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Which flower typically does NOT have a smell?A. RoseB. PoppyC. Freesia, What bird, extinct by 1681, was named for the Portuguese word for “stupid”? , What is the name of the world’s largest lizard with a venomous bite?, What creature has no teeth or stomach, mates for life, and is the only species on Earth where the male carries the babies? , Which single-word term is used for ground that continuously remains below zero degrees Celsius for two or more years?

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Countable nouns

Countable nouns are nouns that we can count: car, house, book, etc. We can say one car, two cars, three cars, etc.

Singular and plural

Countable nouns have singular and plural forms: a car/cars, a house/houses, a book/books, etc.

A/an + singular countable noun

We CANNOT use a singular countable noun without a determiner like a/an or the.

Uncountable nouns

Uncountable nouns are nouns that we cannot count: money, milk, rain, etc. We cannot say one money, two moneys, etc.

Only singular

Uncountable nouns do not have a plural form, they only have a singular form: money/moneys, milk/milks, rain/rains, etc.

We cannot use a/an + uncountable noun. A/an means 'one', and we cannot count uncountable nouns.

Types of words that are uncountable

Some types of words that are typically uncountable are:

Food, drinks and liquids: cheese, bread, pasta, coffee, milk, petrol, fuel, etc.

Materials: iron, wood, metal, paper, plastic, etc.

Abstract ideas and feelings: information, advice, strength, time, love, excitement, etc.

Illnesses: diabetes, alzheimer, cancer, etc.

Languages: English, French, Spanish, etc.

Uncountable in English but not in other languages

Some nouns are uncountable in English, but they are countable in other languages. Some of them are: advice, news (it ends in -s, but it's a singular word), furniture, luggage, baggage, bread, cheese, toast, etc.

Countable and uncountable

Some nouns can be countable and uncountable because they can refer to a unit or to 'mass' or 'material'. Compare:

A/an, some, any

A/an

We use a/an + singular countable noun.

We cannot use a/an before a plural noun or an uncountable noun.

Some/any

We use some and any before countable plural nouns or singular uncountable nouns.

Some

We use some in positive sentences.

Any

We use any in negative sentences and questions.

But we use some in questions when we are asking for something or we are offering something.

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A, some, any - countable and uncountable nouns - Page 2 of 3 - Test-English

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a, some, any - countable and uncountable nouns. A car, some money, any money. A1 - Elementary English grammar and exercises.

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a, an, some, any — Exercise 1 | English Grammar Exercises

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English Grammar Exercise: a, an, some, any | Complete the sentences with a, an, some or any.

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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Spin the wheel - Spin the wheel to see which item comes up next.

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In the B2 First Writing Paper you could be asked to write an article 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.

The idea is to write in a way that grabs the reader's attention and keeps them interested until the very end.

Differences between articles and essays

In an article, you need to constantly be telling the reader what you think.

The article is informal, the essay is formal and neutral.

The essay has a clear organisation, whereas the article might not.

B2 First (FCE) Article: Structure

Think of an interesting title which will make people want to read your article

Introduction
Start your article in an interesting way. You could ask the reader a question or make a strong statement.

1st body paragraph
The first paragraph should involve the reader in some way.

2nd body paragraph
Build on the interest you have raised in the first paragraph by telling the next part of the story

Conclusion
Finish the article in an interesting way. This could be humorous or thought-provoking

B2 First (FCE) Article: Writing Guide

Articles usually have a title. The title should be informative (give the reader an idea of the subject) and attractive ( make the reader want to read the article).

Title A: The Internet: A Great Invention

Introduction

The start of the article should be linked to the title, introduce the topic and engage the reader. Often, an article starts with a question that introduces the topic which will be discussed in the article.

General statement about the topic.

Start with a question, problem or quotation.

Introduction A: The Internet has changed the way we live. It started as something that we could access only through a computer, but nowadays it is everywhere, and I love it! Introduction B: Are you a busy college student? Do you struggle to keep fit and eat healthily? Don't worry! I am going to tell you exactly what you should do. Keep on reading, you will thank me later!
Paragraphs 1-2

Each should be clearly defined, not too long and clearly linked.

Describe issues in detail and use one paragraph per issue.

Use linkers, sequencing and sophisticated vocabulary.

Paragraph A1: One of the cool things about the world wide web is that you can .....Paragraph A2: However, the greatest thing about the Internet is how you can learn tons of things...

