DOs:

• Before you start writing... read others. Make use of every text that you find interesting, note out words and expressions that you like or find useful. Even if you know them. Words and expressions have a mysterious tendency to slip your mind the moment you need them most. Sometimes it is good to copy the whole sentence in which an expression you know from different context appears.
• Have a list of your favourite expressions - the ones you are entirely sure of as far as their correctness is concerned, and which you will always remember. It is better to put down something less lofty but correct than wrestle under time pressure with your own memory, wondering how this 'stupid thing went'.
• Always keep in mind who your target reader is. Even if you know that your 'letter to a friend' will be read by an examiner... write to a friend. If you have problems with determining the potential addressee of your writing, assume that he or she is an educated person in his/her thirties. But usually it is indicated in the task.
• Make your writing interesting. Put yourself in the reader's shoes. Would you fancy reading boring stuff?
• Use linking words to form paragraphs and join your ideas in a logical way. They make reading easier, which counts a lot if your piece is longer.
• Be careful with pronouns. They are tiny and look innocent, but can cause a lot of commotion.
• DO write! As much and as often as you can. Make yourself mock tests - with time restrictions and word limits. Do not worry if you forget some words and get stuck - better now (when you still have the chance to look these words up in a dictionary), than during the exam.

DONTs:

• Do not panic!
• Do not forget that you are writing, not speaking. What would go in a friendly chat, will not work with writing.
• Do not forget that you write to communicate something, not to practice caligraphy. If certain fragments of your essay do not convey any relevant message, cut them out. Unnecessary wordiness shows that you have problems with controlling your language.
• Do not ask your reader to read your mind. You are the one who knows. If you do not mention something in your essay, it is not there.
• Avoid line-lifting. It means that you should not repeat the sentences used to set the task.
• Do not write very long sentences, unless you are perfectly sure how to punctuate them.
• Do not try to impress your reader with vocabulary. Do not use words you don't know.
• Do not scribble! If your reader struggles to decipher your handwriting, do not expect him or her to focus on the content.

For your convenience you may want to download a PDF version of this article
FCE Essay -  [pdf]

ESSAY

AN ESSAY is always written for the teacher. It should answer the question given by addressing both content points and providing a new content point of the writer’s own.

The essay should be well organised, with an introduction and an appropriate conclusion and should be written in an appropriate register and tone.

While it is possible to argue only one point of view (i.e. either agreeing or disagreeing on a topic) as long as you bear in mind the other point of view and back up your points, it is probably easier to have a balanced discussion comparing advantages and disadvantages, or ideas for and against a topic.

• Read the rubric, essay question and prompts very carefully in order to understand what you are expected to do. This is vital!
• It is important to keep the focus of the topic question and that all your ideas and opinions are relevant to the question.
• Support your opinions with reasons and examples.
• Think of a third idea of your own in addition to the two given prompts. If any of the three essay prompts is missed out, then the target reader will not be fully informed and the candidate will be penalised.
• Ideas need to be expressed in a clear an logical way, and should be well organised and coherent. It is advisable to use up to 5 paragraphs:
  1. Introduction
  2. Prompt 1 development + reason(s)/example(s)
  3. Prompt 2 development + reason(s)/example(s)
  4. Prompt 3 development + reason(s)/example(s)
  5. Conclusion (you may include your opinion here)
• Varying the length of the sentences, using direct and indirect questions and using a variety of structures and vocabulary may all help to communicate ideas more effectively.
• The correct use of linking words and phrases (e.g. but, so, however, on the other hand, etc.) and the appropriate use of cohesive devices (e.g. using pronouns for referencing) is especially important in essays.

Hints

• [PLANNING]
  - Use the task input to help you plan but try to avoid copying phrases from the input in Part 1. Use your own words.
• [INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION] 
  - Effective introductory and concluding paragraphs - In the introduction, state the topic clearly, give a brief outline of the issue, saying why it is important or why people have different opinions about it. 
  - DO NOT express your opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop you essay in such a way that it guides the reader to the conclusion you draw). 
  - DO give your opinion in the final paragraph.
• [SECOND and THIRD PARAGRAPHS] 
  - Structure your argument. - Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in a topic sentence.
  - Include relevant details to support the main idea: these might include examples, rhetorical questions (do no overdo it), controversial or surprising statements... If you include a drawback, give a possible solution, too.
• [GENERAL] 
  - DO use a relatively formal register and an objective tone. Do not be too emotional. 
  - Remember to use linking adverbials to organise your ideas and to make it easy for the reader to follow your argument.
  - In the exam, allow yourself time to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation thoroughly.

