Use of English PRO

appstoreappstore

Writing - B2 Article

Essential strategies and common pitfalls to help you ace the Article for Cambridge B2 Writing exam.

Back

How to write a B2 Article

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.

If you have to write an article, your task will involve writing for a magazine or website. Just like in real magazines, your article must be entertaining and informative. This means you need to keep your reader interested and engaged from beginning to end.

Differences between articles and essays

In an article, you need to tell the reader what you think.
Unlike an essay (which is neutral), an article is opinionated.
The essay has a clear organisation, whereas the article is more flexible.

B2 First Certificate (FCE) Article: Structure

StepDetails
TitleThink of an interesting title which will make people want to read your article
IntroductionStart 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 paragraphBuild on the interest you have raised in the first paragraph by telling the next part of the story
ConclusionFinish the article in an interesting way. This could be humorous or thought-provoking.

B2 First Certificate (FCE) Article: Writing Guide

Title

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).

Keep it short (2–5 words) and clear
No need for a complete sentence

Example:

Title A: The Internet: A Great Invention

Example:

Title B: Keep It Healthy!

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.

Example:

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!

Example:

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.

Example:

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...

Example:

Paragraph B1: 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.

Example:

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

Example:

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.

See Full Article

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.

  • The beginning of the Internet
  • Internet Utility
  • Your favorite website

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 and 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 one is finding information and also learning online.

B2 First Certificate (FCE) Article: Writing Checklist

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

Content

Communicative Achievement

Organisation

Language

B2 First Certificate (FCE) Article: Tips

Talk about the given points
Plan your article.
Give your article a title.
Ask rhetorical questions to get your readers’ attention. e.g. What would the world be like without oil? What will life be like in 20 years time?
Speak directly to your readers. e.g. 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

B2 First Certificate (FCE) Article: Useful Phrases & Expressions

We'll wrap up with some useful vocabulary commonly used to organize ideas. While it might feel like taking a shortcut, learning a few key expressions for each paragraph type can help you produce a well-structured and cohesive text in your exam.

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

Firstly

In the first place

First of all

The first thing to consider is

One thing to consider is

To begin with

Introducing more points

Secondly

Another consideration

Yet another consideration

Another thing to consider is

Added to that

Apart from that

In addition to this

Introducing your final points

In conclusion

To conclude

To sum up

So

Introducing your opinion

I think

In my opinion

Personally, I believe that

In my view

If you ask me

To my mind

My personal opinion is