How to Write an Essay for the FCE Writing Paper

FCE Writing
On the first part of the FCE Writing Paper, you will need to write an essay where
you have to state your opinion on a given topic.
The input text on Part 1 of the FCE Writing paper can be up to 120 words. It is
important that you carefully read this input text and underline the most
important parts.
When you make your writing task plan, make sure you refer closely to the input
task. Look for opportunities to develop your ideas and show your range of
language. In addition, you need to make sure that you incorporate the two
given prompts into your writing. You will also need to introduce a third distinct
idea that is your own.
FCE WRITING: USEFUL LANGUAGE FOR WRITING AN ESSAY
Here are some useful phrases and expressions that you may find useful when
writing your essay:
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To express an opinion: I believe, In my opinion, In my view, I strongly

believe, The way I see it, It seems to me (that)
To list points: In the first place, First of all, To start with, Firstly, To begin
with
To add more points: What is more, Another major reason, Furthermore,
Moreover, Not to mention the fact that, In addition to this/that
To introduce contrasting viewpoints: It is argued that, People argue
that, Opponents of this view say, Contrary to what most people believe
To introduce examples: For example, For instance, Such as, In
particular, Especially
To conclude: To sum up, All in all, All things considered, Taking
everything into account
*VIDEO 1

How to Succeed on the FCE Writing Paper

FCE Writing
Want to become a good writer for the FCE Writing Paper? Unfortunately, there
is only one thing for it keep writing. Like with so many other things in life, the
more you practice, the better you become.

As writing is a means of communication and self-expression, learning to write

well is not only a skill needed for passing your FCE Writing Paper. It is also a
skill you will need to make use of throughout your life.
MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT ON THE FCE WRITING PAPER
The number of words you have to write on the two tasks is the same, between
140 and 190 words.
As each tasks carry equal marks, it is important that you make every word
count. Too many students only count the number of words they write and forget
to look at
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how the text flows,

how they use the vocabulary, and
the spelling of words.

The word count is important your text should not be too short or too long.
However, what is more important is your content. The more writing practice
you put in, the more successful you will be in writing within the word limit
without constantly counting your words.
Word counting during the exam often leads to poorly structured writing pieces
with many alterations.
PLAN FOR SUCCESS ON THE FCE WRITING PAPER
The FCE Writing paper requires you to have two different types of writing plans:
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a FCE writing strategy plan

a FCE writing task plan for each of the two tasks

The writing strategy plan will help you manage your time and could look
something like this:
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Pick the task you want to start with.
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Spend max. 10 minutes on making a detailed, structured writing task
plan.
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Spend max. 25 minutes on writing.
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Start on the second task.
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Spend max. 10 minutes on making a detailed, structured writing task
plan.
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Spend max. 25 minutes on writing.
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Spend the last 10 minutes going over your two writings and make
corrections if necessary.

It is easy to go blind when you read your own work straight after writing it.
You often read what you expect to be on the page, not what is actually there!
By leaving your writing piece to one side and coming back to it later, it will be
much easier to spot any potential mistakes.
*VIDEO #2