Writing for B2 First
What is the B2 First (FCE) Writing test like?
The test has two sections and takes about 80 minutes:
The first piece of writing will always be a compulsory task, which means you must write using the prompts given. In the second part, you will be able to make a choice between 3 topic options.
- Part 1 – write an essay based on prompts
- Part 2 – write one from a choice of 3 questions: an article, an essay, a letter or email, a report, a review, or a story.
Scoring
Each of the two writing parts is marked out of 20. There are five marks for each of the following: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language. You must write 140-190 words for each part.
How to prepare for the B2 First (FCE) Writing test
- Choose a question that you are interested in. You will write better if you know the subject.
- Read the instructions carefully before you start. Make notes. You must include all the points from the instructions in your writing.
- Make a plan before you start writing. Decide what information to put in each paragraph.
- Think about who you are writing to and use an appropriate style of language.
- Try to use a range of complex language.
PART | TASK TYPE | FOCUS | WORD LENGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
1 - Compulsory Task | Focus on agreeing or disagreeing with a statement and writing an essay. | Respond to input of approximately 120 words and write an essay, with accurate language control. | 140 - 190 |
2 - Choose one of 4 options | (Questions 2-4) Candidates write one of the following: Article, Email, Essay, Letter, Report, Review. | Write for a specific purpose and audience, with accurate language control. | 140 - 190 |