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Cómo escribir un Essay para B2 First (FCE) Writing

Luis @ kse academy.

• septiembre 29, 2019

Los exámenes de Cambridge English suelen tener varias partes: Reading, Writing, Use of English, Speaking y Listening. En este post te voy a hablar del  Writing del B2  First (FCE) y, más concretamente sobre  cómo escribir un essay para el FCE de Cambridge English .

Respuesta de ejemplo de Essay

This post is also available in English.

¿Qué partes tiene el FCE Writing?

El  Writing del First (FCE)  tiene dos partes únicamente. Para cada parte tienes que hacer una composición escrita que dependerá de las instrucciones de cada ejercicio. En la  primera parte  siempre se te pedirá que  escribas un essay (ensayo), ya que únicamente se te da una opción. En la  segunda parte  te dan 3 opciones entre las que puedes elegir. De entre éstas, los  tipos de writing  que aparecen son  letters/ emails  (cartas o emails),  articles   (artículos),  reviews  (reseñas) y  reports  (informes). Cada writing debe tener entre  140 y 190 palabras , aproximadamente.

Al tratarse de diferentes  tipos de Writings , las expresiones y estructuras que utilizarás serán diferentes. Pero para eso estoy yo aquí, para explicarte cómo escribir cada uno, y hoy empezamos con  cómo escribir un essay .

Cómo escribir un Essay para el FCE Writing

Un  essay , en español «ensayo», es un escrito de opinión con el que  analizamos un tema , una situación o un problema desde  diferentes puntos de vista ,  argumentando  cada uno de ellos y  expresando nuestra opinión  al respecto. Por este motivo, un  essay  tiene las siguientes características:

• Próposito:  Con un essay lo que hacemos es valuar un tema, situación o problema que sea, de algún modo, de interés o controvertido. Normalmente se plantea como una actividad a realizar después de un debate que ha tenido lugar en clase. En el examen, evidentemente, el debate te lo tendrás que imaginar.
• Tono y registro:  Al tratarse de un writing sobre un  tema serio o controvertido , el essay es un escrito formal, por lo que debemos utilizar un  tono objetivo . Además, el registro lingüístico deberá ser formal, evitando palabras comunes (Ej.:  things, stuff, get,  etc.) y contracciones (Ej.:  can’t, don’t, won’t , etc.).
• Estructura:  Como todos los escritos,  un essay debe tener una estructura definida . Para empezar, podemos elegir darle un título o no. Personalmente, a mí me parece más adecuado escribir un  essay con título . Luego, el cuerpo debe estar dividido en introducción, idea 1, idea 2, idea 3 y conclusión. Es decir, por lo general,  un essay debe tener 5 párrafos , aunque no es obligatorio.
• Opinión:  Existen incontables formas de expresar tu opinión en un essay, por lo que debes elegir la que mejor se ajuste a tu estilo. Sin embargo,  lo normal es mantenerte imparcial durante todo el escrito y expresar tu opinión únicamente en el último párrafo , a modo de conclusión. Lo más importante es que justifiques todo lo que dices en el escrito.
• Coherencia:  La coherencia es fundamental en todos los escritos, pero especialmente en el essay. Al tratarse de un texto justificativo y argumentativo, no se pueden escribir oraciones y párrafos inconexos, por lo que  tus ideas deben seguir un orden lógico y bien conectado utilizando connectores apropiados .

Ejemplo de FCE Writing Essay

Ahora que sabemos las  características de un essay para el First (FCE) Writing , vamos a ver un  ejemplo de essay a nivel B2 , tanto la tarea de ejemplo como una posible respuesta.

Instrucciones de un Essay

En la siguiente imagen puedes ver las instrucciones de un essay con un tema muy recurrente, como es el del medio ambiente:

En las instrucciones debemos fijarnos en lo siguiente:

• En el  primer párrafo  nos introducen la temática: … different ways in which you can protect the environment.
• La  segunda frase  suele ser la misma en todas las tareas:  Write an essay using  all  the notes…
• En  el recuadro  te plantean la idea principal en forma de pregunta y te dan anotaciones sobre lo que tienes que hablar:  recycle, using bicycles and walking, your own idea . Como ves, la tercera idea ha de ser de cosecha propia, es decir, te la tienes que inventar tú y debe ser algo relacionado con la misma temática.

Según el modelo de tarea planteado arriba, cada párrafo corresponderá a una idea diferente, aparte de la introducción y la conclusión. Es decir, lo normal es que nos salgan 5 párrafos. A continuación tienes un  ejemplo de essay para FCE Writing :

Como puedes observar a simple vista, el essay tiene un  título introductorio y 5 párrafos  (introducción + idea 1 + idea 2 + idea 3 + conclusión). Si nos paramos a leer el essay detenidamente, veremos lo siguiente:

• El essay tiene  párrafos bien definidos  visualmente, lo cual es muy importante.
• El título resume la temática  del essay. Otra opción es utilizar la pregunta de las instrucciones ( What can people do to help protect the environment? ). Sin embargo, a mí me suele parecer demasiado larga, por lo que prefiero resumirla en un título más corto.
• Introducción:  introduce el tema de una manera general y da pie a continuar con el segundo párrafo.
• Párrafo 2:  trata la idea 1 de la tarea.
• Párrafo 3:  trata la idea 2 de la tarea.
• Párrafo 4:  trata la idea 3 de la tarea (your own idea).
• Conclusión:  expresa nuestra opinión a modo de conclusión y resumen.
• Utiliza conectores para definir la progresión del texto: firstly, second, finally, etc.
• No utiliza muchas contracciones ni palabras comodín.
• One of the things that
• In the last few decades,
• For this reason,
• First, / Second, / Third, 
• By doing so, 
• For example, 
• In conclusion,

Se trata de un buen  ejemplo de essay  para el  FCE Writing . Hay que tener en cuenta, además, que este writing está escrito para simular un nivel B2, sin llegar a un nivel C1.

¿Me penalizan si me paso de las 190 palabras?

Esta es la pregunta más típica en esta parte del examen y la respuesta es la siguiente:  sí  y  no . Me explico. Los correctores no cuentan las palabras y te penalizan en función del número de palabras sola y exclusivamente. Corre el rumor entre los alumnos y profesores de que por cada 10 palabras te quitan puntos, pero eso no es cierto. Ahora bien, piensa que si te has pasado en 50 o 100 palabras, o más, probablemente estés metiendo  información poco relevante a la tarea , y eso  sí que es penalizable . Del mismo modo que  si escribes menos de 140 probablemente te falte información importante  o no la estés cubriendo con el detalle que se te pide.

Por ello, yo siempre recomiendo pasarse como mucho 10 o 20 palabras. De ese modo no perderás puntos si la tarea cubre los puntos que se te piden.

Guía para el FCE Writing con ejemplos

Aunque voy a publicar más artículos explicando cómo hacer cada tipo de writing, si no quieres esperar puedes adquirir la  guía oficial de KSE Academy para el  Writing del FCE . En esta guía encontrarás lo siguiente:

• Cómo escribir un essay  (ensayo) y 3 ejemplos
• Como escribir un article  (artículo) y 3 ejemplos
• Cómo escribir una review  (reseña) y 3 ejemplos
• Como escribir un report  (informe) y 3 ejemplos
• Cómo escribir un email o letter  (carta) y 3 ejemplos
• Más de 300 expresiones útiles los Writing del FCE

¿Quieres ver un extracto?  Aquí la tienes .

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17 comentarios en “Cómo escribir un Essay para B2 First (FCE) Writing”

La verdad es que me ha sido muy útil para coger apuntes. Muchas gracias!

Me alegro mucho, María. Gracias por tu comentario. Un saludo!

Muy interesante y la verdad deseo mejorar mi escritura y obtener la certificación.

I think my ideas are clear before start writting but I don’t get use the connectors.

Conciso y claro. Lo tendré en cuenta para el examen, gracias!

Hola, suspendería seguro si se me olvida el titulo en un essay ? Muy util tu información, gracias

muy útil me presento a examen el viernes nivel b2.gracias

Muchisimas gracias, me estoy preparando para el examen y la información me fue de gran ayuda. Saludos!!

me ha parecido super interesante, la semana próxima tengo las pruebas, espero sacar partido de toda esta información gracias.

¡Muchísimas gracias! Vuestro artículo acerca de cómo escribir un ESSAY está resultando muy útil para mí.

Muchísimas gracias a ti, Jairo, por leer el artículo y por tu comentario. ¡Un abrazo!

Muy claro y estructurado. Super útil!!

Me alegro de que te haya resultado útil. Gracias por tu comentario! 🙂

Explicas muy bien, la verdad me sirvió mucho. Muchas gracias por compartir.

Muchas gracias, Jaqueline. Un saludo! 🙂

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Cómo escribir un essay Cambridge B2: estructura y guía paso a paso

Tanto si te presentas al Cambridge B2: First como al Cambridge C1: Advanced, sabes que en la primera parte del writing caerá un essay. ¿Sufres el síndrome de la hoja en blanco? ¿No sabes cómo escribir tu essay B2 o sientes que no tienes tiempo suficiente para terminarlo? Entonces necesitas leer esta entrada, en la que escribiremos juntos un ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2 paso a paso. Pero antes, respondo a algunas preguntas que puedes estar haciéndote sobre cómo escribir un essay B2.

Diferencia entre essay y article B2

Una de las preguntas que mis alumnos suelen hacer más a menudo es la diferencia entre essay y article . Esta es sobre todo es de tono y estilo: un article B2 expresa un punto de vista personal sobre un tema de una manera más cercana y desenfadadas, en la que el autor o autora suele hablar en primera persona y atraer a su lector con preguntas retóricas, afirmaciones sorprendentes y otros recursos que lo «enganchen».

En un ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2, por el contrario, emplearemos un tono más distante y académico (evitaremos hablar en primera o segunda persona). Además, trataremos de incorporar puntos de vista diferentes al nuestro.

¿Cuánto tiempo y espacio tengo para escribir mi ejemplo de essay B2?

Para saber cómo escribir nuestro ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2 debemos tener en cuenta su extensión   (140-190 palabras)  y el tiempo del que vamos a disponer para escribirlo (80 minutos para las dos tareas del  writing,  con lo cual  tienes 40 minutos para tu  essay) .

