FCE - essay

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FCE Essay - [pdf]

Paper 2 Part 1 - Essay

AN ESSAY is always written for the teacher. It should answer the question given byaddressing 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 conclusionand 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 andthe 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)

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

Paper 2 Part 2 - 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]

FCE - informal letter or email
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FCE Informal letter/email - [pdf]

Paper 2 Part 2 - Informal letter or email

An informal letter or email is usually between people who know each other fairly well. In addition to giving news, they are often used to request information,
congratulate people, give advice and ask questions. There are a lot of similarities between informal letters and conversation. Informal letters ask a lot of
questions, show interest and enthusiasm, and imagine a lot of shared information.

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 informal letters or emails

Salutation or Greeting

 Start with Dear followed by the first name of the person to whom you are writing. In emails, you can also start with Hi (and the person's
name). Dear Ben, or Hi Ben,
(Don't forget to use only the first name of the person you are writing to and not Dear Mr John, which is never used, or Dear Mr John Brown, which
sounds too formal.)
 Informal letters sometimes have a comma after the person's name, and the letter starts on the line below. The important thing is to be consistent
with the style that you choose to use (so if you use a comma after the person's name at the start of the letter, use a comma after the closing
statement at the end).

Body
Openings

When writing an informal letter, you are usually replying to another letter. You would normally start with a greeting, then acknowledge the letter to which
you are replying. It is often a good idea to acknowledge some key information given in the original letter too. You can also make a comment on your own reply.

Useful phrases for the opening

 How are you? / How have the family been? / I hope you are well.
 Thank you / Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter / postcard.
 It was good / nice / great to hear from you again.
 I was so surprised to hear that...
 I’m sorry I haven’t written / haven't been in touch for such a long time.
 It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you're well / you and your family are well.
 How are things? / How are you? / How’s it going?

Other useful phrases

Referring to news

 Great news about … Glad to hear that … Sorry to hear about …

Giving news

 Listen, did I tell you about …? You’ll never believe what …

 Oh, and another thing … This is just to let you know that …
 I thought you might be interested to hear about / know that …
 By the way, have you heard about / did you know that …?

Apologies

 I’m writing to apologise for missing your party but I’m afraid I was with flu.
 I’m really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card but I was busy with my new job.

Invitations
  I’m / We’re having a party on Friday 19th and I / we hope you’ll be able to come.
 Would you like to come / go to see ‘Room With a View’ with me at the weekend?
 I was wondering if you’d like to go to the theatre / come on holiday with us.
 Could you let me / us know if you can come / you’d like to join us?
 Thank you very much for your invitation. I’d love to come.
 Thank you for asking / inviting me to … but I’m afraid I won’t be able to …

Requests

 I’m writing to ask for your help / you (if you could do me) a favour.
 I wonder if / I was wondering if you could help me / do me a favour.
 I hope you don’t mind me asking but could you (possibly) …?
 I’d be very / really / terribly grateful if you could …

Thank you / Congratulations / Good Luck

 I’m writing to thank you for your hospitality / the wonderful present.
 It was so kind of you to invite me to stay with you.
 I really appreciated all your help / advice.

 Congratulations on passing your exams / your excellent exam results!

 I wish you good luck / Good luck in / with your exams / your driving test / your interview.

 Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do well / pass.

 Do be on time, won’t you, and don’t forget to …

Making suggestions and recommendations

 Why don’t you …? / Maybe you could …? / How about …?

 You can’t leave New York without (...doing sth)
 I’m sure you will enjoy (...doing sth). If you like, we can …
 Do visit ... / Don’t forget to ...

Closing
The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. There are some standard ways of finishing an informal letter or email.

 Give a reason why you're ending the letter: Anyway, I must go and get on with my work! / I guess it's time I got on with that studying I've been
avoiding.
 Send greetings and/or make reference for future contact: Give my love / regards to... / Say hello to... / Anyway, don't forget to let me know the
dates of the party. / I'll try and phone you at the weekend to check the times. / We must try and meet up soon. / I can't wait to hear from you / Look
forward to seeing you again / Hope to hear from you soon / See you soon / Write soon
 Closing statement such as Love, Lots of love, All the best, Take care, Best wishes, should be writtenon a new line. If you used a comma after
the opening greeting, use a comma here too.
 Signing off: Your first name then follows on another new line.

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. Even in informal writing, there is a good
range of language you can use (conditional sentences, a range of perfect and continuous tenses, indirect questions...)

Informal language, including phrasal verbs, informal vocabulary ("I guess you loved the pics"), contractions, question tags.

Simpler sentence structure: I’ll be late for the party. It’s because of my French exam.

Connectors: All good writing makes good use of connectors. However, many of the connectors you have learnt for other styles of writing are inappropriate in an
informal letter or email. For informal writing, you need to use some of the connectors that are more specific to spoken language.

