Writing an article for the First exam – B2 English writing

Writing an article for the First exam

Exercise 3

Complete the article with the expressions from the box.

All in all – For example – From my experience – guess what – Have you ever – One good example is – Personally, I think – such as

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1 wanted to learn something completely new? Whether it's painting, playing the guitar or learning to cook, trying a new hobby can be one of the best decisions you ever make.

I have tried many different activities. 2 hobbies help you relax and forget about stress. They give you a sense of purpose and achievement. 3 , when I started learning photography, I realised how much it made me appreciate details I'd never noticed before.

There are so many options to choose from, 4 sports, crafts or musical instruments. The key is to pick something that really interests you. It might not be easy at first, but 5 – if you keep doing it, you'll see real progress.

6 , hobbies can improve many aspects of your life and even introduce you to new people with similar interests. 7 my friend Josie. She joined a dance class and ended up making some of her closest friends there.

8 , hobbies make life richer and more enjoyable. So why not give one a try?

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Writing an article for the First exam

In Part 2 of the B2 First (FCE) Writing paper, one of your options is to write an article. Unlike an essay, which is more formal and objective, an article gives you the chance to be creative and express your personality. You can talk directly to the reader, ask questions, and use a friendly, natural tone.

Articles are usually written for a school magazine, blog, or website, and they should both inform and entertain. A successful article answers every question in the task, but also keeps the reader interested from beginning to end with clear organisation, lively language, and personal examples.

Sample article tasks (Cambridge First)

Here are some typical tasks you might find in the exam. Remember to answer every question in the task — missing a point can lower your score for content.

Sample article

➟ Use a question or friendly expression to catch the reader’s attention and make your article engaging.
➟ Give your opinions to make your article more personal and expressive.
➟ Give examples to support your ideas and make them clearer.
➟ Use linking expressions to organise your ideas and connect paragraphs.
➟ Use lively, descriptive language and idioms to make your writing more vivid.

Writing guide – Step by step

1️⃣ Step 1: Read and understand the task

Before you start writing, make sure you know:

• what the topic is
• which questions you must answer

For example, in the House parties task:

What makes a great house party?
Which house parties have you been to, and what was special about them?

If you don’t answer both questions, you can lose marks for content.

Also, brainstorm useful vocabulary before you start writing (e.g. music, guests, decorations, vice, playlists, set the mood).

2️⃣ Step 2: Create a catchy title

Your title should make readers want to read your article. A question or a ‘what/how’ phrase often works well.

• Why We All Need a Hobby
• Could You Live Without Your Phone?
• What Makes a Festival Unforgettable?

3️⃣ Step 3: Write an engaging introduction

Start with something that catches attention — a question, an exclamation, or a short story.

Have you ever been to a party where everything just felt right?

Your aim is to make readers curious about what comes next.

4️⃣ Step 4: Develop the body

Write two or three paragraphs explaining your main ideas. Answer all the task questions, give opinions, and include examples from your own experience.

In my view, the best parties don’t need hundreds of guests, just the right mix of people who get along. For example, I once went to a party where everyone helped make pizzas together, and it turned into the highlight of the evening!

5️⃣ Step 5: Finish with a strong conclusion

End with a short paragraph that sums up your main idea or gives advice.

All in all, a perfect house party is one where everyone feels relaxed and included.

Useful language for articles

To engage the reader:

• Have you ever…?
• Do you think…?
• Let’s be honest…
• Guess what!
• Imagine…

To give examples:

• For example…
• Such as…
• For instance…
• One good example is…

To express opinions:

• In my view…
• I believe that…
• Personally, I think…
• From my experience…

To link ideas:

• First of all…
• On top of that…
• Another reason is…
• As a result…
• What’s more…

To conclude:

• All in all…
• To sum up…
• In conclusion…
• Overall, I’d say…