Ahora bien,  ¿qué pasa si excedo las 190 palabras? Nada.  No obstante, cuando sobrepasas ese límite por un margen amplio, inevitablemente terminas escribiendo sobre cosas que no son relevantes para la tarea, y eso sí lo penalizan. Por otro lado, si te enrollas demasiado, el tiempo no te alcanzará. Los diseñadores de la prueba lo tienen todo muy bien calculado.

Cómo escribir este ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2

1. responde a la pregunta del essay.

Lo primero que haremos para escribir este ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2 es leer el enunciado, en el que encontrarás una pregunta. Trabajaremos con este enunciado (pero puedes encontrar más aquí ):

Después, lo que tenemos que hacer para comenzar el essay es responder la pregunta.

Como suele ocurrir con los temas de Cambridge, es muy probable que no hayas dedicado mucho tiempo a este y no tengas una opinión formada. ¿Qué hacer entonces? Sencillo: vamos a escribir lo que nos salga de la punta… del boli. Brainstorming de toda la vida.

Esto es lo que me ha salido de la punta del boli:

Después , agregaremos las ideas que ya nos dan en el enunciado, y que debemos obligatoriamente incluir:

• friendlier at local businesses
• broader at department stores

Después de esta fase de brainstorming, queda claro que me inclino más por las tiendas de barrio que por los grandes almacenes. Esta será la respuesta a la pregunta del essay.

Para argumentarla, elegiremos una de las ideas que han salido en el brainstorming y nuestro desarrollo de las ideas que nos han dado en el enunciado.

2. Hacer un guion: la coherencia en mi ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2

En el segundo paso para escribir nuestro ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2, organizaremos las ideas en un outline a manera de guion. Además, desarrollaremos estas ideas explicándolas y proporcionando ejemplos.

Cuando tengas que escribir tu essay, no te devanes mucho los sesos. Tira de tu experiencia personal (o la de tu cuñado) como comprador/a en tiendas locales y grandes almacenes.

En el caso de nuestro ejemplo, empezaremos copiando la pregunta del essay. Después, continuaremos con una disadvantage del comercio local y luego escribiremos las ventajas. Este es el orden lógico si la idea que queremos transmitir es que preferimos comprar en local businesses (que es la respuesta que hemos dado a la pregunta del essay en el paso anterior).

Como ves, a mí me gusta representar la jerarquía de las ideas que quiero plasmar siguiendo una estructura diagonal. Así me resulta más fácil verlas.

3. Redactar tu essay: cohesión en mi ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2

El siguiente paso en la redacción de este ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2 es convertir las ideas del paso anterior en párrafos.

Recuerda que cada párrafo debe tratar una sola idea y que las diferentes oraciones deben seguir una secuencia lógica y estar bien cohesionados. Para ello he de emplear los conectores adecuados.

Ahora bien, a estos párrafos les hace falta algo, ¿no? Vamos, que parece que no tienen nada que ver el uno con el otro.

Aquí viene el segundo nivel de cohesión: hay que unir los párrafos entre sí para que formen parte de un todo coherente y el lector no se pierda. Para ello usamos el signposting , que no es otra cosa que emplear conectores (signposts, transition signals, llámalos como quieras) al principio de cada párrafo:

Antes de continuar, quiero que te fijes en lo siguiente:

• La idea principal está siempre al comienzo del párrafo.
• No escribo oraciones demasiado largas

En el último párrafo he metido alguna otra cosa que no iba en el guion original. No pasa nada: hazlo si ves que el párrafo se te ha quedado muy pobre y puedes añadir algo que explique mejor la idea principal. Pero tampoco te pases.

4. Escribir la conclusión de tu essay

Ahora que hemos puesto punto final a la última disadvantage , continuamos con el penúltimo paso para escribir este ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2: escribir la conclusión. Para ello, haremos un resumen de los argumentos expuestos y emplearemos conectores, tanto para la coherencia interna del párrafo como para la coherencia del essay.

Y para que nos quede una conclusión de 10, dejaremos al lector con algo que pensar:

5. Escribir la introducción

Por último, para terminar este ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2 escribo la introducción. La de jo para el final porque, personalmente, me parece lo más difícil. Si no es tu caso, puedes escribirla antes del paso anterior o después de haber respondido a la pregunta del essay.

La introducción sirve para atraer a tu lector. Este, sea en la vida real o sea tu examinador de Cambridge, es una persona ocupada y tienes que ponérselo fácil para que lea.

Para escribir nuestra introducción, seguiremos la forma de un embudo que comienza con afirmaciones de carácter genérico sobre el tema del essay . Haremos un poco de brainstorming:

• Department stores are present in every large town and most middle-sized ones
• Popular with elderly people and millenials

Después, terminaremos este embudo con la thesis statement , la oración central de tu essay que dará pie a la argumentación que le sigue. Por esto mismo, la thesis stamentent debe contener las palabras clave que aparecen en las oraciones principales (iniciales) de cada párrafo.

De acuerdo: quizá no sea un recurso muy original. Pero funciona.

6. Revisar y pulir

Después de haber seguido estos pasos para para escribir este ejemplo de essay Cambridge B2, solo queda revisar lo que hemos escrito. Nuestro essay ha quedado así:

Ahora hay que comprobar y corregir los fallos de organización (cohesión y coherencia) gramaticales, léxicos y ortográficos. De ello te hablo en este pdf descargable .

Y, si eres perfeccionista como yo, puedes tratar de pulir algunas cosas. SI TE SOBRA TIEMPO.

Que no es mi caso en este momento y probablemente no será el tuyo el día del examen. Así que acostúmbrate a la no perfección y haz tuya esta frase que me enseñó Lola, mi gurú:

Better done than perfect.

Te dejo con esta máxima espiritual. Y con los takeaways o ideas que quiero que te lleves después de haber leído este artículo.

Your takeaways

Para saber cómo escribir un essay B2, s igue los siguientes pasos:

• Responde la(s) pregunta(s) del writing. Haz brainstorming si es necesario.
• Escribe un guion en el que argumentes tus respuestas con explicaciones y ejemplos.
• una secuencia lógica
• la puntuación
• conectores para la cohesión interna
• el signposting para la cohesión entre párrafos.
• Escribe una conclusión que resuma los puntos tratados y deje al lector con algo que pensar.
• Escribe la introducción. La forma embudo suele funcionar muy bien: unas cuantas frases genéricas sobre el tema (que sigan una secuencia lógica) y terminen con la pregunta misma del essay o una reformulación de la misma.
• cohesión y coherencia;
• léxico y ortografía.

¿Conoces a más gente que necesita mejorar su writing? Compártelo en tus redes.

¿Te ha gustado este artículo? ¿Qué debería mejorar? Déjame tus comentarios.

Si quieres leer más consejos como este, suscríbete a mi comunidad de Successful Writers  aquí abajo 👇🏽

2 thoughts on “Cómo escribir un essay Cambridge B2: estructura y guía paso a paso”

Thank you very much. You have explained it flawless.

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Guía para escribir el ensayo perfecto en el B2 (FCE) de Cambridge

1. Introducción

Una de las secciones más complicadas del examen del FCE/B2 de Cambridge es, sin duda, el WritingPaper. la cual, en muchas ocasiones, puede, incluso, llegar a parecer la tarea más desalentadora. Sin embargo, con la práctica y los consejos adecuados, puedes mejorar tus habilidades de escritura y aumentar tus posibilidades de éxito. En esta entrada de blog, proporcionaré algunos consejos prácticos para ayudarte a escribir un ensayo efectivo y bien estructurado para el FCE/B2 de Cambridge.

En la parte del Writing FCE/B2 se han de realizar que realizar dos estilos diferentes de escritura. La pregunta 1 siempre pide al candidato escribir un ensayo; mientras que la pregunta 2 da a elegir entre diferentes tipos de tipologías textuales. No obstante, en esta entrada de blog nos vamos a centrar en mostrarte cómo escribir el ensayo perfecto para el examen B2 (FCE).

2. Estilo y Escritura

El ensayo de escritura B2 es un tipo de escritura formal y objetiva , en el que el candidato deberá escribir sobre un tema, situación o problema, ya sea serio o comprometido. En este tipo de ensayo se espera que el autor presente argumentos a favor y en contra del tema , apoyados con ejemplos que respalden su opinión . La conclusión del ensayo debe reflejar la postura final del autor sobre el tema en cuestión.

El ensayo de escritura B2 sigue una estructura claramente definida . Comienza con una introducción , seguida por un cuerpo de ensayo dividido en varios párrafos con ideas organizadas que desarrollan los argumentos y las ideas de manera coherente y equilibrada . El objetivo final del ensayo es llevar al lector a la misma conclusión que el autor.

Una posible estructura para el ensayo del FCE/B2 puede ser la siguiente:

Introducción

Idea o argumento 1

Idea o argumento 2

Idea o argumento 3

3. Consejos generales para entrar en materia

Planifica tu ensayo.

Antes de comenzar a escribir tu ensayo, es importante que planifiques cuidadosamente lo que quieres decir y cómo quieres estructurar tus ideas. Dedica unos minutos a hacer un esquema o una lluvia de ideas para asegurarte de que estás abarcando todos los aspectos importantes de la tarea y que estás organizando tus pensamientos de manera clara y coherente.

Estructura tu ensayo

Una vez que tengas un plan claro, es hora de empezar a escribir tu ensayo. Asegúrate de que estás siguiendo una estructura clara y coherente, dividiendo tu ensayo en párrafos y utilizando conectores adecuados para conectar tus ideas y hacer que tu texto fluya con naturalidad. Asegúrate de que cada párrafo tenga una idea principal clara y de que estás apoyando tus argumentos con ejemplos y evidencia concretos .

Utiliza un lenguaje claro y preciso

Es importante que utilices un lenguaje claro y preciso para expresar tus ideas de manera efectiva . Evita el uso de jergas o lenguaje informal , y asegúrate de que estás utilizando palabras y frases apropiadas para el contexto. Además, trata de variar el uso de verbos y adjetivos para mantener el interés del lector y hacer que tu ensayo sea más dinámico y atractivo.

Evita la repetición

La repetición de palabras y frases puede hacer que tu ensayo parezca aburrido y monótono. Trata de variar tu vocabulario y utiliza sinónimos y antónimos para evitar la repetición y hacer que tu ensayo sea más interesante y variado.

Sé consistente en tu estilo y voz

Es importante que mantengas una voz consistente y un estilo coherente en todo tu ensayo. Utiliza el mismo tono y estilo en todo tu texto.

