FCE Writing Test 1
Essay: “Schools should do more to help students use their break times well. Do you agree?”
Part 2 choice: article, email, review
Take FCE Writing Test 1
FCE · Writing
FCE Writing practice: the two tasks, marking criteria and examples
FCE Writing is the B2 First Writing paper: 1 hour 20 minutes for two texts of 140–190 words. Part 1 is a compulsory essay; in Part 2 you choose one of three tasks, which can be an article, an email or letter, a report or a review. Each text is marked out of 20, and the paper counts for 20% of your result.
- Free, no sign-up to start
- Layout modelled on the computer-based exam
- Estimated Cambridge English Scale score
Time80 min
Parts2
Words140–190
Of your score20%
Paper format
FCE Writing, part by part
Two tasks in 80 minutes. Each row links to a guide with an example task and a model answer.
| Part | Task and guide | Words | What you do | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay (compulsory) | 140–190 | Answer a question using two given notes and an idea of your own. | 20 |
| 2 | Article | 140–190 | One of three tasks. For a magazine or website: engage the reader and give an opinion. | 20 |
| 2 | Email or letter | 140–190 | One of three tasks. To a named reader, in the register that reader needs. | 20 |
| 2 | Report | 140–190 | One of three tasks. For a manager or group: facts, evaluation and recommendations under headings. | 20 |
| 2 | Review | 140–190 | One of three tasks. Describe and evaluate, and recommend (or not) to a particular reader. | 20 |
Marking
How FCE Writing is marked
Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language, 0–5 each: 40 marks for two texts. Our expert evaluation gives an estimate; 24/40 is about 160.
Content checks that you covered every point; Communicative Achievement that the register and layout suit the reader; Organisation that the text is linked and paragraphed; Language that your grammar and vocabulary are varied and accurate. 34/40 is about 180.
Tips
Six FCE Writing tips
- Split the 80 minutes. About 40 minutes per task: 5–10 to plan, 25 to write and 5 to check. Both tasks carry the same marks.
- Cover all three essay notes. Write about both given ideas and add a different one of your own; missing one lowers your Content mark.
- Choose the Part 2 genre you know best. Article, email or letter, report and review each have their own layout and register; the topic matters less.
- Write for the reader in the task. A friend, a manager or a magazine reader needs a different register, and Communicative Achievement marks exactly that.
- Stay within 140–190 words. Far shorter or longer answers lose marks on the relevant criteria; on the computer-based exam the word count is on screen.
- Organise in paragraphs. One idea per paragraph, linked with a range of connectors, earns the Organisation mark.
Model answers
Model answers and feedback
Each FCE writing guide has a model answer with notes on why it works. When you take a test here, your two texts get an expert evaluation: marks on the four criteria, corrections and the changes most likely to raise your mark.
Writing tests
All 6 FCE Writing tests
Each test is the Writing paper of the matching FCE mock test, and its page shows what is inside before you start.
FCE Writing Test 2
Essay: “All teenagers should have a regular job to do at home. Do you agree?”
Part 2 choice: report, review, letter
Take FCE Writing Test 2FCE Writing Test 3
Essay: “Learning outside the classroom is just as useful as learning in lessons. Do you agree?”
Part 2 choice: article, report, email
Take FCE Writing Test 3FCE Writing Test 4
Essay: “Learning to cook should be an important part of everyone’s education. Do you agree?”
Part 2 choice: review, letter, report
Take FCE Writing Test 4FCE Writing Test 5
Essay: “Good friends need to have the same interests. Do you agree with this statement?”
Part 2 choice: email, article, review
Take FCE Writing Test 5FCE Writing Test 6
Essay: “Communities should provide more leisure activities that people can enjoy free of charge. Do you agree?”
Part 2 choice: letter, report, article
Take FCE Writing Test 6
FAQ
FCE Writing questions
How many words do I write in FCE Writing?
140–190 words for each of the two texts. Writing roughly the right length is part of task achievement.
What can I choose in FCE Writing Part 2?
One of three tasks. The genres are an article, an email or letter, a report and a review; each test offers three of them.
How is FCE Writing marked?
Each text gets 0–5 for Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language, so 20 per task and 40 in all.
Can I use American spelling in FCE Writing?
Yes, as long as you use one variety consistently.
Sources
- B2 First Handbook for Teachers (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
- Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
CambridgeMock is independent and not affiliated with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Facts on this page are checked against the official documents above; the practice items and advice are our own.
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Start with FCE Writing Test 1
6 free FCE Writing tests. No sign-up to start: you give an email address when you submit.