The document provides guidance on writing an article for the Cambridge First B2 exam. It discusses the key elements of an article such as being informative and giving an opinion. It then focuses on the language used, recommending a relaxed personal style that is neutral and polite. Examples of both appropriate and inappropriate language are provided, with suggestions to make the language less informal or impolite. The document concludes by demonstrating how to plan and write an article with the correct structure and word choice.

1. How to write an article
for the Cambridge
First B2 exam
(A good article !)

2. So, what exactly is an article?
It’s the type of text that we see in magazines, blogs etc.
An article should be interesting/entertaining to read, informative
and give your opinion about something.
What happens if you have
never performed in public?
You invent something!
It’s not that hard!

3. OK, so what kind of language should I use? (formal or informal ?)
Use a relaxed, personal style.
That’s neutral – not too formal or informal.
You still have to be quite polite though. (It’s English!)
What exactly does that mean?
Let’s have a look at some examples.
Let’s focus on not being too informal or
too impolite first.
With a partner, look at the examples on the next slide and
talk about what you might need to change in these examples.
Some of them are OK – (not too informal or too impolite)

4. 1) I’m gonna visit New York one day. I wanna go asap.
2) Personally, I think Bolivia is a terrific country to visit
3) If I were you, I’d check out Sierra Leone because it’s really
cool!
4) You’re free to make you own mind up – it’s up 2 U!
5) I tried lots of places where the food was horrible.
6) If you haven’t tried kayaking yet, you must be crazy!
7) What I reckon is that performing in public is a piece of cake
if you put in plenty of practice first.
8) The experience was absolutely marvellous and I was over
the moon.
9) If you haven’t tried yoga, you have to do it now!
10) All in all, I really had fun
Contractions are OK (I’m) but always use these full forms in writing – going to /want to / As soon as possible
Use lots of phrasal verbs, but don’t use text message speak! – say it’s up to you
Be more polite! (Disappointing/not brilliant)
Be more polite! (e.g. You are really missing out!)
Use informal expressions like ‘a piece of cake’
Use extreme adjectives (Don’t use ‘boring’ words like good and nice)
Be a bit less direct – (You ought to try it now)
Sorry ! emojis are not a good idea!
Use personal language and phrasal verbs

5. Ok, so what about stuff that’s too formal?
It’s ok to use some formal language, but be consistent!
If your tone is informal, some words will sound too formal for your article
especially essay-type words (Moreover, in conclusion, that is to say, nonetheless )
With your partner, try to change words which do not fit the tone here
(some sentences are OK)
1) London is a marvellously fun city. Furthermore, the many lovely parks are great for chilling out.
2) I’m not sure what I’d do if won the lottery. I’d have some fun, though.
3) To conclude, get your skates on and try mountain biking – you’ll love it!
4) In my view, there is little doubt that bungee jumping is great for a laugh.
5) As for stage nerves, the best way to get over them is to practise first in front of your friends.
6) To sum it all up, if you fancy taking up a new hobby to boost your fitness, why not go for badminton?
Furthermore is too formal here. Try ‘what’s more’ or ‘besides’
‘To conclude’ is too formal here. This is not an essay. Just use ‘so,…’ or ‘I really recommend that…’
The start of the sentence is a bit too formal. Try ‘Personally, I’m totally convinced’

6. So here’s another example article task.
(From Successful FCE practice tests 2015, test 4)
What would make a day very special for you?
Tell a partner some examples (real or imagined)

7. Take in some breathtaking/astonishing
Stroll around gorgeous
Hang out in stylish/hip
Check out
Have lots of fun at
Bars and cafés
Parks and squares
A museum or local shops
Sightseeing
An amusement park
Now let’s practice using language to describe a special trip

8. Right, let’s start writing this thing –
First of all, we need a good title
Which of the following titles do you think would be best for this article? Why?
a) My special day
b) The best day ever
c) An unforgettable day in magical Rome
The other two are a bit too simple and boring – be ambitious and make your article interesting to read
You need to write 140-190 words – aim for 190 !

9. Now we need to plan the article –it only takes a
couple of minutes.
1) Give it a catchy title
2) Divide your ideas into 4 paragraphs, including an introduction and a conclusion
For example:
• title : An unforgettable day in magical Rome.
• Introduction: tell your readers the background to the event – e.g. why/when did you go to Rome?
• Second paragraph: What did you do? – sightseeing, shopping and sampling the local cuisine.
• Third paragraph: What was so special about it? – elegant city, lovely weather, fabulous company.
• Conclusion: Summary/Recommendation – e.g. You should go there because it has something to suit everyone

10. Now we’re going to work on the introduction
(normally two sentences – about 35-45 words)
It’s good to start with a question to engage the reader – for example:
Have you ever wondered which is the world’s most beautiful city?
Or
Have you ever had a day that was just perfect?
An unforgettable day in magical Rome
Have you ever wondered which is the world’s most beautiful city?
Well, for me, there’s only one answer: Rome, the eternal city, and I want to share
With you the marvellous experience I had there last summer.

11. Second paragraph: 3-4 sentences (50-65 words)
What did you do? – e.g. sightseeing, sampling the local cuisine and shopping
See if you can add these linkers to this paragraph:
After that / as for / to round things off
__________how I spent that special day, well in the morning my friends and I
took in some breathtaking sightseeing, including The Colloseum and the Roman Forum.
__________, we sampled the delights of Roman cuisine and wine in one of the
stylish restaurants in the Trastevere district. _________________, we checked out
some unique local shops.
As for
After that
To round things off

12. Third paragraph: 3-4 sentences (50-65 words)
Now try to put these adjectives in this
paragraph:
hip / ancient / memorable / bright /
cheerful / fabulous
So, what made it such a _____________day? Well, it was partly the elegance of the city
and the ________ sunshine. What´s more, I really enjoyed the ____________ atmosphere
in a city which has so many __________monuments,attractions and _______ bars.
Last but not least, I´ll never forget the ____________ company that I had that day.
These are suggested answers- there are other possible answers too.
memorable
bright cheerful
ancient hip
fabulous

13. Conclusion: 2-3 sentences (30-40 words)
___________, it was one of those days when everything goes wonderfully well. _____________
I’d really recommend visiting Rome, especially if you’re into sightseeing and hanging out in a cool place.
And now, finally, can you think of a couple of
suitable linking words/phrases to complete this
conclusion?
All in all By the way,