FCE WRITING: TASKS

Essay Article Email or informal letter

Target reader: teacher Target reader: magazine – the reader is supposed Target reader: English-speaking friend or colleague.
Register: formal-neutral to have similar interests to the writer. Register: neutral-informal
Register: neutral-informal

When you write an essay you should: When you write an article you should: When you write a letter you should:
ü Begin with an introduction to the topic. ü use pronouns I and You ü use suitable opening expressions
ü Talk about the three content points. Use a new ü use contractions, conversational language ü use chatty and colloquial language.
paragraph for each content point. and phrasal verbs. ü Start a new paragraph for each main idea.
ü End with a conclusion summarizing your views. ü give your opinion. ü Use informal punctuation including contractions and exclamation
ü Use formal/neutral language. ü Include descriptions, examples and stories. marks – but not too many!
Paragraph 1: State the topic clearly and say why it is ü use linkers to help structure the article. ü Use suitable closing expressions.
important or why people have different opinions about ü use direct questions and statements Paragraph 1: Begin your letter with a greeting, ask how your friend is,
it. addressed to the reader. say something about their last email/letter.
Paragraph 2-3-4: Address each content point (1- 2 and TITLE: Include an interesting and catchy title. Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4: Say what your news/answer is – give more
your own idea). Talk about positive and negative Example: THE INTERNET GOOD OR EVIL FOR news/information.
aspects or problems and possible solutions. CHILDREN? Paragraph 5: Tell your reader/friend to write back – End your letter.
Paragraph 5: Write a conclusion, remember that it Paragraph 1: Introduce the topic. You can ask a USEFUL EXPRESSIONS:
should answer the question. You can express your rhetorical question. Opening expressions: Dear Daisy, - Hi Daisy, - Hi there, - Great to
opinion. Paragraphs 2, 3, 4: Introduce each new paragraph hear from you – How are things (with you) – How’s it going? – I’m sorry
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS: with a topic sentence. I haven’t written for ages but …
Saying what people think: Some/Many people feel Last paragraph – Conclusion or summary Giving news: Did I tell you that …? – By the way .. – Guess what?
that… - Others argue that … - Another point of view is USEFUL EXPRESSIONS: Responding to invitations and requests: Thanks for the invite. I’d
that … - It is sometimes said/claimed that … - It is Addressing the reader: Have you ever…..?, You love to … - Sorry but I can’t …because … - That sound like a great idea
widely believed that … - It is generally agreed that … - absolutely must …, Can you imagine …, I’m sure – Of course! No problem.
Some people are of the opinion that… - According to .. you’ll agree …, I must tell you about …, You Asking questions: Could you tell me more about? – I’d love to know
Linkers of contrast//result: On the one hand/On the wouldn’t believe … more about … - Would you like to …? - I wanted to ask you, do you? –
other hand – However – although – despite – in spite Giving a personal response: For me - To me - Let me know if you …
of// consequently – As a result. Personally I think, find or believe – It seems to me - Making suggestions: Why don’t you/we…? – What/How about …? – If
Linkers of addition: In addition – Furthermore – In my view – One thing I love, remember – I’ll never I were you I would … - Let’s perhaps we could …
Moreover – What is more forget.
Linkers to introduce new paragraphs: Firstly – Giving strong opinion: It’s absolutely (strong adj.) Closing expressions: Anyway, that’s all for now – I have to go now
Secondly – Finally – To begin with – It took my breath away – I’ll never forget it – because … - Speak/write soon – See you soon – Can’t wait to see
Giving examples: For example – for instance – such There’s nothing in the world like it. you/catch up! – Bye for now – Take care – All the best – Love – Lots of
as .. Adding and developing ideas: for a start – love.
Giving your opinion: I personally feel that .. – I firmly secondly – thirdly – finally – And then there’s the
believe that .. – I partly/fully agree that … - In my fact that – On top of that – Apart from that – I must
opinion – My personal view is that … also mention – As if this wasn’t enough.
Reaching a conclusion: Overall – On balance – On Giving examples: such as…, particularly , like …
the whole – To sum up/To conclude – In conclusion.