Revisa y edita tu ensayo

Una vez que hayas terminado de escribir tu ensayo, es importante que dediques tiempo a revisarlo y editarlo cuidadosamente . Revisa la gramática, la ortografía y la puntuación, y asegúrate de que estás cumpliendo con los requisitos de la tarea. Pide a alguien que lea tu ensayo y te dé comentarios honestos y constructivos sobre tu trabajo.

Practica regularmente

Finalmente, es importante que practiques regularmente para mejorar tus habilidades de escritura y prepararte para el examen FCE/B2 de Cambridge. Escribe con regularidad, lee artículos y ensayos en inglés y utiliza recursos en línea para mejorar tu gramática y ampliar tu vocabulario.

4. Expresiones Útiles

En esta sección nos vamos a centrar en proporcionar algunas expresiones útiles y de nivel para impresionar a los examinadores. Junto con la expresión, te proponemos un ejemplo de uso para que veas cómo se utiliza en contexto y un sinónimo para ayudarte a ampliar tu léxico.

Estas expresiones puedes utilizarlas para conferir cohesión y coherencia a tu ensayo. Veamos algunos ejemplos:

Junto con los conectores anteriormente propuestos, te ofrecemos un listado de wowwords con las que, sin duda, impresionarás a los examinadores. Recuerda que palabras como good, bad, interesting o important son muy básicas y que, en este nivel, los examinadores esperan ver un repertorio lingüístico más rico y variado.

5. Evaluación del Ensayo

A continuación, te contamos en detalle qué esperan Cambridge de los candidatos a la hora de realizar un ensayo. Toma buena nota porque esta información puede darte las claves para afrontar con éxito esta parte del examen:

Los textos y tareas en las Calificaciones de Cambridge English están diseñados para reflejar la capacidad el candidato para comunicarse en diferentes contextos.

El examen de escritura del FCE/B2 de Cambridge consta de dos partes y dura en total 1 hora y 20 minutos. Los candidatos tienen que demostrar que pueden escribir diferentes tipos de texto en inglés.

Los examinadores de Cambridge English consideran estos puntos al calificar una pieza de trabajo:

Al igual que con otros exámenes de Cambridge English, la escritura de los candidatos para B2 First se evalúa en términos de Contenido, Logro Comunicativo, Organización y Lenguaje . Los descriptores detallados de las bandas son los siguientes:

Estas subescalas y descriptoresfueron diseñados para ser utilizados por examinadores experimentados de Cambridge English, por lo que es posible que algunos de los términos especializados le resulten desconocidos. A continuación, puede ver lo que significan estos descriptores en la práctica . Para cada subescala, hay una explicación de los descriptores .

A continuación, te mostramos un ejemplo de ensayo escrito por un candidato y los comentarios realizados por el examinador. Lee con atención y toma buena nota del feedback proporcionado por el experto, pues te ayudará a saber si tus redacciones van por el buen camino.

6. Manos a la Obra

A continuación, te proponemos un modelo de tarea para que empieces a practicar y pongas en práctica todo lo aprendido hasta aquí. Recuerda leer con atención el apartado ‘Herramientas para recibir feedback sobre mi ensayo’ para saber adónde dirigirte para recibir una evaluación exhaustiva de tu redacción.

Y ahora, sí. Ha llegado el momento. Concentración y ¡manos a la obra!

¡Recuerda seguir este esquema y no te olvides de usar muchos conectores y wowwords!

Introduction (Introduce the topic: In this essay I am going to write about…It seems to me that, It is often said that…)

Paragraph1 (Deal with first bullet point: Firstly, To begin with, Another argument in favour is, It has both benefits and drawbacks, Furthermore, In addition, Apart from this, )

Paragraph2 (Tackle point#2: On the other hand, It is sometimes believed that, It is argued that, On the contrary, An opposing argument is…)

Conclusion (State your own opinion and sum up: Taking into consideration all of the above, to conclude, all things considered, It is clear from the facts that, On balance, In conclusion, Finally, Last but not least, in addition, as well as…, I find hard to see why…, I personally feel that… )

7. Herramientas para practicar el Writing

• Practica la escritura de ensayos: La práctica es la clave para mejorar tu habilidad en la escritura de ensayos. Dedica tiempo a escribir ensayos sobre diversos temas para ganar confianza y familiaridad con los diferentes tipos de ensayos que se te pueden pedir en el examen FCE/B2 de Cambridge.
• Utiliza recursos en línea: Hay muchos recursos en línea que pueden ayudarte a mejorar tu habilidad de escritura en inglés. Busca actividades en línea que te permitan practicar la gramática, el vocabulario y la estructura del ensayo. Algunos sitios web útiles son English Central, Duolingo, y Khan Academy o English&Improve, una herramienta desarrollada por Cambridge que funciona con IA y que te irá guiando en todo momento en el proceso escritor.
• Lee y analiza ensayos modelo : Lee y analiza ensayos modelo para identificar las características clave de un buen ensayo. Al leer ensayos bien escritos, podrás ver cómo se estructuran y organizan las ideas de manera efectiva, lo que te ayudará a mejorar tu propia escritura.
• Busca ayuda de profesionales: Si necesitas ayuda adicional para mejorar tu habilidad de escritura en inglés, busca un tutor o un profesor que pueda trabajar contigo en áreas específicas de mejora. También puedes unirte a grupos de escritura o foros en línea donde otros estudiantes pueden ofrecer sugerencias y consejos útiles.

8. Cómo recibir feedback sobre mi writing

• Busca a alguien de confianza para revisar tus escritos: Pide a alguien que conozcas bien y en quien confíes que revise tu escrito. Esta persona debe estar dispuesta a brindarte una retroalimentación constructiva y honesta sobre tu trabajo.
• Utiliza herramientas de revisión en línea: Hay varias herramientas de revisión en línea que pueden ayudarte a detectar errores en tu trabajo. Grammarly, Hemingway Editor y Ginger Software son algunas opciones que puedes utilizar para recibir feedback.
• Participa en grupos de escritura o clubes de lectura: Unirse a un grupo de escritura o a un club de lectura puede brindarte la oportunidad de recibir feedback sobre tu escritura de personas que comparten tus intereses y habilidades.
• Consulta a profesionales: Si estás trabajando con un tutor o un profesor, asegúrate de aprovechar su experiencia y pedirle feedback sobre tu trabajo.
• Chatgpt: Para utilizar ChatGPT para corregir y recibir feedback en un ensayo para el FCE/B2 de Cambridge, sigue los siguientes pasos:
• Escribe tu ensayo en un procesador de texto y asegúrate de que cumple con todas las instrucciones y requisitos del examen.
• Copia y pega tu ensayo en la ventana de chat de ChatGPT.
• Asegúrate de que ChatGPT comprenda el idioma y la estructura de tu ensayo. Puedes hacer esto proporcionando a ChatGPT información sobre el tipo de ensayo que has escrito (por ejemplo, un ensayo argumentativo, una carta formal, etc.) y asegurándote de que has utilizado la gramática y el vocabulario adecuados para ese tipo de ensayo.
• Hazle saber a ChatGPT que deseas recibir feedback sobre tu ensayo. Puedes hacerlo escribiendo una solicitud en la ventana de chat con el siguiente texto: ‘corrige mi ensayo según las writing assessment scales para FCE/B2 de Cambridge. A continuación, pega tu texto.
• Espera a que ChatGPT procese tu ensayo y te proporcione feedback. ChatGPT utilizará inteligencia artificial para evaluar tu ensayo y proporcionarte feedback sobre la gramática, el vocabulario, la estructura y otros aspectos importantes.
• Lee el feedback cuidadosamente y tómalo en cuenta para mejorar tu ensayo. Utiliza el feedback para identificar áreas en las que necesitas mejorar y para aprender nuevas formas de expresarte en inglés.
• Haz las correcciones necesarias en tu ensayo y vuelve a enviarlo a ChatGPT para obtener más feedback si es necesario.

9. Diseño de un plan personalizado de mejora

Con el objetivo de ayudarte a mejorar tu expresión escrita en el plazo de tiempo más corto posible, te proponemos que completes el siguiente recuadro con propósitos realistas (en inglés o en español, como prefieras) y sigas los pasos que se especifican más abajo.

• Establece un horario de práctica regular: Dedica, al menos, 1 hora al día a practicar la escritura de ensayos en inglés.
• Amplia el vocabulario y la gramática: Lee y estudia ejemplos de ensayos de diferentes tipos y niveles de dificultad para mejorar su comprensión del idioma.
• Busca feedback y corrección: Busca la manera de recibir feedback manera regular para identificar áreas en las que necesitas mejorar.
• Estudia los errores: El alumno debería estudiar los errores que comete en sus ensayos para mejorar su comprensión del idioma y evitar cometer los mismos errores en el futuro.
• Práctica de simulacro de examen: El alumno debería practicar los ensayos de simulacro de examen para familiarizarse con los requisitos y el formato del ensayo del FCE/B2.
• Revisa tus ensayos: Dedica, al menos, 2 horas al mes para revisar tus ensayos anteriores y medir tu progreso.
• Mide tu progreso: Mide tu progreso mediante la corrección y retroalimentación de tus ensayos, así como el resultado de las prácticas y simulacros de examen.

Si eres constante y te ciñes al plan de mejora, es muy probable que tu habilidad de escritura en inglés mejore en un plazo de tres meses. ¡Manos a la obra! Es el momento!

Manuela Mena

LANGUAGE TEACHER – Blog & Content Writer [email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-mena-b39067205/

Manuela Mena es Licenciada en Traducción e Interpretación, Máster en Neuropsicología, Experta en Docencia Online & Qualified CELTA Teacher. Actualmente trabaja como directora académica de la escuela de idiomas The Language House y CEO de la consultora educativa feelthelanguage.com.

Asimismo, imparte clases en la Universidad Antonio de Nebrija y el SDI de Múnich, además de examinar para los diferentes niveles de Cambridge ESOL.

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Fce (b2 first) writing exam (essay) – video.

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In this lesson you can learn how to write an essay for the Cambridge FCE exam , step by step.

You’ll see exactly what to do at each stage in the fce writing essay section, and how to get the best possible fce score ., there are four steps to the writing process. you’ll see what to do at each step, then you’ll learn how the writing is assessed., 1. how to analyse your fce writing essay task.

First, you need to read the FCE writing essay task and identify exactly what needs to be included.

