FCE WRITING guide

2 questions

1 compulsory essay question

1 question selected from a choice of: formal letter, informal letter/email, report, article, review

140-190 words for each answer (in pen)

WRITING ESSAY on Family Life
You’ve been discussing families in your English class. Your teacher has asked to you write an essay.

Growing up in a large family is better than being brought up in a small one.

Do you agree?

Notes:
1. attention from parents
2. relationships with brothers and sisters
3. ____________________ (your own idea)

Write your essay. 140-190 words.

GUIDE
opening: It goes without saying that there are advantages and disadvantages to ...
As far as I’m concerned, growing up ... is much better for several reasons.

first: First and foremost, when it comes to ...

For instance, ...

second: Secondly, it’s worth talking about relationships with brothers and sisters.
Having siblings means you can ...

third: Last but not least, ...

As a result of growing up in a large family, ...

ending: All in all, ...

Although there are pros and cons, I believe that ...
WRITING REPORT on Facilities in Your Area
Your teacher has asked you to write a report about what facilities there are for young
people in your area. Describe what facilities are available and explain if they are
suitable for young people’s needs.
Suggest what other facilities young people might like to have in the area.

Write your report. 140-190 words.

GUIDE
opening: The aim of this report is to ...
I will also offer several suggestions to ...

SPORTS FACILITIES:
When it comes to sports facilities, ...
There is a lack of ...

LIBRARIES:
In terms of public libraries, ...
... in order to encourage young people to ...

CINEMA:
For cinema-lovers, ...
I would suggest + -ing

closing: In conclusion, although there are many ... , the area could do with ...
If more ... were available to young people, I believe ...
WRITING ARTICLE on Gifts
You have seen this announcement in an English-language magazine.

Giving Gifts
What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received? Who gave it to you?
What was the occasion? Why is this gift so important to you?
Why is giving gifts so important?

Write your article. 140-190 words.

GUIDE
opening: Have you ever ... ?
The best gift I’ve ever been given was ... , which ...
The gift was special to me for several reasons.

first: It was given to me by ... for ...

I was over the moon when I opened it.
I had always loved ... so it was perfect for me.

second: I still have it to this day and, from time to time, I ...
I’ve got rid of many gifts throughout my life but this one ...

last: Personally, I think giving gifts is ...

The right gift can cheer someone up. For instance, ...
Remember, it’s the though that counts so the next time ...
WRITING EMAIL to a friend
You have received this email from your English-speaking friend James.

In class we’ve been talking about how the places we live in change over time.
Can you tell me about how your area has changed in recent years? Do you think
the changes have had a positive or negative impact on life in the area?

Write your email. 140-190 words

GUIDE
opening Hi, James.
Thanks for getting in touch. I’d be happy to tell you more about ...

para 1 Although ..., my area has ...

For example, when it comes to ...
Nowadays, there are plenty of ... whereas in the past you couldn’t ...

para 2 Apart from ..., there have been lots of changes to ...
There used to be ...
Some people reckon it’s been a good change while others disagree.

ending In a nutshell, my area has changed a lot.

I guess most places ... , don’t they?
I hope I’ve answered your questions. Let me know if you ...
WRITING LETTER of Application
You see this advertisement in an English-language magazine.

Clothes shop staff wanted:

We are looking for someone to work in our clothes shop at the airport during summer
when there are many visitors from abroad. The successful applicant needs:
• good spoken English
• an interest in clothes, including modern fashions
• to be able to work long hours, including weekends
If you are interested, apply in writing to the manager.

Write your letter. 140-190 words.

GUIDE
opening: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of ... , which was advertised ...

para 1: At present, I am ...

I am interest in a job where I can ...
Not only do I speak ... , but I also ...

para 2: I feel I am suitable for this position as I ...

I have always been keen on ...
In addition, ...

ending: Thank you for taking time to review my application.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
...
WRITING REVIEW of a FILM
You see this advertisement in a local English-language magazine called Flix.

Do you have a favourite film? If you have, write a review which includes information
about the plot, characters, the actors and why you think it’s worth watching.
We will publish the best ones is our annual ‘My favourite film’ magazine next month.

Write your review. 220-260 words.

GUIDE
language: Set in the ..., ...
It takes place in ...
The story is based on ...
The plot is ...
The star of the film is ...
It’s written by / directed by ...
panned | praised by critics
The main theme of the film is ...
What the film is saying is ...
The best aspects of the film are ...
What makes this film so good is that ...
The acting is top-notch.
I was slightly let down by the ...
I was struck by ...

adjectives: engaging, gripping, outstanding, hilarious, thought-provoking, moving, uplifting

nouns: a tear-jerker, a box-office hit, a slow-burner, a downer, an edge-of-your-seat thriller

adverbs: somewhat, quite, rather, thoroughly, remarkably

ending: This film would appeal to ...

This film is well worth watching for those of you who love ...
While it’s not for the faint-hearted, it’s worth checking out.