Letter of application Report Review

Target reader: potential employer, college principal, Target reader: superior, peer group Target reader: magazine, newspaper, website Register: neutral-
magazine editor Register: formal informal
Register: formal

When you write a formal letter you should: When you write a report you should: When you write a review you should:
ü Use suitable opening expressions. ü Begin with an introduction explaining the ü Give basic details in the main paragraph.
ü Address all the points in the instructions. purpose of the report. ü Use different paragraphs for each main idea.
ü Use short paragraphs for each new topic. ü Address all the content points in the ü Finish with a positive or negative recommendation.
ü Use formal structures, expressions and linkers. instructions. ü Use a lively and catchy style to interest the reader. Use
ü End by saying what you would like to happen ü Use headings to introduce each topic even adjectives and adverbs for emphasis - Include personal comments.
next. for the introduction and the conclusion. Paragraph 1: General opinion about book, film, restaurant, game is.
ü Use suitable closing expressions. ü Use a variety of formal expressions and Paragraph 2: Positive aspects. (gripping, valuable, memorable, perfect,
Paragraph 1: Introduction – say why you are writing. structures (ex. Passive structures) stunning, well-written, well-acted, well-cooked, superb)
Paragraph 2: reasons for applying ü Write a conclusion and include a personal Paragraph 3: Negative aspects. (Disappointing, dreadful, dull,
Paragraph 3: relevant skills and experience. recommendation if you are asked for one. predictable, unconvincing, uninteresting, unimaginative).
Paragraph 4: personal qualities and suitability for the ü Use clear and factual language. Paragraph 4: Recommendations. Who you would recommend it to.
job. Paragraph 1: INTRODUCTION -Summarize the aim USEFUL EXPRESSIONS:
Paragraph 5: appropriate ending. of the report. Giving information about a film, TV series, play, book, website etc:
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS: Paragraph 2, 3, 4: Use a heading for each content It is set in (location) in (time). - The main character is ….- It stars
Beginnings and endings: Dear Sir or Madam and point. (name) as (character) - I love … that’s why I like this website/app.
Yours faithfully.
Dear Ms Bentley and Yours sincerely. Paragraph 5: CONCLUSION - summarizing Making a recommendation: It is definitely worth seeing -I would
Reasons for writing: I saw/have seen your comment and/or final recommendation. recommend it to teenagers.
advertisement in … - I am writing to apply for the USEFUL EXPRESSIONS: It will appeal to (anyone interested in sport).
job/position of … - I would like to apply for a grant to Introducing your report: This report is intended to (Young children) are sure to enjoy it.
study/for - I would like to volunteer to work with (the show/discuss/outline …- The aim/purpose of this I’d recommend this site to anyone who shares my interests.
elderly)…. report is to …- In this report I will ... Giving an opinion: One if its strengths/ weaknesses is ...- It is full of
Describing skills and experience: I have (a great Making recommendations: I would strongly/highly humour/ action/ suspense - The acting is outstanding/ disappointing -
deal of/some) experience of … - I spent … working as recommend -My first recommendations would be to The best/worst part of the (play) is when… -What I find particularly
….- I have excellent …- It would be (highly) advisable to …-I useful about the website are ……. - I also like ….. - It …. but personally
communication/computer/organizational skills – I have recommend/suggest ing/+that clause - The best I prefer …. – The only criticism I would make is that .. – If you prefer
good knowledge of …. solution/idea would seem to be ... romantic novels you should give it a miss!
Personal qualities and suitability: I have an/a Listing ideas: I would suggest the following:
friendly/sensitive/easy-going/enthusiastic nature. The following are highly recommended (list the
I feel I have the necessary …. and …for the job. ideas as 1,2,3 or use bullets) - Another option would
I believe I am an ideal candidate for a grant/the job. be to …- Another point to consider is that … -
Closing remarks: I hope you will consider my Alternatively … - Moreover/Furthermore… - Apart
application -. I look forward to your reply/hearing from from this/In addition to this
you. Addressing points: There are two/three.. .-Unlike
the (cinemas) these are …However, ...
Making recommendations: It is advisable/a good
idea to … - I would recommend/advise them to go –
I suggest ..