B2 Writing Email Part 2: Exam Instructions 📝
Before we start, let's look at the official rules. Knowing the format is the first step to success!
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 20 minutes for the entire paper.
✍️ Tools: Write clearly in pen, not pencil.
📊 Questions: Answer Part 1 (Mandatory) and ONE from Part 2.
🧼 Alterations: You can make changes, but ensure it is easy to read.
Note: The test is available in both paper-based and digital-based formats. Always complete your answers within the time limit!
Welcome, friend! 👋✨
I’m so happy to have you here! I know the "Writing Paper" can feel a bit overwhelming, but trust me: with the right training, you have absolutely nothing to worry about! 🤗
Today's Roadmap 🗺️
The Writing paper has two distinct sections[cite: 10]:
Part 1: Mandatory Essay
Everyone must answer this question[cite: 21].
Part 2: Options
You choose ONE option among Article, Review, Report, Story, or Email[cite: 35, 36].
Today, we are focusing on the EMAIL! Let's dive in! 🚀
What are the options? 🤔
In Part 2, you write 140-190 words. Choose ONE from these real 2022 prompts:
Option 1: Review
"Have you read a book in which the main character behaved in a surprising way? Write us a review, explaining what they did and why it was surprising. Would you recommend it?"
Option 2: Article
"The most useful thing I have ever learned. What is it? Who did you learn it from? Why is it useful? Write us an article answering these questions."
⭐ Option 3: David's Email (Our Focus)
"From: David
Subject: touring holidaySome college friends of mine are visiting your area soon for a week’s touring holiday. They would like to travel around and learn about your local area and its history. Can you tell me about some of the places they could visit? What’s the best way to travel around – car, bike or coach? Thanks, David" Write your emailAssessment Criteria:
Content: Did you answer David's questions?
Comm. Achievement: Is the tone friendly/appropriate?
Organisation: Are there clear paragraphs and linkers?
Language: Is the grammar and vocabulary varied?
Examiner Secrets: Mistakes 🚩
Time management is the silent score-killer. Don't spend too much time on Part 1!
📉 What lowers your grade:
Memorised phrases: They look fake and don't help the context.
Repetition: Shows a lack of vocabulary range.
Bad organisation: Without paragraphs, your ideas get lost.
Wrong style: Being formal with a friend feels "weird" and robotic.
🇪🇸 Spanish Speaker Pitfalls:
❌ People is → ✅ People are
❌ I am agree → ✅ I agree
❌ Depends of → ✅ Depends on
❌ In the Sunday → ✅ On Sunday
Strategies for Success & The Blitz Plan 🚀
To get that high score, you need more than just good English; you need a strategy. Here is how to impress the examiner:
✨ What boosts your grade:
- 📦 Good paragraphing: Don't mix ideas. Use one paragraph for the greeting, one for the places to visit, and another for transport. It makes your email "breathable".
- 🎓 Variety of grammar: Don't just use "You can go...". Try "If I were them, I would visit..." (Conditionals) or "Which is located near..." (Relative clauses).
- 🎯 Topic relevance: David asked about 1. Places and 2. Transport. If you forget one, your score drops! Answer exactly what is asked.
- 👔 Correct Register: Since David is a friend, use an informal tone. Avoid being too "robotic" or formal. Use contractions (I'm, don't, you'll).
- 🔗 Cohesion: Use natural linkers like "Actually," "Anyway," or "As for the transport..." to jump from one idea to another smoothly.
⚡ The 5-Minute Blitz Plan
(Plan Relámpago)
"Planning is mandatory! spend 5 mins writing keywords only, never full sentences."
1. Opening: Hi David + Thanks / Happy to help.
2. Places: Museum (history) + Castle (views).
3. Transport: Coach (cheap/group) vs Car (expensive/fast).
4. Closing: Enjoy! / Write back soon / Best wishes.
Why? Because it stops you from getting stuck while writing! 🧠
Remember, my dear student: A good plan is half the battle won! 😊
Solving Step by Step – MODEL ANSWER 🏆
Look at how the Blitz Plan we made earlier turns into a perfect email. I've highlighted the "superpowers" of this text! ✨
Hi David,
Thanks for your email! It’s brilliant that your friends are visiting our area. I’m happy to give them a few recommendations. 😊
First of all, they should definitely visit the Medieval Castle; it’s the best place to learn about our local history. Also, the Historical Museum in the city centre is a must-see for tourists.