Let’s look at a sample question:

You’ve recently had a discussion in English class about society. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay. Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

University should be free for everyone. Do you agree or disagree? Notes 1. Taxes 2. Opportunity 3. Your own idea

So, what do you need to do? Most importantly, you need to say if you agree or disagree that university should be free for everyone.

You also need to use all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. That means your essay needs to include three central ideas: taxes, opportunity, and one other.

It also means that you need to reach a clear, justified conclusion. You can’t just say, ‘I agree’, or ‘I disagree.’ Think of it like this: you need to convince the examiner that your conclusion is correct.

You might think at this point, ‘yeah, obvious, thanks for the help, Kasia!’ Trust me; it’s harder than it sounds. Many FCE essays that we see don’t get these basic things right. It’s very easy to leave something out, or to go in the wrong direction.

Next, you’re writing this answer for your teacher so what style do you think it will be in? Formal or informal?

An essay should be formal. What does that mean?

Formal writing doesn’t use contractions, like ‘I’d’, ‘you’re’ or ‘don’t’. Write the full forms. You should also avoid using slang, colloquial vocabulary, or anything which sounds very conversational.

Next, think: what do you need to include?

You need to talk about taxes, opportunity, and you also need to add your own idea.

Even the ideas which are given to you—taxes and opportunity—are quite vague. That means you need to decide exactly what to talk about.

You also need to think about how to connect your ideas.

For example, with taxes you could say that if you pay taxes, then this should go back into society to benefit everyone. You could add to this by pointing out that having equal opportunities also benefits society. And for your own idea, you could talk about how people with higher education are more likely to be economically productive.

This is just one example, of course! There are many paths you could take.

Let’s talk about that in more detail.

2. How to Plan Your FCE Writing

Here’s what you need to do when you plan your writing for the FCE writing essay.

First, you need to decide what your conclusion is going to be. Are you going to agree or disagree that university should be free for everyone?

Decide your conclusion first, because everything else in your essay needs to lead to it.

Secondly, you need to plan how many paragraphs you’re going to have, and what you’ll put in each one.

Thirdly, you need to make sure your paragraphs are connected to your conclusion.

Let’s see an example:

• Taxes – parents pay taxes so children should get education. Children will pay taxes in the future.
• Opportunity – education creates more equal society. Higher standard of living for everyone.
• Economy – educated workforce helps the economy grow.
• Conc. – agree with statement

Pause the video if you want some more time to read the plan.

You can see that we use the key idea of ‘education’ in the notes for each paragraph. Doing this can help you to stay focused and on-topic, because you’re connecting each paragraph back to the main idea of the question.

When you plan, make sure that each paragraph has a clear focus.

Every good paragraph starts with a topic sentence, which summarises the main point of the paragraph.

The sentences which follow are called supporting sentences. These include reasons and examples to support your topic sentence.

A good exercise during planning is to take a paragraph and think to yourself: “What’s this paragraph about?”

If you can answer that question in one simple sentence, then that’s a good sign. Hopefully, your plan is clear. However, if you can’t answer that question, that shows that your plan isn’t totally clear in your head.

Once you’ve finished your plan, you’re ready to write your answer!

3. How to Write Your Answer

In your candidate answer book, you will now write your essay.

Let’s look at a model answer:

• There are many factors to consider when deciding if the university should be free or not. Among these are taxes, equality of opportunity, and the economy.
• Firstly, a proportion of taxes should go to education. Some might say if you can afford university, then you should pay for it. But, this doesn’t take into account the fact that higher earners pay higher income tax so they are already contributing more.
• Secondly, by making university free for all, it creates more opportunitys for those from low-income backgrounds. Although they may still have difficulty meeting other costs such as accommodation it makes the playing field more level.
• In addition, having an educated workforce is proven to help the economy grow. The more people with degrees there are, the higher the standard of living for everyone. So, more people will be able to pay taxes to fund the education of future generations.
• In conclusion, free university ultimately benefits all members of society.

Pause the video to read, and start again when you’re ready.

First question: have we answered the question?

Yes: the conclusion states that ‘free university benefits all members of society.’ This shows that we agree that university should be free for everyone.

Next: have we used topic sentences?

Yes, we have. The first sentence of the essay tells you what the entire essay will be about.

Then, each paragraph’s topic sentence contains a key word from our plan. We have ‘taxes,’ ‘opportunities’ and ‘economy’.

Also, the topic sentences and paragraphs all reference the idea of ‘education’, either directly or indirectly. This shows that our points are relevant and connected to the task.

So, now you’re finished, right? No–there’s one more step. This answer is not bad, but it could be better.

4. How to Check and Improve Your Answer

The final step is to check your answer.

What type of things do you think you should look for?

Grammar, of course, but what else?

Check for spelling mistakes. Check for style—have you used any conversational language which doesn’t fit the tone of an essay like this?

Check your use of linking words and phrases. Many students overuse them; don’t use a linking word like nevertheless unless you’re sure it fits.

Check for repetition of vocabulary. Could you replace any simple vocabulary with something more advanced?

Look at our model answer again:

• There are many factors to consider when deciding if the university should be free or not. Among these are taxes, equality of opportunity and the economy.
• Secondly, by making university free for all, it creates more opportunitys for those from low-income backgrounds. Although they may still have difficulty meeting other costs such as accommodation * it makes the playing field more level.

The bold words are either mistakes, or they could be improved somehow.

How would you improve this? Pause the video while you read and decide.

The first problem is with grammar. Unless you’re talking about one specific university, you don’t use the.

Okay, what’s wrong with doesn’t? We’ve used a contraction! Don’t use contractions in your essay. So, it should be does not.

The next problem is a spelling mistake. When a word ends in ‘y’, it changes to ‘ies’ in the plural: opportunities .

Next is a punctuation mistake. There’s a comma missing. There are two clauses in this sentence and they need to be separated by a comma.

There’s nothing wrong with people with degrees but it’s quite basic. What else could you say?

You could say educated people, or even highly-educated people, either of which is slightly more elegant.

So is not a mistake, but we used so in the second paragraph already. You want to show the examiner your range of language, so here you could use something more precise like consequently.

Our conclusion is only one sentence, so let’s add an extra point. We’re still under the maximum word count. This could help us to state our opinion more clearly.

Let’s change it to:

• In conclusion, free university should be free for everyone. It makes economic sense and ultimately benefits all members of society.

Here’s the final version of our essay:

• There are many factors to consider when deciding if university should be free or not. Among these are taxes, equality of opportunity, and the economy.
• Firstly, a proportion of taxes should go to education. Some might say if you can afford university, then you should pay for it. But, this does not take into account the fact that higher earners pay higher income tax so they are already contributing more.
• Secondly, by making university free for all, it creates more opportunities for those from low-income backgrounds. Although they may still have difficulty meeting other costs such as accommodation, it makes the playing field more level.
• In addition, having an educated workforce is proven to help the economy grow. The more highly-educated people there are, the higher the standard of living for everyone. Consequently, more people will be able to pay taxes to fund the education of future generations.

At this point, it’s looking good! Next, let’s focus on what you can do to produce a good FCE writing essay which will get a high score in your exam.

5. How to Improve Your Score

Your essay score is made up of four parts. For each part, you get a score from zero to five.

• Content – how well the candidate has fulfilled the task
• Communicative Achievement – how appropriate the writing is for the task
• Organisation – how well the writing is put together
• Language – focuses on vocabulary and grammar

First there’s Content . The mark scheme says this “focuses on how well you have fulfilled the task”. In other words, have you done everything you were asked to do?

This corresponds to step one of our writing process. Analyse the task carefully and make sure you do everything it asks you to. A good tip is to underline the key words in the task to help you identify what you need to do.

Next there’s Communicative Achievement . This “focuses on how appropriate your writing is for the task”.

Have you used the correct register? Have you used contractions? Basically: does your essay look and sound like an essay?

Then we have Organisation . This looks at “how the writing is put together”. Is it logical and organised? By planning your writing carefully, it will already be organised. Remember to plan your paragraphs carefully and write a clear topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

You can also use linking words and phrases to make the connections between paragraphs even clearer.

In our essay, we used many linking words, including firstly, secondly, in addition, although, consequently and in conclusion. Look through the essay again, and note how the linking words and phrases are used. Can you find any more examples of linking words in the essay?

Finally, you have Language : vocabulary and grammar. The examiners will be looking for a range of language as well as how accurate it is. In step four, you saw how checking your essay can improve your language.

Are you worried that making mistakes will affect your mark? Of course, making a lot of mistakes will lower your mark, but remember this is only one part of your score.

For B2 level, the Cambridge mark scheme says, ‘Occasional errors may be present but do not impede communication.’ That means you can still score 5 from 5, even with some small mistakes.

But, hopefully, you’ll catch most of them when you’re on step four – checking and improving your answer.

You’ve seen how to write an essay for FCE, but you can use the same process for other Cambridge exams, including the CAE and CPE when you get that far.

Good luck with your exam preparation and let us know when you pass! Thanks for watching!

Keep practicing with more Free English Writing Lessons from Oxford Online English!

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• Cambridge B2 First (FCE): How to Write an Essay

Essay writing is easier than you think

The very first reaction I usually get when I want to practise essay writing with my students is wild panic. Everybody around me starts rolling on the floor crying and screaming. I try to calm them down, but there is no way of doing it and eventually all of them quit and tell me that they will never be able to pass the FCE exam.

Of course, this was a little bit of an exaggeration, but it is true that most students get stressed as soon as they here the word essay when, actually, there is no real reason for that. In fact, essay writing might be the easiest type of writing in Cambridge B2 First because there is a plan that you can follow every single time you sit down with pen and paper to practise as well as in the exam itself.

So, let’s look at essays, how they are organised and what exactly you have to be careful with in order to pass easily and get the high marks you deserve.

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What a typical essay task looks like

Looking at different essay tasks, the first thing that students often realise is that all tasks look the same. Their structure doesn’t change, which gives you the advantage of being able to plan a strategy before you even take the exam. Every time you practise is like the real exam.

Above there is a typical essay task. As you can see there is not a lot of information, but we still have to look at it carefully and decide what we are asked to do exactly.

The first step is always to underline the key points in the task so you know what to do and what information to include in your essay.

In the image above I underlined and circled the most important information for you. When you look at a writing task – and I mean every kind of writing task, not only essays – you should think about two things: what you have to include in your text and who is going to read it.

