WRITING ESSAYS (Useful online writing resources)

 Thousands of sample essays written by students for students on different themes.  

These essays will provide you with ideas and points of reference for writing a wide variety essays. You will find a rich array of materials from which to draw inspiration and to use as helpful examples.

http://www.megaessays.com/  

FCE ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 1):
Alberto Soavini - 1 C

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD.

        In an increasingly globalized world, I think that knowing foreign languages is not  just a simple advantage, it is a necessary ability to work, study, travel and communicate. 

        At present, the employment crisis makes the job search very competitive and encourages to seek employment abroad. Those who speak a foreign language fluently find a job more easily and are favoured in the professional advancement.

        Moreover, because of cultural exchanges and study tours, meeting young foreigners is increasingly common and, if you know their  language, to forge good relationships is easier.

        Not to mention the social networks, where the opportunity to expand your circle of friends is directly proportional to your language skills, thanks to which you also can surf on the Internet safely and avoid falling into commercial frauds or dangerous allurements.

        Furthermore, while travelling abroad, those who speak English or the native language are facilitated in social relationships and in practical life, being able to get acquainted with different cultures in a short time.

        In conclusion, being proficient in a foreign language creates new opportunities to improve ourselves and helps us be citizens of the world, while broadening our horizons.

                                                                                   (190 words)

                                                              

 Essay by Alberto Soavini  1ªC

FCE ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 2):
Lucrezia Bonino - 1 C

ALL TEENAGERS SHOULD LEARN HOW TO COOK

(Introduction)

Nowadays adults are very busy and teenagers and children are often left alone at home and they have to learn quickly how to be independent. For this reason I personally think that teenagers should be able to cook.

(Central part)

For teenagers it is necessary to be able to cook because it is a fundamental ability and if you cannot do it you will have problems in future, especially if you live on your own. It is better to learn how to cook when you are really young, so that  you can approach food in a right and natural way. In fact there are a lot of cooking laboratories for children, which are challenging for them. Cooking is also really enjoyable and interesting because you learn how to use ingredients, the kitchen’s objects and you exercise, your sense of smell and your expertise. The knives and the cookers are dangerous but they can be useful if you pay attention and use them cautiously.

(Conclusion)

In conclusion, I think that cooking lessons should be made compulsory in schools, even if children and teenagers do not want to learn about cookery, because they would love them eventually.

ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 3)
Lucrezia Bonino - 1 C

ESSAY

<< A republic properly understood is a sovereignty of justice in contradistinction to a sovereignty of will >>                                                Thomas Paine

Do you agree?

I think that the idea of Thomas Paine is usually, but not always, true. In fact, when we read his words we should pay attention to the phrase “properly understood”. It means that the sovereignty of justice is possible only when the idea of a republic is really applied and not just because a county is defined as “a republic”. If we look at modern and ancient history we can see how the word “republic” – even if it defines an excellent form of govern based on equal duties, rights and opportunities to express thoughts – is not always applied in national constitutional orders . Moreover it is very easy for individuals to misunderstand the concept of republic, because the lust for power and supremacy is strong. Powerful men often abuse their important positions, they forget their public role and they think about their own interests.                                                                                                           

Because of that the poorest people get angry and the national situation becomes difficult. For those risks somehow other kinds of government have more success, just because citizens are not as responsible as they should in order to live free in a republic.
In conclusion, it is hard to obtain and preserve a properly understood republic, although everyone agrees that it is the best way to live in a community.

FCE ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 4):
Maria Gabriella Palomba - 1 C

Example question

In class you have been discussing technology. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Nowadays, technology is everywhere. Has technology made people’s lives better or worse?
Notes
Write about:

1. social network communication
2. the internet
3. your own idea

According to Aristotle, human beings  are social animals. We need to interact with people in order to chat and share opinions, ideas ,thoughts. It is a vital need that we try to satisfy but the way to do it is changing a lot thanks to technology that dominates the whole planet. People live, work and make friends from long distances as if they were living next door.

Internet is a great technological achievement and it is very useful for everybody. Nowadays it is impossible to live fully informed if you do not have a social network profile or internet access.

Anyway I think that people, especially youngsters, may become addicted to it when they use this form of communication instead of chatting face to face with each other.

