For the Cambridge English: First for Schools Examination

CAMBRIDGE FCE
P R AC T I C E T E S TS

2
Writing Models
 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

ΟΝΕ
Writing • Part 1
1 
In your English class you have been talking about friends. Now your English teacher has asked
you to write an essay for homework.

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Some parents think they have the right to tell their children who they can
have as friends. Is their attitude good or bad?

Notes
Write about:

1 protecting children
2 having less freedom
3 .......................... (your own idea)

Friendships bring children pleasure, comfort and important opportunities to learn and develop
socially. It is important for all parents to know who their children’s friends are. How much should they
be involved, however, in their child’s decisions when making friends?

On the one hand, many parents believe they are protecting their children by controlling their
friendships. That is because they can help their child avoid certain negative influences which may lead
to risky behaviour or poor decisions. In addition, they can prevent bullying and the negative effects
of peer pressure.

On the other hand, children might not always welcome their parents’ advice. They may feel that their
parents are trying to limit their independence and choice. As a result, children could rebel against
their parents’ expectations and wishes. This might harm the parent-child relationship, leading to
unhappy parents and children.

In conclusion, I believe that parents should offer their children advice when it comes to choosing
friends. Nevertheless, they should also respect their children’s freedom of choice.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
ΟΝΕ
Writing • Part 2
2 You have seen this announcement in an international magazine.

A Wonderful Journey
Tell us about a great journey you have been on. Describe how you travelled,
the things you saw and the people you met. What made the journey so special?
We will publish the best articles next month.

Write your article.

A Wonderful Journey

Have you ever visited an amazing country with a rich history? Well, I have! Last autumn I travelled to
India. And let me tell you, it is definitely worth a visit!

Before booking the flight, I had investigated the ideal time of the year to visit and soon I was on my
way to this amazing place. It takes just over 8 hours to fly from London to New Delhi, but the journey
was not tiring at all. I stayed in New Delhi for a few days before I caught a train to Mumbai. It was a
magical journey through the beautiful Indian countryside. It took 16 hours, so I slept on the train in a
special cabin. There was also a restaurant on the train with great Indian food.

When we arrived in Mumbai, I was impressed by how much there is to see and do: the famous
Bollywood studios, the beautiful temples and parks and the colourful markets.

The locals are extremely friendly and welcoming, and their culture is full of unique customs and
traditions. Attending the Indian festivals and celebrations makes you realise what an amazing place
our world is. During my stay, I was lucky enough to be invited to a traditional wedding and I was
amazed by how strong the people’s family ties are.

My journey to India has had a big influence on my life and has totally changed me as a person. So,
what are you waiting for? Head to India and soak up the charming atmosphere of this extraordinary
country. I can assure you that it will be an unforgettable experience!

3
 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

ΟΝΕ
Writing • Part 2
3 You have seen this announcement in an English-language magazine for young people.

Stories wanted
We are looking for stories for our magazine. Your story must begin with this
sentence:
It had been raining hard all night, but Alex decided to go into town.
Your story must include:
• flooded roads
• a rescue

Write your story.

It had been raining hard all night, but Alex decided to go into town. He knew he couldn’t wait any
longer for help to arrive. His younger brother’s condition was only getting worse. He had fallen off a
ladder an hour earlier, and cut his leg badly.

It was still raining hard and the wind was blowing as Alex drove into town. He could barely see
though his windscreen. The roads were covered with water, and trees from some gardens had fallen
on the pavements. It was one of the worst storms the town had ever experienced. Suddenly, Alex’s
car broke down. He got out of the car and began pushing it off the road. After only a few moments,
he was soaked. He felt hopeless.

At that moment, a large vehicle with bright lights and a loud siren appeared out of nowhere. “An
ambulance!” Alex shouted. He quickly started waving his arms in the air, hoping that the driver
would notice him. The ambulance stopped and Alex explained the situation to the driver. A few
minutes later, they had arrived at his home. Alex was thankful and relieved. Finally, his brother would
get the help he needed.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
ΟΝΕ
Writing • Part 2
4 You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend.

