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free online fce English course
FCE PAPER 2 WRITING PART 1

by Bob Wilson at autoenglish.org

 INFORMATION, TECHNIQUE, TRAINING & EXERCISES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

INTRODUCTION
you have to write an email or letter of between 120 - 150 words.
Part 1 is worth 50% of the writing exam.
you have around 40 minutes to complete Part 1 (the total writing exam length is 80 minutes).
TYPICAL QUESTIONS
Part 1 is always about writing a reply.
more than 80% of the time, Part 1 is writing a reply to a letter or email from a friend and is often about planning a trip. For friends we use informal English.
less than 20% of the time, Part 1 is writing a formal reply to a formal letter or email, often about organising a trip for a school.
an example question:-
 

Part 1

 You must answer this question. Write your answer in 120-150 words in an appropriate style.

1 You have received an email from your Scottish friend Deborah asking you if you would like to go to the Edinburgh Arts Festival. Read Deborah's email and the notes you have made. Then write an email using all your notes.
 
Email
From: Deborah Kerr
Sent: 6 May
Subject: Edinburgh Festival Fringe
 
TECHNIQUE
Go to the blank pages at the end of the exam booklet. Here you will design your answer.
Each of your notes represents one paragraph of 30 words.
Plan each paragraph. 30 words is about 3 sentences. Write down all your ideas for each of the notes and then choose the best three for each paragraph. Order your ideas from 1 to 3.
 

Highlight or underline the key words and phrases in each paragraph so you can use them in your own writing.
 

Hey! The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is on in August. What about coming to Scotland and we can go together? I know you're a fan of theatre and comedy. Is there anything you would like to see?
Decide on the register. In this case, you are writing to a friend so the register is informal.
Use linkers (connectors) to join your ideas. Examples are: 'although', 'on the other hand', 'however', 'moreover' and 'so'. Here are some exercises to practise using linkers:-
 
Now write your answer, following your plan. I have done the first two paragraphs below.
 

SCORING POINTS (MARKING SCHEME)
Your writing scores points for showing the following skills-
coherence - this is ordering your ideas.
cohesion - this is using linkers
register - this is choosing the right style, formal or informal
accuracy - spelling and grammar
range - this is about being able to use the key words and the expressions shown below in the SKILLS TRAINING section.
SKILLS TRAINING
In your email or letter you may have to show the following skills in English-
apologising
 
FORMAL INFORMAL
I would just like to apologise for forgetting your birthday. I'm really sorry I forgot your birthday.
explaining
 
FORMAL INFORMAL
The first step would be to What you need to do is...
expressing enthusiasm
 
FORMAL INFORMAL
I would just like to say I think that is excellent news. I think that's fantastic news!
expressing preferences
 
FORMAL INFORMAL
I would rather visit... I'd really prefer to visit...
requesting information
 
FORMAL INFORMAL
I would really appreciate it if you could forward the train times to me. Can you send me the train times?
thanking
 
FORMAL INFORMAL
I just want to express my sincere thanks for all you have done. Thanks a lot for everything you did for us.
suggesting
 
FORMAL INFORMAL
I recommend going to a Spanish restaurant. You really must go to a Spanish restaurant.