B2 Writing WPWord Play
Home › B2 › Writing › Essay

The Essay

Opinion essays · 140–190 words · FCE Part 1
About this worksheet
Five tasks that build up to a full essay. Total: 44 points.
Language tasks are auto-checked. Writing tasks show a model answer on submission.
Exercise 1
Identify paragraph function
≈ 5 min · 4 points
Read each paragraph from a model essay. Choose its function.
1
"In my opinion, schools should find a balance. Including one practical module each year would prepare students for real life without replacing essential subjects."
2
"Firstly, there is a strong argument for including these skills in the curriculum. Many students leave school unable to cook a simple meal."
3
"Nowadays, many educators argue that traditional school subjects like maths and history are no longer enough. Should schools also teach practical life skills?"
4
"However, on balance, academic subjects remain the foundation of a good education. They develop critical thinking and open doors to higher education."
Exercise 2
Fix the register
≈ 8 min · 6 points (self-checked)
Each sentence is too informal. Rewrite it in semi-formal style.
1
I think it's totally crazy that some people still don't recycle.
2
Lots of kids these days are glued to their phones 24/7.
3
Don't even get me started on how bad traffic is nowadays.
4
If you ask me, we've gotta do something about climate change ASAP.
5
Schools should teach stuff that's actually useful in real life.
6
It's obvious that tons of people aren't happy with the new law.
Exercise 3
Complete with linkers
≈ 6 min · 6 points
Fill each gap with one linker from the box. Each linker is used once.
Firstly · Furthermore · However · In conclusion · On the other hand · In my opinion

Are social media platforms harmful to young people?

Social media has become a central part of teenagers' lives. Some argue it has serious negative effects; others claim it brings real benefits.

(1)  , there is a strong argument that constant use of social media affects mental health. (2)  , it can lead to isolation from real friends.

(3)  , social media also allows young people to stay connected with distant friends. (4)  , many use it as a learning tool.

(5)  , parents and schools should teach responsible use rather than banning it outright. (6)  , this is the most balanced approach.

Exercise 4
Plan an essay
≈ 10 min · 8 points (self-checked)
Use the prompt below. Write brief notes for each paragraph.

Do people depend too much on technology nowadays?

Write about: communication · education · your own idea

¶ 1 — Introduction

¶ 2 — First point: communication

¶ 3 — Second point: education OR your own idea

¶ 4 — Conclusion

Exercise 5
Write a full essay
≈ 30 min · 20 points (self-checked)
Choose ONE prompt and write 140–190 words. Check register, linkers, paragraphs, and your opinion.
0 words

When you submit, language exercises are checked and a model essay is shown for comparison.

0 / 44
Score
—

Model essay — Option 2: dependence on technology

~170 words. Compare this to your own essay and check that you've covered each paragraph function.

Are we too dependent on technology?

In recent decades, technology has transformed almost every aspect of daily life. But have we become too dependent on it?

Firstly, there is a strong argument that technology has damaged the way we communicate. Many people today send messages instead of meeting in person, which can weaken relationships and leave us feeling isolated despite being constantly connected.

On the other hand, technology has made education far more accessible than ever before. Students can now attend online courses from the best universities in the world, and research that once required days in a library can be completed in minutes.

In my opinion, the problem is not technology itself but how we use it. If we remember to balance screen time with real conversations and independent thinking, technology remains a valuable tool rather than a dangerous dependency.

By exercise
Live feedback & rubric