Paragraph 1B: First of all, you must start moving your body. You could go to the gym if .....
Paragraph B2:Secondly, your diet is just as important. I suppose you live on a low budget

Conclusion

An ending can state an opinion, give the reader something to think about, summarise the article or even end with a quotation.
Conclusion A: If you follow all these tips, I'm sure you will keep fit easily! And if you already tried that, let me know how you feel now Conclusion B: In conclusion, the Internet has a lot of great things. For me, the best are finding information and learning online. What about you? What are your favourite things about it?
Let's summarize! - How to write an Article?

1. Give your article a title.

2. Try and engage the reader's attention and interest. Ask questions at the beginning.

3. There should be a link between the opening sentence and the title.

4. Personalise the article using true stories or anecdotes.

5. If you decide to take a light-hearted approach or a more serious one, maintain the same style throughout the article.

6. Check your work for accuracy, punctuation and spelling.

Article could be light or serious (but should be consistent), depending on who the target reader is. May use some rhetorical questions e.g. Can you imagine a school where every student enjoys themselves?

B2 First (FCE) Article: Model Answers

Subject:

A local magazine has asked readers to write an article about their favourite things about the Internet. Write the article talking about the things you do with the Internet and recommend a website to other readers.

Write your article.

Student's FCE Article Answer:

The Internet: A Great Invention

The Internet has changed the way we live. It started as something that we could access only through a computer, but nowadays it is everywhere, and I love it!

One of the cool things about the world wide web is that you can look up anything you want and nd out the answer straight away. Isn't that fantastic? For example, imagine you are arguing with your friends about how to do something. Easy solution! Go online and find the answer.

However, the greatest thing about the Internet is how you can learn tons of things very cheaply or even for free! In fact, my favourite website is www.udemy.com,where people register to teach and learn about different things: music, website design, making apps, history, etc. So I totally recommend it to everyone!

In conclusion, the Internet has a lot of great things. For me, the best are finding information and learning online. What about you? What are your favourite things about it?

Get Your (FCE) Article Checked!
Sample papers, online practice tests & tips. Track your progress online.

Subject:
Fitness bloggers wanted!
Our fitness magazine is looking for influencers to write an article on how to stay fit when you are a college student. So if you have any cool ideas, send us an article in which you:

* Explain the type of exercise you recommend
* Recommend a healthy but cheap diet
* Give other ideas you like

Write your article.

Student's FCE Article Answer:

Keep It Healthy!

Are you a busy college student? Do you struggle to keep fit and eat healthily? Don't worry! I am going to tell you exactly what you should do. Keep on reading, you will thank me later!

First of all, you must start moving your body. You could go to the gym if you have the time. But if you're busy - you're a student, you should be busy! - don't sign up for a gym. Instead, start cycling to college and give up using elevators. You'll see how your fitness improves quickly!

Secondly, your diet is just as important. I suppose you live on a low budget, so I suggest you don't eat out much. Eating out can be unhealthy and expensive. Sogo to your local supermarket and buy healthy, inexpensive vegetables and fruit.

Finally, pay attention to how you sit when you are studying. Posture is super important to feel well, especially if you are a student or an office worker.

If you follow all these tips, I'm sure you will keep fit easily! And if you already tried that, let me know how you feel now

Get Your (FCE) Article Checked!
Sample papers, online practice tests & tips. Track your progress online.

B2 First (FCE) Article: Example topics
You see this announcement in the Leisure and Entertainment magazine. Could you live without internet for a month?
Write and tell us what difference this would make to your life.
We will publish the best article. You see this announcement in a magazine.
We invite you to write an article on 'The City of the Future'.
In what ways will Cities be different in the future? In what ways will they be the same?
The writer of the best article will receive a prize.
You have seen this notice in an international magazine.
Inventions have affected all our lives!
Write us an article about one invention, explaining why you think it is important and saying how it has affected your own life.
The best article will be published in the magazine.
B2 First (FCE) Article: Writing Checklist

After writing your text, you can check it yourself using the writing checklist below.

How to do that? Simply check your text/email by answering the questions one by one:
Content

Have I covered all the key information required by the task?

Have I written only information which is relevant to the task?

Have I developed the basic points in the task with my own ideas?

Communicative Achievement

Have I achieved the main purpose(s) of the text (for example, explaining, persuading, suggesting, apologising, comparing, etc.)?