I have to do a project about making my school more environmentally

friendly, and I remember you telling me that your school won an award
for this. Can you tell me what your school has done to become so
environmentally friendly, how the students and teachers have achieved this
and which changes have been most successful?

Please write soon, Kim

Write your letter.

Dear Kim,

It was lovely to hear from you. It’s great that you’re doing a project about making your school more
environmentally friendly, and I’m more than happy to tell you what my school has done to ’go green’.

First of all, my school has decided to say no to plastic. Both students and teachers have stopped using
plastic bottles and we have all started bringing reusable ones to school. Also, the cafeteria now uses
paper plates and knives and forks that can be recycled.

Secondly, everyone tries to save energy wherever possible. We always turn off the lights in classrooms
that aren’t being used, and the school has replaced all the lights with eco-friendly ones which use
less energy. Finally, the school has been using non-toxic cleaning supplies that do not pollute the
environment.

All these changes have been very successful because we have placed signs, posters and stickers
around the school to remind everyone to ‘go green’. This way, everyone is informed.

Let me know if you need more help, and good luck with your project.

Bye for now,

Penny

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

TWO
Writing • Part 1
1 
In your English class you have been talking about education. Now your English teacher has
asked you to write an essay for homework.

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Some children go to school where one of their parents is a teacher. Is this a

good or a bad thing for the children?

Notes
Write about:

1 having support
2 being watched continuously
3 .......................... (your own idea)

Some children have to attend a school where one of their parents works as a teacher. While this can
affect children positively, it can also have its disadvantages.

Firstly, children tend to perform better in a supportive learning environment. Having a parent’s
support at school can help a child feel physically and emotionally safe which can make them more
confident, and boost their academic performance. In addition, the fact that the other teachers are
the parent’s colleagues might help the child feel more comfortable at school.

On the other hand, children studying in their parents’ working environment might feel that they are
constantly being monitored. For this reason, they might not be able to express themselves freely or
to interact with other children in case their parents find out. This could also limit their chances of
making friends at school and thus harm their social life. A teacher’s child might also be treated as the
teacher’s pet, believed to receive an unfair advantage at school.

To sum up, there are both advantages and disadvantages to going to school where one of your
parents is a teacher. As far as I’m concerned, a child would benefit more from a neutral learning
environment.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
TWO
Writing • Part 2
2 You recently saw this notice in an English-language magazine called ‘TV Extraordinary’.

Reviews needed!
Have you seen a good TV series recently? If so, could you write a review of the TV
series you saw? Include information on the main characters, story and the features that
make the series so good and say why you would recommend the series to other viewers
of your age.

Write your review.

Being a huge fan of mystery, it’s no wonder that my favourite TV series is Sherlock. The series tells the
story of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, and is based on the short stories written by Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle.

Set in the present day, the series stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman
as his faithful companion, Doctor Watson. In the series, the streets of London in the 21st century are
filled with robbers, burglars and other criminals and, when the police are desperate, they call upon
Sherlock to solve the case.

This series is clever, unpredictable and well-written. While it has many references to the original
novels and stories, it also manages to put a contemporary spin on the legendary detective and that,
I believe, is the reason for its success. The only disadvantage is that there are currently only a few
episodes, each roughly an hour and a half long.

If you’re interested in the original novels and enjoy detective stories, I would definitely recommend
this incredible TV series which is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

TWO
Writing • Part 2
3 This is part of a letter you received from your English-speaking penfriend.

I like my new house and the town seems nice, but I haven’t really
made any new friends yet. I’m feeling a bit lonely. Have you got any
good ideas about how I could meet people of my own age?
Write soon, Chris

Write your letter.

Dear Chris,

It’s great to hear from you after so long! I’m happy that you like your new house and town, but I’m
sorry to hear that you feel lonely. Please don’t worry! There are several things you can do to make
new friends.

Firstly, you can join the gym or take up a new hobby. This is an excellent way to stay fit, learn
something new and be social at the same time. You could also try volunteering. There are lots
of charities out there that need our help, and volunteering is a great way to give back to your
community while meeting new people.

