B2 First Essay
Guía completa para responder a la tarea obligatoria de la Parte 1: formato oficial, planificación, estructura, lenguaje útil, criterios de evaluación y diez modelos originales.
Consultar el formato oficial de Cambridge English
¿En qué consiste esta tarea?
Debes escribir un ensayo de registro neutro o formal en el que analices el tema, utilices las dos notas dadas, desarrolles una tercera idea propia y justifiques claramente tu punto de vista.
Estructura recomendada
| Parte | Función | Recursos útiles |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Presentar el tema sin copiar literalmente el enunciado. | There is considerable debate about… / It is often argued that… |
| Body paragraph 1 | Desarrollar la primera nota con una razón, explicación o ejemplo. | One important consideration is… / This is because… |
| Body paragraph 2 | Desarrollar la segunda nota y relacionarla con la pregunta. | Another point to consider is… / However… |
| Body paragraph 3 | Presentar y desarrollar tu idea propia. | A further factor is… / It should also be remembered that… |
| Conclusion | Resumir la postura y responder claramente a la pregunta. | In conclusion… / On balance… / For these reasons… |
Cómo se evalúa
Content
Respondes a la pregunta, utilizas las dos notas dadas y añades una idea propia relevante.
Communicative Achievement
El texto funciona como un ensayo, mantiene un registro neutro o formal y presenta argumentos apropiados.
Organisation
Las ideas siguen un orden lógico, están divididas en párrafos y se conectan con claridad.
Language
Empleas vocabulario apropiado y estructuras sencillas y complejas con suficiente precisión.
Planificación en cuatro pasos
Lenguaje útil
Introducir el tema
It is often argued that…
There is considerable debate about…
Many people believe that…
Desarrollar argumentos
One important consideration is…
This is mainly because…
For instance…
As a result…
Contrastar ideas
However…
On the other hand…
Although…
Nevertheless…
Concluir
In conclusion…
On balance…
Taking everything into account…
For these reasons…
Plantilla flexible
One important consideration is [first given note]. [Develop it.]
Another point to consider is [second given note]. [Develop it.]
A further factor is [your own idea]. [Explain why it is relevant.]
In conclusion, [answer the question clearly and summarise your position].
Lista de comprobación
- He respondido directamente a la pregunta.
- He utilizado las dos notas proporcionadas.
- He añadido una idea propia relevante.
- He desarrollado las tres ideas.
- El registro es neutro o formal.
- Las ideas están organizadas en párrafos.
- He usado conectores variados.
- He revisado gramática y ortografía.
- El texto tiene entre 140 y 190 palabras.
- La conclusión responde a la pregunta.
Model Essays
Cada tarea incluye dos notas proporcionadas y una idea propia. Los modelos desarrollan las tres ideas y respetan el límite oficial.
Protecting the Environment
Your class has discussed how ordinary people and governments can protect the environment.
Notes
- public transport
- recycling
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Environmental problems affect every country, so both individuals and governments need to act. Although several measures can help, some are likely to have a greater impact than others.
Firstly, improving public transport would reduce the number of private cars on the road. This could lower air pollution and make cities quieter. Recycling is also useful because it prevents materials such as glass, paper and metal from being wasted. However, recycling alone does not reduce the large amount of energy used by homes and industry.
A further solution is to invest in clean energy. Replacing coal and oil with wind or solar power would cut emissions on a much larger scale.
In conclusion, public transport and recycling are valuable, but developing clean energy is the most effective long-term measure because it tackles one of the main causes of environmental damage worldwide.
Technology in the Classroom
Your class has discussed the use of digital technology in education.
Notes
- access to information
- concentration
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Digital technology is now common in schools, and it can change the way students learn. Nevertheless, its success depends on how it is used.
One clear advantage is access to information. Students can quickly find explanations, videos and interactive exercises, which may help them understand difficult topics. On the other hand, devices can damage concentration. Messages, games and social media may distract learners, especially when teachers cannot see their screens.
Another important factor is teacher guidance. Technology is most effective when teachers select reliable resources and design activities with a clear purpose. Simply giving every student a tablet does not automatically improve a lesson. Moreover, students need basic digital skills for future study and employment.
To sum up, technology can make education more flexible and engaging, but it is not a complete solution. In my view, it improves learning only when distractions are controlled and teachers use digital tools carefully.
Part-Time Jobs for Students
Your class has discussed whether students should work while they are studying.
Notes
- money
- study time
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Many students consider taking a part-time job in order to become more independent. This can be a valuable experience, although it may also create difficulties.
The most obvious benefit is money. Students can pay for transport, books or leisure activities without depending completely on their families. However, employment reduces the time available for studying. If someone works long hours, tiredness may affect both concentration and exam results.
A further advantage is work experience. Even a simple weekend job can teach young people to communicate with customers, cooperate with colleagues and arrive on time. These skills may be useful when they apply for full-time employment later. It may also help them understand the value of money and make more careful spending decisions.
In conclusion, a part-time job can benefit students provided that the hours are limited. Earning money is helpful, but gaining responsibility and practical experience is probably the greatest advantage.
The Future of Zoos
Your class has discussed whether zoos should continue to exist.
Notes
- conservation
- animal welfare
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Zoos remain popular attractions, but many people question whether keeping wild animals in captivity can be justified. Their value depends largely on the standards they follow.