Have I communicated a balance of straightforward and more complex ideas?

Have I used a suitable style and register (formal or informal) for the task?

Organisation

Have I used paragraphs appropriately to organise my ideas?

Have I used other organisational features appropriately for the genre of the text (for example, titles, headings, openings, closings, etc.)?

Is the connection between my ideas clear and easy for the reader to follow? (For example, have I used appropriate linking words, pronouns, etc. to refer to different things within the text?)

Are the ideas balanced appropriately, with suitable attention and space given to each one?

Language

Have I used a wide range of vocabulary?

Have I avoided repeating the same words and phrases?

Have I used a range of simple and more complex grammatical structures?

Have I correctly used any common phrases which are relevant to the specific task or topic?

Is my use of grammar accurate?

Is my spelling accurate?

B2 First (FCE) Article: Tips

ANSWER THE QUESTION

PLAN your article.

Give your article a title.

Ask rhetorical questions to get your readers' attention. Eg. What would the world be like without oil? What will life be like in 20 years time?

Speak directly to your readers. Eg. Let's just imagine some of the possibilities.

Give examples where appropriate.

Use humour where appropriate

Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph.

Finally, give your opinion where appropriate.

REVISE your article to correct mistakes

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Sign up, resolve the tests and see what results you get.

B2 First (FCE) Article: Useful Phrases & Expressions

We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information. Although it is taking a shortcut, if you learn several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent and well-organized text.

La farmacia viagra online ti dà i migliori prezzi per i farmaci generici. Breve tempo di elaborazione! Oltre mezzo milione di clienti! Pillole bonus gratuite per tutti gli ordini!

Rhetorical phrases:

Have you ever ........?
What do you think about ........?
Are you one of those people who thinks that ......?
Are you one of those people who .......?
What would life be like if ......?
Will the future bring us ..... ?

Introducing your first point:

Introducing more points:

Introducing your final points:

Introducing your opinion:

Would you pass B2 First (FCE)?
Sign up, resolve the tests and see what results you get.

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How to write an article? | B2 First (FCE) | engxam.com

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An essay is the first part of the writing and it is obligatory. You need to answer the question with between 140-190 words. In the text you need to analyse a question using different points of view. It is a semi-formal text and should be impartial until the conclusion.

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Practice test - Complete PET - Cambridge University Press

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Download a full PET for Schools Practice test with answer key, recording scripts and audio below.

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American vs. British vs. Australian English | One Language, Three Accents

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Americans Don't Understand English | The Jonathan Ross Show

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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Open the box - Tap each box in turn to open them up and reveal the item inside.

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ENG HUB A Night in the Clouds (Past Simple) SV

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Conversation Questions Related to Artificial Intelligence - My Lingua Academy

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Conversation Questions Related to Artificial Intelligence: What comes to mind when you hear the term “artificial intelligence”?

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Present simple or present continuous? - Test-English

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Present simple or present continuous? Learn when to use present simple and continuous in English. A1 – Elementary English grammar and exercises.

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An exercise about choosing do / does / am / is / are in present simple questions.

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What’s the shortcut for the “copy” function on most computers?, What does “www” stand for?, Is Java a type of OS?, What app has a green owl as the mascot? , One gigabyte is equal to how many megabytes?

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A1-A2 My Daily Life - Everyday Verbs Online

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Check out this Presentation designed by Eng Hub.

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You are warm welcome to ′ English 5Days’ channel
To learn English,listening skill is the most important of all 4 core skills of a language.At first,we can’t get native speaker’s speech,but if we start listening to these short English Story, it will help us a lot and build our confidence so much!
To practice English listening skills Our channel will help you to grow your English learning and listening skills and also make you learn pronunciation like native speaker.You’ll find a variety of content including stories and more. And most importantly we review the story too that will help you know the literary term of a story and you would know the summary too. Please make sure to subscribe and turn on all notifications for more latest video. “Never Stop learning.”

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English texts for beginners to practice reading and comprehension online and for free. Practicing your comprehension of written English will both improve your vocabulary and understanding of grammar and word order. The texts below are designed to help you develop while giving you an instant evaluation of your progress.

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At, in, on - prepositions of time

➪ Use at with times of day, including mealtimes, bedtime, etc.

➪ Use in with months, seasons, years, decades, centuries and long periods of time in general.

➪ Use on followed by days and dates.

