What is an essay in the B2 First (FCE) exam?
An essay is a compulsory task (Part 1) in the Writing section of the Cambridge B2 First exam.
- Purpose: To express and justify one’s own opinion on a given topic.
- Length: From 140 to 190 words.
- Structure: The task always includes a topic and two prompts that the student must address. The student must come up with and describe a third prompt (their own idea) independently.
- Style: Formal or semi-formal. Avoid colloquial vocabulary and contractions (e.g., instead of don’t, it is better to use do not).
How do examiners grade essays? (Cambridge Criteria)
Each written work at 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 answer the prompt? Did they include all three points (including their own idea)?
- Communicative Achievement: Are the tone and style (register) appropriate for an essay? Is the text easy to read and does it convey complex ideas?
- Organisation: Is the text logically divided into paragraphs? Are appropriate linking words used and do sentences flow smoothly from one another?
- Language: Richness of vocabulary and grammatical correctness. Does the student only use simple sentences, or can they construct complex structures (passive voice, inversions, conditional clauses)?
Example exam task
Below is a typical exam task that a student will encounter in 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 with examiner’s assessment
Here’s how essays written by students at different proficiency levels might look, along with their detailed analysis.
🔴 Version 1: Weak (Grade: Fail / approx. 4/20 pts)
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 Achievement (1/5): The text sounds more like a note to a friend than a formal essay. It conveys only simple, disconnected thoughts. Too colloquial a tone.
- Organisation (1/5): The division into paragraphs is very arbitrary. Only basic linking words (First thing, Second) were used, 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 gradation (better than car).
🟡 Version 2: Medium (Grade: Pass – Band 3 / approx. 12/20 pts)
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 have been discussed (the own idea is saving water). The message is clear. A minor minus for the fact that the own idea could have been justified a bit more deeply.
- 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 paragraph division. The student uses classic, even formulaic linking words (First of all, Secondly, Finally, To sum up). This is correct, but quite mechanical.
- Language (3/5): The vocabulary is adequate to the topic (rubbish, reuse, public transport). The grammar is correct, however, the student relies almost exclusively on simple tenses and basic modal verbs (can, should). Only one very simple conditional construction appears at the end.
🟢 Version 3: Very good (Grade: Excellent – Band 5 / 20/20 pts)
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 have been discussed very comprehensively. The third point (energy consumption) is logically linked 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 can maintain the reader’s attention and communicates complex ideas (e.g., less consumption of natural resources).
- Organization (5/5): The text is masterfully organized. The student uses advanced conjunctions (Consequently, Furthermore, Instead of relying on…), which makes the sentences flow naturally.
- 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”. Omitting it drastically lowers the score in the Content category.
- Use linking words: To make the text flow smoothly, use phrases 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 B2-level synonyms (e.g., detrimental instead of bad). Incorporate the passive voice or a conditional sentence into the text.