Strategies for Cambridge first B2 writing

Strategies for
CAMBRIDGE FIRST in
English
WRITING

How to write informal letters or emails

Salutation or Greeting
Start with Dear followed by the first name of the person
to whom you are writing. In emails, you can also start
with Hi (and the person's name).
Dear Ben, or Hi Ben,
(Don't forget to use only the first name of the person you
are writing to and not Dear Mr John, which is never
used, or Dear Mr John Brown, which sounds too formal.)
Informal letters sometimes have a comma after the
person's name, and the letter starts on the line below.
The important thing is to be consistent with the style that
you choose to use (so if you use a comma after the
person's name at the start of the letter, use a comma
after the closing statement at the end).

Body
Openings
When writing an informal letter, you are usually replying to another
letter. You would normally start with a greeting, then
acknowledge the letter to which you are replying. It is often a
good idea to acknowledge some key information given in the
original letter too. You can also make a comment on your own
reply.
Useful phrases for the opening
How are you? / How have the family been? / I hope you are well.
Thank you / Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter / postcard.
It was good / nice / great to hear from you again.
I was so surprised to hear that...
I’m sorry I haven’t written / haven't been in touch for such a long
time.
It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you're well / you and
your family are well.
How are things? / How are you? / How’s it going?

Referring to news
Great news about … Glad to hear that … Sorry to hear about …
Giving news
Listen, did I tell you about …? You’ll never believe what …
Oh, and another thing … This is just to let you know that …
I thought you might be interested to hear about / know that …
By the way, have you heard about / did you know that …?
Apologies
I’m writing to apologise for missing your party but I’m afraid I was with flu.
I’m really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card but I was busy with my
new job.
Invitations
I’m / We’re having a party on Friday 19th and I / we hope you’ll be able to
come.
Would you like to come / go to see ‘Room With a View’ with me at the
weekend?
I was wondering if you’d like to go to the theatre / come on holiday with us.
Could you let me / us know if you can come / you’d like to join us?
Thank you very much for your invitation. I’d love to come.
Thank you for asking / inviting me to … but I’m afraid I won’t be able to …

Requests
I’m writing to ask for your help / you (if you could do me) a favour.
I wonder if / I was wondering if you could help me / do me a
favour.
I hope you don’t mind me asking but could you (possibly) …?
I’d be very / really / terribly grateful if you could …
Thank you / Congratulations / Good Luck
I’m writing to thank you for your hospitality / the wonderful present.
It was so kind of you to invite me to stay with you.
I really appreciated all your help / advice.
Congratulations on passing your exams / your excellent exam
results!
I wish you good luck / Good luck in / with your exams / your
driving test / your interview.
Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do well / pass.
Do be on time, won’t you, and don’t forget to …

Making suggestions and recommendations
Why don’t you …? / Maybe you could …? / How about
…?
You can’t leave New York without (...doing sth)
I’m sure you will enjoy (...doing sth). If you like, we can
…
Do visit ... / Don’t forget to ...

Closing
The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. There are
some standard ways of finishing an informal letter or email.
Give a reason why you're ending the letter: Anyway, I must go
and get on with my work! / I guess it's time I got on with that
studying I've been avoiding.
Send greetings and/or make reference for future contact: Give
my love / regards to... / Say hello to... / Anyway, don't forget to let
me know the dates of the party. / I'll try and phone you at the
weekend to check the times. / We must try and meet up soon. / I
can't wait to hear from you / Look forward to seeing you again /
Hope to hear from you soon / See you soon / Write soon
Closing statement such as Love, Lots of love, All the best, Take
care, Best wishes, should be written on a new line. If you used a
comma after the opening greeting, use a comma here too.
Signing off: Your first name then follows on another new line.

