Writings for FCE B2

1) ESSAY: In this writing we analyze a topic, a situation or a problem from different points of view, arguing each one
of them and expressing our opinion about it.

• Tone and register: As it is a writing on a serious or controversial topic, the essay is a formal writing, so we
must use an objective tone, avoiding common words (eg things, stuff, get, etc.) and contractions (eg can't, don't,
won't, etc.).

• Structure: A propper title. Then, the body should be divided into an introduction, idea 1, idea 2, idea 3,
and a conclusion.That is, in general, an essay must have 5 paragraphs, although it is not mandatory.

• Opinion: There are countless ways to express your opinion in an essay, so choose the one that best suits your
style. However, it is normal to remain impartial throughout the writing and express your opinion only in the last
paragraph, as a conclusion. The most important thing is that you justify everything you say in the writing.

• Consistency: As it is a justifying and argumentative text, you cannot write unconnected sentences and
paragraphs, so your ideas must follow a logical and well-connected order using appropriate connectors.

2) ARTICLE: An article is a very common type of text in everyday life. We can find articles of all kinds in
magazines, blogs, newspapers, etc.

• Purpose: The purpose of an article is usually to talk about a topic that you like or are an expert on. one of the
characteristics is that an article must entertain the reader and, almost always, recommend what is being talked
about.

• Tone and register: In general, an article is more informal than an Essay, although it will depend on where
the article is supposed to be published (international magazine, teenage magazine, college magazine, etc.) The
register must be relaxed, using contractions, phrasal verbs and other informal expressions. Also, it is
recommended to use rhetorical questions and exclamation points to entertain the reader. You should also address
the reader directly, in the second person (you, your) and you can use humor if you think it's appropriate.

• Structure: Must always have a title. If possible, it should be catchy or witty to amuse and engage the reader.
Afterwards, you should present an introduction, dedicate a paragraph to each idea you are going to present and a
conclusion in which you are usually expected to make a recommendation. It's also a good idea to end the article
with a rhetorical question, especially if it's an online blog post that people will (in theory) be able to comment on.

• Give your opinion: An article is almost exclusively about expressing your opinion, so give it whenever you
think it's necessary since you are usually asked to write about something you know or like, the opinions are usually
positive. You can speak in the first person whenever you like.

• Common topics: the Internet, health and fitness, music, hobbies, technology, etc.

3) REVIEW: It is a task similar to that of the article, but it is usually something much more specific: an assessment
of an object, a movie, a series, a television program.

4) REPORT: Is a type of Writing in which a past event or experience is discussed and, usually, suggestions or
recommendations are offered to improve that event or experience. It is a text that we are going to write for a
superior: a teacher, a boss, a director, etc
• Purpose: To inform about something, especially an event or an experience that has taken place in the past. It
analyzes a subject point by point and, in general, highlights those relevant aspects, both positive and negative, and
offers recommendations to improve the negative aspects.

• Tone and register: Must always be formal. In general, try to avoid contractions, not using very generic
words such as "good" or "thing", and write from a neutral point of view, etc.

• Opinions: In general, opinions in the form of personal reflection are not included in a report, we will have to
analyze something from our point of view, but being as objective as possible. Although this, as in almost all
writings, will always depend on the context, the theme and the way of approaching the report.

• Recommendations: We will always have to offer some recommendation for improvement, in fact, the
statement always usually mentions the need to offer some recommendation.

• Common themes: Excursions or tourist visits, exchange programs, things that a visitor to your city can do or
find, etc.

• Structure: It will have the main title and a heading for each section or paragraph (subtitles). Each of these
headings simply describes the topic of the paragraph or section it introduces.

• Title: This is an objective and descriptive title of the content of the report.
• Introduction: Here the objective of the report is briefly explained (what it is about) and what points are
going to be analyzed.
• Point 1:First aspect to analyze.
• Point 2: Second aspect to analyze.
• Point 3: Third aspect to analyze (sometimes).
• Recommendations or conclusion.

5) INFORMAL LETTER OR EMAIL: Some tasks will involve giving important information, while in others we
will have to give advice.The most common thing is that a friend or relative asks us something, either about our city or
about something else related to us.

• Structure: They always follow the same structure: we always need an opening formula or paragraph, a
main body, which will consist of the number of main ideas that we have to present and a closing formula or
paragraph.

• Register and tone: Language must be relaxed and friendly, which we could call informal register. In this
way, we must make use of contracted forms, common phrasal verbs, colloquial expressions.

6) FORMAL LETTER OR EMAIL: A formal letter is an orderly or professional form of communication. It follows
a number of conventions related to layout, language and tone. There are two types of formal email or letter you
may be asked to write in the B2 First exam – a letter of application and a letter of complaint.

1- Letter of application: In this type of task you’ll have to talk about why you’re applying for the position and justify
your skills. It could be an application for a part-time job, study or scholarship programme.
2- Letter of complaint: This could be a letter to a hotel manager, a shop assistant or organisation. You may be
complaining about the quality of a service, product or the organisation of an event. Sometimes you’ll have to request
some kind of action or resolution, at other times, you may have to correct a misunderstanding.

Tone and register: Must always be formal. In general, try to avoid contractions.

Structure:
1) Greeting: (Don’t forget to write a comma after the name, and then include a space before starting a new line).
• Dear Sir / Madam, (if you don’t know the name),
• Dear Mr or Mrs X (if you know the name),
• To whom it may concern,

2) Opening paragraph: Explain to your reader your reasons for writing.

3) Main body: This is where you want to give the details of your application or your complaint. Keep referring back
to the question, and remember to keep it formal:
-Speaking about your experience and skills (Letter of application)
• I think I am suitable for the role because…
• I have X years experience working as a X.
• My qualifications include…
• I am currently working as a X
• In my spare time I enjoy…
• I am an avid basketball player/cricketer/volleyball player…

-Explaining a problem and requesting action (Letter of complaint)

4) Final Paragraph: Here is where you want to create a lasting impression on your reader. You also want to highlight
some form of action you want them to take.
• I very much hope you will…
• I look forward to hearing from you soon.
• I would appreciate it/ be grateful if…
• I trust you will…

5) Closing: Don’t forget to finish your B2 First formal email/letter with a friendly, but courteous closing phrase.
• Yours sincerely, (if you know the name of the recipient)
• Yours faithfully, (if you don’t know the name of the recipient)
• Thank you for your consideration, (for a letter of application)
• I trust you will…

You should then write your full name and your sign-off.

7) STORY:
• Main characteristics: engaging, interesting, well-structured
• Register: depending on the story
• Structure: beginning, main part (2 or 3 paragraphs), ending.
• Language: adjectives/adverbs, past verb forms, direct speech, time expressions.