A sample from my B2 First Writing presentation: what the examiner checks, a model essay, and the upgrades that take a text from B1 to B2. Keep clicking: many slides let you guess before the answer appears.
Cambridge B2 First · Paper 2
The Writing Paper
How to plan, write and check two texts that hit B2 — with a model answer for every task type
80 min
for the whole paper
2 texts
one essay + one of your choice
140–190
words in each text
Essay
Article
Email / Letter
Review
Report
Story
The structure
Two parts, two very different jobs
Part 1 · Compulsory
The Essay
- Written for your teacher
- A question + two notes + one idea of your own
- Neutral or formal style
- Give reasons and a clear opinion
Part 2 · Choose 1 of 3
Your Choice
B2 FIRST
Article · Email/letter · Report · Review
B2 FIRST FOR SCHOOLS
Article · Email/letter · Review · Story
Only three of these appear on your paper, so be ready for all of them.
Each area scored 0–5 · 20 marks per text
Four things the examiner checks
Content
Did you do everything the task asked?
Every point covered and the reader fully informed. Miss one note and you lose marks.
Communicative Achievement
Does it sound right for the reader?
The right style and conventions for the text type, and it holds the reader’s attention.
Organisation
Is it well put together?
Clear paragraphs, a logical order and a variety of linking words and referencing (this, which, such).
Language
Is your English rich and accurate?
A range of vocabulary and grammar, used with control. Mistakes are fine if they don’t block meaning.
Part 1 · The essay
What the task looks like
In your English class you have been talking about technology. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
Do young people spend too much time on their phones?
Notes · Write about:
1. school and studying
2. friendships
3. ................ (your own idea)
The question
Answer it directly. By the end, the reader must know your opinion.
Notes 1 and 2
Compulsory. Give each one its own paragraph.
Your own idea
A different third point. Forget it and you lose Content marks.
Reasons
Don’t just list ideas — explain why, and add examples.
Model essay
172 words
Smartphones have become a part of almost every teenager’s life. However, many parents and teachers worry that young people spend far too long looking at their screens. Is this really a problem?
On the one hand, phones can be a useful tool for studying. Students can look up information in seconds, watch tutorials or share notes with classmates. Having said that, constant notifications make it extremely difficult to concentrate, and many students admit that they check their phones while doing homework.
Friendships are also affected. Although social media allows us to stay in touch with friends who live far away, it can also mean that we spend less time talking face to face.
Another important point is sleep. Using a phone late at night can keep teenagers awake, which leaves them exhausted the next day.
In conclusion, I believe that phones themselves are not the problem. The real issue is how we use them. If young people learned to switch off at certain times, they would enjoy the benefits without the drawbacks.
Bold colour = linking words
Underlined = B2 language
Para 1 · rephrases the topic and hooks the reader
Para 2 · note 1, showing both sides
Para 3 · note 2, with a contrast (Although…)
Para 4 · the writer’s own idea: sleep
Para 5 · clear opinion + a second conditional
Part 2 · Email / Letter · Guess the formal version
Same message, different reader
Informal · to a friend
Formal · to a manager or company
Greeting
Hi Sam! / Hey Sam,
Dear Mr Brown, / Dear Sir or Madam,
Reason
Guess what? I’ve got some news!
I am writing to apply for the position of…
Asking
Can you tell me…?
I would be grateful if you could tell me…
Apologising
Sorry I didn’t reply sooner!
I apologise for the delay in replying.
Closing line
Can’t wait to hear from you!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sign-off
Love, / Best wishes,
Yours sincerely, (name known) · Yours faithfully, (Dear Sir or Madam)
Language · Guess the upgrade
Level up: from B1 to B2
B1
The food was very good and the café was very nice.
B2
The food was absolutely delicious, and the café had a really welcoming atmosphere.
B1
I think phones are bad because people don’t sleep.
B2
I’m convinced that phones are harmful, as they keep people awake at night.
B1
Many students said the Wi-Fi is bad.
B2
The Wi-Fi was criticised by most of the students surveyed.
B1
You must go to the beach early.
B2
If I were you, I’d head to the beach early in the morning.
Language · Spot the mistake
Traps for Spanish speakers
Actually, many teens play video games.
Nowadays, many teens play video games.
It depends of the person.
It depends on the person.
The people think it’s easy.
People think it’s easy.
According to me, it’s unfair.
In my opinion, it’s unfair.
Is very important to rest.
It is very important to rest.
Explain me the problem.
Explain the problem to me.
We discussed about the plan.
We discussed the plan.
I have 16 years.
I am 16 years old.
Use the arrow keys, or click the slide.
Tip: turn your phone sideways for bigger slides.