While the first point seems obvious students often forget about the second one and miss out on higher marks. In our example your English teacher is going to read the essay. What does that mean for you when you write it? Think about the style and tone of the language you are going to use. Does your English teacher expect informal language like in a text message to your best friend or should it be rather formal? I think you understand what I mean.

Choosing the correct register and tone (formal English) for your essay will earn you higher marks so don’t forget about it.

The second point we need to consider is what we have to write about. In every essay task there are a situation/topic (problems with pollution and damage to the environment), a question for you to answer (Do you think these problems can be solved?) and three topic points (transport, rivers/seas, your own idea).

You must deal with all these things if you want to pass with high marks. If something is missing you will lose marks. That includes your own idea. I see it all the time that students write about the two ideas given in the task, but they ignore the fact that they have to add a third topic on their own. Don’t make the same mistake. Always write about all three topic points.

With this flood of information the next step is to think about how we can organise our essay. Luckily, there is a plan that works and I’m going to share it with you.

The 3 main parts of an essay

Looking back at our example from before we can see that there are three topic points which we need to deal with: transport, rivers and seas as well as your own idea.

I think it is not difficult to see that we can turn these three topics into three paragraphs, one for each idea. These three paragraphs are called the body of the essay. However, an essay wouldn’t be an essay without an introduction at the beginning and a conclusion at the end. All together that’s five paragraphs and we could structure it like this:

• Introduction
• Rivers and seas
• Your own idea

With an introduction, body and conclusion every essay has three main parts. You can follow this for any essay question in the FCE exam and it works every single time.

Yeah, it sounds good to me too. 🙂

But what exactly do we have to include in these different parts? Let me give you an overview so you get a better idea.

When I read the introduction to an essay I can often tell immediately if the essay is going to be great or if the student needs to work more on it. Think of the introduction as an appetizer before the meal begins. It gives you an idea of what to expect so you don’t want to disappoint the reader from the start.

Your introduction should always put the topic in the context of today’s world and paraphrase the question of the essay. It is also a good idea to include your opinion so the reader knows from the beginning what you think.

Let’s have a look at an example introduction for an essay about the above topic:

More and more countries and cities struggle with dirty air and water and while it is difficult to find a solution to these issues, I believe that there are ways to improve the situation and to protect the environment.

In this introduction all the key elements are covered. The topic is put in context (“More and more countries and cities struggle with…”), the question is paraphrased (“…while it is difficult to find a solution to these issues,…”) and the candidates opinion is clear (“I believe that…”).

All you need to do is to memorise this formula and use it in every essay you write. The examiner and you will be happy. 🙂

The body is like the meat in a hamburger. It’s the best part and you want it to be full of flavour. For your essay it means the following:

Each paragraph of the body starts with a topic sentence which introduces the main idea of the paragraph. After that, you add reasons, examples and you can even acknowledge other points of view.

A great topic paragraph in the body doesn’t just talk about advantages and disadvantages. Think about how you can support the message in your topic sentence to convince the reader.

Here is an example for you.

Firstly, congestion on roads not only in major cities, but also in smaller towns causes a lot of pollution and noise and even though this situation seems to get worse and worse many countries are trying to encourage people to use alternatives like electric cars, which is a good first step to deal with this kind of challenge.

In this example paragraph the candidate simply followed the formula from above. The first sentences states what the problem is. After that, she acknowledges that the issue seems pretty bad, but then she explains different alternatives to cars that could improve the situation.

Also, notice the different linking expressions she uses in this paragraph (Firstly, not only…but also, and even though, which is). Examiners like a variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas so try to include them in your essay.

That’s really all you need to do. Repeat the same process for the other two topic points and you should be able to impress and achieve great marks.

Last but not least, a good essay is rounded off with a nice conclusion. Here, it is your job to tie everything together like a Christmas present. You don’t want the gift wrapping paper or the bow on the present to be ugly so make sure that you conclusion is on point.

In a good conclusion you should summarise the essay in one sentence and clearly state your opinion on the question one last time.

I told you above that the introduction is there to make a good first impression on the reader. The conclusion plays the role of giving a good last impression. You don’t want the examiner to be happy until the end and then read a conclusion that is only average. Make sure that every part is great.

To sum up, our environment needs our help and although the air we breathe as well as waterways in many parts of the world are heavily polluted I strongly believe that we can solve these issues if governments and the people work together.

The first part of this conclusion summarises the problem one last time and in the second half the candidate clearly states her opinion and that’s it. Don’t make your life harder than it already is and instead focus on the criteria that really matter.

Plan before you write

Earlier we had a look at the different paragraphs in an essay and I told you that five is a good number. A lot of students take this information and jump straight into writing as soon as they see the task.

Stop right there! When you plan to improve something around your house or in your apartment, do you just run to the store and buy five buckets of paint or do you think about the size of the room and how much paint you need, what colour you want and what kind of brushes and paint rollers you will have to get?

Treat your essay like a home improvement project and make a plan before you start writing. It only takes five minutes, but, in the end, it can save you time because once you start, you don’t have to worry about ideas any more…it’s all there in your notes.

To create a plan make a list of the five paragraphs of your essay. As we said before this could be something like this:

Now, all you have to do is to add a few words to each point so you won’t forget what you want to write about. I thought of a few things for our example task:

• Introduction – problems with pollution, is there a solution?
• Transport – -: CO2 emissions, noise +: electric cars
• Rivers and seas – -: sea life and plastic +: projects to clean oceans
• Animal agriculture – -: CO2 emissions, excrement +: vegan/vegetarian lifestyles, sustainable farms
• Conclusion – summary, it’s a big problem but there is hope

It took me about three minutes to write this and if I wanted to write the full essay, I would have all the ideas I need already in front of me. The next step would be to add more information to each point and voilà, the essay is done.

How your essay is marked

Marking FCE writing tasks is like a science and for a lot of students it feels as if there is this big mystery and nobody really knows how it works. Actually, there are very clear rules that the examiners have to follow and the criteria are publicly available.

While it is possible to find all the information on your own I thought it would be a good idea to put everything together in an article for you. Check out how your writing tasks are marked by clicking here .

Practice makes perfect

I hope that my article is going to help you with your essays. As you saw you can analyse and structure every task the same way. With all your new knowledge the only thing you have to do is start practising. If you put in the time and work, essay writing will become quite easy and you can focus on other areas of your English that need more improvement.

Lots of love,

Teacher Phill 🙂

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Hi, Phill! Thanks a million for your fine tips on how to write an essay and the clear video instruction as well as brilliant associations with present giving ( like wrapping paper, a present bow and so on) while talking about a conclusion.

Hi there! I have a question about the type of task in the essay. I know we are usually asked to write an opinion essay, but is it possible to get a task where we are asked to write a for and against essay? How can I tell these two tasks apart? Thank you very much for you help! Your blog is really useful. 🙂

You might get a question in the essay that asks, for example, for advantages and disadvantages of a certain topic, but you always have to include three specific topic points. Because of this, you can simply choose which topic points you see as advantages and which ones as disadvantages and write three topic paragraphs. The structure stays the same, you only change the content so it fits the question.

I hope this helps. 🙂

Comments are closed.

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Trucos, Expresiones y Frases para hacer un buen writing en tu examen del B2 FIRST de Cambridge: MÁS DE 50 FRASES

Written by Casey Goddard

Trucos expresiones y frases para tu writing B2 first de Cambridge

Hay varios factores a tener en cuenta a la hora de hacer tu writing del First exam de Cambridge (el FCE). Y como ya sabrás e s una parte muy importante de la puntuación del examen, es por esto que es importante practicarla y perfeccionarla!

Para comenzar, vamos a recordar como es un writing para el first exam. Puedes encontrar información detallada y ejemplos del examen en la página oficial de Cambridge.

En este post vamos a hablar de los criterios para puntuar el writing, frases y expresiones claves de las que puedes aprovechar en cada writing y ofrecemos un par de trucos útiles para darte un empujón a la hora de examinarte.

¿Cómo es el writing del First exam de Cambridge?

Dispones de 80 minutos en total para el bloque, y consiste de 2 ejercicios en los que tienes que hacer una redacción en inglés de 140-190 palabras .

Ejercicio 1 : Essay ( always /siempre) Ejercicio 2: Puede ser : Article, informal email/letter, formal email/letter, report o review

Así es de fácil, la estructura del examen del FIRST es así. La primera redacción siempre es un essay y la segunda es de libre elección entre 3 de los tipos de redacciones que te hemos mencionado antes.

¿Cómo se corrige un writing del first exam de Cambridge?

Ahora, los criterios en los que los examinadores del FCE se basan, se dividen en 4 apartados distintos:

Contenido : Tu writing debe cumplir con los requisitos mínimos exigidos y debes escribir acerca del tema que se te especifique.   Registro apropiado : Tu writing ha de reflejar un lenguaje apropiado para el contexto en el que se desarrolla (formal, informal o coloquial).   Organización : Tu writing debe estar estructurado correctamente, las ideas deben estar conectadas entre sí y el mensaje debe fluir y ser cohesivo.   Lenguaje : Tu writing debe estar correcto gramaticalmente, ortográficamente e idealmente usar un lenguaje y vocabulario rico y amplio.

Este último criterio, el del lenguaje es sobre el cual vamos a profundizar mas hoy en este post, para que puedas enriquecer tu lenguaje y aportar nuevo vocabulario y expresiones para tu writing del first exam..

Consejos para el B2 First de Cambridge FCE

También, hay que tener en cuanta varios factores para escribir una buena redacción en tu examen del FIRST. Aquí en este video Josh y yo te damos varios consejos para ayudarte a aprobar el writing del examen del B2 first de Cambridge.

Expresiones y frases según tipos de writing para el first b2 de Cambridge

Existen muchos conectores y expresiones para writings en inglés, aquí vas a aprender algunas variadas, fáciles de recordar y simples de usar pero que impresionaran. Es importante reconocer que existen varios tipos de writing para el B2. Aprender sus conectores será esenciales para el examen B2.

Te vamos a dar frases clave /  keyphrases para cada tipo de writing de examen b2 específico.

Essay/ Ensayo

Expresiones para presentar una idea Many people feel that… First and foremost… It is widely believed that…

Expresiones para Contrastar ideas On the one hand… on the other hand… I personally feel that… Nevertheless… Even though… However… Although…

Expresiones para Organizar y unir ideas First of all, secondly, in addition, Finally, to summarize, and concluding. Moreover, furthermore, however, As a result… Therefore… Consequently….

