Summary:

 Make your article lively

 Address the reader directly
 Direct questions
 Quotations
 Exclamations
 Purpose: entertain the reader
 Language: informal. Use colloquialisms, phrasal verbs,
contractios, rethorical questions, address the reader in 2nd
person (you-your), make jokes (if appropiate)
 Structure: Catchy title- Introduction-development-
conclusion (good idea to end with a rethorical question)
 Give your opinion if it is needed

B2 First (FCE) Article: Tips

 ANSWER THE QUESTION

 PLAN your article.
 Give your article a title.
 Make sure you have at least 4 paragraphs.
 Ask rhetorical questions to get your readers’ attention. Eg. What
would the world be like without oil? What will life be like in 20
years time?
 Speak directly to your readers. Eg. Let’s just imagine some of
the possibilities.
 Give examples where appropriate.
 Use humour where appropriate
 Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph.
 Finally, give your opinion where appropriate.
 REVISE your article to correct mistakes

How to Write an Article for FCE Writing Part 2

An article is a very common type of text nowadays. We can find

all kinds of articles in newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc. For
this reason, in order to know how to write an article for FCE,
we must bear in mind who will be reading our article.
Characteristics of an article for FCE Writing Part 2:
● Purpose of an article: The aim of an article is usually to
talk about a topic that we like or that we are familiar with.
Besides, one of the features that articles have as
opposed to other FCE Writing tasks is that an article
must entertain the reader and, almost always,
recommend the thing we are talking about.

● Language: In general, an article is more informal than an

essay, although it will depend on where it is supposed to
be published (an international magazine, a teenage
magazine, a college magazine, an online blog, a
newspaper, etc.). However, the most common case is that
we must write a text in an informal or colloquial style.
For this reason, our tone must be relaxed, making use of
contractions, phrasal verbs and other colloquial
expressions. Besides, it is recommended to use rhetorical
questions and exclamation marks to engage the reader.
You should also address the reader directly in the second
person (you, your) and can make jokes if you think they
are appropriate.

● Structure: Articles must always have a title, which must

be catchy and witty so as to engage the reader. Then,
each paragraph must address a single idea, to which you
must add the introduction and the conclusion, where you
are usually expected to make a recommendation. It is also
a good idea to end your article with a rhetorical question,
especially if it is going to be an online article where people
could (in theory) leave a comment.
● Giving your opinion: An article is almost exclusively
about giving your opinion, so feel free to do so through the
whole piece of writing. As you are normally asked to write
about something you like or enjoy, opinions are expected
to be generally positive. Any article for FCE is usually a
very personal piece of writing, so you can speak in the first
person as much as you like. 😊
 ● Common topics: You may be asked to write articles on a
variety of topics: the Internet, health and fitness, music,
plays, hobbies, etc.

Useful Expressions to Write an Article for FCE Writing

● Rhetorical questions:
● Have you ever…?

● Do you ever wonder…?

● What do you think about…?

● Are you a… like me?

● Are you one of those people who…?

● What would you say if I told you that…?

● Introducing new ideas:

● In the first place,

● To begin with,

● The coolest thing about

● What attracts me most

● One thing to consider is

● Another consideration is

● Secondly,

● As for

● As to

● As regards

● In addition,

● In addition to that,

● Moreover,

● Concluding the article:,

● On the whole,

● All in all,

● … you will not regret it!

The most useful thing I’ve ever learned

Have you ever learned something that completely changed your

life? I can remember exactly how it was for me when I got interested
in learning English and who helped me become the person I am
today.

I had always been in love with English music and I put in some work
by myself, but only when I ended up in the English class of Mr.
Weiss I got completely hooked. His amazing style of teaching struck
a chord and my skills skyrocketed in no time.

Feeling confident, I took the leap and moved to beautiful Australia

where I was able to travel and even call it home for over seven
years. And you know what?! I became an English teacher and now
help people who are just like I used to be with the same passion as
Mr. Weiss.

I really think that I wouldn’t be teaching English had it not been for
Mr. Weiss and his inspirational lessons. So, looking back, I hope my
experience inspires others to find ways to help the people around
them as well.
 Part 2
You must answer this question.
You see this competition in an international magazine.
COMPETITION
Imagine you were on a desert island. What would you miss most?
Write an article briefly describing an important object, person or place
in your life and give reasons for your choice.
The best article will be published and the writer will receive £500.
Write your article in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate
answer sheet.
Sample answer:
Have you ever thought about the most important possessions you can barely live without? Would
they be your bare necessities on a desert island? Well, for me it’d definitely be my mobile
accompanied by a solar charger and a week supply of my favourite chocolate.
Reading books and taking photos are just a few of daily activities I’ll be occupying myself with
during the lonely stay on an island, hence the latest smartphone and a solar charger are my top items.
An abundance of ‘me-time’ guaranteed on an island, which I’ve lacked for ages, would come handy
when devouring Stephen King’s and Jeffrey Archer’s ebooks.

Skills I’ve learnt on a survival course will definitely help me get by on an island however as I’m a
chocoholic, I’d definitely opt for a week supply of my favourite chocolate bar. Having mastered
tricks like catching a fish or igniting a fire without a lighter, which even Bear Grylls will praise me
on, can hardly replace heavenly delicious Milka chocolate.

I don’t know how you feel about staying on a desert island, but I can guarantee I would be far from
bored. Just imagine all those hot sunny days and warm starry nights with my favourite book and
mouthing-watering chocolate