B2 FIRST FCE CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: WRITING

What's in the Writing paper?

In the two parts of the Cambridge English: First Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in
English. There are two parts and you have 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete both parts.

What's in part 1?
You’re given an essay title and two ideas clearly linked to the title. You write an essay giving your opinions about the title, using
the ideas given. You must also add a third, different idea of your own linked to the title. The title will be a subject of general
interest – you won’t need any specialised knowledge.
What do I have to practise?
Using language functions, such as evaluating, expressing opinions, hypothesising, justifying, persuading.
How many questions are there?
One compulsory question.
How much do I have to write?
140–190 words
What's in part 2?
You write a text from a choice of text types – article, email/letter, report or review.
To guide your writing, you'll be given information about context, topic purpose and target reader.
What do I have to practise?
Writing different types of text that could be included in the exam.
How many questions are there?
One task to be selected from a choice of three.
How much do I have to write?
140–190 words

FCE / WRITING / PART 1

Essays
• Purpose of an essay
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.
• 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.
• Structure
When writing an essay, you can choose whether to give it a title or not. This could be the same question provided in the task. As
for the structure, it should have an introductory paragraph, and a conclusion at the end. The body should consist of 2 or 3 main
paragraphs, depending on how you decide to structure your ideas.
• Giving your opinion
Typically, in an essay we tend to express our opinion at the end, although it is acceptable to do so at the beginning, too.
• Common topics
Some common topics to write essays about are the environment, health and tness, work and employment, friendships and family,
money, celebrities, etc.

SAMPLE TASK 1

In your English class you have been talking about different ways in which you can protect the environment. Now, your English
teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

What can people do to help protect the environment?

Notes:

1. Recycle
2. Using bicycles and walking
3. ........... (your own idea)
Write your essay.
 SAMPLE TASK 2

In your English class you have been talking about work in your country. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an
essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Which is more important: to earn a high salary or to enjoy doing your job?
Notes:

1. Type of work
2. Time you spend working
3. ........... (your own idea)
Write your essay.

SAMPLE TASK 3

In your English class you have been talking about friendships. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

What should we do to make and keep friends?

Notes:
1. Being honest
2. Keeping in touch
3. ........... (your own idea)
Write your essay.

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

Sample 1: Sample 2: Sample 3:

- One of the things that - Nowadays,
- In the last few decades, - However, - we can all agree that
- For this reason, - Firstly, / Secondly, / Thirdly, - First of all,
- First, / Second, / Third, - Otherwise, - It is not advisable to
- Finally, - On the other hand, - However,
- By doing so, - For instance, - Finally,
- For example, - Finally, - As a result,
- In conclusion, - Take into account - To sum up,
- On the whole,
- I am of the opinion,
- In order to
•

More Useful Expressions - Linking devices:

- on the one hand, / on the other hand,
- nevertheless - Because of this/that
- Even so, - Therefore,
- Even though - It is therefore
- However, - Thus
- In spite of - As a result,
- Despite - As a result of this/that - For this/that reason,
- Although - Consequently,
- As a consequence,

Giving someone else’s opinion: - It is said that

- Some people say - It is believed
- Many experts claim - According to
- It is a fact that Concluding:
- The truth is that - In conclusion,
- I am of the opinion that
Providing examples: - On the whole, I would say that
- Such as - In my view,
- For example - The way I see it,
- For instance - To sum up, if you ask me
- Like

FCE / WRITING / PART 2

Articles
• Purpose of an article
The goal of an article is usually to talk about a topic you like or in which you are an expert. Also, your article should aim to keep
the reader engaged and, in some cases, recommend whatever it is you are talking about.
• Language
Articles are usually expected to be less formal than essays. Because they are intended to entertain, you can use more relaxed
language, using contractions, phrasal verbs and more informal words. Also, it is common to use rhetorical questions and
exclamation marks to keep the reader engaged or to make a point. You should address the reader directly and you can use
humour where you think it’s appropriate.
• Structure
Articles usually have a title. If possible, this title should be catchy so it grabs the reader’s attention. Then, you should have a
paragraph for each aspect you are writing about. In your conclusion, you might be expected make a recommendation. It is a good
idea to nish your article with a rhetorical question.
• Giving your opinion
An article is all about your opinion, so feel free to give it wherever you feel it’s necessary. Usually, you are asked to write
articles about topics you like or are
familiar with, so it makes more sense for your opinions to be generally positive. An article is a very personal piece of writing, so
you can use rst-person sentences freely.
• Common topics
You may be asked to write articles on a variety of topics: the Internet, health and tness, music, plays, hobbies, etc.

SAMPLE TASK 1

A local magazine has asked readers to write an article about their favourite things about the Internet. Write the article talking
about the things you do with the Internet and recommend a website to other readers.
Write your article.

SAMPLE TASK 2

Fitness bloggers wanted!

Our tness magazine is looking for in uencers to write an article on how to stay t when you are a college student. So if you have
any cool ideas, send us an article in which you:
• Explain the type of exercise you recommend • Recommend a healthy but cheap diet
• Give other ideas you like.
Write your article.

SAMPLE TASK 3

Are you a music fan?

Write an article for our magazine and tell us about:
• the music you like and why
• where see live music with friends
• music in your country
Write your article.
Useful Expressions

Sample 1: Sample 2:
- I love it! - Don’t worry! Sample 3:
- One of the cool things about - Keep on reading, you will thank - Since I was a young boy,
- straight away me later! - Impressive, right?
- Isn’t that fantastic? - First of all, - I’d love to share my views with
- For example, - Instead, you.
- Imagine that - Secondly, - Although
- However, - Finally, - my favourite kind of
- the greatest thing about - pay attention to - but the best one is
- In fact, - super important - As for
- I totally recommend it to - especially if - However,
everyone! - In conclusion, - If you follow all these tips, I’m - All in all,
- For me, sure you will - In fact
- What about you? - What about you

More Useful Expressions - 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 different paragraphs/ideas:

- Firstly,
- First,
- In the rst place,
- The coolest thing about
- What attracts me most
- To begin with,
- One thing to consider is
- Another consideration,
- Secondly,
- As for
- As to
- Also, as regards
- In addition,
- In addition to that,
- Moreover,

- Concluding
- In conclusion,
- On the whole,
- To sum up,
- To conclude
- All in all
- ... you will not regret it!

Reviews
• Purpose of a review
The purpose of any review is to talk about a topic in detail, assessing its pros and cons, and making some recommendations.
Also, given its similarity to articles, reviews are expected to entertain the reader while being more informative.
• Language
Reviews tend to be quite similar to articles, so the language can be standard or even a little informal. You should address the
reader directly, in the second person, and you can use humour if you think it’s appropriate.
• Structure
Every review needs a title. This should be as catchy as possible, to grab the reader’s attention from the beginning. In the
introduction, you should introduce what you are talking about in a leisurely way, trying to entertain the reader. Each paragraph
between the introduction and the conclusion should deal with a different aspect. And you should wait until the conclusion to
make a recommendation.
• Giving your opinion
Just like with articles, in a review you are expected to give your opinion throughout the whole writing, although the
recommendation is expected to happen at the end. A review is very personal, so you can use rst-person sentences freely.
• Common topics
Review tasks usually ask you to write about restaurants, books, lms, series, musical events, plays, etc.

SAMPLE TASK 1

Restaurant Review
You have found the following advertisement online:
Write a review of a restaurant.

SAMPLE TASK 2

Film Review
Your local lm club is asking its members to write a lm review to post on its website. Write a review of a lm you have watched
recently in which say whether you liked it or not and if you would recommend it to other members of the club.

SAMPLE TASK 3

Other Reviews
A local campsite is running a competition in collaboration with a local magazine. They’ve asked you to write a review of the
campsite, talking about the area and facilities and stating whether you would recommend it to other campers.