Secondly, why don’t you have a house-warming party? It’s a good opportunity to have some fun and
you’ll get to meet your neighbours too. Finally, it’s a good idea to start walking to school and around
your neighbourhood. You could also try riding your bike more often. That way you’ll discover new
places and get to know other people too.

Remember to be yourself, and don’t be afraid to make the first move. I hope this advice helps you.
Write to me soon and tell me your news.

Best wishes,

Carlos

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
TWO
Writing • Part 2
4 
You have recently had a class discussion about young people having part-time jobs. Your teacher has
now asked you to write an essay, giving your opinion on the following statement.

Teenagers shouldn’t have to work. Their parents should give them whatever money they need.

Write an essay.

Most parents would agree that one of the primary objectives of raising a child is to prepare them for
life in the real world. When it comes to teaching teenagers about work, some people believe that
the only way to do this is to allow them to get a job of their own. As far as I am concerned, there are
both advantages and disadvantages to allowing a teenager to work part-time.

There is no doubt that getting a part-time job can help teenagers develop a sense of responsibility.
Furthermore, they can gradually learn to manage money and begin to understand the concept of
personal finance; important skills which can help teenagers transition to adulthood. In addition, if
parents give their teenage children whatever they need, they risk raising children who are spoilt.

On the other hand, having a part-time job can add stress to a teenager’s life and can expose them
to situations and people they might not be ready for. Moreover, it can negatively affect academic
performance. For instance, teenagers might perform badly at school because they do not have
enough time to study.

To conclude, I believe that working can have positive effects on the life of a teenager, providing that
there is a healthy balance between school, work and after-school activities.

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

THREE
Writing • Part 1
1 
In your English class you have been talking about appearance. Now your English teacher has
asked you to write an essay for homework.

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

In some schools students are not allowed to wear earrings, certain clothes
or have any hairstyle they want. Are school rules about how students can
turn up for school fair or not?

Notes
Write about:

1 school for learning not fashion

2 everyone is an individual
3 .......................... (your own idea)

Many schools have certain restrictions on students’ appearance. Although dress codes are intended
to generate a positive atmosphere in a school, there are those who believe that they deny students
the right to be individuals and to express themselves freely.

To begin with, schools are a place to learn and grow educationally and morally. Having a dress code
at school ensures a more educational atmosphere and it encourages students to concentrate on their
school activities rather than the appearance of their schoolmates. Furthermore, certain dress codes
such as school uniforms encourage equality and promote a sense of belonging among students.

Meanwhile, there are those who feel that having to obey school rules regarding appearance restricts
students’ freedom of expression. More specifically, students are forced to adopt a way of dressing
which is not their own. Furthermore, not being able to choose their own clothes or hairstyle can have
a negative effect on students in later life, when they may find themselves unable to form their own
opinions or make choices.

In conclusion, I personally believe that dress codes can have a positive impact on schools, providing
they are not too strict and allow for some freedom of choice and self-expression.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
THREE
Writing • Part 2
2 You saw this notice in an English-language magazine called The Tourist.

Reviews needed!
Have you been on holiday recently? If so, could you write a review of the holiday you went on?
Include information on the place you went to, your accommodation, the things for tourists to do
there and say whether you would recommend the holiday to other people.
The best reviews will be published over the coming months.

Write your review.

Have you ever felt like escaping and getting away from it all? Well, last summer my family and I
decided to spend a week at Gardaland Resort, located in northeastern Italy, and it was truly an
unforgettable experience!

We stayed at the Gardaland Adventure Hotel and picked the Arctic themed rooms. Our hotel was
spacious and spotless and, even though it resembled an igloo, the atmosphere was cosy and warm.
There was a wide variety of great restaurants on site serving a range of different cuisines, including
Italian, Mexican and Greek. We also had a lot of fun enjoying the hotel’s cool video games and board
games.

Then there were the numerous activities on offer. You could choose a tour of the different sites and
attractions every day. While our parents spent most days relaxing by the enormous swimming pools,
my sister and I, being more adventurous, headed for the water slides and the roller coaster rides. In
the evenings, we enjoyed delicious refreshments while watching a different show every night.

I would highly recommend Gardaland Resort to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable and relaxing
holiday. There’s something for the whole family and it’s also great value for money!