Our family is definitely the most important group of people in our lives even though most of the time there is no communication within its members. As a matter of fact, internet is becoming a natural background part of everyday life. In the evening everybody loves chatting online with friends rather than chatting face to face with family members. Nevertheless, when they meet the same friends the following  day they do not pay attention to them as they are more interested in their “Facebook  Timeline”.

In conclusion I believe that even if computers, internet, social networks are good because they help people who live far away from each other keep in touch, at the same time they are unnecessary as you could actually talk in person. Families should find some moments, such as dinner time, to talk about shared experiences. This is a great way to create closeness, for those in the family who want to share daily life, avoiding mobile phones or computers, creating safe spaces  and stepping away from technology and social buzz .

MARIA GABRIELLA PALOMBA  IC 

 

FCE ESSAY SAMPLE (Nr 4 bis)

(http://desktopenglish.net/fce-writing-part-1-essay-answer-2015-exam/)

FCE Writing Part 1 Essay Answer (2015 exam)

Part 1 of the new FCE exam (from 2015) requires you to write an essay giving your opinion on the essay title using the ideas given and provide an idea of your own. The essay title is on a subject of general interest and requires no specialist knowledge.
You must write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Example question

In class you have been discussing technology. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Nowadays, technology is everywhere. Has technology made people’s lives better or worse?
Notes
Write about:

1. medical science
2. the internet
3. your own idea

Example Answer

Modern technology has radically changed the way we live and even how long we live for. However, some might argue that these changes have created new problems that we have yet to solve.
The internet, for example, has become such an integral part of people’s lives that it feels as though it has existed forever. It is a fantastic means of communication as well as source of information and knowledge. Likewise, mobile phones allow us to stay in touch with each other as well as access the world wide web when we’re on the bus, in a bar, or even walking down a busy street. The danger is that people become addicted to their devices. It is not uncommon nowadays to see couples sitting together staring at their phones instead of speaking to each other.
Medical science is another area in which great advances have been made. Consequently, people are living longer than ever. However, unless we change the age of retirement, our governments risk running out of money.
In conclusion, I am convinced technology has improved our lives but we still need to take some difficult decisions about how to make it best work for us.

Video tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kTekACW2Cc

FCE tips
http://www.firstcertificatewriting.co.uk/part-2-essay/

Fill-in-the graps sample:
http://englishaula.com/en/writing-part-2-exam-1-fce-cambridge-first-certificate-english-practice-test-exercise-essay.html

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR FCE*

Writing PART 2 - AN ESSAY

Writing Part 2 (140-190 words)

General Advice

Read the question carefully, underlining the points you must deal with.

Make a plan with the main ideas for each paragraph.

Think of vocabulary you want to use and note it down.

Write following your plan.

An essay (Formal)

In writing part 2, one task my be an essay in which you are asked to give your opinion on a subject. The first thing you must do is decide if you should write an opinion essay or an argumentative one. If you decide that the best thing to do is to write an opinion essay, have a look at the following scheme/ layout.

An opinion essay

In an opinion essay you must give your opinion on a subject so, you must basically say if you agree or disagree with the statement. This type of essay is ideal if you feel very strongly about something and you have more than one reason for your opinion.

Paragraph 1 / Introduction

Present the topic of discussion and express your opinion. You must imagine that whoever reads your essay has no idea what the topic is. You must also show clearly that you’ll be expressing one opinion, either in favour or against.

Paragraph 2

Explain your first reason for your opinion. Talk about possible consequences and give examples or vice versa.

Paragraph 3

Explain your second reason and maybe a third one, but only if it is closely related. Mention possible consequences and give examples, or vice versa.

Paragraph 4 / Conclusion

Summarise your reasons and / or talk about possible consequences if nothing is done. You can also give a more personal opinion and even finish your essay with a rhetorical question.

Useful language for an opinion essay

Introduction

-There are people who claim/ believe/ say/ think (that)...
-There is no doubt that...
-I feel...

-According to... /...new research,...

-It is believed... / said (that)... 

-It is believed by experts / scientist (that)...

-It seems / appears that...

(Use the expressions above but introduce  the topic in your own words. Do not use the exact words in the question and say what your opinion is clearly. Although you are expressing your opinion, some of the expressions above allow you to distance yourself from the ideas).

