How to Write an Essay for the Cambridge FCE Exam

Introduction

• Presenter: Kasia
• Lesson by Oxford Online English
• Goal: Learn how to write an essay for the FCE exam effectively.
• Process: Step-by-step guide to achieving the best possible score.

Steps in Writing an FCE Essay

Step 1: Understand the Task

• Read the Task Carefully
  • Identify what needs to be included.
  • Example Task: "University should be free for everyone. Do you agree or disagree?"
• Key Requirements
  • State agreement or disagreement clearly.
  • Use all given notes (e.g., taxes, opportunity, your own idea).
  • Reach a clear, justified conclusion.
• Style
  • Formal writing: no contractions, no slang or colloquial expressions.

Step 2: Plan Your Essay

• Decide on Your Conclusion
  • Agree or disagree with the statement.
  • Your essay should lead to this conclusion.
• Structure
  • Plan the number of paragraphs and their content.
  • Ensure connections between paragraphs and to the conclusion.
• Use of Topics
  • Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence.
  • Support topic sentences with reasons and examples.

Step 3: Write Your Essay

• Follow the Plan
  • Use topic sentences and connect paragraphs to the main idea.
• Key Elements
  • Include taxes, opportunities, and your own idea.
  • Refer back to the main idea of education.

Step 4: Review and Edit

• Check for Errors
  • Grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Formal style: avoid contractions and conversational language.
  • Appropriate use of linking words.
• Enhance Vocabulary
  • Replace simple vocabulary with advanced words.
• Improve Quality
  • Add to conclusion if word count allows.

Scoring Criteria for FCE Essay

• Content
  • Fulfillment of task requirements.
  • Strategy: underline key words in the task.
• Communicative Achievement
  • Appropriateness of writing style and register.
• Organisation
  • Logical and coherent structure with clear topic sentences.
  • Use linking words to enhance clarity.
• Language
  • Range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar.
  • Small errors are acceptable if communication is clear.

Additional Notes

• The method can be applied to other Cambridge exams like CAE and CPE.
• Visit oxfordonlineenglish.com for more lessons.
• Best of luck with exam preparation!