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

THREE
Writing • Part 2
3 
You have had a class discussion about relationships. Now your teacher has asked you to write an
essay, giving your opinion on the following statement.

It is always better to agree than to argue.

Write your essay.

It is true that relationships have the power to influence our mental health, for better or worse. While
some people think that we should avoid arguments, I believe that when we do not argue, we miss
the opportunity to improve our relationships.

Firstly, each person has the right to have their own opinions, and we cannot always agree about
everything. In addition, we can only form real and long-lasting relationship if we allow others to be
open and honest about their own thoughts and beliefs. Listening with an open mind and learning to
appreciate diversity can only be achieved if we try to understand the other person’s perspective by
accepting them for who they truly are.

Secondly, arguments can sometimes be beneficial and they can help establish a more authentic
connection in a relationship. When voice our true feelings and opinions. As a result, the other person
can actually learn more about our character and thoughts.

In conclusion, from my point of view, conflict should not always be seen as a threat. Arguing can help
our relationships grow and allow some self-improvement in the process.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
THREE
Writing • Part 2
4 You have seen this announcement in an English-language magazine for teenagers.

Stories wanted
We are looking for stories for our magazine. Your story must begin with this sentence:
I read the text message, got dressed and ran down the stairs.
Your story must include:
• an accident
• a lucky escape

Write your story.

I read the text message, got dressed and ran down the stairs. I had spent all week studying hard for
my exam, and I was not going to fail it just because I had overslept. I was so glad that my friend had
sent me a message. “Why didn’t the alarm go off?” I thought to myself worriedly as I closed the front
door and got on my bike.

It was extremely hot and I could feel my heart beating hard as I struggled to pedal my bike quickly
up the hill. By the time I reached the crossroads close to my school, I was out of breath and I was
sweating. As I was turning right, I heard a loud crash. I looked up only to see that two large vans had
collided right in front of me.

I was so lucky. If I had gone a bit faster, I would probably have been involved in the accident too.
Fortunately, the two drivers were not injured and help arrived quickly. I got on my bike again and
raced towards the school. As I was approaching the entrance, I heard the bell ring. I had made it just
in time. I knew it would be my lucky day after all.

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

FOUR
Writing • Part 1
1 
In your English class you have been talking about the things students can do during the summer
holidays. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay for homework.

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Some parents believe their children should work during the summer
holidays when they are 16 years old. Is this a good idea or a bad one?

Notes
Write about:

1 gaining work experience

2 having fun in summer
3 .......................... (your own idea)

Some parents feel that teenagers should get a job during the summer in order to develop a sense
of responsibility and earn some money. On the other hand, there are those who believe that the
summer break is too short and a summer job does not leave enough time for relaxation, friendships
and family holidays.

First of all, summer employment provides young people with the opportunity to gain some
professional experience and financial independence. In addition, they can develop several life skills,
such as how to complete job applications. For some it may even be an opportunity to choose a
potential career path.

However, having a summer job can also be extremely time-consuming. Teenagers who choose
to work during the summer are often left without any free time to see their friends and enjoy
themselves. Consequently, they do not get the chance to relax before the new academic year begins.
Furthermore, summer jobs can sometimes be stressful. As a result, teenagers may spend their
summer holidays worrying or even developing a negative attitude towards working altogether.

In conclusion, although there are many benefits to finding a summer job, I personally believe that
teenagers should choose a part-time job which allows more flexibility.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
FOUR
Writing • Part 2
2 You have seen this announcement in an international magazine.

A Great Birthday
Tell us about a birthday you celebrated and what made the birthday so special.
We will publish the best articles in the next issue.

Write your article.

A Great Birthday

Everyone has an unforgettable moment in life, one they will remember forever. For me, it has to be
my last birthday!

The day started with feelings of disappointment and anger. Although I had made it perfectly clear
to my friends and family that I was looking forward to a special 16th birthday celebration, everyone
seemed to have forgotten. I was just thinking that things couldn’t get any worse when I was called
into the headteacher’s office because of an emergency at home! When my parents hurriedly picked
me up from school, I was expecting the worst.

