How to Write an Article for B2 First (FCE)

How to Write an Article for B2 First (FCE): Structure, Tips & Model Answer

Many B2 First (FCE) students panic when they see this instruction in the exam:

“Write an article for a magazine or website.”

But here’s the reassuring truth: the article is one of the easiest and most enjoyable writing tasks in the B2 First exam — if you understand what the examiners want and follow a clear structure.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• what an article really is in the B2 First exam
• what Cambridge English Qualifications examiners are looking for
• a simple structure you can use every time
• useful language you can safely reuse in the exam
• a model article written in the right style

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to write a clear, natural, high-scoring article.

What Is an Article in the B2 First Exam?

In Part 2 of the B2 First Writing paper, you may be asked to write an article for:

• a magazine
• a website
• a school or student publication

The purpose of an article is to interest and engage the reader, inform or entertain and express your opinion clearly.

The style should be semi-formal or informal, personal, and lively.

Think online article, not business email.

✔ You can use I and you

✔ You can ask rhetorical questions

✔ You can use phrasal verbs and natural expressions

✔ You should sound human — not robotic

What Cambridge Examiners Really Want

Examiners are not impressed by “big words” used badly. They want:

• a clear structure
• relevant, well-developed ideas
• natural, friendly English
• accurate grammar and vocabulary
• a text that genuinely feels like an article

📏 Word limit: 140–190 words

👉 Aim for 170–190 words to be safe.

The Perfect B2 First Article Structure (Use This Every Time)

1️⃣ A Catchy Title

Make it interesting. It should match the topic and make the reader want to continue.

2️⃣ Paragraph 1 – Introduction

Introduce the topic clearly.

Use:

• a question
• a short anecdote
• a surprising statement

Make it obvious what the article is about.

3️⃣ Paragraph 2 – First Main Idea

Develop your first point.

Explain it clearly and give an example.

4️⃣ Paragraph 3 – Second Main Idea

Add another key point.

You can:

• give advice
• make a recommendation
• explain a benefit or problem

5️⃣ Paragraph 4 – Conclusion

Summarise your opinion.

End with:

• a recommendation
• a strong final thought
• or a question that stays in the reader’s mind

Useful Language for B2 First Articles

Opening ideas

• Have you ever noticed that…?
• These days, more and more people…
• Let’s be honest — most of us…

Giving opinions

• In my opinion, …
• I strongly believe that …
• It seems to me that …

Giving examples

• For example, …
• One good example of this is …
• This is especially true when …

Ending the article

• All in all, …
• In the end, it’s clear that …
• So why not give it a try?

Model B2 First Article

Is Learning a Second Language Worth It?

Have you ever thought about how different your life could be if you spoke another language fluently? These days, learning a second language is more popular than ever — and for good reason.

To begin with, learning another language is excellent for your brain. Research shows that people who speak more than one language often have better memory and problem-solving skills. Even learning a few new words every day can improve your focus and confidence.

Another major advantage is the effect on your future career. Many employers prefer candidates who can communicate in more than one language, especially in international companies. What’s more, speaking another language makes travelling easier and helps you connect with people from different cultures.

All in all, learning a second language is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. It opens doors, strengthens your mind, and makes life more interesting. So why not start today?

Common Mistakes Students Make

❌ Writing too formally (like an essay or report)

❌ Forgetting to engage the reader

❌ Giving no clear opinion

❌ Weak or unclear structure

❌ Writing too few or too many words

Final Exam Tips

⏱ In the exam:

• 5 minutes — plan
• 30 minutes — write
• 5 minutes — check

✔ Always check:

• verb tenses
• articles (a / the)
• plural forms
• spelling

Final Thought

Learn how to write an article for B2 First. The article is your chance to sound natural, confident, and human in the B2 First exam. If you follow this structure and keep your style clear and friendly, you’re already halfway to a very strong mark.

Learn how to write a review for the B2 First here

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