Part 1: Compulsory Essay
About This Section
Part 1 is always an essay. You are given a title and two ideas related to the topic. You must write an essay that discusses both ideas and gives your own opinion. You may also include your own idea if you wish.
The essay is usually on a topic relevant to everyday life — for example, the environment, education, technology, or health. You do not need specialist knowledge.
You must write 140–190 words.
Technique for Part 1
Read the task carefully. Underline the topic and the two ideas you must discuss.
Plan your essay before you start writing. Decide which idea you agree with more, or whether you want to present a balanced argument.
Use a clear structure:
- Introduction: Introduce the topic in 1–2 sentences. Don't copy the question word for word.
- Body paragraph 1: Discuss the first idea with a reason or example.
- Body paragraph 2: Discuss the second idea with a reason or example.
- Conclusion: Give your overall opinion in 1–2 sentences.
Check your work. Look for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Extra Tips for Part 1
Use linking words to connect your ideas: However, On the other hand, Furthermore, In addition, As a result, In conclusion.
Avoid very informal language. The essay should be written in a neutral to semi-formal register.
Don't just list points — develop each idea with a reason, example, or explanation.
You can add a third idea of your own, but only if you have space. Don't sacrifice the development of the two required ideas.
Avoid starting every sentence with "I think". Vary your sentence structures to demonstrate range.
Read more: B2 First Essay Examples & Writing Tips
Part 2: Choice of Task
About This Section
In Part 2 you choose one task from three options. Each option specifies a different text type and situation. The possible text types are:
- Article — for a magazine, newsletter, or website
- Email/Letter — formal or informal, depending on the situation
- Report — usually for a teacher, employer, or organisation
- Review — of a book, film, restaurant, product, etc.
You must write 140–190 words. Read all three options before choosing — pick the one where you feel most confident about the topic and text type.
Technique for Part 2
Read all three options before you decide. Don't rush into the first one.
Ask yourself: Do I know enough vocabulary for this topic? Am I comfortable with this text type?
Identify the target reader. Who are you writing to? This determines your register (formal, neutral, or informal).
Cover all the content points. Each task gives you specific things to include. Missing a content point will cost you marks.
Use an appropriate layout. For example, a letter needs an opening and closing; a report may use headings.
Extra Tips for Part 2
Match your tone to the situation. An email to a friend is informal; a report for your manager is formal.
Don't write a list of bullet points unless the text type calls for it (like a report). Most tasks expect connected prose.
Use paragraphs. Even in shorter texts, clear paragraphing shows good organisation.
If you choose a review, remember to give your recommendation at the end — would you recommend it or not?
B2 First Writing Text Types
Essay (Part 1 only)
Register: Neutral to semi-formal
Structure: Introduction, 2–3 body paragraphs, conclusion
Key features: Clear opinion, developed arguments, linking words, no bullet points or headings
Common mistake: Writing too informally or simply listing ideas without developing them
Article
Register: Semi-formal to informal — engaging and interesting to read
Structure: Eye-catching title, engaging opening, 2–3 paragraphs, strong ending
Key features: Addresses the reader directly ("Have you ever...?"), rhetorical questions, personal opinions and anecdotes
Common mistake: Writing it like an essay. An article should feel lively and personal.
Email / Letter
Register: Depends on who you're writing to — informal for a friend, formal for a company or authority
Structure: Greeting, clear paragraphs addressing each point, appropriate sign-off
Key features: Appropriate opening (Dear Sir/Madam vs Hi/Hello), reason for writing in the first paragraph, all content points addressed
Common mistake: Mixing registers — don't use "Hey" in a formal letter or "I am writing to inform you" in an email to a friend
Read more: FCE Formal Letter & Email Writing Guide | 24 Essential Expressions for Informal Emails
Report
Register: Formal to semi-formal
Structure: Headings for each section, introduction stating the purpose, sections with findings, conclusion with recommendations
Key features: Objective tone, factual language, clear recommendations, headings and subheadings
Common mistake: Being too personal or emotional. A report should feel objective and professional.
Review
Register: Semi-formal to informal
Structure: Brief introduction of what you're reviewing, description, your opinion, recommendation
Key features: Mix of description and opinion, adjectives and descriptive language, clear recommendation at the end
Common mistake: Only summarising the plot or content without giving your personal evaluation
How B2 First Writing Is Marked
Each task is marked on a scale of 0–5 across four criteria. Both examiners' marks are combined to produce your final Writing score, which is reported on the Cambridge English Scale (typically 140–190 for B2).
The Four Criteria
| Criterion |
What examiners look for |
| Content |
Have you addressed all the content points in the task? Is the content relevant to the target reader? |
| Communicative Achievement |
Is the writing appropriate for the text type? Does it hold the reader's attention? Is the register suitable? |
| Organisation |
Is the text well-organised with clear paragraphs? Are ideas linked logically? Is there a clear beginning, middle, and end? |
| Language |
Is there a good range of vocabulary and grammar? Are errors minor and infrequent? Is the language appropriate for B2 level? |
What Gets Top Marks (Band 5)
- All content points are fully addressed and the effect on the reader is very positive
- The conventions of the text type are used effectively to hold the reader's attention
- The text is well-organised with a variety of cohesive devices
- A wide range of vocabulary and grammar is used with full flexibility and accuracy
Common Reasons for Low Marks
- Missing content: Not addressing all parts of the task
- Wrong text type: Writing an essay when asked for an article, or vice versa
- Wrong register: Being too informal in a report, or too formal in a friendly email
- Under the word count: Writing fewer than 140 words usually means content points are missing
- Poor organisation: No clear paragraphs, no introduction or conclusion
Practice Your Writing
Use our Writing Correction tool to submit your B2 First writing tasks and receive detailed feedback on all four marking criteria.
More writing resources:
