Authentic Digital Practice Test

B2 First for Schools Writing

Sample answers and examiner commentaries
Part 1, Essay

Is it better to have a few close friends or lots of friends? This is a question I think each and everyone have
once asked themselves.
In my point of view, having a few close friends creates a stronger relationship where you truly can trust each
other and for instance, give and get good advice in difficult situations. In that way I also believe that it is
more amusing to have a few close friends who feel totally comfortable and safe in each other’s company.
Furthermore, the friendship will last longer if it’s built on trust and laughter in comparison to having lots of
friendships constructed on lies and the feeling of never really having someone you can trust. Consequently,
those types of friendships often create unpleasant feelings, unnecessary fights and as a result of that
different insecurities.
In conclusion, I prefer having a few close friends that you truly trust and can feel comfortable with, instead of
having multiple friends you don’t feel relaxed with.

Subscale Mark Commentary

Content 5 All of the content is relevant to the task.

The two notes of having fun and advice are addressed clearly in the text, and
the writer introduces trust as a third idea linked to both of the given notes.
The writer’s ideas and arguments are expressed well, and examples are
provided in support of these throughout the text.

Communicative 4 The conventions of essay writing are followed in the text, including a good
Achievement introduction and conclusion.
The main arguments are contained within the body of the essay.
The reader is led through the writer’s arguments clearly (In my point of view,
In that way …, I prefer having …), and the reader’s attention is held throughout
the answer. The reader is fully informed.

Organisation 3 The text is generally well-organised but would benefit from further paragraphing
to distinguish the three points more clearly.
All of the points made by the writer are contained within a single paragraph.
Appropriate linking devices are used to good effect throughout (Furthermore,
Consequently, as a result, In conclusion), and the text is coherent.
The text is rounded off successfully with a relevant conclusion.

Language 3 A range of simple vocabulary is used appropriately throughout (truly, close

friends, totally comfortable) and there is a good attempt to include more
complex lexis at times (unnecessary fights, insecurities).
There is variety in the use of grammatical structures (where you can truly trust
each other, if it’s built on trust).
There are a few non-impeding errors (everyone have, each and everyone).

Authentic Digital Practice Test B2 First for Schools Writing 1

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Part 2, Email

Hi, Matt.
Sure, if it is what you need, I will tell you what I like most about my school.
The first thing I like is that it is located in the downtown so when I’m headed to school, I see many people
there, I walk by the best stores and always get to look at the great places beside the school.
Another thing I love is the teachers, they are interesting people, every one of them has a unique personality,
my English teacher is smart and funny, my Spanish teacher is frank and says what she thinks, but overall, she is
a nice woman and my Italian teacher is a good storyteller and tells us some great anecdotes.
What I would change would be the infrastructure, I do not like the furniture, it is very old and the chairs are
ugly and uncomfortable. The walls are age-worn and there are not enough places to sit during the break, so
this is something that needs improvement.
Best wishes

Subscale Mark Commentary

Content 5 All of the content is relevant to the task and the writer address each of the
questions in turn.
A full explanation is provided for each point that the writer makes, and
examples are included for support.
The target reader is fully informed of the arguments and views of the writer, and
appropriate greetings are used.

Communicative 3 The conventions of an email are used successfully, and the reader is led
Achievement logically through the text.
Straightforward ideas are communicated and the writer introduces each point
in turn.
Some of the information regarding the first point does not directly relate to the
school (I walk by the best stores), which makes the argument here more difficult
to follow.

Organisation 3 The email is generally well-organised though not always balanced.

There are two pieces of information about what the writer likes about the
school, and one about improvement.
There is good paragraphing, and use of cohesive devices which lead the reader
through the text (The first thing, Another thing, What I would change), though
these are not always ambitious.

Language 4 The writer uses a good range of vocabulary, including lexis that is more
complex (unique, frank, anecdotes, infrastructure, age-worn) and it is used
appropriately.
The writer shows good control of a range of grammatical forms (if it is what
you need; overall, she is a nice woman; What I would change). There are
minimal errors.