➪ Use at in the following common expressions:

➪ Parts of the day:

When we say last, next, every, this we do not use at, in, on.

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At, in, on - prepositions of time - Test-English

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At, in, on - prepositions of time. At Christmas, in the morning, on Saturday, etc. A1-Elementary English grammar and exercises.

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At, in, on - prepositions of place

At

At a point

We use at to refer to a point near something.

At the top of/at the bottom of/at the end of

We use at in the expressions at the top of, at the bottom of and at the end of.

Group activities

We use at to refer to group activities like parties, concerts, and other events.

At + school/university/college

We normally use at with school, university and college.

Be at home/work

We say be at home/at work (without the)

At the shop

We use at to refer to shops, restaurants, cafés, etc.

In

In a 3D space

We use in to refer to a position inside of a three-dimensional space.

In a space with limits

We also use in for areas that have limits or boundaries, like continents, countries, cities, regions, etc.

In a car

In the water

We also use in when something is in the water: in the sea, in the river, in the swimming pool, etc.

In a picture, in a book

We also use in for things that are printed in books, pictures, documents, etc.

On

On a surface

We use on to refer to a position on a surface.

On the first/second/etc. floor

We use on to refer to floors in a building.

On the right/left

We use on in the expressions on the right and on the left.

On the bus/train/plane

We use on when we are using public transport: on the bus, on a train, on a plane, etc.

On TV/the radio/the Internet/a website

We use on when we read, see or learn something in the media.

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At, in, on - prepositions of place - Test-English

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At, in, on - prepositions of place. At the table, in an office, on the beach, etc. A1-Elementary English grammar and exercises.

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Questions in the Simple Present - English

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Questions in the Simple Present, Tenses, English Grammar Exercise

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Questions and short answers in the Simple Present - Exercise

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Questions and short answers in the Present Simple in an online exercise

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Present simple: I do, I don’t, Do I? - Test-English

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Learn how to use the present simple tense in this A1 Elementary grammar lesson. Clear rules, charts and exercises. Practise now!

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Quality ESL grammar worksheets, quizzes and games - from A to Z - for teachers & learners THIS / THAT / THESE / THOSE

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Exercises Explanation Downloads

Possessive adjectives and subject pronouns (I/my, you/your, etc.)

Exercise 1

Choose the correct subject pronouns or possessive adjectives to complete the sentences.

Possessive adjectives and subject pronouns

Form

Use

I + verb - my + noun

We use subject pronouns + verb and we use possessive adjectives + noun.

Possessive adjectives are always singular

Adjectives in English have no plural form. Possessive adjectives are always singular.

These are their suitcases. (NOT theirs suitcases)

it/its for things and they/their for people and things

We use he-his and she-her for people, and we use it-its for things. But in the plural, we use they-their for people and things.

The hotel has its own spa. It is a relaxing place.

it's for time and weather

We use it's (=it is) to talk about the time or the weather.

it's or its?

Its = possessive adjective. It's = it is (subject + verb be)

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Possessive adjectives and subject pronouns (I/my, you/your, etc.) - Test-English

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Learn how to use possessive adjectives in English (my, your, his, etc.). This is an English grammar lesson for beginners or elementary students (level A1 CEFR). In this lesson, you will find three English grammar exercises with answers. There is also a grammar explanation with grammar rules and grammar charts.

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The English Alphabet | Learning Chocolate

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This is a word set for learning English (US) vocabulary words including a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z. Enjoy learning.

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This interactive exercise practises the present simple positive with 'be'.

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Exercises Explanation Downloads

Present simple forms of 'to be' - am/is/are

Exercise 1

Choose the correct present simple forms of 'to be' for the gaps below.

The present simple form of be

The present simple of the verb be has three forms:

I am.

He/She/It is.

We/You/They are.

they= people and things

We use he for a man, she for a woman, and it for a thing.

He 's a little boy.

She 's beautiful.

We use they for people and for things.

Don't forget the subject

We always need a subject before the verb.

It is cold. (NOT Is cold.)

Sally is a wonderful woman. (NOT Is a wonderful woman.)

Contractions or short forms

We use 'm, 's and ' re with personal pronouns ( I, you, he, etc.)

But we can also use 's with names.

Contractions in short answers

We can only use contractions in negative short answers. Not in positive short answers.

Yes, I am. (NOT Yes, I'm.)

Yes, she is . (NOT Yes, she's.)

