What is an essay in the B2 First (FCE) exam?
An essay is a mandatory task (Part 1) in the Writing section of the Cambridge B2 First exam.
- Purpose: Expressing and justifying one’s own opinion on a given topic.
- Length: From 140 to 190 words.
- Structure: The task always includes a topic and two prompts, which the student must address. The third prompt (own idea) must be invented and described by the student independently.
- Style: Formal or semi-formal. It is advisable to avoid colloquial vocabulary and contractions (e.g., instead of don’t it is better to use do not).
How do examiners assess essays? (Cambridge Criteria)
Each written work at the B2 First level is assessed in four categories (from 0 to 5 points for each, totaling a maximum of 20 points):
- Content: Did the student respond to the prompt? Did they include all three points (including their own idea)?
- Communicative Achievement: Is the tone and style (register) appropriate for the essay? Is the text easy to read and does it convey complex ideas?
- Organisation: Is the text logically divided into paragraphs? Were appropriate linking words (linking words) used and do the sentences flow smoothly from one to another?
- Language: Richness of vocabulary and grammatical correctness. Does the student use only simple sentences, or can they construct complex structures (passive voice, inversions, conditional sentences)?
Sample exam task (Task)
Below is a typical exam task that the student will encounter on the test:
In your English class you have been talking about the environment. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
Topic: Every individual can do something to help protect the environment. Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
1. recycling
2. transport
3. ………………….. (your own idea)
Three versions of answers along with examiner’s assessment
Here is how essays written by students at different levels of proficiency might look, along with their detailed analysis.
🔴 Version 1: Weak (Score: Fail / approx. 4/20 points)
I think environment is very important for people. We must protect it every day because we live here. First thing is recycling. People throw away many plastics and it is bad for animals. We should put plastic to yellow bins.
Second is transport. Cars make very bad air. I go to school by bus, it is better than car. Many people drive cars to work and it makes pollution.
In summary, environment is good and we must help. If we don’t help, the earth will be sick.
Second is transport. Cars make very bad air. I go to school by bus, it is better than car. Many people drive cars to work and it makes pollution.
In summary, environment is good and we must help. If we don’t help, the earth will be sick.
Examiner’s comment:
- Content (1/5): The student referred to recycling and transport, but completely omitted the third point (own idea). The essay is also definitely too short (approx. 75 words, while the minimum is 140).
- Communicative purpose (1/5): The text sounds more like a note to a friend than a formal essay. It conveys only simple, disconnected thoughts. Too colloquial tone.
- Organization (1/5): The division into paragraphs is very arbitrary. Only basic connectors were used (First thing, Second), lacking smooth transitions between sentences.
- Language (1/5): Very poor vocabulary (bad, good). Serious grammatical errors glaring at B2 level, e.g. lack of articles (environment is… instead of the environment is…) or errors in comparison (better than car).
🟡 Version 2: Average (Score: Pass – Band 3 / approx. 12/20 points)
Nowadays, protecting the environment is a very popular topic. Many people think that one person cannot do anything, but I completely disagree with this opinion. Every individual can help our planet.
First of all, recycling is very easy. We can separate our rubbish like paper, plastic and glass. Because of this, we can reuse materials and there is less trash in the forests.
Secondly, transport is a big problem. Cars produce a lot of dangerous gases. To help the environment, people should use public transport, like buses or trains. Also, riding a bike is healthy and good for the air.
Finally, we can also save water at home. This is my own idea. For example, we can take a short shower instead of a bath. It saves a lot of water every year.
To sum up, everyone can protect the environment. If we recycle, use bikes and save water, our planet will be much cleaner.
First of all, recycling is very easy. We can separate our rubbish like paper, plastic and glass. Because of this, we can reuse materials and there is less trash in the forests.
Secondly, transport is a big problem. Cars produce a lot of dangerous gases. To help the environment, people should use public transport, like buses or trains. Also, riding a bike is healthy and good for the air.
Finally, we can also save water at home. This is my own idea. For example, we can take a short shower instead of a bath. It saves a lot of water every year.
To sum up, everyone can protect the environment. If we recycle, use bikes and save water, our planet will be much cleaner.