Other things to consider
Range: It is important that you use grammatical expressions and
vocabulary appropriate to the level of the exam. Even if there are
no mistakes in your writing, you will not be able to get a good
grade if you use only the language and vocabulary that you learnt
at elementary level. Even in informal writing, there is a good range
of language you can use (conditional sentences, a range of
perfect and continuous tenses, indirect questions...)
Informal language, including phrasal verbs, informal vocabulary
("I guess you loved the pics"), contractions, question tags.
Simpler sentence structure: I’ll be late for the party. It’s because
of my French exam.
Connectors: All good writing makes good use of connectors.
However, many of the connectors you have learnt for other styles
of writing are inappropriate in an informal letter or email. For
informal writing, you need to use some of the connectors that are
more specific to spoken language.

To introduce a topic: Well, you'll never guess who I bumped into
yesterday. / I know how much you love tennis, so I've got us some
tickets to Wimbledon. / By the way, did you know that John's got a
new job? To go back to a previous topic: Anyway, as I was saying
earlier, I really wasn't very happy there. / Now where was I? Oh
yes, I nearly forgot, Mary asked me tell you about the cinema. To
introduce surprising or bad news: Actually, he came to the party
after all. / I'm really sorry but I can't make it. / To tell you the truth, I
don't really like sports much. To summarise what you've already
said: Anyway, we had a really nice time in the end. / Well, to cut a
long story short, we didn't get there on time.

Informal email/letter - Model question
TASK
You have received this email from your English-speaking friend,
Jean.
I hear you organised a surprise birthday party for your mother. I'd
love to hear about it. What kind of party did you organise? Who
did you invite? How did it go? Do tell me.
Love,
Jean
Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Open with an informal greeting
Hi Jean,
Start your reply by referring to the sender's email/letter.
Good to hear form you again. I hope you're still enjoying your job.
Give reason for replying
I'm glad you asked me about the party I planned for my mother's birthday. Well, I have to
say it was a fantastic success. I told my mother we were taking her out for a quiet meal at
a local restaurant with just the family, but in fact I'd(1) hired a large room in a hotel and
invited all her old friends!(2)
Start a new paragraph as the topic has changed slightly.
Use an informal linking word/phrase
Anyway, I picked my mother up and told her I'd changed my mind. We were going to have
a meal in a hotel. You should have seen her face when she walked into the room and
everyone cheered! She just couldn't believe it and burst into tear(3). Then the party got
going and it didn't finish until four in the morning. We were absolutely exhausted, but my
mother had had a wonderful time.
When you close, make an excuse to finish.
Must dash now - I've got to go to college. Hope to hear from you (4).
Make sure you finish with an informal phrase
Love,
Tania
(1) Use contractions
(2) Use some exclamation marks (but not too many) to express emotion.
(3) Use a range of appropriate vocabulary and informal expressions
(4) Short sentences are acceptable

Semi-formal email/letter 3 - Model question
TASK
You’ve recently helped organise a college ski trip and you have received this email from
a parent of one of the students who went.
I understand you were one of the organisers of our son's ski trip. I have to say my
husband and I were extremely dissatisfied with the arrangements. My son has informed
us that the ski slopes were poor, the lessons were fewer than promised and the
accommodation was inadequate.
Can you please give us a satisfactory explanation?
Yours sincerely,
Nora White
Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Note: As you are writing to a parent the register of this letter should be semi-formal,
which is characterized by:
the use of less colloquial language - e.g. Thank you very much for your letter (instead of:
Thanks a million for your letter.)
less frequent use of short forms, phrasal verbs and idioms - e.g. I am writing to request
information about... (instead of: I thought I'd drop you a line to ask about...)
a polite, respectful tone - e.g. I was wondering if you had ... (instead of: Do you have...)

Paper 2 Part 1 - Formal letter or email
Formal letters may be written to an individual or to an
organisation. The purpose may be, for example,
to apply for part-time or vacation work (application letter)
to apply for study or scholarship opportunity (application letter)
to complain about something (complaint letter)
to make suggestions about something
to request information (enquiry letter)
In many exam questions, you will be told what to include in your
reply. Make sure that your reply answers any questions that
you were asked in the task and takes into account any
additional information that you have been told to mention. It
is important that you include these in order to get a good grade.

