B2 WRITING

B2 FIRSTWRITING

2.8 How to write it: anexample 2.9 Useful vocabulary

1. WRITING AN ESSAY 1.1 What's the task about? 1.2 Keep it in mind! 1.3 An example 1.4 Structure 1.5 Useful language: training 1.6 How to write it: an example 1.7 Useful vocabulary

3.4 How to write it: an example

3.3 Further exprerssions

3.2 An example + useful expressions

3.1 Tips

2.7 Recap

2.6 Checklist

2.4 Tips

2.3 Structure

2.2 An example

2.5 Useful language: adjectives

3. WRITING AN ARTICLE

2. WRITING AN EMAIL

index

6. B2 WRITING GRID

7. A USEFUL TOOL

5. TOP 5 TIPS

3.5 Checklist and further suggestions

3.1 An example

3.2 Tips + useful expressions

3.3 How to write it: a model

3.4 Explore language: strong adjectives and adverbs

4.3 Further expressions

4.2 Key language + tips

4.1 An example

3. WRITING A STORY

4. WRITING A REVIEW

index

COMPULSORY TASK: WRITING AN ESSAY

In the first part of the WRITING section you'll always be asked to write an essay for your teacher. This part is compulsory. An essay is an opinion writing with which we analyse a topic, a situation or an issue from different points of view, providing different arguments and expressing our opinion about it. Try not to spend more than 40 minutes on Writing Part 1!

KEEP IT IN MIND! 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: Like every piece of writing, an essay must present a defined structure. In general, it is more appropriate to have an essay with a title. Then, the body must be divided into paragraphs (in general 5). Opinion: There are countless ways of expressing your opinion in an essay, so you must choose the one that suits you best. The most important thing is that you justify everything you say in your essay. Coherence: Coherence is essential in every type of writing, but especially in an essay. As it tends to be an argumentative text, you must avoid writing incoherent paragraphs that have nothing to do with one another. Your ideas must follow a logical order and be well connected with appropriate linkers.

TITLE

it deals with idea 3

it deals with idea 2

3. PARAGRAPH 3

4. CLOSING PARAGRAPH

we express our opinion to conclude and summarise the essay.

2. pARAGRAPH 2

it deals with idea 1

4. PARAGRAPH 4

1. INTRODUCTION

it introduces the topic in a general way and it leads to the second paragraph (first idea)

STRUCTURE

AN EXAMPLE

WRITING AN EMAIL/LETTER

In your letter / email you may need to do any of the following things:- give advice - make a comparison - describe something - explain something - express your opinion - make a recommendation

HERE'S AN EXAMPLE:

6. SIGNATURE

5. SAYING GOODBYE

4. CLOSING PARAGRAPH

we start to say goodbye by wishing the other person well and asking them to reply to your email

3. MAIN PARAGRAPHS

they deal with the most important points that we can identify in the instructions

2. OPENING PARAGRAPH

we react to the other person's news and ask them how they are feeling and whatever else you feel is appropriate

1. GREETINGS

we greet the other person

STRUCTURE

Always justify your opinions asnd any advice you give.

Vary the expressions you use.

Don’t write a subject, for the same reason as before

It’s important that your writing is visually appealing, apart from having good grammar and vocabulary.

Don’t write From: To:

Make sure your writing is clear and organised

TIPS

FORMAL EMAIL / LETTER

WRITING AN ARTICLE

First of all, think about where you would find it : magazines, the Internet, newspaper….so keep that in mind when writing. The writing should come across interesting and appealing. You will generally be asked to write about an event or an activity and express your opinion about the situation. As for organisation, consider these four steps: 1. Title. 2. General introduction. 3. Answer the question. 4. Conclusion.

Things to add to score the best marks for your article include: • Asking a question in either the introduction or conclusion – Have you ever….? Will you make the same mistake as I did? • Speak directly to the reader to make it feel more personal. • Add personal experience and give advice to the reader. • Use interesting vocabulary and descriptive adjectives: attractive, amazing, fascinating, convenient, brilliant.

• Don’t forget about linking words and phrases: and, but, so, because, although, also, as well Examples: - Malaga might be very crowded in the summer, although you can always find calm places to relax. - Many hotel workers speak English and also a little German.

• Use an introductory sentence for each paragraph to draw the reader’s attention:- Malaga is a city of variety. - A good job should be inspiring. - Travelling around the world can broaden your horizons. • Don’t forget to use phrasal verbs (take up, be into, get around) and avoid repetitions as much as you can. You can always look up synonyms. • Correct punctuation is very important. - Don’t forget commas. - Avoid writing too long sentences. - Divide them with full stops.

FURTHER EXPRESSIONS

WRITING A STORY

- Use the first sentence and the two ideas in the input.- Organise your story into paragraphs, with a clear beginning, middle and end. - Use a range of past tenses (NARRATIVE TENSES) - Include descriptions as well as actions. - Think of an interesting ending.

Make your story more interesting:

- Use adjectives like: • He was a tall handsome man… • We walked into a freezing dark room… • I am normally an easy going person but at this moment… - Other ideas you should use are: • Use time phrases – Meanwhile, after, moments later. • Create suspense – Suddenly, out of the blue • Use direct speech – She said ‘’I’m…’’, We screamed ‘’Get out!’’ • Use past tense – I was getting my coat when…, The cat jumped onto the table….

WRITing A REVIEW

When writing a review you have to: • describe the thing you are reviewing • present your positive or negative opinions about it • whether you would recommend it to other people • justify your opinions by providing evidence

HERE'S AN EXAMPLE:

• Organise your ideas into clear paragraphs, each one focusing on on a clear topic. • State clearly whether you liked or didn't like the product or experience • Include a recommendation- Use descriptive language to make your review interesting • Use an informal and friendly style

FURTHER EXPRESSIONS

5. EXPERIMENT AT HOME, BE CONSERVATIVE IN THE EXAM

READ CAREFULY AND IDENTIFY THE TASK

BRAINSTORM, WRITE, READ AND EDIT

WRITE A WELL-STRUCTURED AND VISUALLY-APPEALING TEXT

LEARN AND MEMORISE A SET OF EXPRESSIONS

TOP 5 tIPS

B 2 WRITING GRID

- Developed by the University of Cambridge, Write & Improve is a FREE tool that helps every learner to improve their English writing. - Choose from hundreds of tasks at all levels and start writing, or create your own tasks. - Submit your writing and get a result linked to the international standard, the CEFR. - Get automatic feedback on where your writing may need improvement Make changes and check again to improve your writing.

A USEFUL TOOL