Skip to main content

7 TIPS FOR FCE ESSAY WRITING - by jrqc

Are you having a hard time working out how to make your essay writing better?

well, if you are preparing to take the First Certificate in English (FCE) exam, you know that writing an essay is a crucial part of the test. However, if you struggle with essay writing, don't worry. With some practice and the right strategies, you can improve your writing skills and ace the FCE writing exam. Here are some tips to help you get started:


1- Understand the format: 

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the format of the essay. The FCE writing exam requires you to write an essay that is at least 140-190 words long. The essay should have a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Make sure you are familiar with these elements so that you can structure your essay correctly. Don't jumbled up all paragraphs. Separate them accordingly.


2- Practice writing: 

The more you write, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to practice writing essays. You can find essay prompts online or in FCE exam preparation books. Try to write at least one essay per week, and ask a teacher or tutor to review your work and give you feedback.


3- Read sample essays: 

Reading sample essays can help you understand what a good essay looks like. Look for essays that received high marks and analyze the structure, language, and style. Take note of how the writer introduces the topic, develops the argument, and concludes the essay. Also, check on what not to do based on pieces of writing which didn't necessarily make it.


4- Expand your vocabulary: 

Having a strong vocabulary is essential for writing a good essay. Make a list of new words you come across while reading or listening to English, and try to use them in your writing. Use a dictionary or a thesaurus to find synonyms and antonyms for words you already know. Also, read, read, read!!!!! I always tell my students to keep on reading, since this will profitable in long and short run.


5- Use the right grammar and punctuation: 

Good grammar and punctuation are essential for clear and effective writing. Review the basic rules of English grammar and punctuation and make sure you are using them correctly in your writing. Use grammar and spell-check tools to catch any errors before submitting your essay. Also, don't rely on using only one tense, or repetition of vocab. Chances are you'll score poorly. Imagine making a salad: you add this and then that to make it more appetizing. 


6- Plan your essay: 

Before you start writing, take a few minutes to plan your essay. Write down your main ideas and supporting details, and organize them into a paragraph outline. This will help you stay focused and on-topic while you write. And please please please: Don't forget about your target reader (whio the piece of writing is addressed to: an important person, the government, a housewife, etc), and of course the register and tone of your writing (informal, semi-formal or formal). Once you read the rubric, you have to figure out who you are writing to and what register you must use.


7- Edit and revise: 

Once you have written your essay, take some time to edit and revise it. Check for grammar and punctuation errors, and make sure your essay flows well and makes sense. Ask someone else to read your essay and provide feedback. Avoid repetition of vocabulary and ideas. Make sure you have a gripping topic sentence and develop it by connecting with other ideas within the pargraph


Improving your essay writing skills takes time and practice, but with these tips, you can develop the skills you need to succeed on the FCE writing exam. 

Keep practicing, stay focused, and remember that every essay you write is an opportunity to improve your skills. Good luck!

Since I am an English as a foreign language teacher with over 12 years of experience under my belt, I am at your disposition in case you need help. Just drop a comment or use the contact form on this blog to contact me. 










Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Please feel free to write your feedback

Popular posts from this blog

THE VOICE (of faith and evil) - written by jrqc (philosophical literature - fiction)

  THE VOICE (of faith and evil) "I believe the world itself can blind you with its banal sweet-honey taste, making you forget who you truly are. It's so easy to fall for it without even realizing about it. Sometimes I so hate it!" Thought he while staring at the gloomy morning that somehow felt as if carrying a burden of pessimism on its shoulders.  "I'd say that this world itself makes your spirit bloom in its rightful and truthful nature" a faint voice whispered, hollowed and distant. "Besides, what would you be if it wasn't for this world that you somehow have conquered and shaped to your own convenience?. This world, as you put it, has not left you out, furthermore it has complied to your wishes and whims". The soft tone of the whispering voice added. "There you are wrong! We know perfectly well that I am what I am through my God-given free will and that it is through HIS help that I have lived and experienced things out of HIS mercy s...
Post a Comment
Read more

ROAD TO SELF-BETTERMENT - based on the basic principle of Stoicsm - written by jrqc

There is always time for introspection, there is always something to be fixed here and there, it is timeless and aids in our self-discovery and feeling manifestations within ourselves. Introspection holds the key to unveiling aspects within ourselves that require more attention and improvement.  I truthfully believe it is absolutely important to engage in this process as it is not only valuable but essential for personal growth. This process can enable us to delve in the depths of our sentiments and to comprehend ourselves better. At its core, introspection empower us to differentiate feeling that nurture our well-being and those who undermine it. Equally, it offers the opportunity to  discern the cultivation of emotional intelligence allowing us to mitigate and reduce the negative ones. However, this latter endeavor seems at times quite cumbersome, since it is basically a testament of how intricate our human nature and the capacity of self-control is. We are not perfect ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NO MORE

  NO MORE I have forgotten so many things, Just a bunch of broken memories is all I have as I try hard to collect them, And they run through my fingers like water, as if escaping. Recue me, I implored, though the noose gets tighter and tighter without a hope. I look at my reflection in a broken mirror, And that reflection waves goodbye while my bloodshot eyes cry, Pushing me down into despair. From the past I try to collect my old self, this one being already broken by pain, And I stare at the stars though I cannot reach them, So I tighten the noose around, I failed to belong, and my home is long gone. Watch me as I slowly fall with broken wings, I cannot fly anymore, The castle crumbles down alongside with all I had, The steps adorned with flowers and glasses of wine are no more. Watch me as I cease, as I come to an existence halt and all around fades away.
Post a Comment
Read more