B2 FCE Writing - All Things English Spain

Before you begin

What does the B2 writing paper look like?

Two parts, two tasks. Here is what to expect on exam day.

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Part 1 — Essay

Compulsory. You argue a point of view using three given notes.

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Part 2 — Your choice

Choose one from three options: report, review, email, article or letter.

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1 hour 20 minutes

Spend roughly 35–40 minutes on each task.

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Marked on 4 things

Content, communicative achievement, organisation, and language.

Word count matters. Always aim for 175–185 words — safely inside the 140–190 limit. Going below 130 or above 200 will cost you marks on both tasks.

Too short

≤ 130

Sweet spot

140–190

Too long

200+

Part 1

The essay

This question is compulsory. You will always be given a statement and three notes to address.

Para 1Introduction~35 words

Rephrase the question in your own words — never copy it directly
State your opinion clearly at the end of the paragraph
No reasons yet — just set the scene and take a position

Para 2Note 1 — develop it fully~40 words

Open with a linking phrase: To begin with… / One significant factor is…
State the point → explain why → give a consequence or example

Para 3Note 2 — develop it fully~40 words

Add a linking phrase: Furthermore… / In addition to this… / Another key point is…
Same structure: point → explanation → example or result

Para 4Note 3 — your own idea~40 words

This is where examiners look for originality — do not be vague
Safe ideas: social media pressure, government responsibility, lack of education, economic inequality
Must link clearly to the essay topic

Para 5Conclusion~25 words

Summarise your three points briefly
Restate your opinion using different vocabulary
Open with: In conclusion… / To sum up… / All things considered…
Never introduce new ideas here

Model essay — topic: social media and young people 187 words

Intro In the modern world, social media has become an inseparable part of daily life, particularly for younger generations. While many argue that it offers great benefits, I strongly believe that its negative effects on young people far outweigh the positives. Note 1 — mental health To begin with, excessive use of social media is closely linked to a decline in mental health. Young people constantly compare their lives to the carefully edited images they see online, which frequently leads to anxiety and low self-esteem. Note 2 — sleep Furthermore, screen time at night has a damaging effect on sleep quality. Many teenagers admit to checking their phones until late, which affects their concentration and academic performance the following day. Note 3 — own idea: misinformation Finally, social media spreads misinformation at an alarming rate. Young people are particularly vulnerable, as they may lack the critical thinking skills needed to distinguish reliable sources from false ones. Conclusion In conclusion, social media poses serious threats to young people's wellbeing, sleep, and critical thinking. Stricter guidance from parents and schools is urgently needed to address these challenges.

Do ✓

Use formal, impersonal language
Address all three notes
Vary your linking words
Give reasons, not just opinions
Rephrase the question in your intro

Don't ✗

Use contractions (it's → it is)
Copy the question word for word
Start every sentence with "I"
Leave note 3 vague or undeveloped
Add new ideas in the conclusion

Part 2

Choose your text type

Click a tab to see the structure, model answer, and key tips for each option.

OpeningCatchy title + hook

Give your article a title — this is expected and earns marks
Open with a question, surprising fact, or bold statement
Tone is engaging and personal — you are writing for a general audience

Body2–3 developed paragraphs

Each paragraph covers one main idea — topic sentence + development + example
Use rhetorical questions to involve the reader: Have you ever wondered why…?
You can share opinions directly: In my view… / Personally, I believe…

ClosingMemorable final thought

End with a call to action, a question, or a thought-provoking statement
Do NOT close like an essay: avoid "In conclusion"

Model article — topic: is travel the best education? 183 words

Title + hook Pack Your Bags: The Classroom Can Wait They say that travel broadens the mind — but can a gap year really teach you more than a university lecture? Having spent six months travelling across South America, I believe the answer is a resounding yes. Body 1 Travelling forces you to solve real problems on your own. When your train is cancelled in a country where nobody speaks your language, you learn resourcefulness and patience faster than any textbook could teach you. These are skills that employers actively look for. Body 2 Beyond practical skills, travel exposes you to different cultures and ways of thinking. Spending time with locals completely reshapes your understanding of the world and challenges the assumptions you grew up with. This kind of open-mindedness is invaluable. Closing Of course, travel is not accessible to everyone, and that is a conversation society needs to have. But for those who have the opportunity, stepping outside your comfort zone may be the most important education of all. So — what are you waiting for?