Useful Expressions:

Sample 1:
Restaurant Review
-
Being a huge fan of..., it’s no wonder that - a spacious dining hall
- Located smack in the middle of the city, - super friendly staff
- a wide variety - absolutely fantastic
- mouth watering dishes - The only negative thing I can say is that - Nevertheless,
- at a reasonable price - unbeatable atmosphere
- their servings are absolutely huge - you should definitely give it a try
- Another cool thing about - I promise you won’t regret it!
- its magnificent decor
- you will quickly fall in love with this place - Apart from
that,
Sample 2:
Film Review - Sample 3:
- Did you know that...? Other Review
- In fact, - Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been really keen on
- Set in central London, “Layer Cake” tells the story of - But despite being
- However, not everything goes as planned - simply amazing
- The main characters are wonderfully played There is something for everyone.
- dull and two-dimensional - your cup of tea
- As for the plot - So if you’re into camping
- it’s a real nail-biter - inexpensive
- you will never be able to guess the ending - nearby
- If you’re a fan of action movies, - You really don’t want to miss out!
- I completely recommend that you watch this.
•
More Useful Expressions:
- Things you like: - I was really pleased with
- What really caught my eye - I was really keen on
- What I enjoyed most about - The coolest thing was
- The thing I liked most - The best thing about it is
- I got a lot of enjoyment out of - protagonist
- I was completely gripped by - played by
- Things you don’t like: - the characters are believable
- However, all that glitters is not gold. - the main characters are well-crafted
- I was really disappointed by - some characters are a little two-dimensional
- I didn’t enjoy - villain / hero / heroine / anti-hero
- I was quite unimpressed by - (written) by
- The worst part/bit was - directed by
- It was simply not good enough - played by
- The worst thing is - starring
- Something I didn’t like was - the lead role is played by
- Film & Book reviews: - star actor/actress
- play a secondary role
- Characters, actors and others: - author
- the main character - scriptwriters
- the main actor - a production by
-
The main action: - a nail-biter
- The book/ lm/story is set in - a nail-biting conclusion
- The action takes place in - a cliff-hanger ending
- the plot - a shocking twist in the tail
- The plot centres around - action-packed
- The story focuses on the adventures of - addictive
- it’s a comedy/drama/thriller/romance - amusing
- the setting - adventurous
- based on a true story - (un)believable
- inspired by true events - breath-taking
- a classic - exhilarating
- a historical novel/ film - hilarious
- the plot - witty
- fiction / factual - a page-turner
- Describing the story - a tearjerker
- it’s a bestseller - a laugh-a-minute
- chapter - I couldn’t put it down - a slow start
- ending - a gripping climax
Restaurant reviews:
- location
- setting
- attractive setting
- decor
- The food:
- magnificent decor/ modern/ antique/ cosy / minimalist /
- a wide variety of mouth-watering starters/ main courses/
attractive
deserts - spacious / spotless
- I ordered ... accompanied by a side dish of ...
- dull/ dusty/ lthy
- the main course consisted of
- indoor / outdoor
- to be starving hungry / to be dying of hunger
- poor quality - The price:
- stodgy / bland/ tasty/ delicious/ exquisite/ processed food - reasonably priced / cheap / inexpensive
- home-made / take-away / ready meal
- worth the money / good value for money
- large selection of ... - expensive / overpriced / not worth the money / pricy
- poor value for money
- The staff:
- book in advance
- head chef
- always fully booked
- waiters
- Recommending:
- staff
- This book/ lm/restaurant would be absolutely perfect for
- service
- I would have no hesitation in recommending this book/
- attentive/ friendly/ charming/ helpful/ caring
lm/restaurant to
- forgettable/ acceptable - In conclusion, I recommend this book/ lm/restaurant to
- can hardly get a smile/ inattentive / slow/ disappointing
anyone who
- The atmosphere / decor: - I would highly / strongly recommend...
- I strongly advise you to...
- Everyone should try it / give it a try - I strongly advise you against / not to...
- ... not to be missed! - You should probably give ... a miss.
- I certainly wouldn’t recommend...

Report
• Purpose of a report
Reports are usually written to analyse a previous experience you have had, like a trip, or a place you have recently visited. They
tend to look at something that has passed, which you have to analyse and then make some recommendations for improvement.
• Language
The language of a report is expected to be formal and objective. For this reason, you should avoid including yourself or your
views in most of your sentences. However, you must give your opinion in the conclusion or recommendations paragraph.
• Structure
The report is the only piece of writing which has a title and subheadings. Each paragraph should have a subheading which
summarises its main topic. Also, the introduction can always be “Introduction” and the conclusion, “Conclusion” or
“Recommendations”.
• Giving your opinion
There are two main ways to give your opinion in a report. You can give it at the end of each paragraph, saying how you would
solve or improve each aspect. Or you can give leave it until the nal paragraph, where you can summarise how you would solve
or improve each aspect.
• Common topics
Some common topics for reports include talking about visits to museums, local businesses, trips and excursions, important
events, etc.

