The most common complaint students have about writing is time. They don’t have enough of it. Here are some B2 First template sentences that you can alter for any Writing Part 1 essay question and save you time. You don’t need to learn them all, just choose the ones you like and use them when you practice. Once you know how to use them well, they will become an indispensable part of your writing toolbox.
Structure
Introduction – paraphrase – opinion (if asked for)
Body Paragraph 1 – topic sentence – supporting sentence 1 – example / supporting sentence 2
Body Paragraph 2 – topic sentence – supporting sentence 1 – example / supporting sentence 2
Conclusion – summarise previous – restate opinion
Here are some template sentences for each sentence in this simple easily memorised structure for Cambridge B2 First Writing Task 1.
Introduction
Paraphrase
For a question
It is debateable whether …..
It is questionable whether …….
It is often discussed whether …..
Examples
It is debatable whether it is best to work individually or in a team
It is questionable whether sharing private information on social media is beneficial or not.
It is often discussed whether media, sports and other celebrities attract too much attention.
For a statement
Some say ……..
These days ……..
Examples
Some say, using some kind of a screen is essential for youngsters to entertain themselves.
These days, some believe that the internet can teach users almost anything.
Opinion
Strong opinion –
I am absolutely convinced that …..
I strongly believe that …..
I am in no doubt that …..
Examples
I am absolutely convinced that watching DVDs is much more convenient than watching films in the cinema for the following reasons.
I strongly believe science should have a higher priority than art in schools for the following reasons.
I hold the opinion that keeping healthy is more important than just hanging out with friends and having fun for three main reasons.
Balanced opinion
I strongly believe that both sides of the argument have their merits
X is equally important to Y
Examples
I believe developing the economy is equally important as saving the environment
Agreeing and Disagreeing
Complete agreement
I totally agree with this for three main reasons.
I completely agree with this for the following reasons.
Partial agreement
l agree with this up to a point, for the following reasons.
I can agree to some extent, but …. must be considered too.
Complete disagreement
I can’t possibly agree with this point of view for three main reasons.
I absolutely disagree for the following reasons.
Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentence
There are a number of things people can ……..
There are numerous ways ……. can ………
There are a number of reasons why ………
People need …. for many reasons.
Examples
There are a number of things young people can learn to improve their lives.
There are numerous ways recycling will help the community.
There are a number of reasons why recycling will help.
People need to recycle for many reasons.
Supporting Sentences
Firstly, ….
First of all, …..
First, …..
Compared to, …..
In comparison to/with A, …..
Secondly –
second –
second of all –
furthermore –
Examples
It is essential for + verb-ing
Firstly, a good education is essential for finding a good job.
It is vital for + verb-ing
Second, a solid education is vital for finding a good job.
Compared to normal people, celebrities’ lives are much more varied and exciting.
In comparison to normal people, celebrities’ lives are much more varied and exciting.
Negative examples
It would be inappropriate to + verb/for + noun
Firstly, it would be inappropriate to make children work.
It is not good for society if people…
Secondly, it is not good for society if people need to work as many hours as they can each week.
It is unfair to+ verb/somebody…
Furthermore, it is unfair to deny people health care just because they are poor.
Advantages phrases
one of the main advantages of
one of the main benefits of
one of the major strong points of
a key advantage of
All of the above phrases can be completed with the following:
verb-ing/noun is you can…
verb-ing/noun is that you’re able to…
verb-ing/noun is you don’t have to…
verb-ing/noun is you don’t need to…
Disadvantages
the main disadvantage of
a major disadvantage of
one drawback of
another disadvantage of
verb-ing/noun is you can/might/ may/could
become bored with/get frustrated by ……..
be inconvenient because /for …..
give a bad impression of somebody/something to somebody
verb-ing/noun is that it can/might/may/could/is possible that it may
damage/harm /cause illness/_health problems/_stress/_harm to …….
get damaged/get stolen/get broken easily/get cheated by/get addicted to/get obsessed with
Examples:
The main disadvantage of working outside is that it might cause health problems in winter.
The bad thing about owning an expensive bike is that it could get stolen.
One drawback, of being a computer programmer is that the work can be quite confusing sometimes.
The one bad point about being outspoken and confident in class is that some people may think you are arrogant.
Transition words
although
however
while
yet at the same time
while at the same time
having said that
then again
on the one hand… on the other hand
Previous examples using transitions
First of all, most families believe that a good education is essential for finding a good job and having a comfortable lifestyle, although many wealthy people have only attended school.
Firstly, significant numbers of people feel losing weight is important for keeping them healthy and less susceptible to illness, however, it is no guarantee.
To begin with, such a law would be vital for making recycling compulsory and would encourage the vast majority of households to make the effort to recycle their waste, then again some would ignore it.
Teaching relevant skills and knowledge is essential for these universities maintaining their reputations while at the same time remaining competitive.
Firstly, a key advantage of having a young population is that the government should be able to propose plans for the country’s progress, while their contributions would help to pay for the elderly.
