fce essay samples pdf

Breakout English

First (FCE) Essay Questions

The essay task at Cambridge B2 First (FCE) level might be one of the first times learners encounter a truly formal writing task. At the previous level, B1 Preliminary (PET), all the writing tasks are relatively casual and informal. This is where the First Certificate writing forces candidates to prove they really know how to organise and deliver a robust formal text. However, at the end of the day, the FCE essay is a reasonably approachable task with can be overcome with a clear plan and plenty of practice. Here, we’ve got three questions on different FCE essay topics that are all common at B2 level. If you’re not sure how to write a good essay, try our how to improve an essay post.

FCE Essay topics

There are quite a range of possible topics at FCE level. However, some of them lend themselves better to writing tasks than others. Remember, a writing task always needs to have elements that can be compared to each other, which can be either complimentary or contrasting.

These are some of the FCE essay topics which a most likely to come up:

• The environment
• Education and work
• Culture and customs
• Leisure activities
• Health and fitness

It’s a good idea to look at all of these topics in depth. Study vocabulary related to the topic and consider where you stand on different issues. In a class, you can do a vocabulary lesson followed by a class debate. Then follow up the debate with an essay question on the same topic as homework.

Common mistakes when writing an essay

At B2 level, exam candidates are often still crossing the boundary into being efficient user of English. While they may have a range of grammar and lexis to draw on, they may not always use it to good effect. As a teacher, you may encounter adult learners who haven’t written anything academic in decades. Likewise, you’ll find younger teens who haven’t yet had to produce a cohesive text in their academic careers.

In my experience, these are the biggest mistakes B2 level students make when writing an essay for the FCE exam:

• Not including your own idea – One of the requirements of every First essay question is to include your own idea. It says it right there in the task. However, some people understand this to mean they have to include their opinion. While you should include your opinion, that’s not why is say “your own idea”. Every essay should include three content points. Two of those are provided in the question and one more must be provided by the writer.
• Paragraphs that are too long or too short – The word limit for the FCE essay question is quite short (140-190 words). This means writers have to be quite concise and get to the point quickly. Each paragraph will probably only contain 2-4 sentences. That said, 1 sentence paragraphs are never acceptable, especially when it’s one big long rambling sentence. Neither are 6 sentence paragraphs which leave you no words for other parts of your text.
• Over-personalisation – Your FCE essay includes an element of opinion. In fact, the task explicitly asks you if you agree with a certain statement. However, that doesn’t mean you should fill the essay with 1st person pronouns and personal anecdotes. An essay is an academic text which should use objective evidence to support your point of view.
• Lack of conclusion – Sometimes people write an essay that perfectly evaluates 3 different content points and then finishes with a statement that says all points are equal. This is a mistake. The question asks you whether you agree with a statement. Your conclusion should clearly express where you stand on the issue. Don’t be wishy-washy!
• Trying too hard – The best First (FCE) essays are simple, to-the-point, well-structured and cohesive. Your essay isn’t going to change the world, so don’t go overboard. Once you’ve got a structure that works, rinse and repeat with different topics until you can consistently produce a well-polished text.

The materials

Here are three First (FCE) essay questions. They have been designed using typical FCE essay topics for B2 level. Use them to practise and improve in preparation for the Cambridge B2 First exam.

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Hello Anastasia, Are this text your own or you get from some kind “ do my essay ” services? Can I use it on my blog or theses texts copyrighted? I want to use some of your information on my blog for the next article, I won’t copy whole page and leave the link to your site (source), so my readers can visit your site for additional info. Waiting for your reply! Bests, Mark

Hi Mark! Copyrighted, but if you use it smart with the link back, feel free to do it.

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How to write an essay for the FCE.

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B2 first preparation, resources for teachers and learners.

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Cambridge English Qualifications Digital have now replaced our old computer-based exams and offer you even more benefits. Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an B2 First digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam .

Time: approximately 40 minutes

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Information for candidates

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B2 First Digital Listening Sample Test

Reading and Use Of English

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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B2 First Digital Reading Sample Test

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• Answer the Part 1 question, and one question from Part 2.
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B2 First Digital Writing Sample Test

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B2 First Listening Sample 1 answer key

B2 First Listening Sample 1 answer tapescript

B2 First Reading & Use of English Test Answer key

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Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

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Handbook for teachers

The B2 First handbook gives an overview of the exam and its place within Cambridge English examinations. This is followed by a focus on each paper and includes content, advice on preparation, and example papers.

B2 First handbook for teachers

B2 First: Handbook for Teachers Listening Audio Files (ZIP, 72MB) These are the listening files related to the Sample Paper from the Teacher's Handbook.

