How to write an B2 First (FCE) essay?

An essay is the first part of the writing and it is obligatory.

You need to answer the question with between 140-190 words. In the text you need to analyse a
question using different points of view. It is a semi-formal text and should be impartial until the
conclusion.

DEFINITION:
a piece of writing written for a teacher to give your opinion and arguments to support it(reasons).

PURPOSE:
An essay is a piece of writing in which you are asked to discuss a topic that might be controversial or
relevant somehow. It usually follows a class discussion.

FUNCTIONS:

▪ Agreeing and/or disagreeing

▪ Giving information/explanations
▪ Exemplifying
▪ Comparing & contrasting ideas
▪ Drawing a conclusion

LANGUAGE:
The language of an essay should be formal. Also, make sure that you justify all your ideas and that you
use appropriate connectors to link your sentences and paragraphs.

B2 First (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

B2 First (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.
B2 First (FCE) Essay: Useful phrases
We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information. Although it is taking a
shortcut, if you learn several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your
exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent and well-organized text.
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
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
B2 First (FCE) Essay: Frequently asked questions
Should you do a plan?
Yes! You must make a plan to organise your writing. On the day of the exam, you will be stressed and
feel pressure. A plan is your way of organising you text and your thoughts.
What happens if I write more than 190 words?
Nothing… Well, almost nothing. In the past for every 5 words extra, they took away a point, however,
now they do not. It is not good to go over 190 words because of time, but you can. I wouldn´t write more
than 200 words because they will probably lower the mark they give you for content. They will determine
some of it to be unnecessary.
What counts as a complex language in the exam?
You MUST use complex language at B2 level. You must use attention-grabbing vocabulary and a variety
of grammar structures. The passive voice, relative clauses, modal verbs, conditionals, reported speech
and inversions all count as COMPLEX grammar forms and you must use them.