What’s in the Writing paper?
In the two parts of the B2 First Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English.
Summary
| Time allowed: | 1 hour 20 minutes |
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| Number of parts: | 2 |
| Number of questions: | Part 1: one compulsory question, Part 2: one question from a choice of three |
| Types of task: | Articles, email, essay, letter, report, review. |
Part 1 (Compulsory question)
| What’s in Part 1? | You’re given an essay title and two ideas clearly linked to the title. You write an essay giving your opinions about the title, using the ideas given. You must also add a third, different idea of your own linked to the title. The title will be a subject of general interest – you won’t need any specialised knowledge. |
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| What do I have to practise? | Using language functions, such as evaluating, expressing opinions, hypothesising, justifying, persuading. |
| How many questions are there? | One compulsory question. |
| How much do I have to write? | 140–190 words |
Part 2 (Situationally based writing task)
| What’s in Part 2? | You write a text from a choice of text types – article, email/letter, report or review. To guide your writing, you’ll be given information about context, topic purpose and target reader. |
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| What do I have to practise? | Writing different types of text that could be included in the exam. |
| How many questions are there? | One task to be selected from a choice of three. |
| How much do I have to write? | 140–190 words |