Writing-10 B2 First Writing Exam Tips

Tip #1: Use your time carefully on the FCE writing test

The writing part of the B2 First Certificate exam is 1 hour and 15 minutes. You need to write:

• One essay
• One choice writing from three possible questions (letter/email, report, article or review)

ADVICE

Start with the writing task that is “easier” for you. Try to get it done in half the time or less. Then, use the rest of the time on the “harder” writing.

“Easier” = you know the structure of the task well and/or you have a lot of ideas/vocabulary for the question.

Tip #2: Write a plan

Only a few students like writing a plan. However, it’s very helpful and can help you from getting stuck.

ADVICE

Use 5 minutes or less to write a plan.

Write down five B2 level words related to the topic, 5 different grammar structures to use, and 5 transition words.

Write a few notes for each paragraph. Don’t write any sentences – this takes too much time.

Tip #3: Answer ALL parts of the question

Answer all parts of the question and you will earn more points for having a complete answer. Before handing in your writing, check to see if you’ve answered ALL of the questions.

ADVICE

Example question:

Sample Writing Part 2 from Cambridge FCE

For this task, you MUST include: some places the college friends could visit and the best transportation to take. If these points are not included in your answer, you will lose points.

Tip #4: Invent information if you don’t have any ideas

Luckily, you do not have to tell the truth in your answer. You can create information on the FCE writing test.

ADVICE

This tip is important for the writing and speaking parts of the exam. As long as the information makes sense, it doesn’t have to be true!

Tip #5: Use more advanced vocabulary when you can

To earn more points, try to use more creative and difficult vocabulary. When talking about your family don’t just talk about your “mom, dad, sister, and brother.” Instead, try to talk about your uncle, brother-in-law, cousins. This shows that you have a bigger vocabulary.

ADVICE

If the task is an email asking about popular sports in your country, talk about kitesurfing instead of soccer. Everyone talks about soccer/football! Show that you have a better vocabulary with more specific words.

Tip #6: Practice writing with a permanent pen

On the official test, you must use a permanent, non-erasable black or blue pen. It’s important to practice writing with this so you get used to it.

ADVICE

If you make a mistake, don’t worry. Cross out the mistake with a line through the text LIKE THIS.

Tip #7: Practice, practice, practice

Write something outside of class 3-4 times a week for 10 weeks. It’s a lot of work, but in the end, they passed the exam!

ADVICE

Just like a sport or instrument, you improve writing by practice.  Try to sit down and write a few times a week.

Tip #8: Know your mistakes – and fix them

Going along with number 7, look at your writing after your teacher corrects it. Making mistakes is how we learn – they aren’t a bad thing.

ADVICE

Make a list of common mistakes that YOU make. If you aren’t sure what they are, ask me for help.

For example, if you use the word “the” too much. Before you give me your writing to check,  check the word “the” in your writing first.

Tip #9: Read your writing aloud

When you are learning to write, the best way to catch your mistakes reading your writing aloud, sentence by sentence. This will help you catch more mistakes.

ADVICE

While reading, you can mouth the words of the text without making any sounds. This will still help you catch your mistakes.

Tip #10: Make sure each paragraph is a new idea on the FCE writing test

Sometimes students write one long paragraph. Don’t do this! You will lose points.

ADVICE

Each time you have a new idea, write a new paragraph. Be careful – the essay is always 5 paragraphs.