But, my story would have a happy ending after all. As soon as I opened the front door of our home,
all my friends and family excitedly jumped up, shouting “Happy birthday!”. I was overwhelmed with
feelings of joy and happiness. The living room was beautifully decorated and a scent of freshly baked
cake was coming from the kitchen. What made the evening even more memorable? Well, apart from
the fact that my parents’ present was the latest version of my favourite video game, I also got a
surprise visit. My uncle, who lives in Australia, had finally come to see us. It was an amazing birthday!

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

FOUR
Writing • Part 2
3 You have seen this notice in an international magazine.

NATIONAL PARKS ORGANISATION

We are an international organisation that helps maintain national parks throughout Europe. We
need young people to work in national parks and forests during the summer. Accommodation will be
provided. Duties will include:
• making sure rubbish left by visitors is cleaned up.
• counting birds as part of a scientific study.
• painting and repairing wooden huts in the parks.
If you are interested, write to Mr Brown, stating why you are interested and why you would be
suitable for this kind of work.

Write your letter of application.

Dear Mr Brown,

I am writing with reference to the notice I read regarding your search for young people to work in
national parks and forests during the summer months.

I am 19 years old and I am currently pursuing a university degree in environmental science. My course
has helped me develop a solid understanding of environmental issues, including wildlife protection
and conservation. In addition, I have been an active member of environmental groups for the past
five years and I have participated in many voluntary beach and park cleanups.

I feel I would be suitable for this job because, apart from my knowledge and experience, I am reliable,
efficient, hard-working and I enjoy teamwork. Furthermore, I like working with my hands and I am
good at making things. This job will give me the opportunity to gain further practical experience in
the environmental sector. I would also like the chance to interact with other people who share the
same environmental concerns and interests as me.

I hope you will consider my application and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

John Green

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
FOUR
Writing • Part 2
4 You see this advert in an international travel magazine.

Reviews wanted
Young Tourists
We are looking for reviews of the best places young people can visit in your area.
Your review should include information about what there is to see and do in these places and
say why they would appeal to young people.
We will publish the best reviews.

Write your review.

Are you looking for a place which is charming, interesting and exciting at the same time? Then
Athens is definitely the place to visit!

If history is your favourite subject, this city has plenty to offer. Visit the Acropolis, admire the
extraordinary view and travel back in time to ancient Athens. A large number of museums, world-
famous monuments and interactive guided tours are also available in the city centre.

Walking tours are a great way to discover the city and find out where the best shops are. They
can be combined with food tours, which are a fun way for young people to discover Athens and
its local cuisine. For art lovers, I would highly recommend the street art tour around the local
neighbourhoods, where teens can admire the graffiti and other artwork on buildings and walls.

Sporty teens will enjoy visiting the Panathenaic Stadium, whose history is directly connected to the
Olympic Games. If you are a thrill-seeker, head over to ‘Allou! Fun Park’, the largest amusement park
in Athens. Feel your heart race on the forty-metre ‘Shock and drop’ tower, and enjoy panoramic
views of the city on the big wheel.

Overall, if you’re a young person looking for a place with a variety of options and activities, I would
definitely recommend visiting Athens as soon as possible.

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

FIVE
Writing • Part 1
1 
In your English class you have been talking about developments in education. Now your English
teacher has asked you to write an essay for homework.

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Some people think that technology will replace teachers in the future. If this
happens, will it be a good or a bad thing for students?

Notes
Write about:

1 working at own speed

2 having no help
3 .......................... (your own idea)

Nowadays, a modern classroom is often defined by the use of technology, and there is constant
pressure on teachers to implement technology in their lessons. Though there are several advantages
to making use of technology in teaching, the following question remains: Can technology replace
teachers in the classroom, and how beneficial would that be?

On the one hand, many people feel that if teachers are replaced by technology, students will be able
learn at their own pace. This will promote self-directed learning, as students will be able to choose
how much they wish to focus on a certain subject, depending on their needs. Moreover, students will
be given the option to study at their own convenience.

On the other hand, the replacement of teachers by technology might mean that students don’t
receive any academic help or emotional support. A computer, for example, cannot always answer all
of our questions and it cannot build an emotional relationship with a student, which is crucial for the
learning process.

