks? Perhaps it’s time for a new you. All you need to do is make an appoi... Read More
Messi or Ronaldo? Pizza or sushi? Going to the cinema or bingeing on a series at home? A beach holiday or a walking trip... Read More
Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If so, you may be feeling a little nervous and co... Read More
What are some of the trickiest words to pronounce in English? Well, we’ve compiled a useful list of ten of the most di... Read More
If you love watching Netflix series and videos on YouTube to learn English, then you need to download the Language React... Read More
Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam? Would you like to know some tips to help you feel more at... Read More
Are you on the lookout for an extra way to practise your English? Do you wish you had an expert available at 2 a.m. that... Read More
Well done. You’ve been moving along your English language journey for some time now. You remember the days of telling ... Read More
Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and need some help with the listening section? If so, then you’ll know that the l... Read More
A new year is a perfect opportunity to focus on your language goals. Maybe you are working towards an official exam. Per... Read More
Did you know that there are two parts to the C1 Advanced Writing exam? Part 1 is always a mandatory . Part 2 has ... Read More
When you think of the word Christmas, what springs to mind? For most people, it will be words like home, family and trad... Read More
Are you preparing for the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam and need a hand with writing your report/proposal for Part 2 of the... Read More
Would you like to improve your English listening skills? With all the technology that we have at our fingertips nowadays... Read More
Looking for some tips to get a high band score in the IELTS Academic Reading exam? If so, then you’re in the right pla... Read More
Boo! Are you a fan of Halloween? It’s that scary time of year again when the creepy creatures come out to play, and th... Read More
Are you planning to take the Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) exam? If so, you will need to complete two pieces of writin... Read More
Today we’re taking a look at some English grammar that sometimes trips up language learners. In fact, we’ve just use... Read More
So you’re taking the ? If so, you’ll know that you have four sections to prepare for: speaking, reading and use of E... Read More
Summer is here and we can’t wait to go on our summer holidays! If you’re thinking about travelling overseas this yea... Read More
So you’re preparing for the ! From wanting to live and work abroad to going to university in an English-speaking count... Read More
Is there anything better than cooling off in the sea on a hot summer’s day? Well, if you live in Barcelona you hav... Read More
Are you preparing for the IELTS test? If so, you’ll need to do the speaking section. While many people find speaking t... Read More
Just when you think English couldn’t get any more confusing, we introduce you to English pronouns! The reason why peop... Read More
Congratulations – you’ve made it to the B2 First Reading and Use of English Part 7! Yet, before we get too excited, ... Read More
Speaking is often thought to be the hardest skill to master when learning English. What’s more, there are hundreds of ... Read More
Do you like putting together puzzles? If so, your problem solving skills can actually help you with B2 First Reading and... Read More
If you ask a Spanish speaker what they find difficult about English language learning, they may mention false friends an... Read More
Picture this: You’re in your B2 First exam and you’ve finished the Use of English part. You can put it behind you fo... Read More
Want to improve your English for professional reasons? You’re in the right place. When working in English, it’s comm... Read More
Knowing what articles are and when to use them in English can be difficult for language learners to pick up. Especially ... Read More
Are you preparing for ? Reading and Use of English Part 4 may not be your cup of tea – in fact most students feel quit... Read More
Are you studying for the B2 First exam? You’re in the right place! In this series of blogs we want to show you al... Read More
New words spring up each year! They often come from popular culture, social and political issues, and innovations in tec... Read More
If you find yourself commuting often and spending a lot of time on the bus, you’ll most likely turn towards playing ga... Read More
The B2 First is one of the most popular English exams for students of English. It is a recognised qualification that can... Read More
What are modal verbs? They are not quite the same as regular verbs such as play, walk and swim. Modal verbs are a type o... Read More
So you’ve decided to take the ! Formerly known as FCE or the First Certificate, this is by far most popular exam. Whe... Read More
A lot of our global business is conducted in English. So, there’s a strong chance you may have to learn how to negotia... Read More
If you’re wondering how to do Part 8 of the Reading and Use of English paper, you’re in the right place! After s... Read More
You’ve probably heard of . It’s the world’s leading test for study, work and migration after all. And as the world... Read More
Welcome to Part 7 of the Reading and Use of English paper. This task is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. One where you have ... Read More
