B2 / FCE Writing Exam part 1 – Essay
In part 1 of the B2 writing exam you will be given an essay question to answer. The question always follows the same structure. You are asked asked to give your opinion on a topic and 2 things to write about and another thing which must be your won idea.
Example question:
You have watched a documentary about young children in poor areas who leave school to work. 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.
Teenagers are dropping out of school to find a job. How can we help them to continue their education?
Notes
Write about:
– family problems
- family problems
- financial difficulties
- …………… (your own idea)
Planning – Do no just start writing without first planning.
Essay questions
- How is the essay marked
- Assessment:
• Content focuses on how well the candidate has fulfilled the task, in other words if they have done what they were asked to do.
• Communicative Achievement focuses on how appropriate the writing is for the task and whether the candidate has used the appropriate register.
• Organisation focuses on the way the candidate puts together the piece of writing, in other words if it is logical and ordered.
• Language focuses on vocabulary and grammar. This includes the range of language as well as how accurate it is.
Responses are marked on each subscale from 0 to 5. When marking the tasks, examiners take into account length of responses and varieties of English:
How to structure your essay –
- Introduction
- Point 1
- Point 2
- Point 3 (Your own idea)
- Conclusion.
linking your ideas
Useful language.
Not only
Word count – Your answer should be 140 – 190 words. When practicing its a good idea to count you words, but don’t waste time doing this in the exam. The practices essays shoudl give you a feel for how many words you’ve written .
More example B2 writng part 1 exam questions:
Is technology improving communication between people?
Notes
Write about:
social media
messaging apps
your own idea
What is the best way for people to learn new skills?
Notes
Write about:
your own idea
online courses
learning from friends or family
What is the most important factor for a healthy lifestyle?
Notes
Write about:
diet
exercise
your own idea
Is tourism more beneficial or more harmful for cities?
Notes
Write about:
your own idea
the economy
the environment