Yes, they are . (NOT Yes, they're.)

be - present simple use

We use the verb be to talk about:

Who we are: I'm Steven, and this is Isabella. And this is my daughter, Alicia.

Job:

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Present simple forms of 'to be' - am/is/are - Test-English

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Present simple forms of 'to be'. A1. Elementary English grammar and exercises. I am, he isn't, etc. Affirmative, negative and interrogative forms of 'be'.

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An essay is writing in which we analyse a topic, a situation or an issue from different points of view, providing arguments and expressing our opinion about it.

For this reason, an essay must have the following features:

Purpose: When writing an essay, we analyze and evaluate an interesting or controversial topic.

Tone and style: An essay is written in a formal style, so we must stick to an objective tone and style. Our language must be formal, thus avoiding words that are simply too common or generic (e.g.: things, stuff, get, etc.) and contractions (e.g.: can't, don't, won't, etc.).

Structure: It should have an introductory paragraph and a conclusion at the end. The body should consist of 2 or 3 main paragraphs, depending on how you decide to structure your ideas.

Coherence: Coherence is essential in every type of writing, but especially in an essay. Avoid writing incoherent and short paragraphs that have nothing to do with one another. Your ideas must follow a logical order and be well connected with appropriate linkers.

Check our Writing Guide - to see how to write a FCE essay in detail.

B2 First (FCE) Essay: Structure

Introduction
Present and develop the essay question in your introduction

1 st body paragraph
State your 1st argument and give a reason. This should be your main point.

2 nd body paragraph
State your 2nd argument and give a reason.

3 rd body paragraph (optional)
State your 3d argument and give a reason.

writing a professional essay

FCE, CAE, CPE

Practice, Write & Improve
Get your writing checked, track your progress online.
Sample papers, online practice tests & tips.
FCE CAE CPE

B2 First (FCE) Essay: How to write an essay?

We will use the example question below in our writing guide advice:

In your English class you have been talking about the fashion industry. Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Some people say the fashion industry has a bad effect on people's lives. Do you agree?

Write about:
1. the price of clothes
2. whether people's appearance is important
3. ........................ (your own idea)

Introduction..

In the introduction, paraphrase the essay topic so that the reader know what you are going to write about.

Do not express your opinion at the beginning of your essay, leave it to the last paragraph ( conclusion)

Introduction: The society we live today is characterised by technology in constant development, fast speed processes, information travelling and getting to people at a blink of an eye and a complex web of social networking.

Main Body: 1st - 3rd body paragraph

in the remaining paragraphs, you write on the points you got in the task, where each paragraph should describe exactly one point/argument
How do I write them?
See example below...

Paragraph 1 - comment on question 1 - "the price of clothes"
(facts, details, and examples)

On one hand, the fashion industry is undeniably a source of profit and income. It hires millions of people all over the world and generates millions of dollars every year...... Paragraph 2 - comment on question 2 - "people's appearance is important"
(facts, details, and examples)

It is stated that people place too much importance on appearance and the material, world, sadly true, and the fashion industry just spurs on such situation....

Paragraph 3 - comment on question 3 - "........................ (your own idea)"
(facts, details, and examples)

Nevertheless, for those who are neither impressed nor motivated by numbers and figures, the fashion industry is seen as one which segregates people, isolating those who not fit their laws and commands.....

To connect your supporting paragraphs, you should use special transition words, see below.

Transition words link your paragraphs together and make your essay easier to read. Use them at the beginning and end of your paragraphs.

Conclusion

The summary paragraph comes at the end of your essay after you have finished developing your ideas. The summary paragraph is often called a "conclusion."

It summarizes or restates the main idea of the essay. You want to leave the reader with a sense that your essay is complete.

I do believe that the fashion industry, as it is today, has a harmful effect, because it values a minority of people in detriment to the majority. However, it has such a wide reach that, it put into a good use, it can save lives.

The society we live today is characterised by technology in constant development, fast speed processes, information travelling and getting to people at a blink of an eye and a complex web of social networking. In this context, the fashion industry is becoming increasingly important and having a more and more paramount role in our lives.

On one hand, the fashion industry is undeniably a source of profit and income. It hires millions of people all over the world and generates millions of dollars every year. Furthermore, such profitable business is also believed to be able to spread and make known the culture of a people, encouraging and enhancing a better understanding of each other.

