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WRITING FOR CAMBRIDGE
There are two parts to the writing exam , and you have 1 hour and 20 minutes to write, we advise that you split that time in half i.e. (that is) 40 minutes each.
Writing for Cambridge Exams B2 FCE: 140 – 190 words
In part one you are asked to write an essay, OK STOP, what’s an essay? An essay is opinion writing where you analyse the topic, to make it easier, let’s look at an example question.
The first paragraph introduces the topic, different ways in which we can protect the environment.
The second paragraph deals with note 1 – recycle, the third, note 2 – using bicycles etc and the third paragraph is your own ideas this needs to be connected with the topic and you can be impartial with your opinion. You then need to end with a conclusion.
“What if I write more than 190 words” this is a question we are often asked at NikaTeacher. We advise that you can usually fit 10 words on each line, so it’s easy to get a rough idea as you are writing , if you go over 190 words, you won’t be penalised, however, you might be including irrelevant information, this is why it’s important to plan before you write. Top tip: PLAN for B2 FCE writing exam
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN, make some notes before you start writing, decide what you are going to put in each paragraph with useful linking expressions (more on those later). Planning you writing will make the task a lot easier and you will have so much confidence when you start writing. You are ready to go!
Useful expressions
Introduction: The aim of this essay, One of the things that, In the last few decades.
Conclusion: In conclusion, To conclude, To sum up.
For your second third and fourth paragraphs: Firstly, On the one hand, On the other hand, Secondly, However, Also, Having said that.
Useful linkers
It’s essential that you use linkers in your essay, this makes it flow and is easier for your target audience to read and understand. Here are some useful examples….
Addition, in addition, also, as well as.
Conditional, as long as, unless, provided.
Contrast, although, despite, yet, in spite of.
Purpose, in order to, so, so as to and so as not to.
Reason, as a result, because and because of, due to.
So how do we use them, well we go over these in great detail in English
classes at NikaTeacher. There are countless linkers so try to remember a few from each heading rather than all of them and getting confused.
More top tips
Think about what you are writing and your target audience, in the above exam task, you are writing for your teacher so it needs to be in a formal style, try to avoid contractions and slang words, or words that are too common or generic (things, stuff, get). Use past, present and future tenses, in order to show your teacher your understanding of English. (see what I did there, purpose link good eh!)
Once you’ve finished your essay, READ IT BACK, try to read it moving your lips (not out loud you’re in an exam room remember) this will help you understand the flow and also highlight any mistakes you have made. If you still have some time, read it again, you might have missed something. And most of all GOOD LUCK, you’ll be great!