 To introduce a topic: Well, you'll never guess who I bumped into yesterday. / I know how much you love tennis, so I've got us some tickets to Wimbledon.
/ By the way, did you know that John's got a new job?
 To go back to a previous topic: Anyway, as I was saying earlier, I really wasn't very happy there. / Now where was I? Oh yes, I nearly forgot, Mary asked
me tell you about the cinema.
 To introduce surprising or bad news: Actually, he came to the party after all. / I'm really sorry but I can't make it. / To tell you the truth, I don't really like
sports much.
 To summarise what you've already said: Anyway, we had a really nice time in the end. / Well, to cut a long story short, we didn't get there on time.

Model questions and answers

Informal email/letter 1 - Model question
TASK

You have received this email from an English-speaking boy called Simon.

Hello,
I would like to get to know someone from your country and a friend has told me that you would like to practise your English. Perhaps we could email each other.
Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your family? Could you suggest how we might meet sometime in the future?
Thanks,
Simon

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

Informal email/letter 1 - Model answer

Hello Simon,

I'm glad you're interested in my country. As your friend said, I'd like us to email each other to help me improve your English.

Let me start by telling you a bit about myself and my family. My name's Ivo and I live in Kutna Hora, which is about 45 minutes from Prague by car. I used to
work for a medical company but now I'm learning to be a salesperson. In the future I want a job where I can travel for my work. I've already been to a few places
in Europe but I've never been to an English-speaking country.

I live at home with my parents, which is convenient, as I don't have to do much housework and my meals are cooked for me. My younger brother is studying at
university. Although he is four years younger than me, we get on quite well. We both enjoy snowboarding and music.

What about you? Have you ever been to the Czech Republic? It would be great if you could come over one day and we could fix up a meeting. Why don't you
let me know your plans?

Anyway, I must go and get on with my work! Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes,

Ivo

(+/- 190 words)

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

Paper 2 Part 2 - Report

A REPORT is usually written for a superior (e.g. a teacher) or a peer group (e.g. members of an English club). Candidates are expected to give some factual
information and make suggestions or recommendations. A report should be clearly organised and may include headings.

Hints

 Begin by stating the purpose of your report.

 You may invent where you got the information.
 Use a clear layout with:
 Headings. They will make it clear that your report is not an essay or review.
 Lists of numbered points or bullets where appropriate. (DON'T overdo it, though. If you use them in more than one section, you
won't be able to show the full range of structures and vocabulary you know.)
  Divide your report into sections according to the input.
 Develop the ideas in the task input. Focus on a maximum of two points.
 Give a clear summary of the situation and make a comment/suggestion only in the last paragraph.
 Use an impersonal, semi-formal style.

Useful language for a report

Stating the purpose of the report (paragraph 1)

 The main aim/objective/purpose of this report is to ...

Describing how you got the information (paragraph 1)

 To prepare for this report, I conducted interviews with... / I visited three of the most popular... / I discussed the issue with...

Reporting your results (paragraphs 2, 3, ...)

 According to ...
 All those who were interviewed believe that/are concerned that... / It is thought that... / It was commented upon by a number of people we talked to
that...
 A cause of dissatisfaction was...

Presenting a list

 The arguments against ... are the following:

1. 1 ...
2. 2 ...
 The following were the main reasons given for supporting ...: firstly, ..., secondly, ...
 Points mentioned in favour of/against ... were:
1. 1 ...
2. 2 ...
 There are several ways in which ... might be ... :
1. 1 ...
2. 2 ...

Making recommendations (Last paragraph)

 Taking all the factors mentioned into account...

 I would therefore recommend ....
 Clearly, more could be done to .... I would make the following recommendations:
 1 ...
 2 ...
 3 ...

Model questions and answers

Report - Model question 1
TASK

Your English teacher has asked you to write a report on where people can eat out in your area. You should include the views of visitors and local people,
comment on any recent trends and dissatisfaction and make a recommendation.

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

Report - Model answer 1

Local eating places

The main purpose of this report is to give an overview of the town's eating facilities. As part of the survey, both tourists and local residents were asked their
views.

Cafés, pubs and restaurants

There are a number of good quality restaurants in the area, which cater for most tastes: pizza houses, sushi bars, exclusive French restaurants and gastro
pubs. We are also fortunate to have several cafés and sandwich bars, which are very popular in the mornings with young mothers and children and with office
workers at lunchtime.

Recent trends/Dissatisfaction

It was reported that in recent years most of the fast food restaurants had extended their hours, with most open until midnight. It was also stated that prices had
gone up dramatically in some of the better restaurants and, as a consequence, people are going out less than they used to or eating at cheaper restaurants.

Room for improvement/Recommendations

The main area of concern among a number of people interviewed was the lack of vegetarian meals available in many of the restaurants and it is recommended
that restaurants are made aware of this view.

[+/- 185 words]

Report - Model question 2

TASK

Your college has been asked to accept a group of 50 students from another country for two weeks. Your principal has asked you to write a report. What would
be the advantages and disadvantages of accepting this group? What would you recommend?

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

Report - Model answer 1

Report on proposed visit by 50 overseas students

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of accepting a large group of students from overseas for two weeks. I have
discussed the issue with all the senior members of college staff.

