B2 First Essay Example: Technology and Traditional Values

Looking for a clear B2 First essay example? In this lesson, you’ll work through a complete exam-style essay on technology and traditional values, from planning your ideas to analysing the finished model answer.

You will see:

• an exam-style B2 First essay task
• how to plan your answer before you start writing
• useful vocabulary for discussing technology
• a complete model answer
• an explanation of why the essay works
• another question for you to practise on your own

If you are still learning the basic essay structure, start with my complete guide to writing a B2 First essay first.

Then come back here and put those skills into practice.

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B2 First Essay Task: Technology

Imagine you receive the following task in your B2 First Writing exam.

Technology has improved the way people live. Do you agree?

Notes

Write about:

1. communication
2. traditional values
3. ____________________ (your own idea)

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Before looking at the model answer, take a minute to think about what your third idea could be.

You might choose:

• education
• work
• health
• entertainment
• access to information
• the environment

For our model essay, we are going to use education.

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Step 1: Plan Your B2 First Essay

One of the best habits you can develop for B2 First Writing is to spend a few minutes planning before you begin.

You do not need to write full sentences.

A few quick notes are enough.

Idea 1: Communication

Main point: Technology makes communication easier.

Example: People can keep in touch with family and friends who live far away.

Idea 2: Traditional values

Main point: Technology can reduce face-to-face interaction.

Example: Family members may spend more time looking at screens than talking to one another.

Idea 3: Education

Main point: Technology gives students access to more learning opportunities.

Example: Students can take online courses and find information quickly.

My opinion

Technology has improved our lives, but we need to use it sensibly.

That’s enough.

You do not need to plan every sentence before you write. You simply need to know what point you want to make in each paragraph.

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Step 2: Useful Vocabulary for a B2 First Essay about Technology

Before writing, it can help to think of a few useful words and collocations connected with the topic.

Here are some that work naturally at B2 level.

technological progress

Technological progress has changed the way we communicate.

rely on technology

People increasingly rely on technology in their everyday lives.

keep in touch

Technology makes it easier to keep in touch with friends and relatives.

face-to-face communication

Online communication should not completely replace face-to-face communication.

social relationships

Spending too much time online can affect social relationships.

traditional values

Some people worry that traditional values are gradually disappearing.

access information

Students can access information almost instantly.

make the most of

We should make the most of the opportunities technology provides.

have a positive/negative effect on

Social media can have both a positive and a negative effect on relationships.

strike a balance

It is important to strike a balance between online and offline life.

Learning combinations like these is much more useful than memorising impressive individual words that you may not know how to use correctly.

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Step 3: Read the B2 First Essay Example

Now let’s look at a complete answer.

Model Answer

Technology has changed almost every area of our lives, and there is no doubt that it offers many advantages. However, it can also create problems if people depend on it too much.

Firstly, technology has made communication faster and easier. People can keep in touch with friends and relatives who live far away, while businesses can work with colleagues around the world.

On the other hand, technology may have a negative effect on some traditional values. For example, families may spend less time talking face to face because everyone is using a phone or computer.

Another important advantage is education. Students can now find information quickly, attend online lessons and use digital tools to practise new skills. This can make learning more accessible and flexible.

In my opinion, technology has improved our lives overall, but we should use it sensibly. If we make the most of its benefits while protecting real relationships and important traditions, technology can make life easier without replacing the things that matter most.

Word count: 167 words

Why Does This B2 First Essay Work?

Now let’s look more closely at the answer.

1. It answers all three points

The task gives us two ideas:

• communication
• traditional values

The writer discusses both of them.

The writer then adds a third idea:

• education

This is important because in B2 First Writing Part 1, you need to use the two ideas given in the task and add a different idea of your own.

2. Each idea is developed

The writer does not simply say:

Technology is useful for communication.

Instead, the idea is explained:

People can keep in touch with friends and relatives who live far away.

The same happens with education:

Students can now find information quickly, attend online lessons and use digital tools to practise new skills.

This is a useful technique to remember:

Point → explanation → example

You will not always need all three, but your ideas should normally be developed in some way.

3. The opinion is clear

The writer does not pretend that technology is entirely good or entirely bad.

Instead, the conclusion says:

Technology has improved our lives overall, but we should use it sensibly.

This is a clear answer to the question while still acknowledging the disadvantages discussed earlier.

4. The linking words sound natural

Notice the expressions used to organise the essay:

• However
• Firstly
• On the other hand
• For example
• Another important advantage
• In my opinion

They help the reader follow the argument without making the essay sound like a list of memorised linking phrases.

You do not need to begin every sentence with moreover, furthermore, consequently or nevertheless.

A few well-chosen linking expressions are usually much more effective.

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Your Turn: B2 First Essay Practice

Now try another question without looking at a model answer.

Social media has improved communication between people. Do you agree?

Notes

Write about:

1. keeping in touch
2. friendships
3. ____________________ (your own idea)

Before you write, complete this mini-plan.

Idea 1 – keeping in touch:

Idea 2 – friendships:

My own idea:

My opinion:

Then write your essay.

Try to keep your answer between 140 and 190 words.

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Quick Checklist

When you finish, check your work.

Have you:

• answered the question clearly?
• discussed the first idea?
• discussed the second idea?
• added a different idea of your own?
• supported your points with reasons or examples?
• made your opinion clear?
• organised the essay into paragraphs?
• used linking expressions naturally?
• checked your grammar and spelling?
• stayed within the word limit?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, you are on the right track.

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Want to Learn the Complete B2 First Essay Structure?

This lesson has focused on putting your essay-writing skills into practice.

If you want a complete explanation of:

• B2 First essay structure
• the assessment criteria
• introductions and conclusions
• linking words
• common mistakes
• model answers

The more exam-style essays you analyse and write, the easier it becomes to organise your ideas quickly and express them clearly under exam conditions.

If you are preparing for B2 First and want more structured writing practice, my B2 First Writing Bundle brings together three books covering essay writing, other Part 2 tasks, model answers and guided practice. It is designed to help you practise the skills you need for the exam in one place.