Although most students complain that their English speaking is poor, many are terrified of writing. In both writing and speaking, practice is essential, so here are Cambridge B2 First writing questions. Task 1 is always an essay question, while in Task 2 there are four options: an article, an email / letter, a review, or a report. In the exam, you have to choose one from a choice of three.
Practicing the writing test shows you which tasks you do best, while practicing with an experienced teacher who corrects you and gives constructive feedback gives you much more confidence doing the test, especially regarding how long it takes, which tasks you do best and how to answer so you fulfill the assessment criteria.
Cambridge B2 For Schools Writing Questions.
Dos and Don’ts of Formal Essay Writing
A guide to converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores.
Cambridge B2 Writing Assessment Criteria.
B2 First Writing Task 1 Essay Questions
In your English class, you have been talking about studying abroad.
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.
Essay question
All young people who have the opportunity should study in a foreign school or college for a year. Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
1. what they learn
2. growing up
3. …….. (your own idea)
Write your essay.
In your English class, you have been talking about studying abroad.
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.
Essay question
All young people who have the opportunity should study in a foreign school or college for a year. Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
1. what they learn
2. growing up
3. …….. (your own idea)
Write your essay.
In your English class you have been talking about the value of learning languages. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Essay Question
Is it worth learning a foreign language?
Notes:
Write about
- Using a foreign language for work
- Using a foreign language for travel
- Your own idea
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
In your English class you have been talking about different ways to protect the environment. 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.
What can young people do to help protect and improve their local environment?
Notes
Write about:
1. recycling things
2. cycling or walking instead of using cars
3……………….. (your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
- In your English class you have been talking about learning history at school. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
‘Everyone should be taught the history of their own country.’ Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
1. what people can learn from the past
2. it’s more important to think about the future
3. …(your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
- In your English class you have been talking about famous people. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
‘The private lives of famous people should not be made public. What do you think?
Notes
Write about:
1. public interest in famous people
2. famous people as role models
3. …(your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
- In your English class you have been talking about education. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
‘Teachers need more than just a good knowledge of their subject.’ What do you think?
Notes
Write about:
- patience
- friendliness
- ..(your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140–190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
- In your English class you have been talking about modern entertainment. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
Some people say that young people can only entertain themselves in front of a screen. What do you think?
Notes
Write about
1. why screen entertainment is so popular
2. books and reading
3. …(your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
- In your English class you have been talking about how much admiration television, sports and other celebrities deserve. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
Do celebrities deserve the admiration they receive?
Notes
Write about:
1. the influence they have on young people
2. the money they are paid
3….….. (your own idea)
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
- In your English class you have been talking about the effect of the internet on ways of learning. 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.
Some people say you can learn almost everything from the internet nowadays. What do you think?
Notes
Write about:
1. the role of parents and teachers
2. quality of the information available
3…….... (your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
- In your English class you have been talking about young people’s interest in local, national or international news. 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 it important to follow national and international events in the news?
Notes
Write about:
1. major events
2. news about famous people
3. ….. …… .. (your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
- In your English class you have been talking about the advantages and disadvantages of using social media websites. 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.
Do we share too much personal information on social media websites?
Notes
Write about:
1. uploading images
2. posting comments
3. ………………. (your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
- In your English class you have been talking about the importance of friendship. 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.
What are the most important things we need to do to make and keep friends?
Notes
Write about:
1. keep in touch regularly
2. always tell a friend the truth
3………..(your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
- in your English class you have been talking about the importance of money in the modern world. 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.
Some people say you don’t need much money to be happy. What do you think?
Notes
Write about:
1. when money is necessary
2. having the latest gadgets
3. …………(your own idea)
Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
- In your English class you have been talking about the importance of team work. 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 it better to do things with other people or to do them on your own?
Notes
Write about:
1. work at school or college
2. sports activities
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B2 First Writing Task 2
Reviews for B2 First Writing Task 2
You see this announcement in your local English-language newspaper.
Can you recommend a local restaurant, café or snack bar? If so, why not write a review for our Food section? Tell our readers what the place and the food are like, and say why you think everyone in the family would enjoy eating there.
All reviews published will receive vouchers for a free meal.
Write your review.
Reviews wanted Comedy TV Series
Write us a review of a TV series that makes people laugh. Your review should include information about the storyline and the characters. Why do people think this TV series is funny? What do you think of the series?
You recently saw this notice in a magazine for students of English.
Write a review of a TV series you really enjoy!
Tell us what makes the plot and characters so interesting for you, and whether you would recommend it for viewers of all ages.
Write your review.
You see this notice in an English-language website called Restaurant World:
Reviews wanted
A Wonderful Meal
Write us a review of a restaurant where you had a wonderful meal. Tell us what the restaurant was like, describe what you ate and explain why it was so good. The best reviews will be posted on the website.
Write your review.
You recently saw this notice on an English-language website called TV Watch:
Reviews wanted!
TV series
Is there a TV series which you watch regularly?
Write a review of the series explaining what it is about, why you like it and who you would recommend it to.
Write your review.
Your class wants to go on a camping weekend. Your teacher has asked you to write a review of a campsite where you stayed recently, including information about the area and facilities and explaining why it would be suitable for your class.
Write your review.
The drama club at your school put on a stage musical last Saturday. Now you have been asked to write a review for the school magazine, including information about the quality of the performances, the costumes and the people in the audience, and saying whether you think the drama club should take this musical to other schools.
Write your review.
You have seen this in a magazine for students of English and you want to write a review.
English Alive
The international magazine for students of English
Have you been to a music festival recently?
Write a review for us, telling us about
• the place!
• the atmosphere!
• the audience!
• the music you liked most and what you liked least!
The best review wins a one-year subscription
Write your review.
You have found this in the new website of a magazine for students of English.
Do you like our new website?
Write a review of it!
• What do you think of the students’ blogs section?
• Is the section on help with exam preparation useful?
• What feature of the website do you like most?
• What can we do to improve it?
We’ll publish the best three reviews!
Write your review.
You recently saw this notice in an English-language magazine called Theatre World.
Reviews needed!
Have you been to the theatre recently? If so, could you write us a review of the play you saw? Include information on the characters, costumes and story and say whether you would recommend the play to other people.
The best reviews will be published next month.
Write your review.
Reports for B2 First Writing Task 2
You recently had a one-day excursion with your class to a local place of interest. Now the director of your college has asked you to write a report about it for senior teachers to read. You should explain what you did and say why you think the day was a success.
Write your report.
Your English teacher has asked you to write a report on transport facilities in your area. In your report, you should:
- describe the existing transport facilities
- explain what’s good and bad about them
- suggest how they could be improved in the future.
Write your report.
Your local government wants to improve your town centre and make it better for local people. Your college principal has asked students to write a report on the situation to send to the local government. In your report you should:
- Describe some of the problems in the town centre
- Suggest, with reasons, what improvements should be made to solve these problems
Write your report.
You recently visited a museum in your area. Now your teacher has asked you to write a report, describing the sections of the museum that you found the most interesting and saying whether younger students should be encouraged to visit it and why.
Write your report.
You recently saw this notice in a magazine for students of English.
We need young reporters!
Have you been to the new Tenby Amusement Park? If so, send us your report and you could win a month’s free tickets!
Tell us about the attractions for children and teenagers, what you thought of the facilities and prices, and whether you would recommend it to people visiting the area.
Write your report.
You and three of your classmates recently saw an English-language film. Now your English teacher has asked you to check your classmates’ opinions and write a report, addressing the following points:
- Was the plot easy to understand?
- Were the characters interesting for all of you? .
- Would the film appeal to teenagers of different nationalities?
- Would you advise other students to see it?
Write your report
You are doing a school project about family life in different countries. Your teacher has asked you to write a short report about your country, saying what activities families do together, how much grandparents are involved in family life and whether you think family life has changed in the past few years.
Write your report.
Your school has recently published the first issue of the school magazine. Now your teacher has asked you to write a report, saying what your classmates like or dislike about the articles, the sports page and the school news section, and making suggestions on how the magazine could be improved.
Write your report.
You recently had a one-day excursion with your class to a local place of interest. Now the director of your college has asked you to write a report about it for senior teachers to read. You should explain what you did and say why you think the day was a success.
Write your report.
Your English teacher has asked you to write a report on transport facilities in your area. In your report, you should:
- describe the existing transport facilities
- explain what’s good and bad about them
- suggest how they could be improved in the future.
Write your report.
Your local government wants to improve your town centre and make it better for local people. Your college principal has asked students to write a report on the situation to send to the local government. In your report you should:
- Describe some of the problems in the town centre
- Suggest, with reasons, what improvements should be made to solve these problems
Write your report.
You recently visited a museum in your area. Now your teacher has asked you to write a report, describing the sections of the museum that you found the most interesting and saying whether younger students should be encouraged to visit it and why.
Write your report.
You recently saw this notice in a magazine for students of English.
We need young reporters!
Have you been to the new Tenby Amusement Park? If so, send us your report and you could win a month’s free tickets!
Tell us about the attractions for children and teenagers, what you thought of the facilities and prices, and whether you would recommend it to people visiting the area.
Write your report.
You and three of your classmates recently saw an English-language film. Now your English teacher has asked you to check your classmates’ opinions and write a report, addressing the following points:
- Was the plot easy to understand?
- Were the characters interesting for all of you? .
- Would the film appeal to teenagers of different nationalities?
- Would you advise other students to see it?
Write your report
You are doing a school project about family life in different countries. Your teacher has asked you to write a short report about your country, saying what activities families do together, how much grandparents are involved in family life and whether you think family life has changed in the past few years.
Write your report.
Your school has recently published the first issue of the school magazine. Now your teacher has asked you to write a report, saying what your classmates like or dislike about the articles, the sports page and the school news section, and making suggestions on how the magazine could be improved.
Write your report.
Letters for B2 First writing Task 2
You see this advertisment in your local newspaper:
Helpers wanted
We are looking for people to work in a holiday club for English-speaking children (aged 4–8).
Write a letter to Mr Nick Jones, the club organizer, giving details of:
• your experience of working with children
• your knowledge of English
• why you would be suitable for the job.
Write your letter of application.
You see this advertisement on your college noticeboard:
Wanted: English-speaking guide
A group of English students is coming to your town for a week. The tourist office is looking for a guide to show the students the town. Write a letter of application to the organizer of the tour, Mrs Isobel Parks, explaining:
• Which places you would take the students to visit
• Why you would be the best person for the job
Write your letter.
You recently saw this advertisement in the local newspaper.
We need enthusiastic young people to help us organise a series of music festivals.
Write and tell us why you think you would be good for this job. Describe any experience you have in organising events and say how much time you could offer us during the summer.
Write your letter. Do not write any postal addresses.
Read this part of a letter from an English-speaking friend, Oliver.
When I saw you last summer, you said you were going to change schools. How do you like your new school? How is it different from your old one? Have you made many new friends there?
Please write back soon.
Oliver
Write a letter to Oliver, answering his questions.
You have seen an advertisement for a part-time job and you want to apply
Part-time team leaders needed for an activity camp for children from different countries. You need to:
• have experience in organising activities for children aged 8-12
• be able to communicate well in English and one other language
• be good at at least one outdoor sports activity.
Write to Amy Salomon, Senior Manager, explaining why you would be suitable for the job.
Write your letter. Do not write any postal addresses.
You want to do some volunteer work with your English-speaking friend. You have found this leaflet. Write a letter to the Young Volunteers Group giving the information requested and asking about accommodation, food and transport.
Young Volunteers Group Volunteering is about doing something useful without getting paid. We need:
• Events assistants
• Environmental workers
• Children’s activities coordinators
Tell us what skills you have and when you are available.
Write your letter.
Emails for B2 First Writing Task 2
You have seen an advertisement for a drama course and you want to apply
Do you dream of a career in film or theatre?
At the Lloyd Drama College, we are offering four free places on our summer courses.
Write to Cynthia Roddick, the director, explaining
• why you want to attend a course
• what acting and/or dancing experience you have
• how many days a week you would be available.
Write your letter. Do not write any postal addresses.
You have received an email from an English friend, Rosie. Read this part of the email.
I’m doing a college project on jobs students do. Can you help me by describing the sort of jobs students do in your country, any problems they have and the best way to find a good student job?
Thanks,
Rosie
Write your email.
You have received an email from your English-speaking friend, Jack, who is coming to visit your country with some friends. Write an email to Jack, answering his questions.
What are the best places to explore and things to see in your area? Should we use public transport or hire bikes? Are there interesting museums or exhibitions to learn about your country?
Join us if you can!
Please write soon.
Jack
Write your email.
You have received this email from your English-speaking friend, Susan:
From: Susan Subject: Money!
Hi!
I’ve just won £1,000 in a photography competition. I could spend it all on a fantastic holiday or I could put it in my bank account, or I could give it to my parents who don’t have much money. What do you suggest I do?
Thanks,
Susan
Write your email.
You have received an email from your English-speaking friend, Robert:
Hi!
My parents are both 50 next month and I want to do something special for them – I can’t decide whether to organise a surprise birthday party or take them away to a hotel for the weekend. What do you think I should do?
Write your email.
You have received an email from your English-speaking friend, Tom:
As you know, my mum and dad own a restaurant and want me to work there when I leave college. However, I’m still really keen to be a journalist. What do you think I should do?
Write your email.
You have seen this advertisement about adventure holidays organised by a travel agency.
Exciting Adventure Holidays in Wales!
Climbing, mountain biking and white-water kayaking
To find the best holiday for you, tell us:
• how fit you are
• how long you want to stay
• any previous experience of the activities
• accommodation you prefer: hotel or cabin?
Email Chris Barnes for a quote.
Write your email.
You have received an email from your Scottish friend, Catriona, who is going to give a talk about Scotland to your class. Write an email to her with the information she needs.
Choose three topics for the talk and explain your choices:
• The Scottish Highlands and Islands: nature and wildlife
• The education system in Scotland
• Traditional and modern music in Scotland
• How Scottish teenagers learn other languages.
Thanks!
Catriona
Write your email.
Articles for B2 First Writing Task 2
You see this announcement in an English-language magazine for teenagers.
A great way to spend your free time!
Tell us about a leisure time activity you really enjoy
• How did you get started?
• Why do you enjoy it so much?
We will publish the most interesting articles in next month’s issue.
Write your article.
You see this announcement in an English-language magazine for teenagers.
A great way to spend your free time!
Tell us about a leisure time activity you really enjoy
• How did you get started?
• Why do you enjoy it so much?
We will publish the most interesting articles in next month’s issue.
Write your article.
You have decided to write an article about your favourite computer game for a magazine for young people called Funtime. Write the article, describing the game and explaining why you would recommend it to other readers.
Write your article.
You see this in an English-language magazine.
Articles wanted
Being kind
What does being kind mean to you?
Why is it important to be kind?
We will publish the best articles in the next magazine.
Write your article.
You see this notice in an English-language magazine:
Articles wanted
Ambition
What does ambition mean to you? What ambitions do you have? How do you intend to achieve them?
The best articles will be published in our magazine.
Write your article.
You see this notice in an English-language magazine:
We’re looking for articles about good luck.
Write an article telling us about something lucky that happened to you and what effect this had.
Write your article.
You have seen this advertisement in an international travel magazine.
Can you write an article recommending a great destination in your country to our readers?
We want to know:
• good destinations for young and energetic travellers.
• the scenery, wildlife and adventure opportunities the place has.
• the best time of year to go.
Write your article.
You have seen this announcement in an international magazine.
I was only a child!
Tell us about an experience you had in your childhood and say why you will always remember it.
We will publish the best article in our next issue.
Write your article.
You have seen this advertisement in an international music magazine,
Do you like listening to music?
Do you play an instrument?
Write an article for our World Music Experience pages!
Tell us:
• what kind of music you like most and why.
· where you and your friends go to see live music.
And please recommend some music from your country!
Write your article.
You recently saw this announcement on a teenage website.
Write an article for us!
Do you know how people your age in your country feel about the future? What opportunities are there for young people to get jobs or continue their studies after secondary school?
The best articles will be published on the website next month.
Write your article.
You have read this in the website of a student magazine.
Write for us
How would you like to see your own article on ‘Staying Fit’ on our website? Get your foot on the ladder to literary fame!
Tells us:
• What kind of exercise you’d recommend for a busy student
• How students could eat a healthy diet on a small budget
• Any other advice?
Write your article.
You have seen this announcement in an international magazine.
MY FAVOURITE TEACHER
Tell us about a favourite teacher of yours and say what you remember about him or her.
We will publish the most interesting articles next month.
Write your article.
You see this announcement in an English-language magazine for teenagers.
A great way to spend your free time!
Tell us about a leisure time activity you really enjoy
• How did you get started?
• Why do you enjoy it so much?
We will publish the most interesting articles in next month’s issue.
Write your article.
For the Cambridge Writing Assessment Criteria for teachers, go here.