Key vocabulary for articles

Have you ever considered… Without a doubt, What many people fail to realise is… It goes without saying that… In my experience, The truth is,

TitleFormal heading required

Write a noun-phrase title: e.g. Report on leisure facilities in Greenfield
Not a sentence — just a clear, formal label

IntroductionState the purpose

One short paragraph: who asked for it, what it covers
Use: The aim of this report is to… / This report was commissioned in order to…

SectionsUse subheadings throughout

Each section has its own subheading — this is essential for a report
Address each bullet point from the task in a separate section
Use impersonal language: It is recommended… / It was found that…

RecommendationsAlways include suggestions

Give 2 specific, realistic improvements
Use the passive or modal verbs: It would be advisable to… / The council should consider…

Model report — topic: sports facilities in a town 181 words

Title Report on Sports Facilities in Riverside Intro Introduction The aim of this report is to outline the current sports facilities available to residents of Riverside and to suggest improvements. It has been prepared following a survey of local users. Section 1 Current facilities Riverside currently offers a public swimming pool, two football pitches, and a small gym inside the community centre. The swimming pool is particularly well-used, attracting visitors of all ages on a daily basis. However, the gym equipment is outdated and the football pitches are poorly maintained. Section 2 Areas for improvement The most frequently mentioned concern among residents was the lack of indoor court sports. Many young people expressed interest in badminton and basketball facilities. Recommendations Recommendations It is strongly recommended that the council invest in a multi-use indoor sports hall. Furthermore, replacing the gym equipment would significantly increase membership numbers and improve the overall reputation of the centre. Prepared by: [Your name]

Do ✓

Use subheadings for every section
Use impersonal, formal language
Include a clear recommendations section
Address both task bullet points

Don't ✗

Write "I think" or "I feel" (too informal)
Forget the title or subheadings
Write it as flowing paragraphs only
Make your recommendations vague

OpeningHook + introduce the subject

Name what you are reviewing immediately (film, restaurant, app, place…)
Open with something engaging — not just "I am going to review…"
Tone is personal and enthusiastic — you can use "I"

BodyWhat it is + why you liked/disliked it

Brief description — do NOT spend most of your words summarising the plot or menu
Spend most space on your personal reaction: what impressed you, what disappointed you
Use strong descriptive adjectives: gripping, overpriced, breathtaking, disappointing, underrated

ClosingClear recommendation

Say clearly who it is for: I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys…
Give it a star rating or verdict if appropriate

Model review — topic: a restaurant 176 words

Hook A Hidden Gem Worth Every Penny Tucked away on a quiet side street in the city centre, Casa Morena is the kind of restaurant that makes you wonder how it has stayed under the radar for so long. Description The menu focuses on traditional Mediterranean dishes, from slow-cooked lamb to freshly baked flatbreads. The portions are generous and the ingredients clearly high quality. We visited on a Friday evening and were impressed by how quickly the food arrived despite the restaurant being full. Personal reaction What truly sets Casa Morena apart, however, is the atmosphere. The low lighting, exposed brick walls, and live guitar music create an experience that feels genuinely special rather than manufactured. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive, which is harder to find than you might think. Recommendation Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable dinner, Casa Morena delivers on every count. I cannot recommend it highly enough. ★★★★★

Strong adjectives for reviews

breathtaking underwhelming genuinely impressive overrated surprisingly affordable a must-visit worth every penny left a lot to be desired

GreetingOpen warmly

Use "Dear [Name]," — slightly more formal than "Hi" for Cambridge
First line: acknowledge what your friend said — show you read their email
Express empathy before jumping into advice or information

BodyAnswer everything they asked

Re-read the task carefully and underline each question you need to answer
Organise your reply clearly — one paragraph per topic if possible
Use: You asked about… / Regarding your question about… / As for…

Sign-offEnd warmly and naturally

Refer to future contact: Let me know what you decide! / Hope to hear from you soon.
Sign off: Best wishes, / Take care, / Speak soon,
You can use contractions here — it is appropriate for a friendly email

Model email — friend asking for advice about learning a language 179 words

Greeting Dear Marcus, What a lovely surprise to hear from you! I am so glad you have decided to learn Spanish — it is one of the best decisions I ever made, and I am happy to give you some advice. Body 1 — what to do First of all, I would strongly recommend downloading a language app for daily practice. Even fifteen minutes a day makes an enormous difference over time. I also found it incredibly useful to watch Spanish films with subtitles — it trains your ear without feeling like studying. Body 2 — what to avoid One thing I would avoid is trying to memorise long vocabulary lists. It is tedious and most people forget the words within a week. Learning vocabulary in context — through songs, conversations, or stories — is far more effective. Sign-off The most important thing is to enjoy the process — do not be afraid to make mistakes! Let me know how it goes, and perhaps we can practise together sometime soon. Take care, [Your name]

Do ✓

Answer every question they asked
Use a warm, personal tone
Show empathy at the start
Contractions are fine here

Don't ✗

Use slang ("gonna", "wanna", "loads of")
Miss one of the questions asked
Write like a formal report
Forget to sign off properly

Language toolkit

Linking words that impress examiners

Variety matters. Do not rely on the same two or three connectors throughout your writing.

Adding a point

Furthermore, In addition, What is more, Not only that, but…

Contrasting

However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Despite this,

Giving reasons

As a result, This is because… Consequently, Due to this,

Concluding

In conclusion, To sum up, All things considered, Overall,