Who said learning English was just for the young? You're never too old to learn something new. There are plenty of benef... Read More
So, you’re preparing to take the . You’ve been studying for each of the four sections; reading, writing, speaking an... Read More
Are you looking for ways to learn English during the summer holidays? We’ve got you covered – Instagram Reels is a n... Read More
Well done you! You’ve made it to Part 6 of the Reading and Use of English exam. Not long to go now – just three mor... Read More
Learning a new language is hard, but fun. If you are learning English but need some help, our monthly course is what y... Read More
Everyone likes listening to inspiring speeches. Gifted speakers have a way of making people want to listen and take acti... Read More
Dear reader… We sincerely hope you enjoyed our previous blog posts about the Writing section of the B2 First. As promi... Read More
Conditionals? Is that something you use after shampooing your hair? Not quite. You may have heard your English teacher t... Read More
After racing through the first four parts of the Cambridge English Reading and Use of English paper, you’ve managed t... Read More
There are roughly 170,000 words in use in the English language. Thankfully, most native English speakers only have a voc... Read More
You're probably very familiar with sending emails (and sometimes letters) in your first language. But how about in Engli... Read More
Keep kids’ minds sharp over the Easter holidays with some entertaining, educational activities in English. There are l... Read More
Roxana Milanes is twenty five and from Cuba. She began English classes back in May 2019 at Oxford House, and since then ... Read More
“Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” - Doc Brown, Back to the future. Just like the and... Read More
Business idioms are used throughout the workplace. In meetings, conversations and even whilst making at the coffee mac... Read More
We spend hours consuming the news. With one click of a button we have access to thousands of news stories all on our pho... Read More
Imagine the scene. It’s exam day. You’re nearly at the end of your . You’ve just finished writing Part 1 - , and n... Read More
Back in December 2019, we sat down and attempted to make a list of . No one could have predicted the year that was about... Read More
Christmas movies are one of the best things about the holiday season. They’re fun, they get you in the mood for the ho... Read More
Oxford House are extremely proud to announce our partnership with MigraCode - a Barcelona-based charity which trains ref... Read More
The age of telecommunication is well and truly here. Most of our business meetings now take place via video conferencing... Read More
One of the biggest challenges for Spanish speakers when learning English is pronunciation. Often it’s a struggle to pr... Read More
“Alexa, what exactly are you?” Alexa is a virtual AI assistant owned by Amazon. She is voice-activated - like Sir... Read More
Okay, take a deep breath. We’re about to enter the danger zone of the Cambridge exam - Reading and Use of English Par... Read More
Welcome to the new school year! It’s great to have you back. We’d like to remind you that , and classes are all st... Read More
The 26th of September is . It’s a day to celebrate Europe’s rich linguistic diversity and show the importance of lan... Read More
It’s the start of a new academic term and new courses are about to begin. This is the perfect opportunity to set your ... Read More
If there’s one good thing to come out of this year, it’s that learning a language has never been so easy or accessib... Read More
Are you bored of Facebook? Tired of Instagram? Don’t feel part of the Twitter generation? Perhaps what you’re lookin... Read More
It’s a fact! The UK is obsessed with the way people talk. And with , it’s no surprise why. That’s right, accents a... Read More
Summer is here! And more than ever, we’re in need of a bit of sunshine. But with travel restrictions still in place, m... Read More
As Barcelona and the rest of Spain enters the ‘new normality’, it’s time to plan ahead for the summer. Kids and te... Read More
Are you preparing for a Cambridge English qualification? Have you devoured all of your past papers and need some extra e... Read More
The word ‘get’ is one of the most common and versatile verbs in English. It can be used in lots of different ways, a... Read More
There are three main verb tenses in English - , the present and the future - which each have various forms and uses. Tod... Read More
On average, Netflix subscribers spend streaming their favourite content. With so many binge-worthy series out there, it... Read More
Due to the ongoing emergency lockdown measures imposed by the Spanish Government . We don’t know when we will be a... Read More
The feast of Sant Jordi is one of Barcelona’s most popular and enduring celebrations. Sant Jordi is the patron saint o... Read More
Educational institutions all over the world have shut their doors. From nurseries to universities, business schools to l... Read More
Whatever your new year’s resolution was this year, it probably didn’t involve staying at home all day. For many of u... Read More
With the recent outbreak of Covid-19, many of us may have to gather our books and study from home. Schools are clos... Read More
Being stuck inside can make you feel like you’re going crazy. But why not use this time to your advantage, and work on... Read More