First of all, the main advantage of teaching primary school children a second language is that younger students often adapt to new concepts, while older students are slower.
To begin with, one of the main benefits of being self-employed is that such people can organise their work around their lives, while those in employment usually cannot.
The main disadvantage of eating in restaurants is that it’s expensive although it can be exciting and fun to eat out sometimes.
A great thing about computers is that you can buy one now that was state-of-the-art only a few months ago quite cheaply. Then again, this means that the computer you buy now will soon be outdated.
The telephone is incredibly useful, while at the same time it can be quite annoying when you want to be left alone.
Going to see sports games can be fun and exciting, however, it can be annoying to be in a crowded stadium with lots of people.
On the one hand contact sports are a great way to exercise, but on the other hand they can be quite dangerous.
Examples
For example
for instance
by way of illustration
word order and where to put the ‘for example’
Such as
Firstly, significant numbers of people feel losing weight is important for keeping them healthy and less susceptible to illness, however, it is no guarantee. For example, pressure on the health service from both over-eating and smoking has led to family pressure to eat well and keep a healthy diet.
Firstly, significant numbers of people feel losing weight is important for keeping them healthy and less susceptible to illness, however, it is no guarantee. Pressure on the health service from both over-eating and smoking, for example, has led to family pressure to eat well and keep a healthy diet.
To begin with, such a law would be vital for making recycling compulsory and would encourage the vast majority of households to make the effort to recycle their waste, then again some would ignore it. To illustrate, schools would probably take a leading role in promoting it so children would put pressure on their parents to recycle as well as it becoming the new normal.
Regarding the former, teaching relevant skills and knowledge is essential for these tertiary educational institutions maintaining their reputations while at the same time remaining competitive. For instance, For universities to invest in the best equipment, they need to be reputable and have a history of both academic and research success.
Regarding the former, teaching relevant skills and knowledge is essential for these tertiary educational institutions maintaining their reputations while at the same time remaining competitive. For universities to invest in the best equipment, for instance, they would need to be reputable and have a history of both academic and research success.
Firstly, a key advantage of having a predominantly young population is that the government should be able to propose plans for the country’s progress, while their contributions would help to pay for the elderly. For example, the government could decide to launch new training initiatives in the technology field that would give the country a better chance to succeed economically in the following years.
Educational professionals such as teachers and administration staff usually have to work overtime just to get their job finished.
Everyone can improve their health by curtailing habits such as smoking and drinking.
If such as introduces a list of more than two items, it is usually preceded by a comma.
Even the less well off can now afford to take a vacation in exotic locations, such as the Bahamas, Mexico or Madagascar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ….
To sum up, …..
To conclude, …..
Examples –
In conclusion, I firmly agree that schools should teach maths to every student, although there may be some problems, such as lack of teachers and lack of time.
To sum up, I firmly agree that schools should teach maths to every student, although there may be some problems, such as lack of teachers and lack of time.
To conclude, I firmly agree that schools should teach maths to every student, although there may be some problems, such as lack of teachers and lack of time.
Cohesion
Connect paragraphs and sentences with linking words.
Don’t over-use linking words or phrases or use inappropriately – this could become confusing or irritating for the reader. Also don’t always use linking words at the beginning of sentences -show more variety.
Adding similar ideas – in addition … another reason is…, equally
Contrasting ideas – in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary…, although….
Giving examples or evidence – “for example…, for instance.., to illustrate this….
Explaining results – as a result, for this reason, ‘consequently.”’
Sequencing – *firstly…’, ‘secondly…’,”next.. … to begin with
Providing explanations – ‘owing to…’, ‘because of.”., due to…
Drawing conclusions in conclusion. – in conclusion, to sum up..
Introducing your opinion – in my opinion to my mind, it seems to me that…
Alternative methods of cohesion
Cohesion does not only come from linking devices, there are other methods of creating cohesion:
Referencing using pronouns:
Firstly, I am happy to receive this award. Additionally I would like to thank my colleagues, without them I wouldn’t be standing here accepting this”.
Some children grow up in destitution and poverty thanks to their parents. These children, however, have an inborn survival instinct so many manage to change their lives for the better. Using ‘these children’ refers strictly to the children and definitely not the adults.
Using Substitution
‘Famous people deserve a private life. Celebrities also sell newspapers’.
Footballers train every day and eat healthy diets. These sportsmen are role models for many youngsters and have to set an example if they want to keep their star status.
Many buildings were destroyed during the war. Clearing the rubble was a huge task and took many years.
Probability
it is likely/quite likely/highly likely/very likely/extremely likely
it is probable/quite probable/highly probable
it is possible/quite possible
Examples
If the planet continues to be treated in this way, it is very likely that it will be in serious trouble in the future.
If we don’t address the current traffic problems soon, it is highly probable that we will face serious problems in the near future.
Remember that we can also reverse the first conditional structure. Examples:
It is extremely likely that people will be a lot more open-minded in the future if our society continues to welcome art and culture from all over the world.
It is quite possible that the world will be a really clean and harmonious place in the future if we take measures to take care of our planet.