Essay Writing Strategies for B2 First Exam

The video tutorial by Toby from SMASH English provides guidance on writing essays for the B2 First Cambridge exam. It covers common mistakes, the importance of content relevance, essay structure, and planning. The tutorial emphasizes using complex ideas, hypothetical language, and less common lexis to achieve high marks. It also advises on maintaining logical flow within and between paragraphs and avoiding personal references until the conclusion.

What is the main focus of the B2 First Exam essay writing?

• To use complex vocabulary throughout.

• To write as many words as possible.

• To avoid making any grammatical errors.

• To understand what to do and what not to do.

What does the 'content' criteria assess in your essay?

• The use of complex vocabulary.

• The neatness of handwriting.

• Relevance to the topic and informing the reader.

• The number of words used.

Why is it important to keep your essay within 140 to 190 words?

• To impress the examiner with brevity.

• To make the essay look longer.

• To avoid including irrelevant information.

• To ensure you have enough time to count words.

What should be included in the introduction of your essay?

• A general statement about the topic and a rephrased question.

• A list of vocabulary words.

• A personal story related to the topic.

• A detailed explanation of each prompt.

Why is planning your essay crucial?

• To ensure you write in first person.

• To avoid using complex vocabulary.

• To make the essay longer.

• To ensure logical flow and hold the reader's attention.

What is the structure of a well-organized paragraph?

• A conclusion, a statement, and an explanation.

• An example, a question, and a statement.

• A statement, an explanation, and an example.

• A question, a statement, and a conclusion.

How should you link paragraphs in your essay?

• By ensuring each paragraph is about a different topic.

• By starting each paragraph with a question.

• By logically connecting ideas between paragraphs.

• By using the same vocabulary in each paragraph.

What should you avoid to prevent oversimplification?

• Using complex vocabulary.

• Making the essay too personal.

• Writing in third person.

• Using hypothetical language.

What type of language should be used to discuss complex ideas?

• Simple and direct language.

• Hypothetical and speculative language.

• Personal anecdotes.

• First-person narratives.

Why is it important to use less common lexis in your essay?

• To demonstrate knowledge of specialized language.

• To make the essay longer.

• To impress the examiner with your vocabulary.

• To confuse the reader.