Dear students, Due to the recent emergency measures from the Government concerning COVID-19, Oxford House premises wi... Read More
Reading is one of the best ways to practice English. It’s fun, relaxing and helps you improve your comprehension skill... Read More
So that’s it! It’s decided, you’re moving to the USA. It’s time to hike the soaring mountains, listen to country... Read More
The is an excellent qualification to aim for if you’re thinking of studying or working abroad. It’s recognised by u... Read More
Like it or not, small talk is an important part of business. Whether it’s in a lift, at a conference, in a meeting roo... Read More
It’s time for that famous celebration of love and romance - Valentine’s Day! It is inspired by the sad story of Sain... Read More
When it comes to exams, preparation is the key to success - and the IELTS Writing Paper Part 2 is no exception! It is wo... Read More
At Oxford House, we know learning a language extends beyond the classroom. It’s important to practise your skills in m... Read More
Congratulations! You’ve passed your Cambridge B2 First exam. It was a hard road but you did it. Now what’s next? Som... Read More
Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle. When you see its lush green landscape and breathtaking views, it’s easy to see w... Read More
New year, new you. As one year ends and another begins, many of us like to set ourselves goals in order to make our live... Read More
Each year new words enter the English language. Some are added to dictionaries like . Others are old words that are give... Read More
2019 went by in a flash - and what a year it’s been! We’re just as excited to be looking back on the past 12 months ... Read More
Telephone interviews in English can seem scary. Employers often use them to filter-out candidates before the face-to-fa... Read More
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. Traditionally, it signals the start of the Christmas shopping period. Expect... Read More
The (CAE) is a high-level qualification, designed to show that candidates are confident and flexible language users who... Read More
Many people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) translators are surpassing human translators in their ability to a... Read More
Apps are a great tool for learning English. They are quick, easy to access and fun. It’s almost like having a mini cla... Read More
There are four linguistic skills that you utilise when learning a new language: reading, writing speaking and listening.... Read More
So, you’ve moved onto Part 3, and after completing Part 2 it’s probably a welcome relief to be given some help with ... Read More
Whether it’s in meetings, telephone conversations or networking events, you’ll find specific vocabulary and buzzword... Read More
It’s time for some back-to-school motivation. The new school year is about to start and everyone is feeling refreshed ... Read More
Haven’t you heard? Nobody is watching the TV anymore - 2019 is the year of the YouTuber! If you’re an English langu... Read More
So, you’ve completed the of your Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE). Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the rest of the e... Read More
“The problem with the French is that they have no word for entrepreneur.” This phrase was attributed to George W. B... Read More
The Gràcia Festival, or , is an annual celebration taking place in the lovely, bohemian neighbourhood of Gràcia in upt... Read More
Barcelona residents will often tell you than nothing happens in August. It’s too hot and everyone escapes to little vi... Read More
Do you have difficulty with the past tenses in English? Do you know the difference between the past simple and past perf... Read More
Students who are taking their B2 First Certificate exam (FCE) will be asked to do two pieces of writing within an 80 min... Read More
Unless you were raised to be bilingual, speaking two languages can require years of study and hard work. Even once you�... Read More
What’s better than watching a fantastic, original-language movie in a theatre? Watching a fantastic, original-language... Read More
Ever wonder how much time you spend on your phone a day? According to the latest studies, the average person spends on ... Read More
Here comes the sun! That’s right, summer is on its way and, for many, that means a chance to take a well-deserved brea... Read More
You’ve done the hard part and finally registered for your , congratulations! Now all you need to do is pass it! H... Read More
Everyone is talking about soft skills. They are the personal traits that allow you to be mentally elastic, to adapt to n... Read More
Are you struggling to decide which English language exam to take? You’re not alone: with so many different options on ... Read More
We’re sure you’ve done a great job answering the questions for of your . But now you’re faced with a completely d... Read More
Imagine you have woken up in Barcelona for the first time in your life. You walk outside and you notice something unusua... Read More
Have you ever put on an English radio station or podcast and gone to sleep, hoping that when you wake up in the morning ... Read More
What’s the most challenging thing about going on holiday in an English speaking country? Twenty years ago you might ha... Read More
No matter how long you've been learning a language, you're likely to make a mistake every once in a while. The big ones ... Read More
