Which of the following should you not include in an essay?
phrasal verbs
linking words
the passive voice
conditionals
Which word or phrase is different?
Nonetheless
Furthermore
In spite of that
Even so
Fill the gap: Travelling abroad offers many advantages, ___ it can be expensive.
despite
although
unless
however
___ teachers ___ students has much control over the syllabus, which may be a mistake.
Not / or
Neither / nor
Neither / and
Either / or
How many paragraphs should your essay contain?
5 (intro, point 1, point 2, your own idea and conclusion)
You should never start a sentence with 'and' or 'but'. What could you use instead?
'Also' (instead of 'and') or 'however' (instead of 'but').
Which word or phrase is different?
Furthermore
Additionally
Also
Consequently
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 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 your essay be formal or informal?
Formal
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.
Fill the gap: Many students are unable to find work, despite _____ their university degrees,
obtaining
obtain
to obtain
they obtained
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.' OR both?
Both! However, the second sounds more formal using an impersonal structure.
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.
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!)
Should an essay have a title?
No
How many words should an essay be for FCE?
140-190 words
Which word/phrase is different?
since
because
as
according to
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'!)