Examiner’s comment:
- Content (4/5): All three points were discussed (own idea is saving water). The message is clear. A minor downside is that the own idea could be justified a bit deeper.
- Communicative purpose (3/5): The text has an appropriate, objective tone. The reader easily follows the author’s thoughts, but there is a lack of expressing more complex opinions (the text is sometimes too „simple”).
- Organization (3/5): Very clear and correct division into paragraphs. The student uses classic, almost template linking words (First of all, Secondly, Finally, To sum up). This is correct, but quite mechanical.
- Language (3/5): Vocabulary is adequate to the topic (rubbish, reuse, public transport). Grammar is correct, however, the student relies almost exclusively on simple tenses and basic modal verbs (can, should). Only one very simple conditional structure appears at the end.
🟢 Version 3: Very good (Score: Excellent – Band 5 / 20/20 points)
It is widely believed that environmental protection is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century. While some argue that only governments can make a difference, I strongly believe that individual actions are crucial for saving our planet.
To begin with, recycling is a fundamental step everyone can take. By simply separating household waste into paper, plastic, and glass, we significantly reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills. Consequently, fewer natural resources are exploited to produce new materials.
Furthermore, our choice of transport has a massive impact on air quality. Instead of relying on private cars, which emit harmful greenhouse gases, individuals ought to switch to eco-friendly alternatives. Commuting by bicycle or using public transport not only reduces pollution but also minimises traffic congestion in cities.
Another significant aspect to consider is energy consumption at home. If people made a habit of turning off lights and unplugging electronic devices when they are not in use, a enormous amount of electricity would be saved globally.
In conclusion, taking care of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. Through recycling, changing our travel habits, and reducing energy use, individuals can collectively make a tremendous contribution to protecting the Earth.
To begin with, recycling is a fundamental step everyone can take. By simply separating household waste into paper, plastic, and glass, we significantly reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills. Consequently, fewer natural resources are exploited to produce new materials.
Furthermore, our choice of transport has a massive impact on air quality. Instead of relying on private cars, which emit harmful greenhouse gases, individuals ought to switch to eco-friendly alternatives. Commuting by bicycle or using public transport not only reduces pollution but also minimises traffic congestion in cities.
Another significant aspect to consider is energy consumption at home. If people made a habit of turning off lights and unplugging electronic devices when they are not in use, a enormous amount of electricity would be saved globally.
In conclusion, taking care of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. Through recycling, changing our travel habits, and reducing energy use, individuals can collectively make a tremendous contribution to protecting the Earth.
Examiner’s comment:
- Content (5/5): All aspects of the task were discussed very thoroughly. The third point (energy consumption) is logically connected to the rest of the topic.
- Communicative purpose (5/5): The register is ideal – very formal and objective (It is widely believed that…). The author manages to maintain the reader’s attention and communicates complex ideas (e.g. reduced consumption of natural resources).
- Organization (5/5): The text is masterfully organized. The student uses advanced connectors (Consequently, Furthermore, Instead of relying on…), which makes the sentences naturally follow from one another.
- Language (5/5): Excellent, precise vocabulary (pressing issues, landfills, exploited, emit harmful greenhouse gases, traffic congestion). The student demonstrates full control over advanced grammar: uses the passive voice (are exploited, would be saved) and flawlessly applies the second conditional.
Tips: How to write an excellent essay for B2 First?
Follow these 5 key rules:
- Plan before writing: A good essay must have 4-5 paragraphs (Introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, Conclusion).
- Remember the third point: The task always requires adding „your own idea” (your own idea). Omitting it drastically lowers the score in the Content category.
- Use linking words: To make the text flow, use expressions such as: First of all, Furthermore, Moreover, Consequently, In conclusion.
- Maintain a formal style: Avoid contractions (write cannot instead of can’t), idioms, and colloquial language.
- Show a wide range of grammar and vocabulary: Instead of repeating simple words, use synonyms at the B2 level (e.g. detrimental instead of bad). Incorporate passive voice (Passive Voice) or conditional sentences (Conditional) into the text.
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