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FCE essay writing - tips and error corrections

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  • Correct it: The impacts of that different types of technology are rarely considered.
    The impacts of THOSE different types of technology are rarely considered. (be careful with THIS, THAT, THESE and THOSE. Always check your writing!)
  • Correct it: If public transport would be cheaper, more people would use it.
    If public transport WERE cheaper, more people would use it. (Conditionals are a great way to improve your writing score - memorise the structures!)
  • You should never start a sentence with 'and' or 'but'. What could you use instead?
    'Also' (instead of 'and') or 'however' (instead of 'but').
  • Fill the gap: Travelling abroad offers many advantages, ___ it can be expensive.
    despite
    although
    however
    unless
  • Which word/phrase is different?
    as
    because
    since
    according to
  • Fill the gap: Many students are unable to find work, despite _____ their university degrees,
    to obtain
    obtaining
    they obtained
    obtain
  • Which is better for an essay an why?: 'In my opinion, that is not a practical solution.' OR 'That does not seem to be a practical solution.'
    The second option, because you should avoid personal pronouns (like 'I' and 'my') in your essay, and not offer your personal opinion.
  • Correct it: Since many governments do not actually recycle what they collect, is not as helpful as people think.
    Since many governments do not actually recycle what they collect, IT is not as helpful as people think. (Check for missing subjects - especially 'IT'!)
  • Which word or phrase is different?
    Even so
    Furthermore
    In spite of that
    Nonetheless
  • How long do you have to write your essay?
    ~ 40 mins. FCE writing is 90 mins, and you have 2 texts to write, meaning about 45 minutes per text. Ideally, leave 5 minutes per text to check your work.
  • ___ teachers ___ students has much control over the syllabus, which may be a mistake.
    Not / or
    Neither / and
    Either / or
    Neither / nor
  • How many words should an essay be for FCE?
    140-190 words
  • Which word or phrase is different?
    Additionally
    Furthermore
    Also
    Consequently
  • Which is better for an essay? Why?: 'One must not overlook the important of education.' OR 'The importance of education must not be overlooked.'
    The second - both are formal, but it sounds more advanced to use the passive structure, so try to include the passive in all your essays!
  • Should an essay have a title?
    Yes (but it can be a very simple one!)
  • Should your essay be formal or informal?
    Formal
  • Correct it: 'Some of the courses they could offer are cooking, first aid, survival skills...'
    'Some of the courses they could offer are cooking, first aid AND/OR survival skills.' (Please never use '...' in ANY writing!)
  • Which of the following should you not include in an essay?
    the passive voice
    linking words
    conditionals
    phrasal verbs
  • Correct it: If the issue will not be addressed soon, the problems will continue to grow.
    If the issue IS not be addressed soon, the problems will... (Conditionals are a great way to improve your writing score - memorise the structures!)
  • Should essay paragraphs have subtitles?
    No! The FCE Report is the only kind of writing that needs subtitles for each paragraph.
  • How many paragraphs should your essay contain?
    5 (intro, point 1, point 2, your own idea and conclusion)