In the B2 First Writing Paper you could be asked to write an article

about a variety of topics. However, it’s often something you’ve

recently learned to do or know a lot about. For example, the
question might be about a concert you’ve been to recently, you
favourite hobby or your hometown.

The idea is to write in a way that grabs the reader’s attention and
keeps them interested until the very end.

Differences between articles and essays

​ In an article, you need to constantly be telling the reader what
you think.
​ The article is informal, the essay is formal and neutral.
​ The essay has a clear organisation, whereas the article might
not.

B2 First (FCE) Article: Structure

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

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

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

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

B2 First (FCE) Article: Writing Guide

Title
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

Title A: The Internet: A Great Invention

Title B: Keep It Healthy!

Introduction
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!

Paragraphs 1-2
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
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?

TOPIC: You
see this announcement in an international magazine for
young people learning English.
Take my advice …
Write an article telling other students the things that have worked
for you in learning English.
You should describe any method, books or people who have
helped you and explain how these could help other students.

Write your article.