The Article

Opinion articles · 140–190 words · FCE

About this worksheet

Progressive writing tasks. Language tasks are auto-checked. Writing tasks show a model answer on submission.

Exercise 1

Identify article features

≈ 5 min · 4 points

Match each extract to its feature: hook / reader involvement / informal language / personal opinion.

'Have you ever had a friend who completely changed your life?'

'I think the best thing about technology is the way it connects people.'

'We've all been there — stuck in traffic, phone dead, running late!'

'I'll never forget the day I first tried sushi — it was amazing!'

Exercise 2

Complete with linkers

≈ 6 min · 6 points

Fill each gap with a linker from the box: I'm sure you'll agree / Let's start with / What's more / On top of that / It seems to me that / All in all

(1) ____, most of us have opportunities our parents never imagined.

(2) ____ the issue of education. University is now accessible to far more people.

(3) ____, modern healthcare means we live longer and healthier lives.

(4) ____, however, young people today face more financial pressure.

(5) ____ young people today have a better quality of life — but it comes with new stresses.

(6) ____, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Exercise 3

Improve dull openings

≈ 8 min · 5 points (self-checked)

Rewrite each opening to make it engaging — add a question or surprising detail.

This article is about technology.

I am going to write about my friend.

Young people's lives have changed a lot.

Exercise 4

Write a full article

≈ 30 min · 15 points (self-checked)

Choose ONE prompt. Write 140–190 words. Use informal language, involve the reader, give your opinion.

Option 1: I'd love to have…

Option 2: Life today — is life better for young people now?

Option 3: My closest friend

Your article

0 words

Complete all tasks, then submit to see feedback and a model answer.

0 / 30

Score

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Model article — 'I'd love to have…' (~165 words)

The laptop that changed everything

Have you ever thought about how much a single object could change your life? I have — and the answer is a laptop.

Let's start with the practical benefits. With my own laptop, I could study anywhere — in the library, on the bus, even in bed. Right now, I share one with my sister, which means I often can't work when I need to.

What's more, having my own device would let me design the digital workspace I need. I'd be able to organise my notes, access my files instantly and take online courses in my own time.

All in all, I think a laptop would make me more independent and more productive. It's the one thing that would genuinely transform my studies — and probably my career too.

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