How to Write an Article for B2 First (FCE)

If you want to know how to write an article for B2 First, the first thing to understand is that an article must engage the reader while answering every part of the task.

Imagine this: you turn to Writing Part 2 of the B2 First exam and see:

Write an article for an English-language magazine.

Good news: an article gives you plenty of freedom to show your personality. You can speak directly to the reader, ask questions, give opinions and use natural, interesting English.

However, a good B2 First article is not simply a friendly piece of writing. You still need to answer every part of the question, organise your ideas clearly and use an appropriate style.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• how to write an article for B2 First
• what Cambridge examiners assess
• how to plan your article
• a simple B2 First article structure
• useful phrases for engaging the reader
• common mistakes to avoid
• how to write a strong model answer

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What Is an Article in B2 First Writing Part 2?

In B2 First Writing Part 2, an article is one of the text types you may be asked to write.

The task usually tells you:

• where your article will appear, for example in a magazine or on a website
• who will read it
• what you need to write about
• why you are writing

You must write 140–190 words.

The most important thing is to imagine your target reader.

Are you writing for teenagers? Students? Visitors to a website? Members of a club?

Your language should suit that reader.

An article is usually more lively and engaging than an essay. Depending on the task, you can often:

• use I and you
• ask the reader questions
• use contractions such as don’t, it’s and you’ll
• include phrasal verbs and natural expressions
• give personal examples and opinions

But remember: there is no single “article style” that works for every question. Always read the task first.

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How is a B2 First Article Marked?

Cambridge examiners assess your writing in four areas.

1. Content

Have you answered the question fully?

If the task asks you two questions, answer both. If it asks you to explain something and make a recommendation, you need to do both.

A beautifully written article can still lose marks if part of the task is missing.

2. Communicative Achievement

Does your answer actually sound like an article written for the intended reader?

This is where style matters.

An article for a student website should not sound like a formal academic essay.

Compare:

Too formal:

It is my firm belief that participation in leisure activities is highly beneficial to young people.

More natural for an article:

Need a break from studying? Taking up a new hobby might be exactly what you need.

The second version speaks to the reader — and sounds much more like an article.

3. Organisation

Is your article easy to follow?

You need:

• clear paragraphs
• ideas in a logical order
• linking words and expressions
• connections between sentences

Try not to begin every paragraph with Firstly, Secondly, Finally. They are useful, but good organisation involves more than adding linking words.

4. Language

Examiners look at your grammar and vocabulary.

At B2 level, you should show that you can use:

• a good range of everyday vocabulary
• some less common vocabulary
• simple and complex grammatical structures
• language accurately enough for the reader to understand you easily

You do not need extremely sophisticated vocabulary.

Using a simpler word correctly is much better than using an impressive word incorrectly.

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How to Write an Article for B2 First: A Simple Structure

There is no compulsory four-paragraph formula, but this structure works well for many B2 First article tasks.

1. Title

Give your article a short, interesting title.

For example:

The Hobby That Changed My Weekends

Why Everyone Should Learn to Cook

Want to Feel Less Stressed? Try This!

Your title does not need to be brilliant. Spend your time on the article itself.

2. Introduction

Your opening should:

• introduce the topic
• interest the reader
• make them want to continue

A question often works well:

Have you ever wanted to learn something new but had no idea where to start?

You could also use a personal comment:

I used to think gardening was only for people with enormous gardens. I was completely wrong.

Or speak directly to the reader:

If your weekends are starting to feel a little repetitive, it might be time for a new hobby.

3. Main Paragraphs

Develop the points from the question.

Each paragraph should have a clear purpose.

You might:

• describe an experience
• explain why something is useful
• give reasons for your opinion
• offer advice
• compare possibilities
• recommend something
• give an example

Do not simply mention an idea and move on.

Instead of:

Cycling is good exercise.

Develop it:

Cycling is a great way to keep fit because you can exercise without feeling as though you are stuck in a gym. You can also explore new places at the same time.

That extra explanation helps develop your answer.

4. Conclusion

Your final paragraph should bring the article to a natural end.

You could:

• give a recommendation
• summarise your opinion
• encourage the reader to try something
• finish with a memorable thought or question

For example:

So, if you are looking for an inexpensive way to relax, why not give it a try? You might discover a hobby you never expected to enjoy.

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Useful Language for a B2 First Article

You do not need to memorise dozens of expressions. Learn a few flexible ones and adapt them to the task.

Engaging the reader

• Have you ever wondered …?
• When was the last time you …?
• Imagine being able to …
• Let’s face it, …
• If you’re looking for …, …
• You might be surprised to learn that …

Giving your opinion

• Personally, I think …
• In my view, …
• I’d say that …
• For me, …
• What I like most about … is …
• One of the best things about … is …

Giving reasons

• One reason is that …
• The main advantage is …
• What makes it so useful is …
• This is especially helpful if …

Giving examples

• For example, …
• For instance, …
• A good example of this is …
• Take …, for example.
• In my own experience, …

Adding ideas

• What’s more, …
• Another advantage is …
• On top of that, …
• As well as that, …

Making recommendations

• I’d definitely recommend …
• It’s well worth trying.
• Why not give it a go?
• If you get the chance, …
• You won’t regret it.

Ending your article

• All in all, …
• So, what are you waiting for?
• Why not give it a try?
• For me, the answer is simple: …
• It might be exactly what you need.