Paper 2 Part 1 - Formal letter or email
Formal letters may be written to an individual or to an
organisation. The purpose may be, for example,
to apply for part-time or vacation work (application
letter)
to apply for study or scholarship opportunity
(application letter)
to complain about something (complaint letter)
to make suggestions about something
to request information (enquiry letter)
In many exam questions, you will be told what to include
in your reply. Make sure that your reply answers any
questions that you were asked in the task and takes
into account any additional information that you
have been told to mention. It is important that you
include these in order to get a good grade.

1] Salutation or Greeting
•(A) If you know the name of the person you are writing
to use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms) and the surname
only. If you are writing to a woman and do not know if
she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for
married and single women.
Examples: "Dear Mr Simpson," / "Dear Mrs
Flanders," / "Dear Miss Skinner," / "Dear Ms Van
Houten,"
•(B) If you do not know the name of the recipient of the
letter begin with "Dear Sir," / "Dear Madam," (if you
know you are writing to a man or a woman) or "Dear
Sir or Madam," (if you do not know the sex of the
person you are writing to).

[2] Body
[2.1] Opening
The first paragraph states the reason(s) for writing and, if needed, what you are responding to
(an advert, a prospectus...). In addition, an opening paragraph is needed to make reference to
previous correspondence.
Useful phrases for the opening
I would like to apply for one of the scholarships I saw advertised in your prospectus. (applying
for a scholarship)
I am looking for an outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the
position of hotel lifguard assistant which I say advertised in my university's student
newspaper. (applying for a job)
I have seen your advertisement for the post / vacancy / job of… advertised in the local
newspaper on 16 June. I am writing because I would like to apply for the job. (applying for a
job)
I am the secretary of my college Science Club. I saw your advertisement for the exhibition "The
Next 100 Years" and I am interested in organising a group visit. I was wondering if I could ask you
some questions about it. (requesting information)
I am writing (in order) to complain about the advertisement for your new game. Having just
played the game, I realise that the advertisement is misleading. (complaint letter)
I am writing with regard to ... I am writing with reference to... I am writing in response to...
Thank you for /your letter of 9 May... /for your letter regarding...
In reply tor your letter of 8 May, …

Main content
The rest of the body will be organized in paragraphs: that will make
reading easier and the effect on the target reader will be better. For
example, an application letter may have this layout and paragraphing:
Salutation or greeting
#1 Opening (first paragraph)
#2 About you (age, where you live, education-training and/or work
experience relevant to the job, languages ...)
#3 Reasons for applying (why you are suitable for the job)
#4 Conclusion (availability for interview, further questions, ... - if
necessary)
Closing
Final salutation
Name and surname
For any type of formal letter, paragraphing is just a matter of
common sense, grouping ideas logically (covering two points or
questions in one paragraph, two other points or questions in another
paragraph...). You should aim for three to five paragraphs

Other useful phrases
Asking politely
Could you tell me... ?
I would be grateful if you could ...
I would be interested in having more
details about...
I would like to know if/when/when/...
I would like information on...
Do you know if...?
Complaining
I would like to complain about + noun
or -ing
... is not what I expected / was
expecting
I am not satisfied with...
I would be grateful if my money was
refunded / if you could give me a
refund
...

3] Closing
The end of your letter is as important
as the beginning. You usually state
what you would like the recipient to do,
make a reference to a future event,
offer to help...
I look forward to hearing from you
soon / I look forward to receiving your
reply
I look forward to receiving a full
refund (in a complaint letter)
I would like to know what you are
going to do about this situation (in a
complaint letter)
I would like to thank you in advance for
this information (in a enquiry letter -
requesting information)
If you require/Should you need further
information, please do not hesitate to
contact me/feel free to contact me.

[4] Final salutation
Depending on how you started
your letter (See "Salutation or
Greeting" above), you will end
your letter with
(A) Yours sincerely,
(B) Yours faithfully,
[5] Sign your name and then
print your name clearly
underneath on another new line
Moe Szyslak
Moe Szyslak

Letter of application - useful phrases
Dear ......
I am writing to apply for a/the job of ..... which I
saw advertised in "The Guardian" newspaper.
I am 26 years old and at the moment I am
studying … at …. Having studied English for
over seven years I am a fluent speaker of the
language. My qualifications also include
Proficiency certificates in both French and
German. As far as experience is concerned, I
have worked as ............. for ........... As for my
character, people tell me I am ...............
I feel I would be suitable for this job because
............ . This will give me the opportunity to
….. . I would also like the chance to....
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours …
name

Other things to consider
Range: It is important that you use
grammatical expressions and
vocabulary appropriate to the level of
the exam. Even if there are no
mistakes in your writing, you will not be
able to get a good grade if you use
only the language and vocabulary that
you learnt at elementary level.
Formal language
Use full verb forms and not
contractions (do not instead
of don't, would like instead of 'd like...)
Formal vocabulary, usually not using
phrasal verbs.
More complex sentence structure.
Connectors: All good writing makes
good use of connectors. You need
to use some of the connectors that are
more specific to formal language.

Model questions and answers
Formal email/letter 1 - Model question
TASK
You see this advertisement in a student
newspaper.
Lifeguard assistants wanted
We are looking for someone in August to
assist our lifeguards, provide supervision
during beach activities and observe
swimmers.
Write to the Lifeguard Manager, saying what
your experience and qualifications are and
stating the reasons why you are suitable for
the job.
Write your email in 140-190 words in an
appropriate style.

Formal email/letter 1 - Model answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am looking for outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to
apply for the position of lifeguard assistant, which I saw advertised in my
university's student newspaper.
I am 20 years old and at present I am studying Physical Education. I am a
strong swimmer and have recently had first aid training. I very much enjoy
working with people and for the last two summers I have benn working as an
assitant ranger in a National Park, where I had to provide information to the
public about using the park and provide emergency assistance to park users.
Now I am looking for something different.
I think I would be a suitable candidate for the position because I have been
described as calm in a crisis and someone who works well with others.
I am available for the whole of August and would be happy to attend an
interview at any time. I look forward to hearing from you at any time in the near
future.
Yours faithfully,
Ivan Ivienen
(+/- 175 words)

Hints
Add a short title to catch the reader's attention. Make sure it is
relevant. You can use the one in the question or invent one of your
own.
Introduce the topic. Although you don't know the readers
personally, you can address them directly and ask them a
rhetorical question. It helps to involve them.
Divide your report into sections according to the input. One or
two paragraphs will do.
Develop the ideas in the task input. Remember .
Use a personal or more neutral style, but not formal (you
might use contractions).
It is important that you show a range of structures.
Give examples where appropriate to bring your article to life
Use humour where appropriate.
Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph.

Useful language for an article
Involving the reader
•Just imagine...
•Have you ever...?
•How would you feel if ...?
•Are you one of those people who ...?
•If the answer is ..., you should....
•What would live be like if...
•...

Making the article lively and interesting
•I was absolutely terrified when I realised...
•More importantly, it was something I...
•Not surprisingly, it's a good way of raising money.
•The tent was worryingly small for three people!
•It was the most amazing experience I have ever had.
•...

Developing your points
•Let's start with ...
•Another advantage of ...
•On top of that, ...
•...
Giving your own opinion
•I think that / In my opinion ...
•It seems to me that ...
•If you ask me, ...
•To my mind...
•…

Article- Model question 1
TASK
You see this announcement on an English-
language website.
Articles wanted
A charity event to remember
What is the most unusual way you've raised
money for charity? How did you do it? What did
you have to do? Was the event a success? Would
you do it again?
Write us an article answering these questions.
We will publish the best articles on our website.
Write your article in 140-190 words in an
appropriate style.

