FCE Writing Test 1: school breaks, a welcoming place and a café review
FCE Writing Test 1 is a free B2 First Writing practice test: two tasks in 80 minutes, 140–190 words each, marked on Cambridge’s four criteria. You discuss school breaks, write an article about a welcoming place, advise a future flatmate or review a café with a reading corner.
- Free, no sign-up to start
- Layout modelled on the computer-based exam
- Estimated Cambridge English Scale score
What is in FCE Writing Test 1
| Question | Task | What you write about |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay | Schools should do more to help students use their break times well. Do you agree? |
| 2 | Article | The “A Place to Feel Welcome” task |
| 3 | You have received this email from your English-speaking friend Alex | |
| 4 | Review | The “Cafés for Everyone” task |
Question 1: essay (compulsory)
In your English class you have been talking about the school day. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Schools should do more to help students use their break times well. Do you agree?
- having a proper rest
- a choice of activities
- …………… (your own idea)
Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
FCE essay guide →Questions 2, 3, 4: choose one
2. Article
You see this announcement on an English-language website.
A PLACE TO FEEL WELCOME
Do you know a place where people who are new to an area can feel welcome? Tell us about the place and explain what helps newcomers feel comfortable there. Why would you recommend it?
We will publish the most interesting articles on our website.
Write your article.
FCE article guide →3. Email
You have received this email from your English-speaking friend Alex.
I’m going to share a flat with two other students next month. I’ve always lived with my family, so this will be new for me. What should we agree about before moving in? How can we make living together enjoyable?
I’d love to hear your advice.
Alex
Write your email.
FCE email guide →4. Review
You see this notice in an English-language family magazine.
CAFÉS FOR EVERYONE
Have you visited a café with a reading corner that families can enjoy? Write a review describing the café and its reading area. Explain what worked well for different ages and suggest one improvement. Would you recommend it to other families?
The best reviews will appear in our next issue.
Write your review.
FCE review guide →How it is marked
FCE Writing marking
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.
More FCE Writing tests
FCE Writing practice tests · FCE Mock Test 1 · Updated 15 November 2026
Ready for FCE Writing Test 1?
80 minutes. Free, no sign-up to start: you give an email address when you submit, and we email you when your expert evaluation is ready to view.