Nevertheless, for those who are neither impressed nor motivated by numbers and figures, the fashion industry is seen as one which segregates people, isolating those who not fit their laws and commands. It is stated that people place too much importance on appearance and the material, world, sadly true, and the fashion industry just spurs on such situation. Moreover, not only are the costs of fashion item unrealistically high, it is thought to be a money better spent on more pressing issues, such as poverty and hunger.

I do believe that the fashion industry, as it is today, has a harmful effect, because it values a minority of people in detriment to the majority. However, it has such a wide reach that, it put into a good use, it can save lives.

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B2 First (FCE) Essay: Example essays

Subject:

In your English class you have been talking about the environment. Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Every country in the world has problems with pollution and damage to the environment.
Do you think these problems can be solved?

Notes:

Write about:
1. transport
2. rivers and seas
3. .............................. (your own idea)

Student's FCE Essay Answer:

DEVELOPMENT VS ENVIRONMENT

If we surf the web looking for pollution and environmental catastrophes, we will find out that every country in the world suffers them. This is a natural consequence of the struggle between development and environment.

If a country decided to live isolated from the rest of the world, living on what it can naturally grow and produce, it surely wouldn't be highly polluted. But we all want exotic food and technological items from all over the world, so we have to pay the price.

Investing on electrical transport would benefit the environment a lot. Even more if this electricity came from a natural source of energy like wind, rivers and solar boards. It's difficult to achieve this because petrol companies will fight against these actions.

We also have to take care of our rivers and seas. We all have heard about factories throwing highly toxic substances to rivers, without minimizing their poisoning effects. A really strict law should be applied to fine these factories and make them change their policy.

But what about ourselves? We also can do a lot! If, when possible, we bought larger packs of food, we would be producing less rubbish. And this is only an example!

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Subject:

In your English class you have been talking about the fashion industry. Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Some people say the fashion industry has a bad effect on people's lives.
Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
1. whether people's appearance is important
2. the price of clothes
3. ........................ (your own idea)

Student's FCE Essay Answer:

The society we live today is characterised by technology in constant development, fast speed processes, information travelling and getting to people at a blink of an eye and a complex web of social networking. In this context, the fashion industry is becoming increasingly important and having a more and more paramount role in our lives.

On one hand, the fashion industry is undeniably a source of profit and income. It hires millions of people all over the world and generates millions of dollars every year. Furthermore, such profitable business is also believed to be able to spread and make known the culture of a people, encouraging and enhancing a better understanding of each other.

Nevertheless, for those who are neither impressed nor motivated by numbers and figures, the fashion industry is seen as one which segregates people, isolating those who not fit their laws and commands. It is stated that people place too much importance on appearance and the material, world, sadly true, and the fashion industry just spurs on such situation. Moreover, not only are the costs of fashion item unrealistically high, it is thought to be a money better spent on more pressing issues, such as poverty and hunger.

I do believe that the fashion industry, as it is today, has a harmful effect, because it values a minority of people in detriment to the majority. However, it has such a wide reach that, it put into a good use, it can save lives.

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B2 First (FCE) Essay: Example topics

Your teacher has asked you to write your response to the following statement taken from a recent newspaper article:
Is it true that we help the environment when we plant a tree?
Write about:

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

Your teacher has asked you to write your response to the following statement taken from a recent newspaper article:
Is it better to be the oldest or the youngest in a family?
Write about:

1. parents

2. role of older sibling

3. ..................(your own idea)

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B2 First (FCE) Essay: Writing Checklist

After writing your text, you can check it yourself using the writing checklist below.

How to do that? Simply check your text/email by answering the questions one by one:
Content

Have I covered all the key information required by the task?

Have I written only information which is relevant to the task?

Have I developed the basic points in the task with my own ideas?

Communicative Achievement

Have I achieved the main purpose(s) of the text (for example, explaining, persuading, suggesting, apologising, comparing, etc.)?

Have I communicated a balance of straightforward and more complex ideas?

Have I used a suitable style and register (formal or informal) for the task?

Organisation

Have I used paragraphs appropriately to organise my ideas?

Have I used other organisational features appropriately for the genre of the text (for example, titles, headings, openings, closings, etc.)?

Is the connection between my ideas clear and easy for the reader to follow? (For example, have I used appropriate linking words, pronouns, etc. to refer to different things within the text?)

Are the ideas balanced appropriately, with suitable attention and space given to each one?

Language

Have I used a wide range of vocabulary?