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Mock test toolkit for older learners

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B2 First Writing checklist

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Letter/Email – examples & model answers | B2 First (FCE)

An email/a letter is written in response to the situation outlined in the question. Letters and emails in the B2 First Writing paper will require a response which is consistently appropriate in register and tone for the specified target reader.

Candidates can expect to be asked to write letters or emails to, for example, an English-speaking friend or colleague, a potential employer, a college principal or a magazine editor.

FCE, CAE, CPE

Practice, write & improve, fce email example: touring holiday.

You have received this email from your English-speaking friend David.

Write your email .

FCE Email: Example Answer (Grade: 4)

Dear David,

I’m glad your friends are visiting my area soon for a week’s touring holiday. I have many ideas what I can show them and tell about.

In my opinion the best way to travel around will be by bike because of small distances between the places and views are amazing.

My area includes also beautiful Baltic Sea which many tourist visit especially in summer. Your friends could sunbath or swim if they would like but the water is quite cold in this season. Beautiful sightseeing of sunrise is the best memorise!

You wrote that they are intrested in history of my local area. That’s great! We have museum of our local history where I can go with them. Tickets are not so expensive and I can think about some discount.

What do you think about it? Would you mind send me some your ideas?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes, Sam

Get Your (FCE) Letter Checked!

Fce email example: swimming team.

You have received this email from your English-speaking friend, Jo.

It is good to receive news from you! I bet you are swimming like a fish. Do you remember when we were kids and we made a few races in Angelina’s pool?

I understand why you are trying to persuade them but remember that they want your best. If I were you firstly I would try to talk with your swimming coach and ask him about the possibilities of training another day. Then if the answer would have been negative I will probably try to do the same with yours future math teacher. I am sure that everyone knows the importance of practising sports while studying. So they will find a solution.

If everything goes don’t doesn’t happen as you and I expect ensure that your parents don’t get mad with your decision. They are giving their best! Put your education in front first place. Opportunities to swim you will have a lot during your life. Moreover, you can come to Barcelone and try to catch me in the pool.

Good luck, Sam

FCE Letter Example: School uniforms

This Is part of a letter from Karl, your English friend:

Write your letter .

FCE Letter: Example Answer (Grade: 4-5)

I’m writing to you about the letter which you sent me and asking my opinion about the school uniform. I believe it is one of the most important thing that we should discuss.

Nowadays, there are a few schools in which students wear a school uniform. I believe that this happening because pupils are free to wear whatever they want. Also, this means that they can express themselves.

On the other hand, school uniforms showes In which school each pupil belong to. Then, the uniforms support the way that the schools should work in our days In addition, if all pupils wear the school uniform, there will not be any pupil who will be unfashionable, and nobody will feel uncomfortable. Fashion is very popular, especially in high school, and wear fashionable clothes is the way to show off. That’s such a waste because fashion is the thing that cannot keep for long time. It Is not a good idea to flow fashion in school time.

To sum up, I believe that we should wear uniforms because in this way, them will not be any differences between pupils.

Best wishes Tom

FCE Letter Example: Letter of application

You see this advertisment in your local newspaper:

Write your letter of application. 

FCE Letter: Model Answer (Grade: 5)

Dear Mr. Nick Jones,

I had been searching for a job when i discovered the advertisment in the local newpaper, in which you were offering a post at your holiday club.

I am an eighteen year-old student at King’s College and I have a part-time job at the local library, as an assistant. In the last three years, I have been attending English courses and I have achieved a high score at an exam involving the language.

Since I started highschool, I have always enjoyed helping children in need. I was usually participating in children’s parties as a helper, but I was also caring for the one’s in the street by giving them food and by giving advice whenever they needed it.

I love children and I do my best to make them happy. I am comunicative, hard- working and patient.

In the end, I think I will manage with the challenges this job may offer. I inclose my curriculum vitae and a photography. I am looking forward to your reply!

yours sincerely, Stefan Pasoi

FCE Email Example: Money!

You have received this email from your English-speaking friend, Susan:

Dear Susan,

I think you know from the start that this subject may be inappropriate to discuss with me, but since we are best friends, I accept.

If I were you, I would spend it all on an amazing holiday with my friends where you can do fun things and maybe meat someone special.

I am not sure what you are supposed to do with the money, but I can help you find the best solution. You must think simultaniously at both advantages and disadvantages. If you give your money to your parents, you would loose the benefits from it, but you could also help them.

I suggest you put it in your bank account and wait until celebrities can show up at your door, so that you can photograph them and be well-known.

There are a lot of money, so think carefully which is the best solution. You can also contact me or meat face-to-face if you need.

Therefore, you can benefit from it if you are wise and rational

Yours, Andrea

Would you pass B2 First (FCE)?