2 Authentic Digital Practice Test B2 First for Schools Writing

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Part 2, Review

Loads of teenagers spend a lot of time and energy researching exciting places where it is possible to go out
at night to parties or to go dancing without having any arguments with local people.
I spent my last summer trip with some friends of mine in Vienna for a few days. I absolutely recommend going
to this European city to all the readers of this website. A person can get around the city by bike, there are lots
of bike tracks in the center of Vienna, or else they can take the tram – the transport system is good.
In Vienna, you can find lots of art exhibitions through the year and a variety of interesting and unusual
museums. There is also a luna park open, where you could enjoy yourself. You can find one of the highest
slides in the world there.
I strongly recommend a visit to this city for people who are interested in art or want to do alternative and
amusing activities.
I also believe that it could be worth going to Vienna because it is suitable for teenagers in terms of cost and
it’s full of fun things to do.

Subscale Mark Commentary

Content 5 All of the content is relevant to the task.

The writer addresses the points of which place they recommend, what there
is to see and do in the place, and what kind of teenagers would enjoy visiting
the place.
The writer expands successfully on each of the points and supporting examples
are provided. The target reader is fully informed.

Communicative 4 The writer has used the conventions of review writing effectively, with references
Achievement to evaluating what is available for young people to do in Vienna and providing
recommendations.
The style is appropriate for a review and the reader’s attention is held
throughout.
The writer’s opinions are clearly expressed (I strongly recommend…, I also
believe …).

Organisation 3 The review is generally well-balanced and a range of cohesive devices are used
(or else, also) though there is some repetition of basic phrases for the level.
Paragraphing is used but could be more successful at times: the final two
paragraphs might work better as a single paragraph in terms of the connection
of ideas.

Language 4 The writer uses a variety of everyday lexis with occasional more complex items
(transport system, slides).
There is evidence of good control over grammatical structures and a range of
tenses is used (I spent my last summer, you can find lots of exhibitions, people
who are interested in art).
There are occasional errors (I absolutely recommend, it could be worth going),
but these do not impede communication.

Authentic Digital Practice Test B2 First for Schools Writing 3

© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024
Part 2, Story

Anna looked at the noticeboard and started to smile. She saw that the school was organizing a science event
where only the best in the class could participate. Anna was very happy because she had better marks than
the others of the class, and so she asked if she could take part in the event.
When she ran into Jessica, her friend, she told her about the event, but Jessica said to her that she could not
participate because she had not got enough good marks this year. But she said to Anna that she was proud
and happy for her, and she also said to enjoy the science event because it would be amazing.
Anna thought and then said that she was sad that Jessica couldn’t come with her to the event, and she
decided that it was better if she spent some time with her friend instead going at the event, so that is what
she did.

Subscale Mark Commentary

Content 5 All of the content is relevant to the task. The writer includes both points, an
event and a friend, in the text to good effect. The target reader is led through
the story logically and is fully informed of the writer’s intent. The writer includes
a nice conclusion to the story which rounds it off well.

Communicative 4 The writer follows all the conventions of story-telling, with a good beginning,
Achievement development and suitable ending. The target reader’s attention is held
throughout, and the register is appropriate for telling a story. Relatively
straightforward ideas are expressed effectively, and the meaning is clear.
The overall effect is positive.

Organisation 4 The text is generally well-organised and coherent, with a range of relatively
simple cohesive devices used (because, also, and, When she ran into an old
friend, so that is what she did). The story develops nicely and new ideas are
signalled clearly and the story is well paced and interesting. Paragraphing is
used to good effect.

Language 4 A range of everyday and less common lexis is used accurately throughout
(science event, participate, ran into, good marks, spend time with). There
is evidence of good control over a range of grammatical forms which are
appropriate for a story (organizing a science even where …, she also said to
enjoy the science event, it would be amazing, decided that it was better if…).

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© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024