Article / Artículo

Heading / title:  Se creativo y crea un titulo interesante y que llame la atención.

Expresiones para Comenzar Did you know…?. What would you do if…? Have you ever… I must tell you about… You wouldn’t believe… Can you imagine…

Expresiones para Desarrollar y añadir ideas I must also mention … On top of that… For a start .. Secondly. / Thirdly./ Finally… Apart from that…

Expresiones para concluir con una opinión personal. Personally, I think / find / believe… For me / To me….. It seems to me…. One thing I love / remember …

Report / Informe

Introducción The aim/purpose of this report is to consider/suggest/…. This report is intended to show / discuss / outline … In this report I will…

Expresiones para Hacer recomendaciones y sugerir ideas adicionales Having considered the options,… You may wish to consider… I would like to suggest/recommend… It would be (highly) advisable to … The best solution / ideas would seem to be … Apart from this / In addition to this Another point to consider is hat …

Expresiones para Hablar sobre resultados Reporting results. Most people seem to… It appears that the majority of … Not surprisingly, … According to …

Frases que puedes usar al final All things considered, … We have no hesitation in recommending…

POR CIERTO / BY THE WAY ….

Si quieres saber más sobre cómo hacer un writing en inglés pincha en nuestro curso “Perfecciona tu writing para el B2 First de Cambridge”  

Perfecciona tu writing para el B2 First de Cambridge

Con este curso no solo aprenderás a mejorar tu writing para el first de la mano de profesores nativos con años de experiencia si no que también podrás tener acceso a ejercicios para poner en práctica lo aprendido y último pero desde luego no menos importante, recibirás feedback de nuestros profesores!!

Letter of application / Carta de presentación.

Motivo para escribir I am writing with reference/in response to your advertisement I am writing in connection with your advertisement in… I would like to apply for the position of … which I saw advertised … One of my reasons for applying is….

Frases para hacer referencia a la experiencia y el CV At the present I am …. working for/ a student at I have a good …. knowledge of ….. I am currently working as… I worked part/time for three years as… At the moment I am employed by… My qualifications include… Please find attached my CV. As you can see from the attached CV…

Frases para terminar Thank you for considering my application. I would be grateful/ happy/ free/ able to ..(attend the interview / provide reference.) I look forward to hearing from you in the near future Please do not hesitate to contact me if/should you require further information. I’m available for an interview at your convenience.

Formal letter or email / Carta o e-mail formal

Dear Mr/Mrs (surname) Dear Sir/Madam Dear Sir or Madam

Motivo para escribir I am writing to… I am writing with regard to… I am writing on behalf of….

Frases para hacer preguntas I would be grateful if… I would particularly like to know… I would be interested in having more details about… I wonder if you could… Could you…? Could you tell me something about…?

Frases para hacer referencia a una carta As you stated in your letter,…. Regarding… Concerning… With regard to…

Frases para cerrar I look forward to hearing from you. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please contact me if you have any further questions.

Informal letter or e-mail / Carta o e-mail informal

Introducción Thank you/many thanks for your (recent/last) letter/postcard. It was good/nice to hear from you recently. It’s ages since I’ve heard from you.

Frases para hacer preguntas Hi!/ how are the things? How are you? How ‘s it going?

Frases para hacer referencia a noticias mencionadas previamente It’s good to hear … Glad to hear… Sorry to hear about…

Frases para Dar noticias Did I tell you about…? You’ll never believe what… Oh, 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….

Frases para disculparse I’m writing to apologize for… I’m really sorry that…

Frases para invitar y aceptar invitaciones I’m /we’re having a party on… and I/we hope you’ll be able to come. Would you like to come/go… I was wondering if you’d like to go to… Could you let me know if you can/would like to join us?. Thank you very much for the invitation. I’d love to come. Thank you for asking/inviting me to…

Peticiones I’m writing to ask for your help I wonder if / I was wondering if you could help me/do me a favor. I hope you don’t mind me asking but could you …? I’d be terribly grateful if you could….

Gracias/Enhorabuena I’m writing to thank you for… It was so kind of you to invite me to… I really appreciated… Congratulations on… I wish you good luck/good luck in/with

Sugerencias Why don’t you…? Maybe you could…? How about …?. Don’t forget to…

Despedida Give my love/regards to… Say hello to… Hope to hear from you soon. See you soon! Write soon!! Once again, thank you for all your help. Signing off. Love, Lots of love. Best wishes.

¡No hemos terminado! También puede utilizar algunos trucos en tu examen para mejor aprovechar el momento y sacar la nota más alta que puedas.

Trucos para aprobar el examen FIRST de Cambridge

Plantillas:.

Estudia una plantilla que puedas utilizar en cada examen. De esta manera podrás organizar tu writing y sabrás donde encajar estas frases y expresiones. Imagínate en la prueba sentanda/o y … antes de leer el ejrcicio, incluso antes de recibir el examen ya tienes una gran parte de tu writing hecho.

Echando un vistazo a nuestro curso sobre como perfeccionar el B2 first de cambridge , donde puedes aprender a como sacar partido y hacer un buen uso de diversas plantillas . Aquí tienes gratis: una plantilla para hacer un review en inglés.

Practica el examen antes:

Si si, el truco más antiguo. Practica varias veces antes del examen y así podrás quitarte de encima cualquier error e ir afinando tanto la puntilla de tu lápiz como tu cerebro.

De hecho, en el curso de perfeccionar el writing ofrecemos 12 sesiones de feedback sobre tus writings por solo 40€.  

Aprende varias frases y expresiones antes:

Eso es, y muy vinculado con el truco anterior!!! Memoriza y utiliza algunas frases de las que puedes encontrar en este post y si lo combinas con una plantilla, prácticamente no tendrás ni que pensar. Pincha aquí para ver nuestro video de YouTube y aprender aun más trucos y consejos para el writing del FIRST. 

Conclusión:

Ya sabes algunas frases para poner en un writing para el First exam.  Tienes que tener en cuenta que a través de este Witting se genera una primera impresión de tu conocimiento de la lengua inglesa y es por esto que tienes que sacarte todos tus ases de la manga y hacer uso de todos los trucos y consejos que están en tu mano.

Como ya hemos visto al principio de este post, en el writing del first no solo se puntúa y se valora el vocabulario, es por esto que es fundamental tener claro cómo se hace un writing y los pasos a seguir, al igual que conocer algunos trucos o tips que no encontraras en internet , todo se trata de optimizar los 40 minutos de los que dispones para hacer tu ejercicio y no desperdiciar el poco tiempo del que dispones en pensar como vas a hacer tu writing. ¡¡Si llevas la mayor parte del trabajo hecho ya de casa, conseguirás los mejores resultados!!

Resumen: ¿Cómo es el writing del First exam? ¿Cómo se corrige un writing del First?   Video divulgativo del FIRST Expresiones según tipos de writing para el first Trucos para aprobar el examen first de Cambridge. 

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By the way, no solo somos buenos profesores de inglés sino también somos buenos estudiantes de español. Si ves un fallo en nuestro articulo, abajo nos puedes dejar un comentario con la corrección y la revisamos.

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La parte de Writing B2 es fácil de aprobar si te aprendes bien estas estructuras y practicas un poco antes de sentarte a escribir en el examen. Recuerda el uso de conectores y vocabulario y gramática propios de este nivel.

⚡️ Tiempo: 1 hora y 20 minutos  

⚡️ Debes crear dos textos:

1. ESSAY (obligatorio)

2. Informal Letter, Formal Letter, Article, Report o Review.

De estas cinco opciones ellos te propondrán tres y deberás elegir una.

⚡️ Longitud: 140-190 palabras por writing

⚡️ Al corregir se fijarán en cuatro cosas:

– Content : Estás respondiendo a todo lo que se te pregunta y desarrollas bien tus ideas.

– Communicative Achievement : Tu texto es fácil de entender y el registro que usas es adecuado para el tipo de texto (por ejemplo, si el texto es formal no utilizas idioms, question tags…)

– Organization : Tu texto está dividido en párrafos de forma lógica y además usas conectores apropiados para enlazar tus ideas y para introducir cada párrafo.

– Language : Tu vocabulario es variado (no repitas palabras, usa sinónimos) y tu gramática es apropiada y variada (usa pasivas y modal verbs en tus essays, question tags y condicionales en tus cartas informales …)

Guía en PDF paso a paso

He creado esta Guía de Writing B2 con 80 páginas de teoría y práctica para que tu writing sea la última de tus preocupaciones y sientas que lo tienes bajo control.

Aprende a escribir tu essay, review, article, informal email, formal letter, story o report.

La guía incluye tips, expresiones, ejemplos, tareas y checklists para tu autocorreción. Además incluye un bloque Extra Boost! con phrasal verbs, idioms, conectores y cool adjectives.

TIPOS DE WRITINGS B2 First

Aquí te dejo los vídeos que he hecho hasta ahora sobre los distintos tipos de writings:

🍓 Cómo escribir un ESSAY B2

Este texto es el primero que tendrás que escribir y es obligatorio. Recuerda que debes usar un lenguaje académico que no sea informal y que partes de dos ideas que ellos te dan. Además, deberás desarrollar una idea extra que debes proponer tú.

En este vídeo te explico cómo puedes escribir un buen ensayo para cualquier examen de nivel B2 en inglés, te doy conectores y expresiones fáciles de usar en cualquier tema y te doy ejemplos con todas ellas.

Como sabes, “ slow and steady wins the race” , así que no se trata de escribir 20 essays el día de antes del examen, sino que debes practicar de forma constante y obligarte a buscar vocabulario sobre el tema del que escribes para así desarrollar bien tus ideas y conseguir notaza.

🥝 Cómo escribir una INFORMAL LETTER / E-MAIL B2

Esta es una de las opciones que te pueden salir en el segundo texto que debes escribir en tu writing paper B2 First. Es una opción asequible para todos ya que debes usar una lenguaje más relajado e informal.

Es muy importante que respondas a todas las preguntas / sugerencias que aparecen en la tarea y que des ejemplos o justifiques tu respuesta.

Te recomiendo el uso de phrasal verbs , algún idiom , question tags y condicionales para escribir una carta informal o e-mail más coloquial y aprobar esta tarea con notaza.

