Search

How to Write an Effective FCE Writing Essay

Are you looking for a challenge? Do you want to test your writing skills? If so, then the FCE Writing exam is perfect for you!

This exam is designed to assess your ability to communicate in English at a B2 level. This means that it is suitable for those who are able to use the language independently and fluently for most purposes.

The FCE Writing exam consists of four skills assessments: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each assessment is worth 25% of the total marks.

To prepare for the exam, you will need to familiarise yourself with the different types of tasks that could be set. These include essay writing, summary writing, report writing and letter writing. You will also need to practise your grammar and vocabulary.

FCE Writing Overview

The FCE is offered in two different versions: the B2 First for Schools and the B2 First for General and Higher Education. The written paper has two parts: a required essay and a choice of three text types which can be selected from a report or review, an article, an email, or a letter. An additional set text is offered as a choice for the school version in the second section.

The task in the first section is always an essay. You are given a point of view, an argument or a problem to discuss. You have to write between 220 and 260 words.

In the second section you have a choice of three tasks from four different genres: report or review; article; email or letter. The total number of words required for all the tasks in this section is between 340 and 380.

For each genre, there are specific task types that you need to be familiar with before taking the exam:

Report or Review:

A report informs readers about something that they may not be familiar with already. It could be about an event, such as a concert, exhibition or sports match, or it could be about a product, such as a new gadget or piece of software.

A review gives readers an opinion on something that they may be considering buying or doing. It could be about a film, restaurant, holiday destination etc.

Article:

An article is usually found in a magazine or newspaper. It often has a light-hearted tone and is more personal than other genres like reports or reviews.

Articles can be either formal or informal in style. In the FCE exam, you will need to write an informal article.

Email Or Letter:

An email is a message sent electronically from one person to another. Letters are messages sent by post from one person to another. In the FCE exam, you will need to write either an email or letter in response to given situation.

The FCE Writing first section requires the candidate to write a - word essay in response

In the FCE Writing's first section, the candidate must write an essay in response to a given topic within 140-190 words. The topic for this particular essay is transportation development and its effect on the environment. The candidate is expected to discuss how human activity leads to the pollution of oceans and waterways, as well as the effects that different modes of transportation have on the natural world.

It is no secret that transportation development has had a major impact on the environment, both positively and negatively. On the one hand, transportation development has made it easier for people to get around, which has helped to boost economies and connect people who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to meet or trade with each other. On the other hand, however, this increased mobility has also resulted in more pollution, as vehicles release harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This pollution can then cause serious problems for the environment, such as climate change and water contamination.

In terms of water contamination, it is worth noting that rivers and seas are particularly vulnerable to pollution from transportation sources. This is because many types of transport use oil or other petroleum products, which can leak into waterways if there is an accident or spillage. Once in the water, these pollutants can be extremely difficult to remove and can cause serious harm to plant and animal life. In some cases, they can even make waterways unsuitable for human use. Therefore, it is clear that transportation development can have a significant negative impact on the environment if proper precautions are not taken to prevent pollution.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of transportation development. For example, measures can be put in place to minimise oil spills during transport. Alternatively, cleaner fuels could be used in order to reduce emissions from vehicles. If effective mitigating measures were put in place, it would help reduce some of the negative environmental impacts of transportation development.

In conclusion, it is evident that transportation development can have both positive and negative consequences for the environment. However, by taking steps to reduce pollution from transport sources, it is possible to minimise the damage caused and protect rivers and seas from contamination.

Examining the Second Section of the FCE Writing Test

The FCE writing test is divided into two sections, each with different question types. The second section, which is worth 50% of the total mark, offers a choice of essay writing, storytelling, or a set text question for students. Adults taking the test may be asked to write a report instead.

The word limit for this section ranges from 140 to 190 words. For students taking the test from January 2019 to December 2020, the recommended set text is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. The Oxford Bookworms Edition is suggested for B2 level learners as it provides them with the best language and vocabulary.

So what can you expect if you're asked to write an essay or story for this section of the FCE writing test? Essays will require you to discuss a given topic in detail, while stories should be around 190 words in length and focus on developing a plot. Either way, you'll need to demonstrate strong grammar and vocabulary skills to score well on this part of the exam.

With that in mind, make sure you brush up on your English before sitting for the FCE writing test! And if you're not confident in your abilities just yet, consider signing up for a course or working with a tutor to help you prepare.

What is FCE Writing?

FCE Writing is an international English language exam that assesses your ability to write in an academic or professional context. The exam is divided into two parts: Part 1 tests your ability to write an essay, and Part 2 tests your ability to write a report.

To successfully pass the FCE Writing exam, it is necessary to exhibit communicative ability, organization, and language skills. Communicative achievement means that you are able to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. Organization refers to the structure of your writing, and language skills include grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.

If you're planning on taking the FCE Writing exam, make sure to brush up on your skills in all three areas.

Official Sample Tests for the Cambridge English exams

The resources it provides helps learners by giving them sample written tests that familiarize candidates with the exam's question format.

There's also a section on common mistakes that candidates make, so you can avoid them when taking your own exam.

Be sure to take advantage of all it has to offer!

Practice for the FCE Writing Test

six possible text types on the FCE writing test are: articles, reviews, reports, letters, proposals and emails. Practicing each text type will help the candidate become familiar with the structure and style of each one.

Sample texts and questions are available online, so candidates can get a feel for what they might be asked to write about in the test. There is also a marking scheme available, so candidates can see how their work will be assessed.

The best way to prepare for the FCE Writing Test is to practice writing as many different types of texts as possible. By doing this, candidates will develop the skills and confidence needed to do well in the test.

Time Management

Time management is one of the most important skills you need to master in order to succeed in the FCE writing exam. By allocating time to read the questions, pre-structure answers, and then divide the remaining time between the two questions will help improve chances of success.

Conclusion

Taking the FCE Writing exam can be a daunting task, but by following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to success. Just remember to allocate enough time to reading and understanding the questions, pre-structure your answers, and then use the remaining time wisely between the two questions. With a bit of practice, you'll be writing like a pro in no time!

Eugen

Eugen

About the author
Got kids about to go to college, so making my own research and sharing here!
Follow me: