This document provides guidance on writing different types of essays for the FCE exam, including opening and closing paragraphs, structures, and registers. It discusses essays, articles, reviews, and reports. For each type, it outlines the key elements to include in the introduction, body, and conclusion as well as the appropriate register or tone. It also provides examples of possible writing prompts students could receive for each document type on the exam.

1. FCE – Writing Part 2

2. Essays

3. Opening Paragraph
general topic

4. Closing Paragraph
balanced personal comment on the topic

5. Structure 1
•introduction
•arguments for
•arguments against
• conclusion

6. Structure 2
•introduction
•one argument for
•several arguments
against
• obvious conclusion

7. Structure 3
•introduction
•arguments for or
against only
•conclusion

8. You have had a discussion on the media's treatment of
famous people in your English class.
Your teacher has asked you to write an essay, giving
your opinions on the following statement. Famous
people such as footballers, film stars and politicians,
deserve to have a private life without journalists
constantly following them.
Write between 140 and 190 words.

9. Articles

10. Title
Informative and attractive

11. Opening Paragraph
Clearly defined, not too long and clearly linked

12. Closing Paragraph
Summary, final opinion, recommendation or comment

13. Structure
•Title
•Introduction
•Main body
(2 paragraphs)
•Conclusion

14. Register
•Amusing stories
•Reported speech
•Descriptions
May include:

15. Register
•Formal
•Informal
Can be:

16. Register
•Opinions
•Thoughts
•Facts
Should give:

17. Register
•Compare / contrast
•Describe an event /
experience / person / place
•Present an opinion /
argument
•Provide information
•Offer advice / suggestions
Can:

18. You see this announcement in a magazine. We invite
you to write an article on ‘The City of the Future’. In
what ways will Cities be different in the future? In
what ways will they be the same? The writer of the
best article will receive a prize.
Write between 140 and 190 words

19. Reviews

20. Opening Paragraph
general opinion of the film + factual details

21. Closing Paragraph
Recommendations with reason

22. Structure
•General opinion +
factual details
•Brief summary +
comments on a given
aspect
•Other aspects +
opinions
• Recommendation
with reasons

23. 1. Your teacher has asked you to write a review for a book you
have read recently. The best reviews will go in the school
magazine. Review the book giving your opinion and saying
whether or not you would recommend it.
2. Your teacher has asked you to write a review for a film you
have seen recently on DVD or at the cinema. The best reviews
will go in the school magazine. Review the book giving your
opinion and saying whether or not you would recommend it.
3. At school you are building a tourist website in English. Your
teacher has asked you to write a review of a restaurant you
have eaten at in your town. Review the restaurant giving your
opinion and saying whether or not you would recommend it.
Write between 140 and 190 words.

24. Reports

25. Opening Paragraph
General information + data collection

26. Closing Paragraph
Impersonal opinions/recommendations

27. Structure
•Introduction
•Main body (three or
four headings with
two or three points)
•Conclusion
•Impersonal
opinions +
recommendations

28. Register
•be formal
•be impersonal
•not express personal opinions
or feelings
•not contain very definite
statements
must:

29. Your teacher has asked you for a report on transport
in your local area. Mention the main means of
transport used and suggest how transport facilities
could be improved.
Write between 140 and 190 words.

30. Images credit
Slides 1-2, 9, 19, 24 http://www.flickr.com/photos/un_photo/
Slide 3,11, 20, 25 http://www.flickr.com/photos/loop_oh/
Slide 4, 12, 21, 26 http://www.flickr.com/photos/iguanajo/
Slides 5-7, 13, 22, 27 http://www.flickr.com/photos/didmyself/
Slide 10, 14-17, 28 http://www.flickr.com/photos/s-t-r-a-n-g-e/
KENIA SANTOS
Contact: kenia_crissantos@hotmail.com