Use these expressions naturally. An article filled with memorised phrases can sound just as unnatural as an article filled with complicated vocabulary.

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B2 First Article Example Task

Imagine you see this announcement on an English-language website:

Articles wanted – A hobby everyone should try

What hobby would you recommend to someone who wants to relax? Why is it a good choice? How could a beginner get started?

Write us an article answering these questions.

Write your article in 140–190 words.

Before writing, identify the content points:

1. Recommend a hobby.
2. Explain why it is good for relaxing.
3. Explain how a beginner can start.

Now you know exactly what your article needs to include.

The best way to learn how to write an article for B2 First is to look at a complete exam-style example.

Model B2 First Article

A Hobby That Gives Your Brain a Break

When was the last time you did something simply because you enjoyed it? If your free time usually disappears into your phone, I’d recommend trying gardening. You don’t need a huge garden — or any gardening experience — to enjoy it.

For me, gardening is one of the best ways to switch off after a busy day. Looking after plants forces you to slow down and focus on something practical. It is also surprisingly satisfying to see a seed turn into something you can actually eat or put on your windowsill.

Getting started is easier than you might think. Choose two or three herbs, such as basil or mint, and grow them in small pots. Watch a short tutorial, water them regularly and learn as you go. Don’t worry if your first plant looks miserable; mine certainly did!

So, if you want a hobby that is cheap, calming and rewarding, give gardening a chance. A little green corner might be exactly what you need.

Word count: 170 words

Why Is This a Good B2 First Article?

Let’s look at it using the Cambridge assessment criteria.

Content

The article answers every part of the task:

• it recommends gardening
• it explains why gardening can be relaxing
• it tells beginners how to start

The reader is not left wondering about any of the questions in the task.

Communicative Achievement

The style suits an online article.

Notice expressions such as:

• When was the last time …?
• I’d recommend …
• Don’t worry …
• give gardening a chance

The writer communicates directly with the reader without becoming too informal.

Organisation

The article has a clear progression:

1. introduction and recommendation
2. reasons
3. practical advice
4. conclusion

The paragraphs have different jobs, which makes the article easy to follow.

Language

The answer includes natural B2-level vocabulary such as:

• switch off
• slow down
• surprisingly satisfying
• getting started
• learn as you go
• cheap, calming and rewarding

It also uses a mixture of grammatical structures rather than repeating short, simple sentences.

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Want More B2 First Writing Practice?

If you’re preparing for the B2 First exam and would like more guided writing practice, take a look at my B2 First Writing Bundle.

The collection includes three books designed to help you practise the main B2 First writing tasks, improve your organisation and vocabulary, and become more confident with exam-style writing.

It’s a useful next step if you want to move from reading model answers to actually practising the skills you’ll need in the exam.

Common Mistakes in B2 First Articles

❌ Not answering every question

This is probably one of the most costly mistakes.

Underline the important parts of the task before you start writing.

❌ Writing an essay instead of an article

An introduction such as:

Nowadays, it is widely believed that hobbies play an important role in modern society.

is grammatically possible, but it does not do much to engage the reader.

Compare:

Feeling stressed after a long week? A new hobby could be just what you need.

Much more article-like.

❌ Trying too hard to sound sophisticated

Do not force expressions such as:

It is an indisputable fact that…

into every answer.

Natural B2 English is more valuable than awkward C1 vocabulary.

❌ Using rhetorical questions everywhere

One or two questions can engage the reader.

Seven questions in 170 words can feel like an interrogation.

❌ Memorising an introduction

Students sometimes memorise:

Nowadays, in this modern and rapidly changing world…

and use it whatever the topic.

Examiners have seen this sort of opening many times.

Respond to the actual question instead.

❌ Ignoring the target reader

Always ask:

Who am I writing this for?

An article for teenagers may sound different from an article for visitors to a travel website.

❌ Writing outside the word range

The required length is 140–190 words.

During practice, aiming for roughly 160–180 words can be useful because it gives you enough space to develop your ideas without constantly worrying about going over 190.

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How to Plan a B2 First Article

You have 1 hour 20 minutes for the whole Writing paper, so you need to manage your time carefully.

Before writing your article, spend a few minutes planning.

Write down:

Reader: Who will read it?

Purpose: Why am I writing?

Content point 1: __________

Content point 2: __________

Content point 3: __________

Opening: How will I engage the reader?

Ending: What final message or recommendation will I give?

This small plan can prevent you from writing 170 beautiful words and then discovering that you forgot half the question.

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Final Tips for Writing an Article for B2 First

If you want to know how to write an article for B2 First, remember these five things:

1. Read the task carefully.
2. Write for the target reader.
3. Answer every content point.
4. Make your article engaging but natural.
5. Leave time to check your work.

You do not need dazzling vocabulary or a clever journalistic masterpiece.

You need a clear, interesting article that answers the question and communicates successfully with the reader.

Once you learn to do that, B2 First article writing becomes much less intimidating — and considerably more enjoyable.

Related posts: 

• B2 First Writing 
• How to Write an Essay for B2 First (FCE) 
• Linking Words and Phrases 
• Collocations for B2 First Writing and Speaking 
• Formal Language in English
• Collocations for B2 First Writing and Speaking 
• 10 Common B2 First Exam Mistakes to Avoid
• How to Prepare for the Cambridge B2 First Exam