Linking words and phrases

Present your ideas clearly. Use connectors to link your ideas

Make sure you know how to use connectors appropriately (register, punctuation...). If you have any doubts, you should use a good dictionary to check.

• To express personal opinions: In my opinion, I believe (that) / I feel (that) / it seems to me / in my view /as I see it / I think / personally
• To show purpose: to / in order to / so as to / so that
• To list ideas: Firstly / secondly / finally / In the first place / Lastly
• To contrast ideas: However / although / in contrast / whereas / but / nevertheless / in spite of / despite
• To describe a cause: Because / since / as / due to
• To show a sequence: First of all / then / after that / eventually / in the end / finally
• To add information: In addition / moreover / what is more / besides / too / furthermore / and
• To describe a consequence: Consequently / as a result / therefore / so / thus / for this reason / that is why
• To conclude the topic: In conclusion / to sum up / in short / all in all

Model questions and answers

Essay 1 - Model question

TASK

In your English class, you have been talking about the subject of cultural heritage. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

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

Is is a good thing that countries spend a lot of money on their heritage?

Notes

Write about: 
1. preserving the past 
2. investing in the future 
3. ________ (your own idea)

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

Essay 1 - Model answer

Most countries spend large sums of money protecting their national heritage. However, there is strong argument that we should look forwards and not backwards, spending less money on preserving the past and more on securing our future.

On the one hand, it is important that we remember our heritage. Once it is lost, it is lost forever. Caring for important monuments helps with this. It also attracts tourists, which has an economic benefit for everyone.

On the other hand, governments spend a lot of money on museums and keeping historic sites in good condition when poor people need houses to live in and businesses need better roads for transporting their goods.

Another argument is that by making heritage sites attractive for tourists -for example, by putting on entertainment - we give a very untrue picture of the past and sometimes damage the local environment.

To conclude, while there are strong arguments for not spending too much on preserving the past, I believe it is important to protect the most famous sites for the future generations but it is not realistic to try and save everything. We need to invest in the future too.

(+/- 190 words)

Essay 2 - Model question

TASK

In your English class, you have recently had a discussion about science and young people. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

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

Science is very important in the 21st century. How do you think it could be made more appealing to young people?

Notes

Write about: 
1. television programmes
2. interactive museums
3. ________ (your own idea)

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

Essay 2 - Model answer

Although young people love gadgets and technology, some see science as uninteresting and 'uncool'. Over time, the number of young people, particularly girls, pursuing science and technology studies and careers has dropped.

One way in which science could be made more attractive would be to have lively television programmes presented by celebrities, with subjects which were relevant to the experience of the young. We live in a celebrity culture and children identify with well-known young people.

Another idea would be to set up interactive science museums in every town, where parents could take their children. It is much better to teach children the principles of science through hands-on experiments than to lecture them in a classroom.

Of course, there would be more incentives if the average scientit were better paid and young people were made aware of the range of jobs available. A lot of people are put off a scientific career because they think it means working in a badly paid job in a boring laboratory.

Whichever way we choose, it is vital that more young people are attracted to science, since society's prosperity depends largely on continuous scientific progress.

(+/- 190 words)

Essay 3 - Model question

TASK

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.

Essay 3 - Model answer

Nowadays more people are deciding to live by themselves. Some people claim this is more enjoyable and in young people it develops a sense of responsibility, whereas others disagree.

The main advantage of living alone is that there is nobody to tell you what to do, so you can live your life in your own way. What is more, you can organise or decorate your house as you want. There is no one else to disagree with.

On the other hand, it can be quite lonely for some people. By nature, we are social animals. Secondly, it is more expensive because you have to pay all the rent and bills yourself, so you have less money to enjoy yourself. Last but not least, it can be quite hard to find a nice flat for one person, so you might not be able to live in the best area.

To sum up, there are strong arguments on both sides. In conclusion, I believe that living alone is better for older people who have more money and like privacy but not for young people who need to share the costs.

(+/- 180 words)

Essay 4 - Model question

TASK

In your English class you have been talking about happiness. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

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

Whether you are happy or not depends on the personality you are born with. Do you agree?

Notes

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

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

Essay 4 - Model answer

Some people claim they are naturally cheerful. However, in my view, how we lead our lives is the main reason we are either happy or unhappy.

Take money, for example. Money doesn't automatically make us happy. In fact, it makes some people very unhappy because they are frightened of losing what they've got. On the other hand, if we're not greedy and don't spend it foolishly, it can reduce stress and give us security.

