Do you find B2 First Writing formats confusing?

Do your articles sound like essays? Do you avoid reports?

This is because you haven’t understood what each format means. Who are you writing to ? Why are you writing each piece?

Let’s start from the beginning.

B2 First Writing paper – part 1 – Essay

Who is going to read your essay? Typically a teacher. That’s why it needs to be formal or neutral, objective and argumentative. You are asked to give your opinion on a topic as well as to provide arguments and reasons that support your point of view. You write it from a third person perspective and use phrases such as Many people… It is thought… According to… etc.

Example: Is Wine Tourism a Good Way to Spend a Holiday?

In conclusion, wine tourism is an excellent option for people who want to combine relaxation, culture, and gastronomy. While it may not appeal to everyone, it offers a unique and memorable holiday experience.

You don’t mention a personal experience. You discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the topic and say why it is a good idea (or not) for people in general. The opinion becomes clear through the arguments you give.

Need more help? Read my post on How to write a B2 First essay or grab a template and a checklist

B2 First Writing paper – part 2 – Article

Where can we see articles? In magazines, newspapers, the Internet. Who reads them? Readers, people you don’t know but you want to be interested in what you have to say about a topic. You can’t be as formal as the essay or you risk losing the audience. The purpose is to inform but in an engaging way, to persuade or entertain.

Example: An article extract from Wizz Europe magazine

Stay in one of 12 traditional reed-thatched cottages, indulge in some home-cooked comfort food, and unwind by one of three summer saltwater pools. Take a hands-on cooking class and learn to make placinta, a beloved Moldovan pastry, or unleash your creativity by painting your own wine label.

This is taken from an original article not an exam candidate article but you should learn from real-life articles if you strive for high marks on the exam. Let’s analyse the style. Descriptive language – home-cooked, hands-on, traditional, reed-thatched. Persuasive language – stay, unwind, unleash. Also note that it isn’t written in the first person.

Need more help? Grab a B2 First article template and a checklist

B2 First Writing paper – part 2 – Review

Reviews are meant for people who are looking for recommendations. You can find them in magazines, blogs, and websites. They include your personal impressions and evaluations. The purpose is to help others decide whether to use a product or service or visit a place. You do so by mixing facts with opinions.

Example: The original article paragraph has been rewritten into a review paragraph

The food was a highlight. The homemade dishes, especially the warm, flaky placinta, tasted like something straight from a family kitchen. I even joined a cooking class and learned how to make it myself — such a fun and authentic experience!

Giving opinions with phrases like – a highlight, fun and authentic. Written in the first person – I even joined a cooking class.

Need more help? Read my post on Write a B2 First review with ease or grab a template and a checklist

B2 First Writing paper – part 2 – Informal email

An informal email is sent to a friend. The tone needs to be friendly and conversational. You can be descriptive. However, stay away from language you would use in an essay, article or review.

Example:

I stayed in one of their cute reed-thatched cottages — super cozy and quiet, the kind of place where you actually forget about your phone for a while. The food was incredible. I took a cooking class and learned how to make placinta (basically Moldovan comfort food heaven). They even let you paint your own wine label, which was such a fun touch.

Informal vocabulary – cute, super cozy, the kind of place, incredible, a fun touch.

Need help? To sound more informal brush up on your phrasal verbs.

B2 First Writing paper – part 2 – Report

A report needs to sound neutral and formal. It is well-structured with headings. The main focus is on facts and objective description as it avoids personal opinions. Its purpose is to inform professionally and clearly a teacher, a head teacher or a committee of some sort.

Example:

Activities and Facilities
The winery offers several enjoyable activities. Guests can swim in one of the three saltwater pools, take part in a cooking class, or even paint their own wine label. These activities help visitors learn more about Moldovan traditions in a fun and creative way.

Pay attention to the heading – Activities and Facilities. Activities are listed but also an observation is provided. It feels similar to an essay but it is more specific, not general.

Need more help? Grab a B2 First report template with useful phrases and a checklist

If you prefer a video explanation then check out this video.

Good luck on your exams!

Gaby