Article - Model answer 1
A charity event to remember
So why did I decide to do a 90-km walk in six days along the Great Wall of
China? Well, the reason was that our local children's hospital needed to
raise money or it would be close. However, I didn't realise how big a
challenge it would be.
Before I went, I thought that I would be walking along a flat surface but when
I saw the Great Wall, my heart sank. Part of the time we would be trekking
up hundreds of high steps and, worryingly, some of the paths had steep falls
on either side and there was nowhere to go because we were surrounded by
mountains and forests. However, after a while, I started to love the
experience. I was in one of the most amazing places on earth and the views
were incredible.
In the end, the adventure was a great success. The hospital was delighted
because a group of us managed to raise several thousand pounds.
Would I be keen to help the hospital again next year? Yes, but I think I'll try
and find an easier challenge next time!
[+/- 190 words]

Hints
Begin by stating the purpose of your report.
You may invent where you got the information.
Use a clear layout with:
Headings. They will make it clear that your report is not an
essay or review.
Lists of numbered points or bullets where appropriate.
(DON'T overdo it, though. If you use them in more than one
section, you won't be able to show the full range of
structures and vocabulary you know.)
Divide your report into sections according to the input.
Develop the ideas in the task input. Focus on a maximum of
two points.
Give a clear summary of the situation and make a
comment/suggestion only in the last paragraph.
Use an impersonal, semi-formal style.

Useful language for a report
Stating the purpose of the report (paragraph 1)
•The main aim/objective/purpose of this report is to ...
Describing how you got the information (paragraph 1)
•To prepare for this report, I conducted interviews with... / I
visited three of the most popular... / I discussed the issue
with...
Reporting your results (paragraphs 2, 3, ...)
•According to ...
•All those who were interviewed believe that/are concerned
that... / It is thought that... / It was commented upon by a
number of people we talked to that...
•A cause of dissatisfaction was...

Presenting a list
•The arguments against ... are the following:
1.1 ...
2.2 ...
•The following were the main reasons given for supporting ...: firstly, ...,
secondly, ...
•Points mentioned in favour of/against ... were:
1.1 ...
2.2 ...
•There are several ways in which ... might be ... :
1.1 ...
2.2 ...
Making recommendations (Last paragraph)
•Taking all the factors mentioned into account...
•I would therefore recommend ....
•Clearly, more could be done to .... I would make the following
recommendations:
•1 ...
•2 ...
•3 …

Report - Model question 1
TASK
Your English teacher has asked
you to write a report on where
people can eat out in your area.
You should include the views of
visitors and local people,
comment on any recent trends
and dissatisfaction and make a
recommendation.
Write your report in 140-190
words in an appropriate style.

Report - Model answer 1
Local eating places
The main purpose of this report is to give an overview of the town's eating
facilities. As part of the survey, both tourists and local residents were asked
their views.
Cafés, pubs and restaurants
There are a number of good quality restaurants in the area, which cater for
most tastes: pizza houses, sushi bars, exclusive French restaurants and
gastro pubs. We are also fortunate to have several cafés and sandwich
bars, which are very popular in the mornings with young mothers and
children and with office workers at lunchtime.
Recent trends/Dissatisfaction
It was reported that in recent years most of the fast food restaurants had
extended their hours, with most open until midnight. It was also stated that
prices had gone up dramatically in some of the better restaurants and, as a
consequence, people are going out less than they used to or eating at
cheaper restaurants.
Room for improvement/Recommendations
The main area of concern among a number of people interviewed was the
lack of vegetarian meals available in many of the restaurants and it is
recommended that restaurants are made aware of this view.
[+/- 185 words]

Hints
It is a good idea to give your review an interesting title.
In the first paragraph, say what you are reviewing and try to
get the reader's interest.
Give your opinion of what you are reviewing linked to the
question in the second paragraph. Remember a review is not
just a list of facts - it's largely your opinion.
Give more details of what your are reviewing linked to the
questions in the input in one or two more paragraphs, but only
focus on those you've been asked to develop.
Summarise your view, using different words from the
introduction, and include a recommendation.
Remember.
Use a personal or more neutral style, according to the
target reader.
It is important that you show a range of structures in the
language of opinion, description and recommendation.
Add vivid language to add interest.