Then consider health. If we eat badly, get too little sleep and don't exercise, our health will decline and make us miserable. Eating well and going for lovely long walks in the countryside can make us feel better generally.

The third thing I think is important is to have a positive outlook on life. We should all enluy things like music and being with our friends. At the same time, it's important to spend time alone and live as simply as possible, which is not easy in the 21st century!

All these make a big difference to our happiness, no matter what our natural temperament.

(+/- 170 words)

For your convenience you may want to download a PDF version of this article
FCE Article -  [pdf]

 Article

AN ARTICLE is usually written for an English-language magazine or newsletter, and the reader is assumed to have similar interests to the writer. The main purpose is to inform, interest and engage the reader, so there should be some opinion or comment.

Hints

• Add a short title to catch the reader's attention. Make sure it is relevant. You can use the one in the question or invent one of your own.
• Introduce the topic. Although you don't know the readers personally, you can address them directly and ask them a rhetorical question. It helps to involve them.
• Divide your report into sections according to the input. One or two paragraphs will do.
• Develop the ideas in the task input. Remember .
  • Use a personal or more neutral style, but not formal (you might use contractions).
  • It is important that you show a range of structures.
  • Give examples where appropriate to bring your article to life
  • Use humour where appropriate.
• Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph.

Useful language for an article

Involving the reader

• Just imagine...
• Have you ever...?
• How would you feel if ...?
• Are you one of those people who ...?
• If the answer is ..., you should....
• What would live be like if...
• ...

Making the article lively and interesting

• I was absolutely terrified when I realised...
• More importantly, it was something I...
• Not surprisingly, it's a good way of raising money.
• The tent was worryingly small for three people!
• It was the most amazing experience I have ever had.
• ...

Developing your points

• Let's start with ...
• Another advantage of ...
• On top of that, ...
• ...

Giving your own opinion

• I think that / In my opinion ...
• It seems to me that ...
• If you ask me, ...
• To my mind...
• ...

Model questions and answers

Article- Model question 1

TASK

You see this announcement on an English-language website.

Articles wanted

A charity event to remember
What is the most unusual way you've raised money for charity? How did you do it? What did you have to do? Was the event a success? Would you do it again?
Write us an article answering these questions.
We will publish the best articles on our website.

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

Article - Model answer 1

A charity event to remember

So why did I decide to do a 90-km walk in six days along the Great Wall of China? Well, the reason was that our local children's hospital needed to raise money or it would be close. However, I didn't realise how big a challenge it would be.

Before I went, I thought that I would be walking along a flat surface but when I saw the Great Wall, my heart sank. Part of the time we would be trekking up hundreds of high steps and, worryingly, some of the paths had steep falls on either side and there was nowhere to go because we were surrounded by mountains and forests. However, after a while, I started to love the experience. I was in one of the most amazing places on earth and the views were incredible.

In the end, the adventure was a great success. The hospital was delighted because a group of us managed to raise several thousand pounds.

Would I be keen to help the hospital again next year? Yes, but I think I'll try and find an easier challenge next time!

[+/- 190 words]

Article- Model question 2

TASK

You see this announcement in an international magazine.

Articles wanted

Life on a desert island
Imagine you were on a desert island. What important object, person or place in your life would you miss most? What would be the reasons?
Write us an article answering these questions.
We will publish the best articles in the magazine.

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

Article - Model answer 2

Life on a desert island

How would you feel about living on a desert island? I can't imagine anything worse! I'd miss a lot of things but most of all, I would miss my home.

My home is a small house on the outskirts of a city. It was built about 50 years ago and has a small garden. In the summer, our country gets very hot but our house is always cool. You'd probably think our house is nothing special, but I have lived there all my life and all my friends live nearby. It's a happy place, where I feel completely safe. Whenever I go away, I look forward to coming back, lying on my bed, reading a book and listening to my brother and sister arguing downstairs!

I love travelling and meeting new people, but if I were on a desert island, I'd be away from the place I love most: my home; and I would hate that.

[+/- 160 words]

Article- Model question 3

TASK

You see this announcement in an international magazine.

Articles wanted

Lucky winners
What would you do if you won a large sume of money. How would your life change? 
Write us an article answering these questions. Give reasons.
We will publish the best articles next month.

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

Article - Model answer 3

Don't throw it all away!

Have you ever dreamt of becoming rich unexpectedly? Just imagine what your life would be like! However, some people who get rich quickly are very careless with their money and end up being poorer than they were before.