Passing a job interview in a language that’s not your mother tongue is always a challenge – but however daunting i... Read More
“How many languages do you speak?” This is what we ask when we want to know about someone’s language skills... Read More
You have survived the Use of English section of your , but now you are faced with a long text full of strange language, ... Read More
Turn on a radio anywhere in the world and it won’t take long before you’re listening to an English song. And, if you... Read More
It’s nearly Valentine’s day and love is in the air at Oxford House. We’ll soon be surrounded by heart-shaped ballo... Read More
Graded readers are adaptations of famous stories, or original books aimed at language learners. They are written to help... Read More
Written language is as important today as it has ever been. Whether you want to prepare for an , to respond to or it’... Read More
The new year is here and many of us will be making promises about improving our language skills in 2019. However, how ma... Read More
It’s been a whirlwind 2018. We’ve made so many amazing memories - from our twentieth-anniversary party to some enter... Read More
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get a job in an international company? Perhaps you’ve thought about tr... Read More
We are delighted to be going through the final stages of our accreditation, which will help us provide the best languag... Read More
Making the decision to do a Cambridge English language qualification can be intimidating. Whether you’re taking it bec... Read More
A language exchange (or Intercambio in Spanish) is an excellent way to practise English outside of the classroom. The a... Read More
The nights are drawing in and the leaves are falling from the trees. As our minds turn to the cold and frosty winter nig... Read More
If you’re a student at , you’ll know it is far more than just a language academy. It’s a place to socialise, make ... Read More
From funny bananas, super long words and excitable foxes, our latest infographic explores 10 intriguing facts about the ... Read More
If you’ve been studying at Oxford House for a while there’s a good chance that you’ll recognise Judy - with her bi... Read More
The new school year is about to begin and many of you are probably thinking that it’s about time to take the plunge an... Read More
We head off on vacation full of excitement and joy. It’s a time to explore somewhere new, relax and spend time with ou... Read More
Learning English is difficult! With its irregular verbs, tricky pronunciation and even harder spelling, lots of students... Read More
The next time you’re walking down the street, in a waiting room, or on public transport in Barcelona take a look aroun... Read More
Many students have aspirations to move abroad. This might be for a number of reasons such as to find a new job, to impro... Read More
What do English, Maori, Vietnamese and Zulu have in common? Along with another , they all use the . If your first la... Read More
Netflix has changed the way we spend our free time. We don’t have to wait a week for a new episode of our favourite TV... Read More
The year has flown by and we are already into the second week of our summer intensive courses. Today we look back at th... Read More
Things are hotting up in Barcelona. There’s so much to see and do during the summer months that it’s hard to know wh... Read More
The long summer holiday is almost here and we’ve got some top tips on how you can keep up your English over the summer... Read More
Football, football, football: the whole world is going crazy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar! The beautiful game i... Read More
Learning a second language has a lot in common with learning to play an instrument or sport. They all require frequent p... Read More
Imagine, for a moment, taking a cooking class in a language you didn’t know - it could be Japanese, Greek, Russian. It... Read More
Exams are nerve-wracking. Between going to class, studying at home and worrying about the results, it’s easy to forget... Read More
Learning a second language, for many people, is one of the best decisions they ever make. Travel, work, culture, educati... Read More
Speech shadowing is an advanced language learning technique. The idea is simple: you listen to someone speaking and you ... Read More
Our children learn English at school from a young age - with some even starting basic language classes from as early as ... Read More
When was the last time you painted the town red or saw a flying pig? We wouldn’t be surprised if you are scratchin... Read More
Teenagers today are definitely part of the smartphone generation and many parents are concerned about the amount of time... Read More
Are you taking an IELTS exam soon? Feeling nervous about the writing paper? Read this article for some top tips and usef... Read More
Love them or hate them, at some point we all have to give a business presentation. Occasionally we have to deliver them ... Read More
A lot of students think English is easy to learn - that is until they encounter phrasal verbs! We are sure you have hear... Read More
Have you heard of these fascinating British Easter traditions? Great Britain is an ancient island, full of superstition... Read More
Your is coming to an end and exam day is fast approaching. It’s about time to make sure you are prepared for what man... Read More
Have you ever wondered where English words come from? There are a whopping 171,476 words in the . From aardvark to zyzz... Read More