As for travelling around, I would suggest taking the coach. It’s very affordable and offers great views of the countryside. However, if they prefer freedom, renting a car might be a better idea, although it’s more expensive.
I hope this helps! Tell them to have a wonderful holiday.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Paragraph 1: The Opening 🎈
Why? You must react to David's news. Content: Thank him for the email and show enthusiasm. This sets the friendly tone required for the "Communicative Achievement" score.
Paragraph 2: Places 🏰
Why? This answers the first part of the prompt. Content: Give specific examples (Castle, Museum) and explain why (history). Using "must-see" is great vocabulary for recommendations!
Paragraph 3: Transport 🚌
Why? This answers the second part of the prompt. Content: Compare two options. Use "I would suggest" (grammar variety) and linkers like "However" to show both sides (price vs freedom).
Paragraph 4: Sign-off 👋
Why? An email needs a polite goodbye. Content: A simple "I hope this helps" and a friendly closing ("Best wishes") makes the interaction feel real and complete.
Pro-Tip: See how each paragraph has a specific purpose? That's what gives you a 5/5 in Organisation! 🎯
The Ultimate B2 Writing Toolkit 📚✨
Use these resources to transform your writing from "basic" to "professional".
1. Understanding Honorifics (Titles) 👔
| Title | Who is it for? | Example & Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. | Any male (regardless of marital status). | Dear Mr. Jones, (Formal) |
| Ms. | Any female. The safest choice if you don't know her status. | Dear Ms. Miller, (Professional standard) |
| Mrs. | A married female. | Dear Mrs. Brown, |
| Miss | An unmarried female (usually young). | Dear Miss Lopez, |
2. Improved Email Formulas 📧
| Function | Informal (To David) | Formal (To a College) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Hi! / How are things going? / Great to hear from you! | I am writing with regard to... / I am writing to enquire about... |
| Linking Body | Anyway, / By the way, / About the trip... | Furthermore, / Regarding your previous email, / Additionally, |
| Requests | Can you let me know...? / Could you do me a favour? | I would be grateful if you could... / I would appreciate it if... |
| Closing | Best wishes, / See ya! / Take care, | Yours sincerely (If you know the name) / Yours faithfully (If not) |
Adjectives for B2 Writing 🌟
- Remarkable: Instead of "very good".
- Breathtaking: For scenery (Great for David's trip!).
- Strenuous: For something difficult or tiring.
- Insignificant: Instead of "unimportant".
- Overwhelming: For something very intense.
B2 Collocations (Better Word Pairs) 🔗
- Make an effort: Not "do an effort".
- Gain experience: Essential for articles/reports.
- Take into account: To consider something.
- Broaden your horizons: Perfect for travel/Email tasks!
- Widely accepted: For essays and formal arguments.
Essential Phrasal Verbs 🔄
- Get back to (someone): To reply later.
- Look forward to (+ing): Crucial for email endings!
- Carry out: Instead of "do" (e.g., carry out a survey).
- End up: To reach a final situation.
- Put up with: To tolerate (e.g., noise or pollution).
B2 Linking Words 🧲
- Moreover / Furthermore: To add more info.
- Nevertheless / Even though: To show contrast.
- Consequently / As a result: To show the effect.
- To sum up / All in all: To conclude.
- Specifically: To give more detail.
💡 Pro-Tip: Pick 2-3 words from each category and practice them today. Quality over quantity!
Vocabulary Masterclass: Part A 🌟
Let's start with the adjectives and collocations that will make your writing shine.