Useful language for a review
What I liked
What I liked most was …..
The thing I liked most was ….
I was pleasantly surprised by
…..
….. would appeal to …..
If you get a chance to ….
What I disliked
What I disliked most was …..
I was disappointed by/with ……

Reviews of books
main character
is set in
Fiction: science fiction / thriller /
fantasy / mystery / historical / romance
...
Non-fiction: cook book / travel book /
textbook / manual / coffee-table book
...
atmosphere / plot
author
written by
chapter
factual
unbelievable
bestseller
ending

Reviews of concerts
artist / band / musician /
(bass/lead/rhythm) guitarist /
(backing/lead) singer / drummer
/ soloist / trio / orchestra
auditorium / hall / venue / lyrics /
(catchy) tune / score / gig
Reviews of exhibitions
painting / sculpture / handicrafts
gallery / catalogue / display

Reviews of films
lead role
star role
star
star actor/actress
starring
secondary role
He plays a …….
written by ….
cast / director / producer
is set in …..
based on a true story …..
believable
true to life
not very believable
far-fetched
(As for fiction books +): animation / adaptation / comedy
Costumes / design / photography / script / special effects /
soundtrack
ending

Reviews of TV programmes
Chat shows / current affairs programme /
debate / documentary / series / soap opera/
sitcom (situation comedy)
Host / presenter

Reviews of hotels, restaurants, etc
location
service
setting
attractive / disappointing setting
owned by
run by
head chef (restaurant)
waiters (restaurant)
staff …….
staff at reception …….(hotel)
hotel facilities ….
reasonable prices …..
good/excellent/poor value for money
…..
(a bit/somehow) expensive
overpriced
not worth the money
always fully booked
book in advance

Criticism
The script seemed rather
conventional/predictable to me.
The plot struck me as completely
bizarre/absurd/incomprehensible
The characters are appealing
and true to life
The dancers were quite
brilliant/amateurish

Recommendations
Judging from this CD / show ...
Overall, if you like ..., you'll love
/ you should ...
Although some of ... he/she/it's
still a great...
You really must/should
buy/see/read/visit ...
I would definitely recommend
seeing/visiting/reading/having a
look at ...

Review- Model question 1
TASK
You have seen this announcement in
your college English-language
magazine.
Music reviews wanted
Have you been to a great music
concert recently?
Write us a review of the concert, telling
us about the band or singer and their
performance. Say whether you would
recommend seeing them perform live.
We will publish the best reviews next
month.
Write your review in 140-190 words in
an appropriate style.

Review - Model answer 1
A gig to remember
Without doubt, the British rock band Arctic Monkeys have given this year's
best live show. As teenagers a few years ago, they made the fastest selling
album ever but seemed shy and awkward on stage. Now they have
matured and become an amazing live act.
Since the frontman Alex decided to cut his hair and dress like a skinny rock
star of the 1950s, he moves confidently around the stage, waving his arms
and encouraging us to shake our hips. The crowd were ecstatic!
The set began with their hit, Do you wanna know. The guitar playing was
tight, as always, and the rhythm supported by Matt's powerful drumming.
The band were on top form throughout, winning fans with a list that
combined older with new hits.
My only reservation is that although the songs have clever lyrics and great
melodies and sound fresh every time, some lack the emotional and poetic
force of their best.
But this is a minor criticism. Overall, it was a performance to remember and
all fans should try and catch them while they're on tour.
[+/- 185 words]

