FCE

Writing
FCE Essay: Structure

Introduction
Present and develop the essay question in your introduction

1 st body paragraph
State your 1st argument and give a reason. This should be your main point.

2 nd body paragraph
State your 2nd argument and give a reason.

3 rd body paragraph (optional)

State your 3d argument and give a reason.

Conclusion
 Give your opinion

FCE Essay: Tips

ANSWER THE QUESTION
PLAN your essay
REVISE your essay to correct mistakes.
4 or 5 PARAGRAPHS, with Introduction and Conclusion
The first paragraph should be a general introduction to the subject
Develop your arguments in the middle paragraphs
 Give reasons to support your argument
Use a variety of discussive words and phrases
 Give examples where possible
Use formal language
Don’t use contractions (we’re, I’ve etc.)
Sum up your argument in the final paragraph
The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearly.

FCE Essay: Useful phrases

Making a point:

In my opinion…
I find it…
I hold the view…
The way I see it…
It looks a bit…
It seems to me…
I am under the impression…
It seems as if…
From my point of view…
I think…
I would say…
I reckon…
From my understanding…
I would like to point out…

Presenting two advantages or disadvantages together:

not only … but … also

not only … but also

Presenting two opposing views:

on the one hand, on the other hand

Speculating 
Probably
Perhaps/maybe
May/might/could
What if

Expressing Contrast:

nevertheless
even so
even though
however
in spite of
despite
but
although

Expressing results:

because of this
therefore
thus
as a result
for this reason
consequently

Expressing the opinion of someone else:

some people say

some people say that
many people say
many people say that
people often say
it is said
it is said that
according to

Giving examples:

such as
like
for example
for instance

Linking:

As I have said before…

With respect to the point on…
Regarding…
Like I have said…
In relation to…
Taking into account…
 ADDING INFORMATION

And, also, as well, in addition, besides, above all

GIVING EXAMPLES

Such as, for example, like, for instance, as follows:

REINFORCEMENT

Also, furthermore, moreover, above all, not only… but also

DEDUCTION

Otherwise, in other words, then, in that case

SEQUENCE

Firstly, secondly, thirdly, lastly, next, after, to start with, to finish,

CONTRAST

However, but, although, whereas, despite, in spite of, even though, though

SIMILARITY

Similarly, equally, likewise, in the same way

RESULT

So, therefore, as a result, because of this, consequently, thus, hence, in that case

SUMMARY

In conclusion, to sum up, in brief, therefore, to summarise, to finish off, on balance, in a nutshell,
all in all, in the end

STATING THE OBVIOUS

Obviously, clearly, naturally, of course, surely, after all