That's why I'd be very careful. I wouldn't want a completely different kind of life, so I'd start by putting some of it away, in case everything went wrong - set up a kind of "emergency fund". Then I would buy my hard-working parents a new home. They deserve it because they have always provided me with everything I've always wanted, even if it meant they had to go without. I would also give some money away to needy people who are struggling in the world and have no food. It would not be right to just spend the money on myself. Then I think I would take a year off from studying and travel round the world in great comfort. I've spent most of my live travelling on a limited budget and sleeping in hostels.

After that, who knows? I'll see, but I certainly won't be buying any luxury cars!

[+/- 190 words]

For your convenience you may want to download a PDF version of this article
FCE Formal letter/email -  [pdf]

Paper 2 Part 1 - Formal letter or email

Formal letters may be written to an individual or to an organisation. The purpose may be, for example,

• to apply for part-time or vacation work (application letter)
• to apply for study or scholarship opportunity (application letter)
• to complain about something (complaint letter)
• to make suggestions about something 
• to request information (enquiry letter)

In many exam questions, you will be told what to include in your reply. Make sure that your reply answers any questions that you were asked in the task and takes into account any additional information that you have been told to mention. It is important that you include these in order to get a good grade.

How to write formal letters

[1] Salutation or Greeting

• (A) If you know the name of the person you are writing to use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms) and the surname only. If you are writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for married and single women.
  Examples: "Dear Mr Simpson," / "Dear Mrs Flanders," / "Dear Miss Skinner," / "Dear Ms Van Houten," 
• (B) If you do not know the name of the recipient of the letter begin with "Dear Sir," / "Dear Madam," (if you know you are writing to a man or a woman) or "Dear Sir or Madam," (if you do not know the sex of the person you are writing to).

[2] Body

[2.1] Opening

The first paragraph states the reason(s) for writing and, if needed, what you are responding to (an advert, a prospectus...). In addition, an opening paragraph is needed to make reference to previous correspondence.

Useful phrases for the opening

• I would like to apply for one of the scholarships I saw advertised in your prospectus. (applying for a scholarship)
• I am looking for an outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the position of hotel lifguard assistant which I say advertised in my university's student newspaper. (applying for a job)
• I have seen your advertisement for the post / vacancy / job of… advertised in the local newspaper on 16 June. I am writing because I would like to apply for the job.  (applying for a job)
• I am the secretary of my college Science Club. I saw your advertisement for the exhibition "The Next 100 Years" and I am interested in organising a group visit. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about it. (requesting information)
• I am writing (in order) to complain about the advertisement for your new game. Having just played the game, I realise that the advertisement is misleading. (complaint letter)
• I am writing with regard to ... I am writing with reference to... I am writing in response to...
• Thank you for /your letter of 9 May... /for your letter regarding...
• In reply tor your letter of 8 May, ...

[2.2], [2. .] Main content

The rest of the body will be organized in paragraphs: that will make reading easier and the effect on the target reader will be better. For example, an application letter may have this layout and paragraphing:

• Salutation or greeting
• #1 Opening (first paragraph)
• #2 About you (age, where you live, education-training and/or work experience relevant to the job, languages ...)
• #3 Reasons for applying (why you are suitable for the job)
• #4 Conclusion (availability for interview, further questions, ... - if necessary)
• Closing
• Final salutation
• Name and surname

For any type of formal letter, paragraphing is just a matter of common sense, grouping ideas logically (covering  two points or questions in one paragraph, two other points or questions in another paragraph...). You should aim for three to five paragraphs

Other useful phrases 

Asking politely

• Could you tell me... ?
• I would be grateful if you could ...
• I would be interested in having more details about...
• I would like to know if/when/when/...
• I would like information on...
• Do you know if...?

Complaining

• I would like to complain about + noun or -ing
• ... is not what I expected / was expecting
• I am not satisfied with...
• I would be grateful if my money was refunded / if you could give me a refund
• ...

[3] Closing

The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. You usually state what you would like the recipient to do, make a reference to a future event, offer to help...

• I look forward to hearing from you soon / I look forward to receiving your reply
• I look forward to receiving a full refund (in a complaint letter)
• I would like to know what you are going to do about this situation  (in a complaint letter)
• I would like to thank you in advance for this information (in a enquiry letter -requesting information)
• If you require/Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me/feel free to contact me.

