FCE WRITINGS

In the FCE writing paper students are required to produce two pieces of writing. The first piece is compulsory and will be an essay of 140–190 words. For the second, they can choose from an article, email/letter, essay, review or story of 140–190 words.

ESSAY/ DISCUSSION ...................................................................................................... 1

INFORMAL LETTER/ EMAIL ............................................................................................ 3

FORMAL LETTER/ EMAIL ............................................................................................... 5

LETTER OF APPLICATION ............................................................................................... 7

A REPORT ..................................................................................................................... 9

FILM REVIEW .............................................................................................................. 11

REVIEW OF A RESTAURANT ......................................................................................... 12

A STORY ..................................................................................................................... 13

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B2 ESSAY/ DISCUSSION Essays normally take the form of a statement on which you are invited to give your opinion. They are formal and normally written for your teacher. In the FCE you are asked to write an essay based on a title and notes. There are no right or wrong answers to the question. The important thing is to make sure you include all three points in your essay and explain your point of view. Example: In your English class, you have recently had a discussion about relationships. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Is it better to live alone or with someone else?

Notes

Write about: 1. independence 2. money 3. ________ (your own idea)

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

Plan how many paragraphs you will need and decide which ideas you will include in each one.

a) 1 Introduction 2 Advantages / Pros 3 Disadvantages / Cons 4 Conclusion

b) 1 Introduction 2 Advantages/pros and disadvantages/cons 3 Conclusion

c) 1 Introduction 2 Idea 1 3 Idea 2 4 Your own idea 5 Conclusion

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• Don’t start by saying I agree with…

• Don’t start an essay with “in this/my essay” phrase.

• Don’t repeat information.

• State the topic in your first sentence.

• Use rhetorical questions to engage the reader with the topic.

• Use linking expressions to introduce new points in a new paragraph.

• Remember to include ideas 1 and 2 plus your own idea.

• Cite examples.

• Don’t forget to express your opinion in the conclusion.

Linking words: Nowadays, more and more …/ many people … Others argue that … It is widely believed that … It is generally agreed that … On the positive side, … On the negative side, … One big (dis)advantage of … is … The main (dis)advantage is … Another (dis)advantage is … A further benefit/drawback would be … A positive / beneficial / negative effect In spite of/Despite … Despite the fact that … On the one hand, … / On the other hand, … Although, However, Whereas, While Furthermore, In addition, Apart from that, Besides, Moreover, On top of that Others argue that… There is no doubt that … / It is clear that… We should consider … / We should bear in mind that … / We should take into account that … There is a strong argument for… First of all, / Firstly / Secondly / and the third and final reason is that … The first thing to be considered is … Last but not least, … In other words, …/ That is to say…/ To put it more simply…/ To clarify the point, … To sum up / In conclusion To sum up, despite the arguments put forward in favour of … As a result, … / Therefore, …On this basis, I can conclude that … / Given this, it can be concluded that … It seems to me … / I believe … / To my mind … / I strongly believe … / I think … / It’s my opinion that … / As far as I can see… / I firmly believe that … / My personal view is that …

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B2 INFORMAL LETTER/ EMAIL Greeting Dear (first name), Dear (first name), or Hi (first name) (for informal e-mails)