SAMPLE TASK 1

The gym you work for has been losing members recently and would like to know why they are leaving. The gym manager has
asked you to write a report about why these customers are leaving. In your report you should specify what the problems are and
should give recommendations for improvement.

SAMPLE TASK 2

Your college has just published the rst issue of the new college magazine. The organisers are interested in knowing what
students thought about it, so they have asked you to write a report. In your report, you should talk about what the students liked
and disliked about the articles, the sports section and the news section. Then, you should make suggestions on how to improve
the magazine.

SAMPLE TASK 3

You have visited a new car museum in your town with your school. Now your teacher would like you to write a report talking
the things you found most and least interesting and whether you recommend the visit to future students.
Useful Expressions
-
Sample 1: - Finally,
- The aim of this report is to Sample 2: - If we do these things,
- After interviewing some..., we have - The purpose of this report is to - Sample 3:
identified some serious problems. outline..., and to make - The aim of this report is to
- Some members have complained recommendations... assess... and decide whether
that - However, ..., so... - All the students... agreed that the
- For this reason, - It is thought that best part of it was
- Also, - This is not a good thing because - It displayed
- In order to solve this, I suggest - Many students complained - As a result,
- immediately about..., because - Another interesting
- Although - In order to solve the problems - Although..., most of us
- As a result, above, I recommend taking some - We believe that there is a lack of
- To sum up, I believe that if we take measures.
- Also,
- Firstly,
care of these problems, - Despite..., I recommend this visit
- Secondly,
- interesting and educational

More Useful Expressions

- Purpose, result and consequence: - Recommending:
- As a result (of this), - I suggest/recommend
- This has resulted in - I would like to suggest/recommend
- As a consequence, - I therefore suggest
- Therefore - I advise you (not) to
- It is therefore necessary to - I believe it would be bene cial
- For this reason, - It would be advisable to
- because of - You may wish/want to consider
- in order to - If you wish to..., you should
- in order for - If we wish to..., we ought to
- so that Starting your report:
- so - The aim of this report is to
- As requested, I am writing this report to
- This report aims to outline/assess
- The purpose behind this report is to

Letters & Emails

• Purpose of a letter or email
The purpose of the letter or email will depend on each task. Some tasks ask you to provide your friend with some important
information, while others will ask you to apply for a job, complain about something or ask for information.
• Language
The language depends entirely on the type of task, but in general you should use an informal style only if you are writing to a
friend or close relative. Otherwise, you should stick to more formal language, which happens in letters of inquiry, application or
complaint.
• Structure
All letters or emails should have a similar structure. You need an opening and closing formula; an introductory and closing
paragraph; and a body consisting of as many paragraphs as ideas you are asked to discuss.
• Common topics
Many letters or emails to friends and relatives include giving advice on a certain subject like visiting your town or keeping t, or
maybe some tips on how to deal with a problem. As for formal letters and emails, they usually ask you to apply for a job or a
volunteering programme, or to complain about something or ask for information. Sometimes these topics may appear in
combination.

SAMPLE TASK 1

Informal Email
An English friend of yours is visiting your city next summer. Write to him and tell him about the places he should visit and the
clothes he should wear. You must also offer him to stay with you during his stay.

SAMPLE TASK 2

Letter of Application
You have seen the following advertisement in a newspaper:
Write a letter applying to become a volunteer.

SAMPLE TASK 3

Email of Application and Inquiry

You have come across the following advertisement online:
FITNESS SUMMER CAMP
Do you need to get t in a short period of time? Do you have experience exercising but want to learn even more? Come and join
our tness summer camp. It will be a great experience and you will return home feeling better than ever and knowing much more
about healthy lifestyles.

Write an email to nd out more about the camp.