Body

Paragraphs 2-3

State your first / main reason like this:

-I think that...

-Firstly/ first of all/ to start with...

-I think there are two aspects of... The first is...

Give an example/ examples

-For example: For instance/ -ing illustrates the way/ how...

Talk about consequences

As a result,
Therefore,
Consequently,
In this case,

The second aspect is...
Secondly,
Another reason why...
We should also consider the fact that...

Another matter/  aspect to consider...
Let us not forget...


Conclusion
Paragraph 3 or 4


In short,
In brief,
To conclude,
In conclusion,
Do we really want to make our children pay for our mistakes?

 STRUCTURE of an argumentative essay

When you write an argumentative essay, you should try to keep a balance between opposing ideas. It is also very important to use connectors to organise your reasoning. And finally, don't forget to introduce your ideas, explain them, and give examples and / or talk about possible consequences.

Paragraph 1 / Introduction

Explain the topic and / or problem in your own words. Assume the reader doesn't know anything about the question.

Body

Paragraph 2

Present the positive or negative aspects of the topic / problem. 

Deal with each one separately and try to give an example and mention a possible consequence. Add another reason if you can and repeat the process.

Paragraph 3

Present opposite points of view. Deal with each one separately and try to give an example and mention a possible consequence. Add another reason if you can and repeat the process.

Conclusion / Paragraph 4

Summarise and give your own personal opinion whether in favour or against.

Useful language for an argumentative essay

Introduction

Many people think that... / It is thought that... Others believe that... I will present both points of view and express my opinion on the matter.

Here, I've presented the opposing points of view and explained  that will not only talk about the differences but also give my personal opinion. You'll have to be brave in the conclusion.

Body

Paragraph 2

On the one hand... / First of all, I should like to consider... / The first thing to be considered is... For instance, / To be specific,... Consequently,... In addition (to this), / A second benefit is... / Furthermore, we should also consider the fact that... / -ing illustrates the way... / For example,... As a result, / Therefore, ...

In this paragraph I've presented a positive / negative aspect of the problem. I've then given an example and mentioned a possible consequence. Then, I've added another reason to support this particular view and repeated the process of giving an example and / or mention a possible consequence. You can also talk about the consequences first and then give an example or even more than one, but be careful with word length.

Paragraph 3

On the other hand, / However, there are also disadvantages. The most important of these is that... Consequently,... For instance,... The second point is that, / Secondly, / Furthermore, / In addition, ... For example,... Therefore,... / Due to the fact that... / Finally, it is worth stating that...

In this paragraph you must present one or two opposing points of view and explain the consequences and / or give relevant examples.

Conclusion / Paragraph 4

In my opinion, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. To sum up, / On the basis of the arguments I have presented in favour / against, it can be concluded that... All in all, I personally believe...

Yes, summarise and give your own personal opinion.

* Excerpt from http://mannysfceblog.blogspot.it/2011/02/writing-part-2-essay.html

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Exercise yourself writing an essay* (extra downloadable writing activities):

http://www.pearsonelt.gr/cosmicb2_downloadables.pdf

* Title. "Some people say that today's teenagers have an easy life if compared to their parents' and grandparents' generations. What is your opionion? Write about education, work, your own idea (Write your essay in 140-190 words).

Some FCE essay samples:

http://www.rubenvalero.com/english/content/fce-essay

Useful language for opinion essays:

http://www.slideshare.net/Ibag65/opinion-essay-fce

Useful phrases for writing essays:
The following is a list of phrases that can be used when writing an essay. Notice that they have a formal style and that they do not contain contractions.

Establishing the purpose of the essay (introduction)
This essay critically examines...
The paper will review the research conducted on...
The aim of this paper is to examine...
The essay seeks to...

Giving opinions/stating facts
It is vitally important to...
I would like to point out that...
It is doubtful that...
Without a doubt...
It would be infinitely preferable to...

Giving somebody else´s opinion
It has recently been suggested that...
According to Dr...

Giving examples
In the case of...
This is an example of...
For instance...

Presenting arguments in order
Firstly...
Secondly...
In addition to what has already been mentioned...

Summarising your opinion
In the end,...
All in all,...
In conclusion,...