On the whole, I think that while technology definitely aids the teaching and learning process, it
cannot completely take over the role of a teacher in the classroom.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
FIVE
Writing • Part 2
2 
You have had a class discussion about crime and punishment. Now your teacher has asked you to write
an essay, giving your opinion on the following statement.

The only way to punish people who have broken the law is to send them to prison.

Write your essay

With criminal activities being on the rise around the world, many people believe that the best way
to reduce crime is to send offenders to prison for a very long time. While it is true to say that putting
criminals in prison keeps our society safe, I personally believe that in some cases there are other
options which can also be effective.

First of all, not all crimes deserve the same punishment. The first thing to consider is whether
someone who has broken the law is a threat to other people. For instance, some crimes do
not involve violence and therefore do not present a direct danger to anyone in the community.
Furthermore, prison sentences do not always stop criminals from committing the same crimes again
in the future.

Secondly, I personally feel that punishments should help criminals see the error of their ways, so
that they do not reoffend. Community service, for example, can benefit the entire community and
also give the offender the opportunity to learn new skills. Furthermore, keeping criminals in the
community could help them develop more understanding of and respect towards others.

In conclusion, putting all criminals in prison can be expensive and ineffective. Community service for
non-violent crimes, on the other hand, can benefit both the offender and our society.

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

FIVE
Writing • Part 2
3 You have seen this notice in an international magazine called Leisure and Action.

We want your reviews

Write your review.

Are you a fan of adventure sports? Do you enjoy the feeling of an adrenaline rush? Then bungee
jumping is the activity for you!

About a month ago, I visited Corinth in Greece and I tried bungee jumping off a bridge over the
famous Corinth Canal. I must admit it was a life-changing experience! No special training or clothes
are required for the jump. In fact, the procedure is rather simple and all that you need is a harness, a
rope and bungee cords, which are given to you on site.

An instructor weighs you before the bungee cords are attached to your feet, and then he asks you to
put on a harness. Next, you step out onto the bungee platform and another instructor attaches the
right rope to your body. After a final safety check, you are ready to jump. Are you really daring? Then
ask the instructor to lengthen your rope just enough to allow you to touch the water!

If you’re looking for an exciting and unforgettable way to spend your leisure time, then bungee
jumping is the activity for you. I guarantee that it will help you overcome all your fears.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
FIVE
Writing • Part 2
4 You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend.

Do you remember when you asked me to send you information about a

famous historical figure from my country for a project you were doing? Well,
coincidentally I have to do a similar project. So, could you give me details
about a historical figure you admire, saying why he or she became famous,
why you admire him or her and how this person is remembered today.

Write your letter.

Dear Jack,

It’s great to hear from you after so long! How are you? I couldn’t have done my history project
without you, so I hope I can help you too.

The historical figure I have decided to tell you about is the famous Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. She
was born in 1907 and she became famous for her surreal paintings. Although she had planned to
become a doctor, she had a terrible accident and was badly injured when she was eighteen years old.
During her recovery, she began painting, using ideas about things that had happened to her.

The reason why I admire Frida Kahlo is because she never gave up even when things were hard in
her life. She managed to prove that disability doesn’t have to stop us, but it can push us and help us
think outside the box. Frida Kahlo is remembered today as an artist who was strong, passionate and
who expressed her feelings through her paintings.

Well, I hope this information is helpful. Send me a letter soon and let me know about your project.

Best wishes,

Elena

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Paper 2 Writing

SIX
Writing • Part 1
1 
In your English class you have been talking about examinations. Now your English teacher has
asked you to write an essay for homework.

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

In some subjects, students have to learn several pages of a textbook by

heart before an exam. Is this a good or a bad way of learning?

Notes
Write about:

1 passing exams
2 no understanding necessary
3 .......................... (your own idea)

Students are often encouraged to memorise facts and information before an exam through a great
deal of repetition. Although there are some advantages to learning things by heart, there are also
many disadvantages.

First of all, memorising helps students learn information and store it in their memory. Therefore, they
can easily recall it when it is needed. That explains why many people believe that memorising is an
excellent technique for successfully passing exams.