Beginnings Thank you/Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter/postcard. It was good/nice/great to hear from you recently. I’m sorry I haven’t written/been in touch for such a long time. It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you’re/you and your family are well. Asking Hi! / How are the things? / How are you? / How’s it going? Referring to their news Great news about … Glad to hear that … Sorry to hear about … Giving news Listen, did I tell you about …? You’ll never believe what … Oh, and another thing … This is just to let you know that … I thought you might be interested to hear about/know that … By the way, have you heard about/did you know that … Apologies I’m writing to apologise for missing your party but I’m afraid I was with flu. I’m really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card but I was busy with my new job. If you let me know where you bought it/how much it cost I’ll gladly pay for it/replace it. Please let me know how much the bill is and I’ll gladly pay it. Invitations I’m/We’re having a party on Friday 19th and I/we hope you’ll be able to come. Would you like to come/go to see ‘Room With a View’ with me at the weekend? I was wondering if you’d like to go to the theatre/come on holiday with us? Could you let me/us know if you can come/you’d like to join us? Thank you very much for your invitation. I’d love to come. Thank you for asking/inviting me to … but I’m afraid I won’t be able to … Requests I’m writing to ask for your help/you (if you could do me) a favour. I wonder if/I was wondering if you could help me/do me a favour. I hope you don’t mind me asking but could you (possibly) …? I’d be very/really/terribly grateful if you could … Thank you / Congratulations / Good Luck I’m writing to thank you for your hospitality/the wonderful present. It was so kind of you to invite me to stay with you. I really appreciated all your help/advice. Congratulations on passing your exams/your excellent exam results! I wish you good luck/Good luck in/with your exams/your driving test/your interview. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do well/pass.

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Making suggestions and recommend Why don’t you …? Maybe you could …? How about …? You can’t leave New York without doing sth I’m sure you will enjoy doing sth If you like, we can … Do visit (somewhere). Don’t forget to (do sth) (Imperative -> Strong Recommendation) I was told that … People say that … (If you heard sth is good) If I were you, I would … Make sure you … You could/ should try -ing Endings I think that brings you up to date on what I’ve been up to. Do write soon and let me know what you’ve been doing. Once again, thanks so much for … Please say “hi” to … from me. Give my love to … Write back soon and let me know how it goes (I’m) Looking forward to hearing from you I’ll finish now as I’m running out of space. Well, I must finish – it’s my turn to cook tonight. Write back soon. I’d better close now, I’ve got to study for an exam. Can’t wait to hear from you. Please write and tell me … Bye for now I’d better get going Can’t wait to see you again (Give my) love/regards to Give my love/regards to … Say hello to … Hope to hear from you soon. See you soon! Write soon. Once again, thank you for all your help. Signing off Love, Lots of love, All the best, Best wishes, Bye for now,

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B2 FORMAL LETTER/ EMAIL Greeting Dear Sir or Madam, (In case you don’t know the name → Yours Faithfully) Dear Mr X, (→Yours Sincerely) Paragraph 1 Give your reason for writing (Who I am (not the name!), What I want, When and Where it happened) I am writing with regard/reference to (the article which appeared when/where) to express my concern about/disappointment with/dissatisfaction with/disapproval of/apologies for (motivation) I am writing in reply to… I have been asked to write to you concerning… In response to your letter of 15 January, I am writing to… I am writing to request further information about …/ I enclose a copy of … However, I would like to suggest some improvements which I feel could be made … Paragraph 2 Write about your problem/ what you need/ your suggestions/ your requests I would like … / I would also like … / I feel that … / I would be grateful if you could tell me …/ My first complaint is …/ Not only … but also … / In addition, … / The … was also unacceptable. / The first thing I want to inform you of is …/ I would like to begin by informing you that …/ The first request I would like you to consider is …/ I would also like to request permission for… Paragraph 3 Write some suggestions I would like to suggest … / Secondly, / A further possibility is …/ Another possibility would be …/ I suggest that you replace the item/ I would be grateful if you could give me a refund. Formal ending Thank you in anticipation for your help. I enclose a reference from … If you require further information, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for considering these requests. I trust/very much hope you will (consider/print this letter in the next issue of your newspaper) I am sure you will see… I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would … I look forward to receiving/seeing I look forward to receiving your response to … I look forward to hearing your views on … I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, (if you do not know the name of the person you are writing to) Yours sincerely, (if you know the name of the person you are writing to)

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Your signature Print your name clearly Use: Indirect questions, formal language and expressions. Don’t use: contractions, colloquial vocabulary or colloquial expressions. Linking Words:

Formal

Less formal

Addition

furthermore, in addition to, in the same way as, moreover, similarly

also, and, as well as, besides, just as

Opposition

although, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, whereas

but, or, so, on the other hand

Reference in all cases, in general, in many cases, in most cases, in some cases, regarding, with reference to

since, so

Cause and effect (result)

accordingly, consequently, on the whole, therefore, thus, unfortunately

anyway, at any rate, because, because of

Listing

firstly, finally, in the first place, secondly, lastly, next

after, and, and then, before, first, last, second, soon, then

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B2 LETTER OF APPLICATION Follow the layout of a formal letter/email. The only difference is that this letter is to apply for a job. Greeting (like in formal letters/ emails) Dear Sir/ Madam, Explain where and when you saw the job advertised Reason for writing: I am writing with regard to/ in response to … which I saw … / One of the main reasons why I am applying for this job I that … Provide details about yourself, including qualifications, experience, character and appearance, where relevant. Describing your character: I am generally considered to be …/ I have always been interested in … Presenting qualifications: I passed … with an A./ I also have a qualification in … Describing experience: I have some/ a lot of experience of this work because …/ Although I have no direct experience … Describing appearance (if needed) Offer or ask for further information and say when you are available for interview I would be grateful if you would send me further details of the job. I can be contacted on 657448142 at any time. Requesting information: I wonder if you could tell me …/ Do you think you could let me know …?

Offering further information: If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact

me.

Referring to interview: I am available for interview any time/ at your convenience.

Ending the letter (like in formal letters/ emails)

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Your signature

Print your name clearly

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B2 ARTICLE You are often asked to write articles for newspapers or magazines. Make sure you know who you are writing for because that tells you how formal your article should be. An article for other students should be lively, interesting and not too formal. You can use questions to interest your readers. Paragraph 1: Introduction. What the article is about. Ask questions to involve the reader. Paragraph 2: Body. Paragraph 3: Conclusion, including your personal opinion and leaving the reader something to think about at the end. Involve the reader: Have you ever…? Are you one of those people who…? What do you think about…? I’m sure you’ll agree… Can you imagine …? How would you feel if …? You have to admit … Did you know that …? Linking words: First of all, …/ In the first place,…/ To begin with,…/ One thing to consider is…,/ Let’s start with … There is no doubt that … It is important to highlight that … On the one hand, … / On the other hand, … Although, However, Whereas, While Furthermore, In addition, Apart from that, Besides, Moreover, Another …, On top of that, … Astonishingly / Interestingly / Curiously / Worryingly / Sadly / It is sad that … / It is strange that … / It is of some concern that … / It is regrettable that … / It’s worth noting that … / (Not) surprisingly, … / (Un)fortunately, … / Naturally, … To sum up / In conclusion It seems to me that … / I believe … / To my mind … / I strongly believe … / I think …

• Don’t start an article with “in this/my

article” phrase.

• Don’t repeat information.

• State the topic in your first sentence.

• Use rhetorical questions to engage the reader with the topic.

• Finish your article by summarising your main point(s) and giving your opinion or expressing your feelings.

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B2 A REPORT

A report is a systematic, well organised document which defines and analyses a subject or problem.

Remember it gives factual information.

Register: Formal, impersonal, cold and factual.

Forms and Conventions: Use headings because this makes it easier for the reader to find the main information: Title: Report into … / Use of … Paragraph Titles: Introduction, Strengths, Weaknesses, Conclusion.

Fixed introduction: The aim of this report is to evaluate/put forward ideas for/examine etc. You can use numbering or bullet points to highlight the main points. Useful expressions: Expressing general opinions/info: ….is considered/thought/said to be… It is common knowledge that… Recent research indicates that… There is considerable disagreement regarding… Survey Results: Most people seem to feel that … Several people suggested/ thought/ said that … / Others said that … The majority of students preferred this suggestion, for the following reasons: Over (60%) of those interviewed stated that… The vast majority of people interviewed believe that… A small percentage of those surveyed agree/disagree with…

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Presenting a list: They gave/ suggested the following reasons: They made the following points:

1) …

2) …

Strengths: The (school system) in this country undoubtedly has many strengths such as …. And… … is particularly effective due to the fact that … Another clear strong point is… … is something the country can be proud of due to … Weaknesses: Despite the strengths mentioned above, there are also some areas that require attention. Another clear weakness is… Advantages/disadvantages: …’s advantages clearly outweigh its disadvantages. Advantages/benefits/pros/strengths Disadvantages/downsides/weaknesses/drawbacks Giving Recommendations: I would therefore recommend … It would seem that … is the best idea. It was felt by most students that … My recommendations are as follows: … To improve the situation, we recommend… It is recommended that… Concluding: To sum up, … To conclude, … I hope that the plan outlined/presented in this report meets with your approval… I hope that the recommendations outlined/ presented in this report will receive your serious consideration.

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B2 FILM REVIEW Paragraph 1: Introduction title year directed / written by … set in … main characters music/soundtrack Paragraph 2: The plot. In Present Simple Paragraph 3: Conclusion, giving your opinion on the film. Recommendations, strengths, weaknesses Linking words: It is a … based on … It is adapted from … The story centres around … There are many memorable characters including … The main theme of the film is … The (acting) is outstanding/ disappointing. The best part of the film is when … As the story develops / unfolds … By coincidence … when, during, before, first, as soon as, after, afterwards, then, suddenly, later, just then, immediately, while, whereas, in the end, at last, finally. It is the special effects that make it truly magical. What the film is saying is … Although I am not normally keen on musicals, I’m glad that I decided to go. The film lifts you out of your everyday life. It seems to me … / I believe … / To my mind … / I strongly believe … / I think … Vocabulary: Cast / main characters perform / performance costumes script location special effects scene, vivid battle scenes star: The film stars …, who is totally convincing as … comedy, thriller, western, romance, drama, science fiction, action, horror, fantasy, animation role / to play a role Adjectives: memorable characters, suspicious creatures, magic, intelligent, dangerous, awesome, terrible, scary, complicated, confusing, convincing, disappointing, entertaining, fast-paced, frightening, impressive, outstanding, stunning, gripping, thought-provoking.

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B2 REVIEW OF A RESTAURANT Paragraph 1: Introduction Restaurant name location owned by … décor/ atmosphere Paragraph 2: The service/ staff The food prices Paragraph 3: Conclusion, giving your overall opinion. Recommendations, strengths, weaknesses Linking words: But I have to say that… I had heard that… when, during, before, first, as soon as, after, afterwards, then, suddenly, later, just then, immediately, while, whereas, in the end, at last, finally. The only downside was the fact …/ that … On the whole, … It seems to me … / I believe … / To my mind … / I strongly believe … / I think … Vocabulary: Food – poor quality, high quality Full of tourists Quiet vs busy Airy, fresh, modern, trendy, cosy, welcoming To book, to book in advance To serve food – The food was served fast. To wait a long time for your food The bill Tasty, delicious Inexpensive, expensive, overpriced, reasonable prices Staff: un-/friendly, helpful It’s a great place for … (a fun night out with friends/ a family celebration/ birthday celebrations)

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B2 A STORY

• First think of a general outline for your story.

• Make sure your story has well organized paragraphs, a variety of past tenses, a wide range of vocabulary and appropriate linking words.

Paragraph 1: Introduction Write a few sentences to set the scene and introduce the characters. Describe the main action. Paragraph 2: Main events Write what happened. Paragraph 3: Ending Write a suitable ending to your story. Useful vocabulary: Weather (freezing, foggy, sunny …) Places (castle, woods, valley …) Verbs (escape, get back, get lost, recognise …) Adjectives (frightening, amazing, awful …) Linking words: It all began, shortly afterwards, a little later, eventually, when, during, before, first, as soon as, after, afterwards, then, suddenly, all of a sudden, just at that moment, out of the blue, later, just then, immediately, while, meanwhile, whereas, in the end, at last, finally, in the end, when it was all over, after everything that had happened, looking back now, it all had been … Verb tenses: Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perfect