How to write an essay B2 First PDF

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How to write an essay? | B2 First (FCE) An essay is the first part of the writing and it is obligatory. You need to answer the question with between 140-190 words. In the text you need to analyse a question using different points of view, two of them are given and a third point has to be included. It is a semi-formal text and should be impartial until the conclusion. DEFINITION: A piece of writing written for a teacher to give your opinion and arguments to support it (reasons). PURPOSE: 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. FUNCTIONS: Agreeing and/or disagreeing Giving information/explanations Exemplifying Comparing & contrasting ideas Drawing a conclusion 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.

B2 First (FCE) Essay: STRUCTURE Introduction Present and develop the essay question in your introduction 1st body paragraph State your 1st argument and give a reason. This should be your main point. 2nd body paragraph State your 2nd argument and give a reason. (And 3rd if you do not include another paragraph). (3rd body paragraph (optional) State your 3rd argument and give a reason.) Conclusion Give your opinion

B2 First (FCE) Essay: EXAMPLE TOPICS 

You have done a project on transport in your English class. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinions on the following statement. “Because cars are so convenient public transport has no future.”

Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style. 

You have had a discussion on fashion in your English class. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay, giving your opinions on the following statement. “Young people never want to dress the same as their parents.”

Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

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You have had a discussion on the media’s treatment of famous people in your English class. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay, giving your opinions on the following statement.

“Famous people such as footballers, film stars and politicians, deserve to have a private life without journalists constantly following them.” Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

B2 First (FCE) Essay: TIPS!!!! ANSWER THE QUESTION PLAN your essay REVISE your essay to correct mistakes. 4 or 5 PARAGRAPHS (generally with 4 is enough), with Introduction and Conclusion The first paragraph should be a general introduction to the subject Develop your arguments in the middle paragraphs Give reasons to support your argument Use a variety of discursive words and phrases Give examples where possible Use formal language Don’t use contractions (we’re, I’ve etc.) Sum up your argument in the final paragraph The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearly.

B2 First (FCE) Essay: USEFUL PHRASES We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information. Although it is taking a shortcut, if you learn several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent and well-organized text. -

Presenting two advantages or disadvantages together:

not only … but … also not only … but also -

Presenting two opposing views:

on the one hand, on the other hand -

Expressing Contrast: Nevertheless, / even so / even though / However, / Although / In spite of = Despite (THE FACT THAT) / but Expressing results: Because of this / Therefore / thus / as a result / for this reason / consequently Expressing the opinion of someone else: It is frequently said (that…) / According to …

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Giving examples: such as / like / for example / for instance

B2 First (FCE) Essay: Frequently asked questions Should I make a plan? Yes! You must make a plan to organise your writing. On the day of the exam, you will be stressed and feel pressure. A plan is your way of organising you text and your thoughts.

What happens if I write more than 190 words? Nothing… Well, almost nothing. In the past for every 5 words extra, they took away a point, however, now they do not. It is not good to go over 190 words because of time, but you can. I wouldn´t write more than 200 words because they will probably lower the mark they give you for content. They will determine some of it to be unnecessary.

What counts as a complex language in the exam? You MUST use complex language at B2 level. You must use attention-grabbing vocabulary and a variety of grammar structures. The passive voice, relative clauses, modal verbs, conditionals, reported speech and inversions all count as COMPLEX grammar forms and you must use them....