Have I avoided repeating the same words and phrases?

Have I used a range of simple and more complex grammatical structures?

Have I correctly used any common phrases which are relevant to the specific task or topic?

Is my use of grammar accurate?

Is my spelling accurate?

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Get your writing checked, track your progress online.
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ANSWER THE QUESTION

PLAN your essay

REVISE your essay to correct mistakes.

Use a variety of discussive words and phrases

Give examples where possible

Use formal language

Don't use contractions (we're, I've etc.)

Sum up your argument in the final paragraph

The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearly.

B2 First (FCE) Essay: Tips

TIP: Pay attention to style and register

One of the most common register mistakes made by inexperienced writers involves using too personal manner in a piece of formal writing. A chatty style, characterized by the use of the words I and you, could be inappropriate and even offensive in a formal essay.

Me, myself, I

Everybody likes to talk about themselves, but when (for example) you're writing about environmental issues, you should be talking about the environment and not about yourself.

YOU

The way word you is used in informal speech 'You should have seen it!' 'if you know what I mean' is not appropriate in formal writing. At best it sounds chatty and informal; at worst, disrespectful or even offensive. The word you points a finger at the reader. But the readers are not friends of yours, and you have no right to make assumptions about them.

B2 First (FCE) Essay: Useful Phrases & Expressions

Introduction

The trend nowadays is towards ....
Over the past ten years or so the media have frequently carried reports of ....
Recent research indicates that ....
Hardly a week goes by without another report of ........... appearing in the media.
This raises the issue of whether ......
Although most people would generally agree that ............ few would deny that ....

Stating your opinion

As I see it,
It seems to me that ............ I would also say that ....
I am convinced that ...............
I am inclined to believe that ..................
There is no doubt in my mind that ..................
One of the drawbacks of ....... is ..........
However, one of the benefits is that ............
Changing topic
As regards the causes for this, ..............
Concerning the causes for this, .........
As for the causes, ...........

Presenting arguments

One justification is often given for ........... is that.................
Advocates/Proponents would claim that ..................
Those who object to ................. often argue that ...................
Another objection is that ......
However, it should not be forgotten that ..............
........... are opposed to ................ on the grounds that .................
From the point of view of .................
According to ....................

Describing causes

One factor which has led to ............ is ..............
One of the factors which has brought this about is .........
The problem often stems from ....................
The situation has been exacerbated by ................
.............. has only made the situation worse.
One consequence of ................ is ................

Proposing steps and measures

As regards the most appropriate response to this situation, one suggestion would be to .........
The first step to be taken would be to ........
To alleviate the situation people should ...........
In addition they ought to ...............
To begin to tackle this situation society/individuals/the government need/s to This can only be dealt with if ............
To overcome this problem, ..............
Were the government to ..............., the situation would doubtless improve.
Individuals can do a great deal to ............
The burden of responsiblity lies in the hands of ........
It is vitally important that .........
Legislation should be introduced to control .................
It would be a grave error if we .................

Concluding

All in all it seems to me that ...........
The obvious conclusion to be drawn is that .......................
All things considered, .............
On balance, I tend to believe that ............
The world would surely be a better place to live in if ..............
If people stopped ....ing, we would have/ we could look forward to a ...............
The prospects for the future will be bleak/grim unless ...................

B2 First (FCE) Essay: FAQ

Should you do a plan?

Yes! You must make a plan to organise your writing. On the day of the exam, you will be stressed and feel pressure. A plan is your way of organising you text and your thoughts.

What happens if I write more than 190 words?

Nothing... Well, almost nothing. In the past for every 5 words extra, they took away a point, however, now they do not. It is not good to go over 190 words because of time, but you can. I wouldn´t write more than 200 words because they will probably lower the mark they give you for content. They will determine some of it to be unnecessary.

What counts as a complex language in the exam?

You MUST use complex language at B2 level. You must use attention-grabbing vocabulary and a variety of grammar structures. The passive voice, relative clauses, modal verbs, conditionals, reported speech and inversions all count as COMPLEX grammar forms and you must use them. Otherwise, you can address academic experts and pay someone to write your paper if you need help to write an essay for you.

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How to write an essay? | B2 First (FCE) | engxam.com

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An essay is the first part of the writing and it is obligatory.You need to answer the question with between 140-190 words. In the text you need to analyse a question using different points of view. It is a semi-formal text and should be impartial until the conclusion.