B2 First (FCE) Writing – Practice Test 1 — Part 2 – Write an article, an email or a review

Question 2 — Article

You see this announcement on an international student website.

Articles wanted: Learning outside the classroom

What is the best thing you have ever done to improve your English away from school?

Write us an article explaining what you did, how it helped you, and whether you would recommend it to other students.

We will publish the most useful articles on our site.

Write your article.

Model answer (about 170 words)

The year I stopped studying English

Would you believe that the best thing I ever did for my English was to stop studying it? Two years ago I was bored of grammar exercises, so I decided to try something completely different.

I began volunteering at a hostel in my city, where I spent two evenings a week helping travellers find their rooms and recommending places to eat. At first I understood almost nothing and answered every question with a nervous smile. Within a month, however, I was chatting about football with Australians and explaining bus routes to Canadians.

What made it so effective was the pressure. Nobody slowed down for me, so I had to guess, ask again and keep going — and that is exactly what real conversation feels like. My listening improved far faster than it ever had in class.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Find any activity where English is the tool rather than the subject, and your confidence will grow before you even notice it.

Question 3 — Email

You have received this email from your English-speaking friend Sam.

From: Sam
Subject: Two weeks in your country!

Hi,

Great news — I've finally saved enough to spend two weeks in your country this summer. The problem is I can't decide when to come or what to do when I'm there.

Which month would you choose, and why? And is there one experience you'd say I really mustn't miss? Also, how much money do you think I should budget for two weeks?

Thanks!
Sam

Write your email.

Model answer (about 165 words)

Hi Sam,

What fantastic news! I've been hoping you'd finally make it over here, and two weeks is long enough to see a lot.

If I were you, I'd come in late September. July and August are beautiful but unbearably hot, and the coast gets so crowded that you queue for everything. By September the weather is still warm, prices drop and you actually get the beaches to yourself.

The one thing you mustn't miss is the overnight train to the mountains. You fall asleep somewhere flat and wake up surrounded by pine forest, and the walking up there is spectacular. It costs almost nothing and everyone I've taken has loved it.

As for money, I'd budget around eight hundred euros for two weeks, not counting your flight. That covers hostels, food and travel comfortably, and leaves something for the odd expensive dinner.

Let me know your dates as soon as you book — you're staying with me, obviously!

See you soon,
(your name)

Question 4 — Review

You see this request on the website of an English-language magazine.

Reviews wanted: Podcasts worth listening to

Have you discovered a podcast that you look forward to every week?

Write us a review describing what the podcast is about and what makes it different from others. Say who you think would enjoy it most, and whether it is worth the time.

The best reviews will appear in next month's issue.

Write your review.

Model answer (about 160 words)

Small Repairs — the podcast that fixes your week

I started listening to Small Repairs during a long train journey, and I have not missed an episode since. Each week the host visits somebody who mends things for a living — a shoemaker, a piano tuner, a woman who rebuilds old bicycles — and simply lets them talk about their work.

What makes it different is the pace. There are no arguments, no interruptions and very little background music; instead you hear tools, workshops and long, comfortable pauses. The episodes last about twenty-five minutes, which is exactly right for a commute.

Its only weakness is that a few interviews feel repetitive if you listen to several in a row, so it is best taken one episode at a time.

I would recommend it particularly to learners of English, because the speakers are clear and the vocabulary is beautifully practical. If your weeks feel noisy, this quiet little podcast is very much worth your time.

Useful language

• Article — engaging opening: Would you believe that…?, Have you ever wondered…?; addressing the reader: Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
• Email — reacting to news: What fantastic news!; advising: If I were you, I'd…, You really mustn't miss…; closing: Let me know as soon as you book.
• Review — describing: Each week the host…; evaluating: What makes it different is…, Its only weakness is…; recommending: I would recommend it particularly to…
• Useful throughout: instead, however, as for…, which is exactly right for…