In you email, you should:
- explain why you would benefit from this camp
- ask for more information about the diet and accommodation
Sample 2: Sample 3:
Sample 1:
- Dear Jack, - Dear Sir or Madam, - To whom it may concern
- It’s great to hear from you after so - I am writing with regard to the - My name is... and I am writing
long! advertisement posted regarding
- How are you doing? - I would like to take part..., if it is - I am really interested in
- I’m so excited about possible. - Since I was a child, I have always
- Let me give you some tips - As you can see in my résumé, - So I am quite familiar with
- First of all, - I completed a degree in..., so I am - However,
- For example, qualified to - Also, I am writing to enquire about
- Besides, - Firstly,
- you should totally visit
- Furthermore, I have some - Furthermore,
- Also, don’t forget to
experience - If you could answer these
- As for
- For this reason, I am capable of questions, I would be really grateful.
- especially
- Finally, I must say that - I look forward to hearing from
- So forget about - Therefore,
- Oh, and remember to you.
- Can I ask - Yours faithfully,
- By the way,
- I look forward to hearing from
- If you want,
you.
- Anyway, I must dash now. - Yours faithfully,
- Drop me a line soon
- let me know what you think
- Best wishes,

• Useful Formal Expressions:

- Greetings: - I would also like to know if...?
- Dear Sir or Madam, → You don’t know the name of - I was hoping that you could tell me
the addressee. - Organising paragraphs:
- Dear Madam, → You don’t know the name of the - First of all,
addressee. - Firstly,
- Dear Sir, → You don’t know the name of the - In the first place,
addressee. - My first complaint is
- Dear Mr Johnson, - The first problem is
- Dear Ms Marshall, - My first concern is
Reasons for writing: - Secondly,
- I am writing with regard to the advertisement - In the second place,
- I am writing regarding your advertisement - In addition (to this/that)
- I am writing in order to complain about - Another possibility is
- I am writing to complain about - A further possibility is
- I am writing in relation to - I would also like to let you know that
- I am writing to enquire about - I would also like to inform you about
- I am writing to receive more/further information about - Another piece of information that might be
- I am writing to suggest
useful - Finally,
- I am writing to offer suggestions - In conclusion,
- I am writing to inform you about Ending the email or letter:
- I am writing to provide you with information about - I look forward to hearing from you.
- I am writing to let you know that - I look forward to your reply.
- I am writing to request permission to - I look forward to receiving your reply.
- I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest
Asking for information: convenience.
- The first thing I would like to know is - I look forward to receiving your explanation.
- First of all, I would like to know - I look forward to receiving a full refund.
- I wonder if you would mind telling me - If you require further information, please do not hesitate
- Could you please let me know (if/whether)...? to contact me.
- Could you also tell me...? - If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to
- Would you mind telling me...? ask.
- I am at your disposal should you require further
information. Closing the email or letter:
- Should you require further information, I am at your - Yours faithfully, → You don’t know the name of the
entire disposal. addressee.
- I would like to thank you in advance for Thanking you in - Yours sincerely,
advance, - Sincerely,

• Useful Informal Expressions:

Greetings:
- Dear Sarah,
- Hello Sara,
- Hi Sara,
Introductory paragraph:
- How’s it going?
- How are you doing?
- How are things?
- How are things going?
- It’s great to hear from you!
- Long time, no see!
- Sorry I haven’t written for ages, but
- I’m really sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you.
Reacting to good news:
- I’m glad to hear that
- I’m so happy that
- Great news about your
- I’m very happy to hear about - It’s so great that
Reacting to bad news:
- I’m so sorry to hear about
- Sorry to read about
- I can’t tell you how sad I am that
- I’m extremely sorry to hear about
- It’s just awful to hear that
- Introducing paragraphs:
- Oh, by the way,
- Hey, did you hear about...? - One more thing,
- Ask for
- By the way, tell me about
- Ending the email or letter:
- Well, I got to go now.
- Anyway, I should get going.
- I’ve got to leave you now.
- I’d better get going.
- Well, it’s time to go
- Make sure you write soon
- Don’t forget to drop me a line soon. - Look after yourself.
- Take care of yourself
- Closing the email or letter:
- All my love,
- Love,
- Lots of love,
- All the best,
- Take care,
- Best wishes,
- Best,
- Regards,
- Kind regards,