The B2 First (FCE) Writing Test: Format, Tasks and Tips
In the B2 First Writing test, formerly the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE), you write two short texts for a specific purpose and reader. The paper lasts 1 hour 20 minutes and has two parts: a compulsory essay, then one task you choose from a short list. This guide breaks down both parts, how your writing is marked, and how to prepare so nothing on exam day takes you by surprise.
The two parts at a glance
| Part | What you write | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 — Essay (compulsory) | An essay on a given topic with two points to address, plus one of your own. Always formal. | 140–190 |
| Part 2 — Choose one task | Pick one from: an article, an email or letter, a report, or a review. The register depends on the task and reader. | 140–190 |
A quick note on accuracy: the essay is Part 1, not a Part 2 option, and a story only appears in B2 First for Schools, not the standard adult B2 First. Aim for roughly the right length, writing far fewer or far more words can cost you marks.
Part 1: the essay
You are given a title and two prompts you must discuss, plus a third idea of your own. The essay is always semi-formal to formal, so plan a clear structure: an introduction, one paragraph per point, and a conclusion that states your opinion. Spend no more than about 40 minutes here so you leave enough time for Part 2.
Part 2: choose your task
Part 2 gives you a choice, so pick the task whose vocabulary and style you are most comfortable with. Each one has its own conventions:
| Task | What it needs |
|---|---|
| Article | An engaging title and a lively, personal tone that speaks to the reader. |
| Email / letter | The right greeting and sign-off, and a register (formal or informal) that matches the reader. |
| Report | Clear headings, factual and neutral tone, often ending with a recommendation. |
| Review | A description plus your opinion and a recommendation, of a film, book, product or place. |
How your writing is marked
Each piece is assessed on four equally weighted criteria. Knowing them helps you write for the marks:
| Criterion | What it means |
|---|---|
| Content | Did you do everything the task asked, and stay on topic? |
| Communicative achievement | Did you use the right register and tone for the task and reader? |
| Organisation | Is the text logical, well structured and linked together? |
| Language | Is your vocabulary and grammar accurate, varied and appropriate? |
How to prepare
- Learn the task types. The range of questions is limited, so practising past tasks quickly makes the exam feel familiar.
- Study sample answers. See how high-scoring texts are structured, but use new phrases carefully, learning a phrase wrong is worse than not using it.
- Keep a phrase bank. Note useful linking words and set phrases for each task type, and write practice sentences with them.
- Time yourself. Practise both parts within 80 minutes so pacing becomes automatic.
- Get feedback. Make your mistakes with a teacher who corrects them, not in the exam. This is the single fastest way to improve.
Writing improves fastest when someone shows you exactly what to fix. Practising with a native teacher who marks your work the way an examiner would turns weak drafts into confident, exam-ready writing.
Prepare for your B2 First with a native teacher
Our English Exam Preparation course gives you one-to-one lessons with experienced native teachers who mark your writing against the real B2 First criteria and show you how to score higher.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the B2 First Writing test and how many parts does it have?
What can I be asked to write in Part 2?
How many words should I write?
How is the Writing test marked?
What is the best way to prepare for the FCE Writing test?
Know the format, practise both parts to time, and get regular feedback. Do that and the B2 First Writing test becomes a paper you can walk into with confidence.