🍋 Cómo escribir un REVIEW B2

Otra opción que puede aparecerte en la segunda aparte del writing B2 es la escritura de un Review , que no es más que una reseña describiendo y dando tu opinión sobre un producto (libro, película, app, web…) o servicio (restaurante, hotel, curso…).

Para aprobar esta parte y escribir un buen review tenemos que organizar bien nuestras ideas, introduciendo en el primer párrafo la descripción del producto o servicio, valorando sus ventajas e inconvenientes y acabando con un último párrafo en el que recomendamos o no al lector que lo compre o pruebe.

Prepara bien el vocabulario del Review que te ayude a describir bien el producto del que hablas y da ejemplos de sus puntos fuertes. No olvides usar intense adjectives como te explico en el vídeo para darle más énfasis a tu descripción.

🍎 Cómo escribir una FORMAL LETTER B2

En esta opción deberemos escribir una carta formal, la mayoría de las veces para solicitar un trabajo ( Letter of Application ) o bien para solicitar una beca de estudios o una plaza en un curso.

En tu Formal Letter es muy importante que uses un lenguaje formal, huyendo de phrasal verbs y contracciones (aren’t, isn’t) y respetando una serie de fórmulas para empezar y acabar tu carta tal y cómo te explico en el vídeo.

🍍 Cómo escribir un ARTICLE B2

Escribir un Article en tu writing B2 es una buena opción si eres una persona creativa y no te asusta improvisar. Este tipo de texto es un artículo de opinión que encontrarías en una revista o periódico y en él el autor muestra su opinión tirando de humor, ironía o ejemplos personales.

Esta opción es una gran oportunidad para enseñar tus idioms y proverbs , así como tus phrasal verbs , intense adjectives y ejemplos personales.

No olvides dirigirte al lector de forma personal para hacerlo más atractivo, puedes usar preguntas retóricas tal y como te explico en el vídeo.

🍈 Cómo escribir un REPORT B2

Escribir un Report en tu B2 es una tarea relativamente fácil si conocemos bien la estructura y el registro que debemos usar.

Se trata simplemente de escribir un informe, normalmente a un superior (director, encargado) analizando la situación actual de un lugar o servicio, sugiriendo mejoras y posibles resultados que podríamos obtener al aplicarlas.

Necesitaremos un tono objetivo y por tanto más formal, usando expresiones impersonales y siendo muy claros y organizados.

20 English Essay Topics/Questions | B2 First (FCE)

The language of an English essay should be formal . Also, make sure that you justify all your ideas and that you use appropriate connectors to link your sentences and paragraphs .

How to write B2 First (FCE) essay?

Ad: When writing a professional essay, you can choose a professional essay writing service for your instant success.

B2 First (FCE) Essay: Example Topics / Questions

Below is a sample list of academic essay writing topics/tasks for B2-level (intermediate) students. You can use them to practice writing English essays or to prepare for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 1 | First (FCE)

You have watched a documentary about young children in poor areas who leave school to work. 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.

Teenagers are dropping out of school to find a job. How can we help them to continue their education?

Write about:

• family problems
• financial difficulties
• …………… (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 2 | First (FCE)

In your social studies course, you have watched a documentary on the potential effects of too much pollution on the air quality of city centres. Your professor has assigned you an essay to write.

Keeping the air quality in city centres at healthy levels for their residents is a concern for many places. How can we solve the problem of pollution in city centres?

• automobiles
• ………………  (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 3 | First (FCE)

In your education class, you have listened to a lecture on the importance of teaching foreign languages in school. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Learning a foreign language helps students develop a set of important skills. Why should foreign languages be taught in schools?

• new cultures
•  employment
• …………. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 4 | First (FCE)

You have listened to a radio programme about the problem of widespread starvation in many parts of Africa. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

In many parts of Africa, people are dying of starvation and lack of freshwater. Can these problems be solved?

• lack of organised farming
• …….. …….. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 5 | First (FCE)

You have watched a video on a non-profit organisation working to stop the use of animals for testing medicines used by human beings. Now, your professor has asked you to write an essay.

Testing on animals is a standard in scientific research. What is the best way to deal with this problem?

• animals suffer
• outdated form of research
• …… ……..  (your own idea)

Get Your (FCE) Essay Checked!

B2 - essay topic / question 6 | first (fce).

You have listened to a radio programme about deforestation, the cutting down of trees in many wild areas around the world. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Many forests around the world are being destroyed for agricultural, commercial, or housing use without allowing time for the forests to regenerate themselves. What can be done to improve the situation?

• what contributes to the greenhouse effect
• ………. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 7 | First (FCE)

In your English class, you have been talking about endangered species, animals or plants that will likely become extinct. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Around the world, many wildlife species are in danger of extinction. How can we protect endangered animals?

• hunting wild animals
• ………..  (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 8 | First (FCE)

You have watched a Youtube video about the problem of computer game addiction in children. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

More and more young people spend most of their time playing computer games. How can we help children to overcome this addiction?

• bad grades at school
• no social life
• ………… (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 9 | First (FCE)

You have listened to a radio programme about the impact of smoking on people’s health. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Smoking is responsible for many health problems throughout the world. Do you think it should be made illegal?

• lung cancer
•  passive smoking
• ……………… (your own idea)

FCE, CAE, CPE

More than practice tests, b2 - essay topic / question 10 | first (fce).

In your English class, you have been talking about the problem of obesity in young people. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

In Europe and the USA a lot of young people have an obesity problem. What can be done to solve this problem?

• (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 11 | First (FCE)

Has technology made a positive contribution to sport today?

• The use of technology to improve performance
• The use of technology in refereeing decisions

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 12 | First (FCE)

It is better to work at home than in an office. Do you agree?

• Contact with people
• Working hours

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 13 | First (FCE)

Life is harder for young people now than in the past. Do you agree?

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 14 | First (FCE)

Is it better to go shopping in small local businesses or large out-of-town shopping centres?

• Where things are cheaper
• Where service is better

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 15 | First (FCE)

Is it better to spend a summer holiday in the countryside or on the coast?

• Leisure options

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 16 | First (FCE)

Your teacher has asked you to write your response to the following statement taken from a recent newspaper article:

Do you agree that community service works better than fines?

• effort and time
• lesson learned
• ………………(your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 17 | First (FCE)

Is it true that we help the environment when we plant a tree?

• clear the air
•  ………….( your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 18 | First (FCE)

Nowadays children are suffering from obesity, that was once considered to be meant for adults only. What are its causes and what solutions can be offered?

• busy lifestyle

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 19 | First (FCE)

Is it better to be the oldest or the youngest in a family?

• role of older sibling

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 20 | First (FCE)

Modern lifestyles can seriously endanger our health.

Do you agree?

• physical activity
• …….. (your own choice)

B2 First (FCE) Essay: Download (PDF)

Download B2 First (FCE) Essay: Topics (PDF)

Practice Tests Online

B2 first (fce) essay: assessement criteria.

Your essay will be assessed according to these four criteria:

Would you pass B2 First (FCE)?

• How to Write a Great Article in the Cambridge B2 First Exam

• Posted on 11/12/2019
• Categories: Blog
• Tags: B2 First , Cambridge Exams , Writing

Writing in your only language can be a challenge, but writing in another language can be a complete nightmare ! Where do you even begin?

If you are taking your Cambridge B2 First exam you’ll have to write two texts in an 80-minute period. In part 1 you must write an essay but in part 2 you will be able to choose between a number of options. This could be could be an email, a letter, a report, a review or an article.

Read more about the format of the Cambridge B2 First exam .

In this writing guide, we’ll focus on how to write an article for the Cambridge B2 First Writing paper – part 2. We’ll also share with you some tricks and tips for passing this part of the exam. You’ll learn how to plan your article, structure it, use rhetorical questions , exclamation marks – and lots more. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to write an amazing article in English!

What is an article and how do you write one for the B2 First?

You’ll find lots of examples of articles in magazines, newspapers and internet blogs. In these texts, writers share information, guides and opinions on specific topics. The idea is to write in a way that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them interested until the very end.

In the Cambridge B2 First Writing Paper – part 2, you could be asked to write about a variety of topics. However, it’s often something you’ve recently learned to do or know a lot about. For example, the question might be about a concert you’ve been to recently, you favourite hobby or your hometown.

Here’s an example of a B2 First article question.

Now let’s look at how to get started!

How to write an article in three simple steps

You’ve got the question in front of you, so now it’s time to start writing your article, right?

Wrong! If you do that, you’ve missed an essential stage: planning.

You can compare writing an article to preparing your favourite meal. No good tortilla de patatas was ever made without carefully preparing the ingredients first. It’s exactly the same with your writing – only, you’ll need fewer onions. Time management is also important. You only have about 40 minutes total so you need to plan your time carefully.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Make a plan (10 minutes)

Think about the question.

Really focus on the question. Decide who your role model is. Is he or she a sporting hero you really admire? Or someone closer to home? It could be a family member that you look up to or a person in the community who’s done something amazing. Think about why they inspire you and make some notes on your ideas.

Think about the tone

Consider the best blogs you read on the internet. Are they relaxed and friendly? Or do they sound like boring school essays? The truth is most articles are quite conversational. They are somewhere between semi-formal and informal. They are often informative, whilst entertaining and engaging the reader. You can also try to add some humour in too!

Think about the structure

Structuring your article is key and there’s normally more than one way to do it. Decide which structure makes sense for the question. Try to keep it logical and include different ideas in different paragraphs.

Here’s an example structure:

• Paragraph 1 Introduction Start with a catchy opening line to hook the readers. Then introduce your role model.
• Paragraph 2 – Describe what makes them special Giving examples and developing your answer.
• Paragraph 3 – Why you chose them as your role model This should be like a conclusion and give the reader a lasting comment or a question to think about.

Note: For many articles four paragraphs will be more appropriate – it depends on the question you are given.

Linkers are a fantastic way to organise your ideas. Experiment with some of these in your next article:

For a start…

Not to mention…

On top of that…

*Remember, you don’t need headings or titles in the article it should read as one continuous piece of work.

Think about vocabulary

Brainstorming vocabulary is a great way to get your ideas flowing . What are some great words related to the topic? List some adjectives for being a good role model. Pick out some verbs related to motivation or any good nouns or collocations you think would work. Throw some phrasal verbs and idioms in there too!

Here’s an example for the question above:

Think about ways to personalise your writing

Articles tend to have a personal touch. You can be a lot more familiar with the reader addressing them personally with pronouns like ‘you’ and ‘I’. Give your own opinion and also use contractions. Here are some more ways to sound personal:

Have you ever wondered…?