1. High-Level Adjectives for B2/C1
| Adjective | Definition | Example of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Remarkable | Unusual or special in a way that causes admiration. | "The city has made a remarkable recovery after the floods." |
| Breathtaking | Extremely exciting, beautiful, or surprising. | "The view from the castle was absolutely breathtaking." |
| Strenuous | Needing or using a lot of physical or mental effort. | "The hike was strenuous, but the reward was worth it." |
| Comprehensive | Including everything that is necessary. | "We need a comprehensive guide for the new tourists." |
| Tedious | Boring and tiring because it lasts too long. | "The long bus journey was quite tedious for the children." |
| Vivid | Descriptions or memories that produce strong images. | "She gave a vivid account of her life in the historical city." |
| Controversial | Causing disagreement or discussion. | "The new transport law is a highly controversial issue." |
| Feasible | Possible to do easily or conveniently. | "Building a new bridge might not be financially feasible." |
| Reliable | Something or someone you can trust. | "The train system is generally very reliable." |
| Efficient | Working in a way that does not waste time or energy. | "We need to find a more efficient way to travel." |
| Substantial | Large in size, value, or importance. | "There has been a substantial increase in tourism." |
| Vast | Extremely large in area, size, or amount. | "The museum houses a vast collection of local art." |
| Overwhelming | Very great or very strong (can be positive or negative). | "The response from the public was overwhelming." |
| Innovative | Using new methods or ideas. | "The gallery showcases innovative designs by local artists." |
| Consistent | Always behaving or happening in a similar way. | "His work is consistent and always meets the deadline." |
| Profound | Showing a clear and deep understanding. | "His book had a profound influence on environmental policy." |
| Accessible | Easy to understand or reach. | "The museum is now fully accessible to disabled visitors." |
| Detrimental | Causing harm or damage. | "Pollution has a detrimental effect on our health." |
| Adequate | Enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose. | "The room was small, but it was adequate for our needs." |
| Widespread | Existing or happening in many places. | "There is widespread support for the new green energy plan." |
2. Common Collocations for Natural Writing
| Collocation | Meaning | Example of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Make an effort | To try hard to do something. | "You must make an effort to arrive on time." |
| Gain experience | To get knowledge from doing something. | "I hope to gain experience in the tourism industry." |
| Take into account | To consider something when making a decision. | "We must take the budget into account before planning." |
| Broaden horizons | To increase your knowledge or experience. | "Travelling is a great way to broaden your horizons." |
| Widely accepted | Believed by many people. | "It is widely accepted that history is vital for education." |
| Deeply concerned | Very worried about something. | "Scientists are deeply concerned about global warming." |
| Set a goal | To decide what you want to achieve. | "I have set a goal to finish my essay by tonight." |
| Meet a deadline | To finish something by the expected time. | "It is difficult to meet the deadline with so much work." |
| Highly likely | Very probable. | "It is highly likely that they will visit the museum." |
| Pay attention | To listen or look carefully. | "Please pay attention to the safety instructions." |
| Reach a compromise | To agree after a disagreement. | "They finally reached a compromise regarding the price." |
| Strictly forbidden | Not allowed at all. | "Smoking is strictly forbidden in the historical gallery." |
| Fast asleep | Sleeping deeply. | "After the hike, everyone was fast asleep." |
| Heavy traffic | A lot of cars on the road. | "We were late because of the heavy traffic in the morning." |
| Make a decision | To choose what to do. | "I need some time to make a decision about the car." |
| Keep in mind | To remember something important. | "Keep in mind that the castle closes at 5 PM." |
| Give a hand | To help someone. | "Could you give me a hand with these bags?" |
| Do research | To study a subject in detail. | "I need to do some research on local history first." |
| Break a habit | To stop doing something you do regularly. | "It is very difficult to break the habit of using plastic." |
| Catch a glimpse | To see something for a very short time. | "I managed to catch a glimpse of the queen." |
Vocabulary Masterclass: Part B 🔄
Finish your preparation with essential phrasal verbs and cohesive linkers.
