Cambridge FCE Writing Paper: Complete Guide
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The FCE Writing paper consists of two tasks that you must complete in 80 minutes. Part 1 is always a mandatory essay (140-190 words). Part 2 offers a choice between different text types including articles, reports, reviews, and emails (140-190 words). Each task tests your ability to communicate effectively with the target reader.
Key Terms
- essay
- a formal piece of writing that discusses a topic in detail
- target reader
- the person or group you are writing for
💬 Section 1: Understanding Task Requirements
Writing coach helping student prepare for FCE Writing exam
Maria: “I'm worried about the writing paper. What should I focus on first?”
Coach: “Let's start with understanding your target reader. Who will be reading your essay?”
Maria: “Well, the examiners will read it, but should I write for them?”
Coach: “Actually, each task has a specific target reader – like a magazine editor or a friend. Have you noticed these in the instructions?”
Maria: “Do I need to use all the bullet points in the task?”
Coach: “Yes, each bullet point is essential for full task completion. What else do you think the examiner looks for?”
Maria: “I guess they want me to write in the right style for my target reader?”
Coach: “Exactly! The register needs to match your target reader. Shall we practice identifying these in some sample tasks?”
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For Part 1, you write an essay responding to an opinion or situation. Part 2 options include:
– Articles: engaging pieces for magazines/websites
– Reports: formal documents presenting facts/recommendations
– Reviews: evaluations of books, films, or places
– Emails: formal or informal correspondence
Each task requires appropriate register and coherence.
Key Terms
- register
- the level of formality in your writing
- coherence
- logical connection between ideas
💬 Section 2: Task Type Analysis
Writing workshop discussing different FCE writing tasks
Instructor: “Let's look at different writing tasks. What makes a good article different from a formal letter?”
Alex: “Is it about using different register?”
Instructor: “Yes! And how do we maintain coherence throughout our writing?”
Alex: “We need to link our ideas clearly?”
Instructor: “Exactly. Can you think of ways to make your writing more coherent?”
Alex: “Using connecting words and organizing my paragraphs logically?”
Instructor: “Perfect! Now, how would the register change if you're writing to a friend versus a manager?”
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Examiners assess your work using specific assessment criteria:
✓ Content: covering all points in the task
✓ Organisation: clear paragraphing and linking
✓ Language: accurate grammar and appropriate vocabulary
✓ Task completion: meeting the word count and purpose
Key Terms
- assessment criteria
- the standards used to judge your writing
- organisation
- how ideas are arranged and connected
- task completion
- successfully finishing all parts of the writing task
◆ essay→a formal piece of writing that discusses a topic in detail
◆ target reader→the person or group you are writing for
◆ register→the level of formality in your writing
◆ coherence→logical connection between ideas
◆ assessment criteria→the standards used to judge your writing
◆ organisation→how ideas are arranged and connected
◆ task completion→successfully finishing all parts of the writing task
◆ word count→the number of words required for the task
◆ cohesion→the use of linking words and references to connect ideas
◆ paragraph structure→how ideas are organized within sections of text