I’m sure you can imagine…

Can you believe…?

I will never forget…

There’s nothing more amazing than…

If you ask me…

Step Two: Write it (25 minutes)

An interesting introduction is the key to a first-rate article. You want to capture your audience’s attention whilst making it clear what it’s going to be about. Start with an opening line that sets the tone of the topic. Try to catch the attention from the first word. Here’s an example:

Firefighters and superheroes are obvious role models. But sometimes the person that inspires us the most is so much closer to home. I have never had a favourite singer or sports star but my father has always been an important inspiration for me.

Next, think about the original question. What makes your role model special? Remember to keep it interesting and include some personal feelings. Use exclamation marks like this:

One of the things that makes my father so special is that he always does everything for his family, and he’s an excellent listener too. Whenever we have a problem he’s always there for us. Not to mention the fact that he’s also really fun-loving! If there’s a party, my dad is the first person on the dancefloor.

But only include one or two exclamation marks in the article or they’ll lose their impact.

Finally you want to tackle the last question. Why did you choose him as your role model? A great technique here would be to address your reader personally and even include a rhetorical question at the end. This gives them something to think about. A little bit like this:

I think my father is the best role model because he is the most hardworking person I know. He has a really difficult job as a doctor and is always saving lives. That’s so inspiring for me!

I really look up to him and he really pushes me to be the best I can be. Wouldn’t you want a role model like my dad?

Step Three: Check it (5 minutes)

Everything has come together and you’ve got your final article. Now you can sit back, relax and put your feet up until the examiner says stop. Wait, not quite!

You’re missing the last important step. Always check your writing. You’d hate for all your hard work to be wasted at the last moment. Here are some things to check for.

• You included everything in the question
• You’ve used a variety of sentence lengths
• The spelling is correct
• It’s personal and engaging
• You haven’t repeated the same vocabulary too often
• It’s not too formal

What are the examiners looking out for?

To get the very best results, you need to know what the examiners are looking out for when they are marking your writing.

These are the four most important things to consider:

Ask yourself these questions when checking your work and make any necessary changes before the time is up!

Any other advice for writing an article?

Read, read, read. Go online and search for blogs in English that interest you. If you love sports, look at the sports news. If you prefer fashion, find fashion articles. Whatever it is read real examples for real inspiration!

If you’re still not confident about writing in English, or you want some help preparing for the B2 First exam, take a look at our exam courses .

You can also check out our articles on how to write an Essay or a Review in the Cambridge B2 First.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Nightmare (n): : a bad dream.

Rhetorical question (n): a question that doesn’t need to be answered, for dramatic effect.

Time management (n): the way to use your time effectively.

Look up to somebody (pv) : to admire someone.

Humour (n): something amusing or funny.

To hook (v): to attract and captivate your attention.

To flow (v): to move steadily and constantly.

First-rate (adj): excellent, top quality, well made or done.

An exclamation mark (n): this punctuation symbol: !.

To tackle (v): dealing with a challenge or something difficult.

To put your feet up (exp): to rest and relax.

pv = phrasal verb

adj = adjective

exp = expression

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¿Cómo escribir un ensayo en inglés B2 (essay) para el First Certificate?

Por David Fernández 12 Comments

La sección de expresión escrita ( Writing Paper ) del First Certificate de Cambridge consta de dos partes. En la primera, debemos escribir un ensayo corto ( essay)  mientras que en la segunda parte podemos elegir entre escribir: un artículo, una carta , una crítica ( review) o  una reseña ( report) . En este artículo nos vamos a centrar en la primera parte: el essay.

Resumen del artículo

¿Qué es el  essay del First Certificate?

El essay   del First Certificate es una redacción en la que debemos expresar la opinión sobre un tema presentando argumentos a favor y en contra para luego llegar a una conclusión final. Una de las dificultados de escribir el ensayo del First Certificate es que la mayoría de las veces tampoco hemos escrito un ensayo en español.

¿Necesitas obtener un certificado oficial de inglés?

Descubre nuestros cursos online para preparar los exámenes de cambridge, ¿cómo escribir un ensayo.

• Lo primero que deberás hacer es leer detenidamente las instrucciones  para realizar la tarea correctamente y responder a cada una de las preguntas .Ten en cuenta que serás penalizado si  solo sigues parte de las instrucciones.
• Relee el enunciado del ensayo tantas veces sean necesarias ya que tu redacción debe partir de tal idea. Recuerda parafrasear el enunciado con tus propias palabras o de lo contrario perderás puntos.
• Organiza tus ideas . Para ello  hacer un esquema te resultará especialmente útil.
• Expresa y expón tus ideas de manera clara , es decir, con cohesión y coherencia. Ayúdate de conectores y ciertas expresiones, como las que te presentamos en la sección final de expresiones útiles.
• Usa un vocabulario variado y rico , evita las repeticiones y el abuso de las palabras «comodín» y demasiado generales ( make, thing, have, be… ).
• Empieza con un párrafo introductorio en el que se presenta el tema.
• Continua  con ideas a favor y en contra del tema a tratar. Recuerda que tus ideas deben estar claramente expuestas, presentadas en párrafos distintos y bien argumentadas mediante buenos  ejemplos y razones convincentes .
• Termina con tu propia conclusión .
• ¡Truco! : Enlaza tu conclusión con tu opinión. Es decir si tu conclusión es favorable al tema en cuestión, expón primero tus argumentos en contra, luego aquellos a favor para que sea más fácil la transición a la conclusión.
• Utiliza un estilo formal . Evita las contracciones ( isn’t, hasn’t ) y las expresiones y vocabulario informales y/o coloquiales.
• Intenta atrapar al lector . Para ello siempre será útil formular alguna pregunta y respaldar tus opiniones con buenas razones e incluso ejemplos actuales.
• Una vez acabada la redacción del essay comprueba que has cumplido los pasos anteriormente enumerados, revisa tu ortografía y gramática y asegúrate de que el ensayo es tanto comprensible como legible.

Datos a  tener en cuenta sobre el Writing del FCE

• Las dos partes del writing equivalen al 20% de la puntuación del FCE.
• El número de palabras debe ser entre 120 y 180 .
• El tiempo total para las dos partes de la sección de expresión escritas son 80 minutos . Organiza bien tu tiempo.

BONUS : Aquí te dejo una lista con más de 500 palabras en inglés para B2 y C1 Descargar Lista de Vocabulario y Phrasal Verbs

¿Cómo mejorar la redacción del ensayo?

La mejor forma de mejorar la redacción de ensayos es practicando . Recuerda:  Practice makes perfect!  Escribe tantos ensayos cortos como puedas. No olvides ayudarte de ciertos conectores y expresiones, como los que te proponemos a continuación, para así poder exponer tus opiniones de forma más clara:

Expresiones útiles para usar en el ensayo

Para decir lo que otros opinan :

• Some / many people feel that
• Others argue/claim/say/maintain that …
• Another point of view is that …
• Many people believe/think that …
• It is widely believed that …
• It is generally agreed that …
• It is sometimes claimed/said that …
• According to …

Para expresar tu opinión:

• I personally feel that …
• I (do) believe that …
• I firmly believe that …
• I partfully agree that …
• In my opinion …
• My personal view is that …
• It seems to me that …

Para dar ejemplos:

• For instance, …
• For example, …
• Such as, …

Para concluir / resumir:

• In conclusion, … / To conclude  …
• To summarize, … / To sum up …

Para añadir información:

• In addition to this, …
• What is more, …
• Apart from that, …
• As well as that, …
• Besides (this), …

Para mostrar contraste / concesión :

• However, …, but …, nevertheless, …
• .., although…, whereas …
• Having said that, …
• Despite this,… / Despite the fact that …
• In spite of …

Para exponer las dos caras :

• On the one hand,…
• On the other hand, …/ On the other side of the argument , …

Para razonar y/o explicar :

• Because of this,…
• because / since …
• This is because…
• The (main) reason for this is …

Otro modo de mejorar es leyendo otros essays . Estos te darán ideas. A continuación encontrarás varios ejemplos de ensayos.

Esperamos que este artículo te haya servido de ayuda. Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre el ensayo del First Certificate u otro tema, no dudes en poner un comentario más abajo. Te contestaremos tan breve como nos sea posible.

Nota : si estás preparando el First Certificate por tu cuenta, este artículo te puede interesar. Te contamos los mejores libros con exámenes para practicar y prepararte para aprobar con los materiales más usados en el mercado.

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27 octubre 2017 at 20:45

Es de mucha ayuda esta informacion, en cuanto a la clarides como se explica un tema de interes, te deja sin dudas y listo para hacer tu trabajo.

Muchas gracias por tan valiosa explicacion esto es lo que busco cuando tengo algun tema de interes y desconozco.

30 octubre 2017 at 12:22

Gracias por tu comentario Claudia. Saludos

31 enero 2018 at 13:16

Los ensayos no llevan título? en algunos libros de writing indican que sí. Gracias

31 enero 2018 at 16:25

Buenas tardes,

El titulo de los ensayos es el que te pone en la tarea del examen, que es la obligatoria ( Part 1 – Compulsory task) y no hay que pensar en un otro distinto. Los writings que necesitan titulo son: Report, Article y Review.

24 septiembre 2018 at 01:55

El wrting del fce ocupa el 20% de la puntuacion, y como se reparte el otro 80% entre uoe,reading y speaking?

11 diciembre 2018 at 11:02

UOE 20%, reading 20%, writing 20%, listening 20% y Speaking 20%. There you go!

16 octubre 2018 at 20:16

Algun truco para desarrollar el punto personal? Siempre los que se me ocurren tienen que ver con los ejemplos dados

16 noviembre 2018 at 13:43

Mil gracias! Por favor comprobad los links a los ejemplos no funcionan.

11 diciembre 2018 at 10:57

Gracias Judith, lo revisamos. Thanks a mill!

21 mayo 2020 at 22:35

Buenas tardes nesecito hacer un ensayo por cada veinte hojas leidas de así hablo zaratustra me pueden ayudar gracias

23 mayo 2020 at 10:56

Hola Esperanza. Quizá te interesan nuestros cursos online con profesor en directo que empiezan la semana que viene. En ese curso harás todo tipo de Writings. https://www.examenes-cambridge.com/cursos-preparacion-cambridge-online

8 abril 2021 at 16:30

Gracias por esta valiosa información

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