While it is possible to argue only one point of view (i.e. either agreeing or disagreeing on a
topic) as long as you bear in mind the other point of view and back up your points, it is
probably easier to have a balanced discussion comparing advantages and
disadvantages, or ideas for and against a topic.
•Read the rubric, essay question and prompts very carefully in order to understand what
you are expected to do. This is vital!
•It is important to keep the focus of the topic question and that all your ideas and
opinions are relevant to the question.
•Support your opinions with reasons and examples.
•Think of a third idea of your own in addition to the two given prompts. If any of the three
essay prompts is missed out, then the target reader will not be fully informed and the
candidate will be penalised.
•Ideas need to be expressed in a clear an logical way, and should be well organised and
coherent. It is advisable to use up to 5 paragraphs:
1.Introduction
2.Prompt 1 development + reason(s)/example(s)
5.Conclusion (you may include your opinion here)
•Varying the length of the sentences, using direct and indirect questions and using a variety
of structures and vocabulary may all help to communicate ideas more effectively.
•The correct use of linking words and phrases (e.g. but, so, however, on the other
hand, etc.) and the appropriate use of cohesive devices (e.g. using pronouns for
referencing) is especially important in essays.

Hints
[PLANNING]
- Use the task input to help you plan but try to avoid copying phrases from the
input in Part 1. Use your own words.
[INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION]
- Effective introductory and concluding paragraphs - In the introduction, state
the topic clearly, give a brief outline of the issue, saying why it is important or why
people have different opinions about it.
- DO NOT express your opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop you
essay in such a way that it guides the reader to the conclusion you draw).
- DO give your opinion in the final paragraph.
[SECOND and THIRD PARAGRAPHS]
- Structure your argument. - Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in
a topic sentence.
- Include relevant details to support the main idea: these might include examples,
rhetorical questions (do no overdo it), controversial or surprising statements... If
you include a drawback, give a possible solution, too.
[GENERAL]
- DO use a relatively formal register and an objective tone. Do not be too
emotional.
- Remember to use linking adverbials to organise your ideas and to make it
easy for the reader to follow your argument.
- In the exam, allow yourself time to check your grammar, spelling and
punctuation thoroughly.

Linking words and phrases
Present your ideas clearly. Use connectors to link your ideas
Make sure you know how to use connectors appropriately (register,
punctuation...). If you have any doubts, you should use a good dictionary to
check.
To express personal opinions: In my opinion, I believe (that) / I feel (that) /
it seems to me / in my view /as I see it / I think / personally
To show purpose: to / in order to / so as to / so that
To list ideas: Firstly / secondly / finally / In the first place / Lastly
To contrast ideas: However / although / in contrast / whereas / but /
nevertheless / in spite of / despite
To describe a cause: Because / since / as / due to
To show a sequence: First of all / then / after that / eventually / in the end /
finally
To add information: In addition / moreover / what is more / besides / too /
furthermore / and
To describe a consequence: Consequently / as a result / therefore / so /
thus / for this reason / that is why
To conclude the topic: In conclusion / to sum up / in short / all in all

Essay 1 - Model question
TASK
In your English class, you have been talking about the
subject of cultural heritage. Now your English teacher has
asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for
your point of view.
Is is a good thing that countries spend a lot of money
on their heritage?
Notes
Write about:
1. preserving the past
2. investing in the future
3. ________ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Essay 1 - Model answer
Most countries spend large sums of money protecting their national
heritage. However, there is strong argument that we should look forwards
and not backwards, spending less money on preserving the past and more
on securing our future.
On the one hand, it is important that we remember our heritage. Once it is
lost, it is lost forever. Caring for important monuments helps with this. It
also attracts tourists, which has an economic benefit for everyone.
On the other hand, governments spend a lot of money on museums and
keeping historic sites in good condition when poor people need houses to
live in and businesses need better roads for transporting their goods.
Another argument is that by making heritage sites attractive for tourists -for
example, by putting on entertainment - we give a very untrue picture of the
past and sometimes damage the local environment.
To conclude, while there are strong arguments for not spending too much
on preserving the past, I believe it is important to protect the most famous
sites for the future generations but it is not realistic to try and save
everything. We need to invest in the future too.
(+/- 190 words)

Strategies for Cambridge first B2 writing

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