Students take language certifications like the Cambridge B2 First qualification for lots of different reasons. You might... Read More
Foreign accent and understanding When you meet someone new, what’s the first thing you notice? Is it how they look?... Read More
Are you a ski-fanatic that spends all week dreaming about white-capped peaks, fluffy snow and hearty mountain food? ... Read More
Quizlet, Duolingo, Busuu...there are lots of apps on the market nowadays to help you learn and improve your English. But... Read More
Is English really that difficult? English is a Germanic language, which means it has lots of similarities with Germa... Read More
If you’ve been studying English for a long time, you’ve probably tried lots of different ways of learning the langua... Read More
Learning another language as an adult can be frustrating. We’re problem-solvers. We look for patterns in language and ... Read More
Every year is the same. We promise ourselves to eat more healthily, exercise more and save money. It all seems very easy... Read More
Languages are constantly on the move and English is no exception! As technology, culture and politics evolve, we’re fa... Read More
All countries are proud of their quirky traditions and this is no more evident than . In South Africa they eat deep-fri... Read More
You’ve heard about the four skills: reading, writing, and . Some might be more important to you than others. Although... Read More
Business is all about communication. Whether it’s colleagues, clients or suppliers, we spend a big chunk of our workin... Read More
Why are phrasal verbs so frustrating? It’s like they’ve been sent from the devil to destroy the morale of English la... Read More
Exams are terrifying! The big day is here and after all that studying and hard work, it’s finally time to show what y... Read More
Speaking in a foreign language is hard work. Language learners have to think about pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary... Read More
Have you ever thought about dropping everything to go travelling around the world? Today, more and more people are quit... Read More
It’s October and you’ve just signed up for an English course. Maybe you want to pass an official exam. Maybe you nee... Read More
Learning English is more fun when you do it in a fantastic location like Barcelona. Find out why we think this is the pe... Read More
Is it better to do the paper-based or the computer-based exam? We recommend the computer-based exam to our stud... Read More
What exactly is the difference between an IELTS exam and a Cambridge English exam such as the First (FCE) or Advanced (C... Read More
Oxford House Language School C/Diputación 279, Bajos (entre Pau Claris y Paseo de Gracia). 08007 - Barcelona (Eixample) Tel: 93 174 00 62 | Fax: 93 488 14 05 [email protected]
Oxford TEFL Barcelona Oxford House Prague Oxford TEFL Jobs
Legal Notice – Cookie Policy Ethical channel
B2 first writing paper.
Today we are going to practise a valuable writing skill: generating ideas and essay planning in Part 1 of the B2 First Writing exam.
Let’s first look at two examples of essay exam tasks.
The task below is taken from B2 First for Schools Handbook for teachers:
In your English class you have been talking about education. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay for homework. Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view. Some parents teach their children at home rather than sending them to school. Is this a good or a bad thing for the children? Notes Write about: 1. having a parent as a teacher 2. making friends 3. ...................... (your own idea)
The second task is taken from First Certificate in English, Writing, Sample test 1:
In your English class you have been talking about the environment. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay for homework. Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view. Every country in the world has problems with polution and damage to the environment. Do you think these problems can be solved? Notes Write about: 1. transport 2. rivers and seas 3. ...................... (your own idea)
Each exam task is targeted at a different age group: young people and adults. Consequently, their main theme varies, one is closer to teenagers’ expertise and interests – education and schooling, and another centres around a theme adults are more likely to easily expand on – environmental matters.
The layout of both exam tasks, their structure, is the same, though. It contains a general statement following an English class discussion. Then, there are three notes, known as content points, that must be included and well-developed throughout.
It’s worth mentioning that your own idea is not your opinion . This latest is briefly mentioned in the introduction, and backed up with a convincing explanation and a strong reason for in the conclusion.
The activity I am inviting you to join consists in brainstorming ideas for the ‘ your own idea ’ part of the task. There are ten exam tasks. Rather than thinking of just one of your own ideas for the essay exam task, it is good practice to think of a few different ones and then pick the best idea to write about. The best idea is the one which you can explain well and provide reasons for, since it mustn’t be merely mentioned, or superficially discussed. A well-developed essay is a successful one since it will be valued at a high score by Cambridge examiners.
