FCE writing examples: marked model answers and how to use them
These FCE writing examples are original B2 First model answers for every task type, each marked on the four criteria with examiner-style comments. Used actively (write first, compare second), they show you exactly what separates a borderline answer from a top one. They support our B2 First Writing guide, and you will find the full list at the bottom of this page.
By Eleanor BennettLast updated:
What you will find in this section
Every model answer in this section is written from scratch for an original task in the B2 First style. Each one shows:
- the task, exactly as you would see it in the exam
- the answer, between 140 and 190 words
- a mark from 0 to 5 on each of the four criteria (Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, Language)
- comments explaining why each mark was given, in the style an experienced examiner would use
- a short summary with the one or two changes that would raise the mark
Many tasks are shown at three levels: top (roughly 17–20 out of 20), solid (roughly 13–16) and borderline (roughly 9–12). Comparing the three versions of the same task is one of the fastest ways to understand what examiners reward.
You will also find three marked answers on each task-type guide: the essay, article, review, email and letter and report pages.
How to use model answers (the active method)
- 1
1. Write your own answer first
Cover the model answer. Read the task, plan for five minutes and write your answer in 25 minutes, as in the exam. If you read the model first, you will copy its ideas without noticing and learn much less.
- 2
2. Mark yourself on the four criteria
Give your answer a mark from 0 to 5 for each criterion. Be honest, and use our plain-English guide to how FCE Writing is marked to help you decide.
- 3
3. Read the borderline answer
Find the errors before you read the comments. Most students recognise their own mistakes in borderline answers, which makes them a good mirror.
- 4
4. Compare the solid and top answers
Ask: what does the top answer do that the solid one does not? Usually it is a stronger opening, more precise vocabulary, better links between ideas, or a clearer sense of the reader.
- 5
5. Steal techniques, not sentences
Write down two or three techniques (a rhetorical question as a transition, My only complaint is..., recommendations that mirror problems) and use them in your next practice answer.
- 6
6. Rewrite one paragraph
Choose your weakest paragraph and rewrite it using what you learned. Then run it through the writing checker to check your word count and repeated words.
Mistakes students make with model answers
Trap: Memorising a whole model answer to reproduce in the exam.
Fix: Exam tasks are different every time, and an answer that does not fit the task loses Content marks. Memorise flexible phrases and paragraph plans instead.
Trap: Reading only the top answers.
Fix: The borderline and solid answers teach you more about your own level. Read all three, in that order.
Trap: Ignoring the comments and looking only at the total mark.
Fix: The comments tell you which criterion to work on. A 15 with a low Language mark needs different practice from a 15 with a low Communicative Achievement mark.
Trap: Copying advanced vocabulary you do not really understand.
Fix: Only use a new word in the exam after you have used it correctly at least two or three times in practice.
Trap: Reading models but never writing.
Fix: Aim for at least one timed answer a week in the months before the exam. Reading alone will not improve your writing.
A study plan using model answers
If you have eight weeks before the exam, a simple routine works well:
- Weeks 1–2: essays. Write two essays, then compare them with the models. Focus on the third idea and a clear opinion.
- Weeks 3–4: try one of each Part 2 task type. Use the models to decide which two task types suit you best.
- Weeks 5–6: practise your two favourite Part 2 types and keep writing an essay each week. Use the linking words guide to widen your range.
- Weeks 7–8: full timed practice: both tasks in 80 minutes. Finish each session with the writing checklist.
For a plan that covers all four papers, try the study planner.
All FCE writing model answers
- B2 First essay example: social media and friendshipTwo marked FCE essays on whether social media makes friendships stronger: a top answer and a solid one, with examiner-style comments on each criterion.
- B2 First essay sample: should public transport be free?Read two marked B2 First essays on free public transport in cities, a top answer and a borderline one, and learn exactly why their scores differ.
- B2 First essay on online learning: is it as good as a classroom?A top and a solid B2 First essay comparing online learning with classroom study, with marks for every criterion and tips you can use in your own essay.
- FCE essay example: are professional athletes overpaid?Two marked B2 First essays on whether professional athletes earn too much. See what earns a top score and why a solid answer stays in the middle band.
- FCE article example: my favourite place to relaxA top and a solid B2 First article about a favourite place to relax, marked on all four criteria, with tips on titles, hooks and talking to your reader.
- FCE article about a volunteering experience: two marked answersSee a top and a borderline B2 First article about volunteering, with marks on each criterion and clear advice on tone, structure and engaging your reader.
- FCE article example: how to travel on a budgetTwo marked B2 First articles giving budget travel tips: a top answer and a solid one, with comments on content, style, organisation and language.
- B2 First article example: the gadget I couldn't live withoutA top and a borderline B2 First article about a gadget you couldn't live without, with marks, examiner-style comments and what to copy for your exam.
- FCE review example: a science fiction film that made me thinkA top and a solid B2 First review of a science fiction film, with marks on each criterion and tips on avoiding spoilers and giving a clear verdict.
- FCE review sample: a local cafe where students can studyA top and a borderline B2 First review of a local cafe for students, with marks and examiner-style comments on register, structure and accuracy.
- B2 First review of a fitness app: model answers with marksCompare a top and a solid B2 First review of a fitness app. See how each scores on the four criteria and which phrases make a review sound balanced.
- FCE review example: a weekend music festivalA top and a borderline B2 First music festival review, marked on all four criteria, showing how reviewing an event differs from telling a story.
- FCE informal email example: replying to a visiting friendTwo marked B2 First informal emails to a friend who is coming to visit: a top answer and a solid one, with comments on tone, content and language.
- FCE letter of application: a summer job at an adventure campTwo marked B2 First letters of application for a summer camp job, one top and one borderline, with comments on formal register, content and accuracy.
- FCE formal email: a complaint about an online orderA top and a solid B2 First formal complaint email about an online order, marked on all four criteria, with phrases to complain firmly and politely.
- FCE email giving advice: should my friend take a gap year?Read a top and a borderline B2 First informal email giving advice about a gap year, with marks and comments that show how to give useful, balanced advice.
- FCE report example: improving college sports facilitiesA top and a solid B2 First report on college sports facilities, with headings, marks on each criterion and tips on making clear recommendations.
- FCE report on reducing plastic waste at your collegeTwo marked B2 First reports on reducing plastic waste at college, a top answer and a borderline one, showing the difference between a report and an essay.
- FCE report example: leisure activities for young people in your townSee a top and a solid B2 First report for a town council about youth activities and facilities, with marks on each criterion and useful report phrases.
- FCE report example: tourist attractions for visiting studentsA top and a borderline B2 First report recommending tourist attractions and transport for visiting students, with marks and examiner-style comments.
FCE writing examples: frequently asked questions
Are these real B2 First exam answers?
No. Every task and answer is written by our team in the style of the exam. We do not reproduce official papers or real candidates' work.
How accurate are the marks?
They are careful estimates by experienced teachers using the four public criteria. Treat them as a guide to quality; only Cambridge can give you an official mark.
Why are there answers at different levels?
Seeing the same task at borderline, solid and top level shows you exactly what changes between the bands, which is more useful than seeing perfect answers only.
Can I learn model answers by heart?
Learn phrases and structures, not whole answers. Exam tasks differ, and answers that do not fit the task score poorly on Content.
How do I know what mark my own writing would get?
Compare it criterion by criterion with the models, using our guide to how FCE Writing is marked. A teacher or study partner who knows the criteria can also give you useful feedback.