B2 First (FCE) Article: Structure

Title
Think of an interesting title which will make people want to read your article

Articles usually have a title. The title should be informative (give the reader an idea of the
subject) and attractive (make the reader want to read the article).

• Keep it short (2-5 words) and clear

▪ No need for a complete sentence

Examples: The Internet: A Great Invention Keep It Healthy!

Introduction
Start your article in an interesting way. You could ask the reader a question or make a strong
statement.

The start of the article should be linked to the title, introduce the topic and engage the reader.
Often, an article starts with a question that introduces the topic which will be discussed in the
article.

▪ General statement about the topic.

▪ Start with a question, problem or quotation.

Introduction A: The Internet has changed the way we live. It started as something that we
could access only through a computer, but nowadays it is everywhere, and I love it!

Introduction B: Are you a busy college student? Do you struggle to keep fit and eat healthily?
Don’t worry! I am going to tell you exactly what you should do. Keep on reading, you will thank
me later!

1st body paragraph

The first paragraph should involve the reader in some way.

2nd body paragraph

Build on the interest you have raised in the first paragraph by telling the next part of the story

Each should be clearly defined, not too long and clearly linked.

▪ Describe issues in detail and use one paragraph per issue.

▪ Use linkers, sequencing and sophisticated vocabulary.

Paragraph A1: One of the cool things about the world wide web is that you can …..
Paragraph A2: However, the greatest thing about the Internet is how you can learn tons of
things…

Paragraph 1B: First of all, you must start moving your body. You could go to the gym if …..
Paragraph B2:Secondly, your diet is just as important. I suppose you live on a low budget

Conclusion
Finish the article in an interesting way. This could be humorous or thought-provoking

An ending can state an opinion, give the reader something to think about, summarise the
article or even end with a quotation.

Conclusion A: If you follow all these tips, I’m sure you will keep fit easily! And if you already
tried that, let me know how you feel now

Conclusion B: In conclusion, the Internet has a lot of great things. For me, the best are finding
information and learning online. What about you? What are your favourite things about it?

Let’s summarize! – How to write an Article?

1. Give your article a title.

2. Try and engage the reader’s attention and interest. Ask questions at the beginning.

3. There should be a link between the opening sentence and the title.

4. Personalise the article using true stories or anecdotes.

5. If you decide to take a light-hearted approach or a more serious one, maintain the
same style throughout the article.

6. Check your work for accuracy, punctuation and spelling.

Article could be light or serious (but should be consistent), depending on who the target
reader is. May use some rhetorical questions e.g. Can you imagine a school where every
student enjoys themselves?
B2 First (FCE) Article: Writing Checklist
After writing your text, you can check it yourself using the writing checklist below.

How to do that? Simply check your text/email by answering the questions one by one:

Content

• Have I covered all the key information required by the task?

• Have I written only information which is relevant to the task?

• Have I developed the basic points in the task with my own ideas?

Communicative Achievement

• Have I achieved the main purpose(s) of the text (for example, explaining, persuading,
suggesting, apologising, comparing, etc.)?

• Have I communicated a balance of straightforward and more complex ideas?

• Have I used a suitable style and register (formal or informal) for the task?

Organisation

• Have I used paragraphs appropriately to organise my ideas?

• Have I used other organisational features appropriately for the genre of the text (for
example, titles, headings, openings, closings, etc.)?

• Is the connection between my ideas clear and easy for the reader to follow? (For
example, have I used appropriate linking words, pronouns, etc. to refer to different
things within the text?)

• Are the ideas balanced appropriately, with suitable attention and space given to each
one?

Language

• Have I used a wide range of vocabulary?

• Have I avoided repeating the same words and phrases?

• Have I used a range of simple and more complex grammatical structures?

• Have I correctly used any common phrases which are relevant to the specific task or
topic?

• Is my use of grammar accurate?

• Is my spelling accurate?
B2 First (FCE) Article: Useful Phrases & Expressions

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.

Rhetorical phrases:

Have you ever ……..?

What do you think about ……..?
Are you one of those people who thinks that ……?
Are you one of those people who …….?
What would life be like if ……?
Will the future bring us ….. ?

Introducing your first point:

Firstly
In the first place
First of all
The first thing to consider is
One thing to consider is
To begin with

Introducing more points:

Secondly
Another consideration
Yet another consideration
Another thing to consider is
Added to that
Apart from that
In addition to this

Introducing your final points:

In conclusion
To conclude
To sum up
So

Introducing your opinion:

I think
In my opinion
Personally, I believe that
In my view
If you ask me
To my mind
My personal opinion is