FCE Essay 

In this post, we will look at how to write an essay for the FCE exam.

This is the type of writing every student preparing for the exam should master because it appears in every writing paper in part one of the FCE exam. Learn more about the writing part in the FCE exam here.

 

Analyze the task

• What information do we need to include?
• What is the purpose of this essay?

An essay is an opportunity for a student to express their opinions on subjects which may be controversial. However, being too emotional about a topic is bad. You may have a lot to say about the given topic, but that won’t change the fact that the word count still exists.

An essay is always written for the teacher. It should answer the question addressing both ideas given in the task, and you will still have to add one of your ideas. Since we are writing to the teacher, the essay should be written neutrally or formally.

A good essay includes clearly-stated opinions supported by well-chosen examples and convincing reasons. On top of that, the text must be well-organized. I understand that some topics can be hard and so do they, just try to do the best you can and everything will be OK.

The first paragraph

The first paragraph of the essay should include the subject and outline the main arguments related to it. Also, state what you indent to do in your essay. Example: “People believe that there is this problem and it exists because of this. I disagree with that opinion, and here is why”.

The continuation

The second paragraph should provide more detail in support of one side of the argument, while the third paragraph should present the other side of the argument. The good old: “This is good because of this but also bad because of that” or “There is a well-known fact about this but people also believe that there is that”.

The ending

The concluding paragraph should clearly express your own opinion. Dependant on a path you have chosen to take in this essay here are some ways of how you to finish it:

• In my opinion, there is no justification for ……. However, I believe…..
• I believe that ……… is good, but we should also think about……
• On balance, it seems to me that….
• This affects us all(,) but….

In the end, you can partially agree/disagree with the argument, show why you agree/disagree, or show the balance between arguments. However, don’t forget that the last paragraph should be connected to the first one, so you can’t say that you agree with an idea in the first paragraph and disagree with the same idea in the last one.

Useful phrases

Here are some phrases you can use in your article:

1) Stating the idea

• I will discuss both points of view and express my own opinion.
• In this essay, I will be speaking about why I agree/disagree with…
• I will be analyzing why this could become a great issue.

2) Reporting other people’s opinions

• Scientists agree/claim/say that…
• Many people believe that…

3) Expressions which introduce a contrast

• On the other side of the argument,…
• However, …. (,) but….
• On the other hand,…

4) Introducing ideas

• To begin with…
• First of all… Secondly,…
• It is a fact of common knowledge…

Reminder! Don’t forget about the commas!

In addition

And finally, let’s speak about word count and time management.

In this task, you will have to write between 140-190 words. It means that you can fit about 10 to 15 sentences. In such writings try to be straightforward, don’t add information that the reader doesn’t need to know.

From my personal experience, I know that my usual sentences are about 12 to 16 words long, and that means that I can write about 12 sentences to meet such criteria. You won’t lose marks if you write 5 words too many. Focus on writing that you have to write, and the word count will take care of itself. Don’t waste time in the exam counting how many words you have written!

The usual time-management is 10 – 25 – 5. 10min planning, 25min writing and 5min review.