Advantages

All those I interviewed believe that for students, this would be an exciting opportunity to explore a foreign culture, both in the classroom and socially. Overall,
they thought the visit would be stimulating for the college at a quiet time of the year.

Disadvantages

Some members of staff are concerned that:

1. there would be insufficient seating in the library at busy times.

2. the visitors might be more interested in enjoying themselves than studying.
3. the restaurant queue would be very slow at lunchtime.

Conclusion and recommendation

Clearly, the visit might involve some practical difficulties, but on the whole, everyone thought that it should be seen as an opportunity not to be missed. I would
therefore suggest that the college accepts the group.

[+/- 170 words]

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

Paper 2 Part 2 - Review

A REVIEW is usually written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website. The main purpose is to describe and express a personal opinion
about something which the writer has experienced (e.g. a film, a holiday, a product, a website etc.) and to give the reader a clear impression of what the item
discussed is like. Description and explanationare key functions for this task, and a review will normally include a recommendation to the reader.

Hints
  It is a good idea to give your review an interesting title.
 In the first paragraph, say what you are reviewing and try to get the reader's interest.
 Give your opinion of what you are reviewing linked to the question in the second paragraph. Remember a review is not just a list of facts - it's
largely your opinion.
 Give more details of what your are reviewing linked to the questions in the input in one or two more paragraphs, but only focus on those you've
been asked to develop.
 Summarise your view, using different words from the introduction, and include a recommendation.
 Remember.
 Use a personal or more neutral style, according to the target reader.
 It is important that you show a range of structures in the language of opinion, description and recommendation.
 Add vivid language to add interest.

Useful language for a review

What I liked

 What I liked most was …..

 The thing I liked most was ….
 I was pleasantly surprised by …..
 ….. would appeal to …..
 If you get a chance to ….

What I disliked

 What I disliked most was …..

 I was disappointed by/with ……

Reviews of books

 main character
 is set in
 Fiction: science fiction / thriller / fantasy / mystery / historical / romance ...
 Non-fiction: cook book / travel book / textbook / manual / coffee-table book ...
 atmosphere / plot
 author
 written by
 chapter
 factual
 unbelievable
 bestseller
 ending

Reviews of concerts

 artist / band / musician / (bass/lead/rhythm) guitarist / (backing/lead) singer / drummer / soloist / trio / orchestra
 auditorium / hall / venue / lyrics / (catchy) tune / score / gig

Reviews of exhibitions

 painting / sculpture / handicrafts

 gallery / catalogue / display

Reviews of films

 lead role
 star role
 star
 star actor/actress
 starring
 secondary role
 He plays a …….
 written by ….
 cast / director / producer
 is set in …..
  based on a true story …..
 believable
 true to life
 not very believable
 far-fetched
 (As for fiction books +): animation / adaptation / comedy
 Costumes / design / photography / script / special effects / soundtrack
 ending

Reviews of TV programmes

 Chat shows / current affairs programme / debate / documentary / series / soap opera/ sitcom (situation comedy)
 Host / presenter

Reviews of hotels, restaurants, etc

 location
 service
 setting
 attractive / disappointing setting
 owned by
 run by
 head chef (restaurant)
 waiters (restaurant)
 staff …….
 staff at reception …….(hotel)
 hotel facilities ….
 reasonable prices …..
 good/excellent/poor value for money …..
 (a bit/somehow) expensive
 overpriced
 not worth the money
 always fully booked
 book in advance

Criticism

 The script seemed rather conventional/predictable to me.

 The plot struck me as completely bizarre/absurd/incomprehensible
 The characters are appealing and true to life
 The dancers were quite brilliant/amateurish

Recommendations

 Judging from this CD / show ...

 Overall, if you like ..., you'll love / you should ...
 Although some of ... he/she/it's still a great...
 You really must/should buy/see/read/visit ...
 I would definitely recommend seeing/visiting/reading/having a look at ...

Model questions and answers

Review- Model question 1
TASK

You have seen this announcement in your college English-language magazine.

Music reviews wanted

Have you been to a great music concert recently?
Write us a review of the concert, telling us about the band or singer and their performance. Say whether you would recommend seeing them perform live.
We will publish the best reviews next month.
Write your review in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Review - Model answer 1

A gig to remember

Without doubt, the British rock band Arctic Monkeys have given this year's best live show. As teenagers a few years ago, they made the fastest selling album
ever but seemed shy and awkward on stage. Now they have matured and become an amazing live act.

Since the frontman Alex decided to cut his hair and dress like a skinny rock star of the 1950s, he moves confidently around the stage, waving his arms and
encouraging us to shake our hips. The crowd were ecstatic!

The set began with their hit, Do you wanna know. The guitar playing was tight, as always, and the rhythm supported by Matt's powerful drumming. The band
were on top form throughout, winning fans with a list that combined older with new hits.

My only reservation is that although the songs have clever lyrics and great melodies and sound fresh every time, some lack the emotional and poetic force of
their best.

But this is a minor criticism. Overall, it was a performance to remember and all fans should try and catch them while they're on tour.

[+/- 185 words]