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B2 First essay: Part 1 structure, phrases, practice

B2Writing40 questionsUpdated

The B2 First essay is Writing Part 1 and it is compulsory. You are given a statement, two points to discuss and a third point of your own, and you write 140 to 190 words for your teacher. The marks come from covering all three points in a clear four-paragraph shape, not from unusual vocabulary.

What this task tests

  • Discussing two given points and adding a third idea of your own.
  • Holding a neutral to formal register throughout, with no chat or slang.
  • Organising ideas into four paragraphs: introduction, point one, point two, conclusion.
  • Using topic sentences so a reader knows what each paragraph is about from its first line.
  • Linking within and across paragraphs: however, moreover, as a result, on the other hand.
  • Expressing and attributing opinion: some people argue, it is widely believed, in my view.
  • Balancing: presenting both sides before reaching a conclusion.
  • Writing to a word range without padding or cutting a point short.
  • Accuracy in the structures B2 essays keep needing: conditionals, passives, comparatives.
  • Finishing in about forty minutes, including planning and checking.

How to do it

  1. Step 1:

    Read the statement and both notes twice

    Underline the exact wording of the two given points. Your paragraphs must answer those, not the general topic they remind you of.

  2. Step 2:

    Decide your third idea before you start writing

    Choose something concrete and different from the two given points: cost, safety, time, the effect on a specific group. A vague third idea is the commonest way to lose content marks.

  3. Step 3:

    Plan four paragraphs in two minutes

    Write four short lines on the question paper: introduction, point one plus example, point two plus example, conclusion with your view. Two minutes here saves ten later.

  4. Step 4:

    Rewrite the statement in your own words in the introduction

    Copying the prompt wastes words and shows nothing. Paraphrase it in one sentence and add a second sentence saying that the question has two sides.

  5. Step 5:

    Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence

    One sentence that states the point, then a sentence that explains it, then an example. This is the shape that earns organisation marks.

  6. Step 6:

    Add your own idea in the second body paragraph or its own short one

    Signal it clearly, for example with ‘A further point worth considering is ...’. The examiner has to be able to see that you supplied a third idea.

  7. Step 7:

    Reach a real conclusion

    State your view and give the reason in one sentence, then stop. ‘In conclusion, while both arguments have merit’ without a decision reads as an unfinished essay.

  8. Step 8:

    Watch the count as you go

    Know roughly how many of your own lines make 170 words, so you can judge length without stopping to count. Aim for the middle of the range.

  9. Step 9:

    Vary your sentence length deliberately

    Follow a long complex sentence with a short one. It reads better and stops you from losing control of a clause you cannot finish.

  10. Step 10:

    Spend the last four minutes checking

    Check third-person -s, plurals, articles, past forms and spelling in that order. These are the errors that cost language marks at B2.

Mistakes that cost marks

  • Not thisI am going to talk about advantages and disadvantages of this topic.

    ThisThere are strong arguments on both sides of this question.

    Announcing the essay wastes words and adds no content. Paraphrase the statement instead of describing your plan.

  • Not thisLoads of people think that public transport is rubbish.

    ThisMany people feel that public transport is unreliable.

    The essay is written for a teacher, so the register is neutral to formal. Slang costs communicative achievement marks.

  • Not thisIn the other hand, cars are more convenient.

    ThisOn the other hand, cars are more convenient.

    The fixed phrase uses on. It is one of the most frequent errors in B2 essays because it is used in almost every one.

  • Not thisDespite of the cost, the plan is worthwhile.

    ThisDespite the cost, the plan is worthwhile.

    Despite takes no of. In spite of does, and candidates mix the two phrases together.

  • Not thisWriting 260 words to be safe.

    ThisWriting around 170 words and checking them.

    Extra length does not add marks, takes time from the second task and increases the number of errors an examiner can see.

  • Not thisIn conclusion, I think that both opinions are correct.

    ThisIn conclusion, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, mainly because of the cost savings.

    The task asks for your view. A conclusion that refuses to decide leaves a content point unanswered.

  • Not thisFirstly ... Secondly ... Thirdly ... Fourthly ... Finally ...

    ThisFirstly ... Moreover ... On the other hand ... In conclusion ...

    Listing words alone do not show logic. Organisation marks reward linking that shows contrast, result and addition.

Language this task keeps reusing

to begin with
used to introduce a first point
moreover
in addition; adds a further point
on the other hand
introduces the opposing view
as a result
introduces a consequence
in contrast
introduces an opposite fact
it is widely believed that
attributes an opinion to people in general
some people argue that
introduces a view you may then challenge
a further point worth considering
signals your own extra idea
drawback
a disadvantage of a plan or idea
outweigh
be more important than something else
taking everything into account
considering all the arguments
for these reasons
summarises before a conclusion
in my view
a neutral way to give your opinion
to some extent
partly, but not completely

Practice: essay

40 original questions. The first 10 are open to everyone. Answers are checked in your browser and never sent to us, so you can share this page with a class as it is.

1Complete with one word.

To begin, public transport is far cheaper than driving.
Which linking word shows contrast?

3Complete with one noun.

On the other, cars are more convenient in rural areas.

4Complete with one linking word meaning ‘in addition’. It begins with ‘m’.

, cycling reduces congestion in the city centre.
Which phrase is too informal for a B2 First essay?
Decide whether each statement about the Part 1 essay is true or false.
  • The essay is compulsory and is written for your teacher.
  • You must discuss the two given points and add an idea of your own.
  • You may choose to write about only one of the two given points if you write it well.
3 to go

7Complete with one plural noun.

For these, I believe the scheme should continue.
Which is grammatically correct?

9Complete with one plural noun meaning ‘disadvantages’.

One of the mainof the proposal is its cost.

10Write an introduction of two sentences for this statement: ‘Every student should learn a second language at school.’

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Frequently asked questions

How many paragraphs should the essay have?

Four works well: an introduction, one paragraph for each of the two given points, and a conclusion that states your view. Your own idea can go in the second body paragraph or in a short third one.

Does the word count really matter?

Stay close to 140 to 190 words. Writing far less risks missing content points; writing far more eats the time you need for the second task and gives the examiner more errors to see.

Can I use ‘I’ in the essay?

Yes, in phrases such as ‘in my view’ and in the conclusion. Keep the rest of the essay focused on the arguments rather than on personal anecdotes.

Do I have to agree with the statement?

No. You may agree, disagree or take a balanced position, as long as you discuss both given points and make your own position clear by the end.

Which is worse: a language mistake or a missing content point?

A missing content point. Language is one of four scales, but content is the one where leaving out a required point costs marks you cannot recover elsewhere.

Should I write a plan on the question paper?

Yes, four short lines. It is not marked, it costs two minutes, and it is the single most reliable way to stop the essay drifting in the third paragraph.