[4] Final salutation

Depending on how you started your letter (See "Salutation or Greeting" above), you will end your letter with 

• (A) Yours sincerely, 
• (B) Yours faithfully, 

[5] Sign your name and then print your name clearly underneath on another new line

Moe Szyslak
Moe Szyslak

Letter of application - useful phrases

Dear ......

I am writing to apply for a/the job of ..... which I saw advertised in "The Guardian" newspaper.

I am 26 years old and at the moment I am studying … at …. Having studied English for over seven years I am a fluent speaker of the language. My qualifications also include Proficiency certificates in both French and German. As far as experience is concerned, I have worked as ............. for ........... As for my character, people tell me I am ...............

I feel I would be suitable for this job because ............ . This will give me the opportunity to ….. . I would also like the chance to....

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours …

name

Other things to consider

Range: It is important that you use grammatical expressions and vocabulary appropriate to the level of the exam. Even if there are no mistakes in your writing, you will not be able to get a good grade if you use only the language and vocabulary that you learnt at elementary level. 

Formal language

• Use full verb forms and not contractions (do not instead of don't, would like instead of 'd like...)
• Formal vocabulary, usually not using phrasal verbs.
• More complex sentence structure.

Connectors: All good writing makes good use of connectors. You need to use some of the connectors that are more specific to formal language. 

Model questions and answers

Formal email/letter 1 - Model question

TASK

You see this advertisement in a student newspaper.

Lifeguard assistants wanted

We are looking for someone in August to assist our lifeguards, provide supervision during beach activities and observe swimmers.

Write to the Lifeguard Manager, saying what your experience and qualifications are and stating the reasons why you are suitable for the job.

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

Formal email/letter 1 - Model answer

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am looking for outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the position of lifeguard assistant, which I saw advertised in my university's student newspaper.

I am 20 years old and at present I am studying Physical Education. I am a strong swimmer and have recently had first aid training. I very much enjoy working with people and for the last two summers I have benn working as an assitant ranger in a National Park, where I had to provide information to the public about using the park and provide emergency assistance to park users. Now I am looking for something different.

I think I would be a suitable candidate for the position because I have been described as calm in a crisis and someone who works well with others.

I am available for the whole of August and would be happy to attend an interview at any time. I look forward to hearing from you at any time in the near future.

Yours faithfully,

Ivan Ivienen

(+/- 175 words)

Semi-formal email/letter 2 - Model question

TASK

You recently helped organise a college ski trip and you have received this email from a parent of one of the students who went.

I understand you were one of the organisers of our son's ski trip. I have to say my husband and I were extremely dissatisfied with the arrangements. My son has informed us that the ski slopes were poor, the lessons were fewer than promised and the accommodation was inadequate.

Can you please give us a satisfactory explanation?

Nora White

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

Semi-formal email/letter 2 - Model answer

Dear Ms White,

First, let me apologise for any disappointment your son experienced on our ski trip. It is true that there were several concerns. Since we had been led to believe by the company that there would be sufficient slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers, we were extremely upset when this turned out to not to be the case. It was also unfortunate that lack of snow meant that artificial snow had to be used instead.

As for the question of lessons, if you look at the letter we sent you, you will see that only five one-hour lessons were included in the price and that extra hours would have to be paid for separately.

In relation to accommodation, I am not quite sure what you are referring to. I know that in one room there were not enough beds but this was not the case in your son's room.

We would like to assure you that we take all complaints seriously. We have already decided that next year we will change the company and the location for our trip and we hope that your son will consider joining us again.

Yours sincerely,

Ernest Omate

(+/- 195 words)

Formal email/letter 3 - Model question

TASK

You see this announcement in an English-language college prospectus.

Scholarships

Every year, two scholarships are offered to candidates from overseas who can show how our one-year course in English and American studies would help their career.

Scholarships cover fees, accommodation and food, but not transport or personal spending money.

To apply, write a letter explaining why you think you deserver a scholarship.

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

Formal email/letter 3 - Model answer

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for one of the scholarships I saw advertised in your prospectus.

At present, I am training to be a secondary school teacher of English and I finish my course at the end of June. However, I feel I still have a lot to learn about the language and culture of the English-speaking world and would benefit considerably from a course in an English-speaking country.

The reason I am applying for a scholarship is that I cannot afford the cost of studying abroad. I have no income except for my student grant, so if I am fortunate enough to be given a scholarship, I would have to work part-time to save some personal spending money. My parents will borrow som money for my airfare if I am successful.

I would appreciate being given the opportunity to study at your college and would be very grateful if you would consider my application.

Yours faithfully,

Pedro Gadicto

(+/- 160 words)