On the other hand, learning by heart does not always help students understand concepts, theories
or rules. Consequently, it does not develop students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills. For
example, if students are studying a piece of literature, they may have learned the characters’ names
and other basic facts by heart, but they may not have developed a deeper understanding of the
actual meaning of the piece of work. In addition, students may forget what they have memorised
immediately after the exam, as they may not have fully understood the concepts to begin with.

In conclusion, while I believe that there are some advantages to learning things by heart, it is also
important for students to really understand the concepts and be able to discuss them.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
SIX
Writing • Part 2
2 
You are at an international summer school where a few of the students are causing problems for the
rest. You have spoken to your fellow students, who have asked you to write a letter to the college
principal describing the situation and making a request for something to be done.

Write your letter.

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing on behalf of my fellow students to express our strong dissatisfaction with the recent
behaviour of a number of students during our stay at the international summer school.

Firstly, many of us have been excluded from sports games and activities on numerous occasions, as
these students feel that we do not have enough experience or talent to participate. To make matters
worse, none of us were allowed to take part in in the volleyball and tennis tournaments that took
place last week, even though they included different levels of difficulty for beginners and advanced
players.

Furthermore, the facilities and parks are often littered with plastic bottles and cans. Although
everyone else makes an effort to use the general waste and recycling bins, it has been noticed that
this particular group of students is responsible for the litter. Finally, some cases of bullying have
recently been reported, and we strongly feel that such behaviour is unacceptable in an international
school.

We trust that you will take all the necessary steps as soon as possible to ensure that incidents like
these do not occur again.

Yours faithfully,

Sam Smith

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 TEST
Paper 2 Writing

SIX
Writing • Part 2
3 You have seen this announcement in your language school magazine.

Articles wanted!
Dealing with Stress
All of us have to deal with stress at one time or another.
We want to hear what you find stressful,
how you deal with stress and how good
your methods are.
The most interesting articles will appear
in the next issue.

Write your article.

Dealing with Stress

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and stressed? We all experience stress at some time. In fact, we
sometimes need stress to help us function better. However, there can be times when stress becomes
too much to deal with.

There are many things in life that make me feel stressed. Friendship issues or problems at school
are some of them. When an important exam is coming up, I find the stress can often make me feel
anxious or depressed and this can easily affect my eating and sleeping habits.

If you also feel this way, don’t give up hope! First of all, you are not alone and there are some things
that you can do. Remember to ask for help. I find that working through my problems with others can
be an effective way to keep my social life going and make me feel better. Secondly, keep in mind that
school performance and exam results do not do not define who you are. Your life outside school is
important too.

I always find my methods particularly useful and I have saved the best one for last. I make a list of all
the things I enjoy and I find time to do them. This is guaranteed to reduce my stress levels and helps
me feel refreshed and relaxed in no time.

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 Paper 2 Writing
TEST
SIX
Writing • Part 2
4 You have seen this announcement in an English-language magazine for teenagers.

Stories wanted
We need stories for the magazine. Your story must begin with this sentence:
No sooner had Andy sat down after a hard day at school than the door bell rang.
Your story must include:
• an injured motorist
• a reward

Write your story.

No sooner had Andy sat down after a hard day at school than the door bell rang. He had been
thinking about the joy he had felt on his last birthday when his parents had finally decided to get
him a kitten. However, the feeling of joy had quickly been replaced by sadness when his new friend
had mysteriously disappeared. Andy and his family had searched everywhere. They had put up signs
around town offering a generous reward to anyone able to bring the kitten safely back home.

When he opened the door, Andy saw a badly injured man standing in front of him asking for help. He
had seriously hurt his leg and he was bleeding. Andy helped him sit down and immediately called an
ambulance. When the man had managed to catch his breath, he told Andy that he had accidentally
crashed his car trying to avoid hurting a kitten that was crossing the road.

Andy rushed outside and he couldn’t believe his eyes. His kitten was finally back home, safe and
sound! When the ambulance arrived, the injured man told Andy that he was not interested in a
financial reward. The best reward was being able to make a young boy happy again.

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