3. Essential Phrasal Verbs for B2 First
| Phrasal Verb | Definition | Example of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Get back to | To contact someone later with more information. | "I'll find out the price and get back to you tonight." |
| Look forward to | To be excited about something in the future. | "I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon." |
| Carry out | To complete a task or a study. | "The museum is carrying out a survey on visitors." |
| End up | To eventually arrive at a place or situation. | "We got lost and ended up in a tiny village." |
| Put up with | To accept a bad situation without complaining. | "I can't put up with the noise in this hotel anymore." |
| Look into | To investigate or examine the facts. | "The council is looking into the traffic problem." |
| Call off | To cancel an event or an agreement. | "The trip was called off because of the rain." |
| Carry on | To continue doing something. | "You must carry on with your studies to pass." |
| Come up with | To suggest or think of an idea/plan. | "He came up with a great idea for the project." |
| Find out | To discover a fact or piece of information. | "I need to find out what time the museum opens." |
| Give up | To stop doing something (often a habit). | "She decided to give up sugar for a month." |
| Go over | To examine or check something carefully. | "Let's go over the plan one more time." |
| Hold on | To wait for a short time. | "Please hold on for a moment while I check." |
| Look after | To take care of someone or something. | "Could you look after my cat while I'm away?" |
| Make up | To invent a story or an excuse. | "He made up a story about why he was late." |
| Pick up | To collect someone or something. | "I'll pick you up at the station at 6 PM." |
| Point out | To tell someone a fact they might not know. | "He pointed out that the gallery was closed." |
| Put off | To delay doing something until later. | "Don't put off your homework until the last minute." |
| Set up | To start a business or an organisation. | "They want to set up a new club for students." |
| Take up | To start a new hobby or activity. | "I've decided to take up photography." |
4. Linking Words for Logical Cohesion
| Connector | Function | Example of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Moreover | To add more information (Formal). | "The hotel is cheap. Moreover, it is very clean." |
| Furthermore | To add an extra argument (Formal). | "The project is late; furthermore, it is over budget." |
| Nevertheless | To show contrast (Despite this). | "It was raining. Nevertheless, we went for a walk." |
| Even though | To show contrast within a sentence. | "Even though it was cold, we enjoyed the beach." |
| Consequently | To show a result (Formal). | "He failed the test; consequently, he must retake it." |
| As a result | To show the consequence of an action. | "I forgot my keys. As a result, I was locked out." |
| To sum up | To start a conclusion. | "To sum up, the holiday was a total success." |
| All in all | To give a final summary. | "All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone." |
| Specifically | To give more detailed info. | "We need help, specifically with the marketing." |
| On the contrary | To show the opposite is true. | "I'm not tired; on the contrary, I feel full of energy." |
| In addition | To add another fact. | "In addition to the museum, you should visit the park." |
| Despite | To show contrast (followed by noun/ing). | "Despite the heat, we finished the marathon." |
| Whereas | To compare two different things. | "I love tea, whereas my sister prefers coffee." |
| Alternatively | To suggest another option. | "We could walk or, alternatively, take a taxi." |
| Similarly | To show things are alike. | "My father is a doctor. Similarly, my uncle is a nurse." |
| Otherwise | To show what happens if you don't. | "Hurry up; otherwise, we will miss the train." |
| Therefore | To show a logical conclusion. | "I am tired; therefore, I am going to bed." |
| Given that | Considering a particular fact. | "Given that it's late, we should leave now." |
| Regarding | Concerning a specific topic. | "I have a question regarding your last email." |
| In conclusion | To end a formal essay. | "In conclusion, the government must act now." |
You've got this! 💪❤️
My final secret? Never leave a question blank. Each point in Writing Part 2 is worth 50% of the writing score!
Final Cheerleading ✨
Cambridge doesn't subtract points for incorrect answers. Stay calm, plan your paragraphs, and shine! I'm so proud of your work. 😊
This activity is based on the official Cambridge B2 First Sample Paper 1 (2022) – Writing: Part 2.
Need personalised feedback? ✍️
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Email Register and Strategy
Instruction: Choose the best informal opening for David's email.
Which option sounds most natural for a friend?
Instruction: Select the correct linker to introduce the topic of transport.
Which phrase fits the gap?
Instruction: Choose the best structure to give a recommendation.
Which verb form is correct?
Instruction: Identify the most appropriate informal sign-off.
(content)Anyway, I hope they have a wonderful time! 1,
Your Name
Which closing is best for a friend?
Instruction: Choose the correct collocation to offer help.
Which verb completes the phrase?
Email Vocabulary and Prepositions
Instruction: Fill in the missing preposition.
Instruction: Fill in the missing preposition.
Instruction: Fill in the missing verb for this common email phrase.
Instruction: Fill in the missing word for the reaction paragraph.
Instruction: Fill in the missing pronoun.
B2 Email Writing Skills - Multiple Choice
Best Opening
Choose the best opening sentence.
Appropriate Tone
Which option is best?
Useful Closing
Which option is best?
Best Connector
I was busy last week. ____, I couldn't reply earlier.
Email Purpose
Choose the best sentence.
B2 Email Writing Practice - Open Cloze
Complete the Email
Thanks 1 your email. It was great to hear from you. I'm really happy that you're planning to visit next month.
Let me know what dates are best for you.
See you soon,
Daniel
Write the missing word for gap 1.