Cambridge B2 First Writing: How to Pass Part 1 and Part 2
The B2 First writing paper explained: the compulsory essay, the Part 2 options, timing, word count and what examiners reward.
The B2 First writing paper lasts 80 minutes and has two parts. Each answer should be 140–190 words.
Part 1: the essay (compulsory)
You get an essay question with two notes and must add a third idea of your own.
A reliable plan:
- Introduction: paraphrase the question; show that views differ.
- Note 1: explain it with an example.
- Note 2: explain it with an example.
- Your own idea: a different angle, not a repeat of notes 1 or 2.
- Conclusion: your opinion, clearly.
Your own idea is where many candidates lose marks. If the notes are cost and pollution, don't write about money as your third idea. Try fairness, health or safety.
Part 2: choose one
| Text type | Key features |
|---|---|
| Article | title, hook, speaks to the reader, personal opinion |
| Email/letter | right register for the reader, all questions answered |
| Report | title, headings, formal, recommendations |
| Review | describes, evaluates, recommends |
Choose the task you can answer best, not the one that looks easiest. Read the questions in each prompt first.
How it's marked
Examiners use four scales, each out of 5:
- Content: did you answer every part?
- Communicative Achievement: is the style right for the reader and text type?
- Organisation: paragraphs, linking, logical order
- Language: range and accuracy
Timing
About 40 minutes per part: 5 to plan, 30 to write, 5 to check.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the third idea in Part 1.
- An article with no title or a report with no headings.
- Memorised phrases that don't fit the topic.
- Going far over 190 words and running out of time to check.
Practise: B2 essay on learning online, B2 review, B2 article and the B2 free transport essay.
Quick practice
Fill in the gaps, then check.
- Part 1 is always essay.
- In Part 1 you must write about the two given notes and add your idea.
- " the one hand, ... On the other hand, ..."
- Part 2 gives you a of tasks such as a review, an email or an article.
- Each answer should be 140–190 .