Let’s look at the example below:
Note 3: My own idea
You can also use this activity to practise generating examples or reasons to support the main idea of each paragraph of the essay. Use the same cards, but this time focus on the ‘notes’ part of the task. Think of as many examples or reasons for the main ideas listed in the ‘write about’ part of the task. Once again, it is good practice to brainstorm a number of them and then choose the best ones, a couple for each paragraph, to include in your essays.
Note 1: having a parent as a teacher
Note 2: making friends
Note 3: taking part in team activities
If you want to find out more about writing essays for the Cambridge B2 First exam and enhance your writing skills, here are two other articles earlier posted:
Join our exclusive community with Ready4Cambridge’s free newsletter . Receive expert tips and unique educational resources straight to your inbox at no cost. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow and excel on your path to English mastery without any expense!
© 2024 - Aurelia Colta
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
FCE Essays - Sample/model answers and examiner comments. An essay is always written for the teacher. It should answer the question given by addressing both content points and providinga new content point of the writer's own. The essay should be well organised, with an introduction and an appropriate conclusion,and should be written in an appropriate register and tone
Enhance your FCE B2 writing skills by learning the fundamentals of essay writing and exploring practical examples of essay structures.
B2 First (FCE) Essay: Example Topics / Questions Below is a sample list of academic essay writing topics/tasks for B2-level (intermediate) students. You can use them to practice writing English essays or to prepare for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam
Here's a useful structure for an opinion essay:Paragraph 1Intro. uce the topic using a general statement and give your. hether you agree or disagree with the statemen. .Paragraph 2Give the first reason to support your opinion. Provide specifi. s for your opinion, using examples if necessary.
The Cambridge B2 First exam includes a two-part writing section, which can be daunting for some people. So if you're thinking about taking an exam like this, we have some top tips to help you write an excellent exam essay.
An easy to follow guide on how to write the perfect essay for Cambridge B2 First (FCE). Tips and tricks to improve your mark.
We've got three First (FCE) essay questions on different topics that are all common at B2 level. Quality materials from Breakout English.
In this article I teach you how to write an essay for FCE Writing. Also, I will show you an awesome B2 Writing Guide!
The B2 First Writing test has a duration of and consists of two parts, and it accounts for . The has one compulsory question. In the , there are three questions, and you must choose one. Candidates are required to write an essay of about in each part. Part 1: Essay writing. Here, you'll be given an essay title and related to the topic.
Analyse an essay about living in a city vs the countryside, then improve on its weaknesses. Practice Cambridge B2 First FCE Writing Part 1.
Learning the B2 essay can be a challenge. Use our essay skeletons to write with the perfect B2 essay structure every time.
If you want to write the perfect essay for Cambridge B2 First (FCE), this video will show you exactly how to do it. Discover the best structure and learn about the different parts of an amazing essay.
These three paragraphs are called the body of the essay. However, an essay wouldn't be an essay without an introduction at the beginning and a conclusion at the end. All together that's five paragraphs and we could structure it like this: With an introduction, body and conclusion every essay has three main parts.
Preparing for the B2 First (FCE) exam by Cambridge? Get helpful tips and strategies for the writing essay section to achieve success in your exam.
In this lesson you can learn how to write the Cambridge FCE Writing Exam Essay. Learn exactly what to do at each stage and how to get the best score.
An appropriate introduction; informs the reader about the essence of the essay; Firstly, (cohesive devices) clearly food is one of the principal reasons affecting people's (imprecise information) health. In their (demonstrative pronouns) daily routine should have appear a great balance diet. Although, (linking words) n owadays having a balanced ...
This FCE essay page shows you how to write an FCE essay which examiners will mark highly. You will learn great b2 First tips and techniques.
Free exam preparation resources for all parts of the writing paper in the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam. Perfect for both English learners and teachers.
If you are taking your Cambridge B2 First exam you'll have to write two texts in an 80-minute period. In part 1 you must write an essay but in part 2 you will be able to choose between a number of options. This could be could be an email, a letter, a report, a review or an article. Read more about the format of the Cambridge B2 First exam.
B2 First Writing paper Today we are going to practise a valuable writing skill: generating ideas and essay planning in Part 1 of the B2 First Writing exam. Let's first look at two examples of essay exam tasks. The task below is taken from B2 First for Schools Handbook for teachers: In your English class you have been talking about education.
Articles - examples & model answers | B2 First (FCE) FCE Example Article: Topic (Learning) You see this announcement on an English-language website. Articles wanted The most useful thing I have ever