Supporters argue that zoos contribute to conservation. Breeding programmes can protect endangered species and sometimes allow animals to be returned to the wild. Nevertheless, animal welfare is a serious concern. Large animals may suffer if their enclosures are too small or if they cannot behave naturally.
Zoos can also educate visitors. Seeing an animal closely may encourage children to care about wildlife and support conservation projects. However, this benefit only exists when accurate information is provided and entertainment is not the main priority. Regular inspections are therefore necessary to ensure that each institution meets strict standards.
Overall, modern zoos can play a positive role, but only if animal welfare comes first. Poorly managed zoos should not remain open, whereas responsible conservation centres deserve support.
Encouraging Public Transport
Your class has discussed how cities can persuade more people to use public transport.
Notes
- cost
- reliability
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Many cities want residents to use buses, trains and the metro instead of private cars. To achieve this, public transport must become a genuinely attractive alternative.
Cost is an important factor. Cheaper tickets and affordable monthly passes would make regular travel possible for more people. Reliability matters just as much. Passengers will not stop using their cars if buses are frequently late or services end too early.
Another consideration is comfort and safety. Clean vehicles, well-lit stations and enough space during busy periods would improve the experience, particularly for older passengers and people travelling at night. Frequent routes and clear travel information would make the system easier to trust.
In conclusion, reducing fares may attract new users at first, but reliable services are the key to changing habits permanently. People need to know that they can reach work, school or appointments on time before they will leave their cars at home.
School Exams
Your class has discussed whether examinations are the best way to assess students.
Notes
- motivation
- stress
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Examinations are used by most schools to measure progress, but they do not always provide a complete picture of a student’s ability.
On the positive side, exams can motivate learners to revise and organise what they have studied. They also give schools a standard method of comparing results. However, they often cause considerable stress. Some capable students perform badly under pressure, while others remember information only until the test is over.
Continuous assessment offers another possibility. Projects, presentations and classwork can show skills that a written exam may miss, such as creativity, research and teamwork. Nevertheless, this method also needs clear marking criteria to remain fair. It can also encourage students to improve steadily instead of preparing only at the last moment.
In my opinion, schools should not abandon exams completely, but they should combine them with other forms of assessment. This balanced approach would be both fairer and more useful.
Fast Food
Your class has discussed why fast food is so popular.
Notes
- convenience
- health
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Fast food is widely available and especially popular among young people. Although it can be useful in some situations, eating it regularly has clear disadvantages.
Convenience is one reason for its popularity. A meal can be bought quickly, which helps students or workers with little free time. The main concern, however, is health. Many fast-food meals contain large amounts of salt, sugar and fat, and frequent consumption may contribute to serious health problems.
Price is another factor. Special offers can make fast food seem cheaper than a restaurant meal, although cooking simple food at home is often less expensive and more nutritious. Schools and families can also teach young people how to choose healthier options when eating out.
To conclude, fast food is a reasonable occasional choice, but it should not become a daily habit. Convenience and low prices are attractive, yet health must be the most important consideration.
Learning Foreign Languages
Your class has discussed the importance of learning foreign languages.
Notes
- travel
- employment
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Learning another language requires time and patience, but it offers benefits that continue throughout a person’s life.
Travel becomes easier because visitors can ask for information, solve problems and communicate with local people. Language skills may also improve employment opportunities. Many companies work internationally and need staff who can communicate with customers or colleagues abroad.
A further benefit is a deeper understanding of other cultures. Films, books and conversations can reveal ideas that are difficult to appreciate through translation alone. This can also reduce stereotypes and help people become more open-minded. It can also create friendships between people who might otherwise never understand one another. These personal connections often make language learning especially rewarding.
In conclusion, travel and employment are practical advantages, but cultural understanding is the greatest benefit. Speaking another language allows people not only to exchange information, but also to see the world from a different point of view.
Social Media
Your class has discussed the influence of social media on young people.
Notes
- communication
- privacy
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Social media has transformed the way young people communicate, but its effects are not entirely positive.
Its main advantage is that users can stay in contact with friends and relatives wherever they live. It also allows people to exchange ideas and organise events quickly. However, privacy can easily be lost. Photographs and personal details may be shared with strangers or remain online for many years.
Mental wellbeing is another major issue. Constant comparisons with carefully edited images can make users feel unsuccessful or unhappy. In addition, frequent notifications may interrupt sleep, study and face-to-face conversations. Schools should therefore teach young users how algorithms, advertising and online pressure influence their choices. This awareness could help them set healthier limits.
Overall, social media is useful when it is used responsibly, but I believe its effect is often negative for people who spend too much time on it. Clear privacy settings and regular breaks are therefore essential.
Tourism and Local Communities
Your class has discussed the effects of tourism on popular destinations.
Notes
- employment
- the environment
- your own idea
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Write 140–190 words.
Tourism is an important source of income in many regions, although large numbers of visitors can also create serious problems.
One major benefit is employment. Hotels, restaurants and tour companies provide jobs, while tourists spend money in local shops. In contrast, the environment may suffer when beaches, natural areas and public services become overcrowded. Transport connected with tourism also increases pollution.
Local culture is another important consideration. Visitors can support traditional crafts, festivals and food businesses. However, a destination may lose its character if homes become holiday accommodation and local residents can no longer afford to live there. Limiting visitor numbers in sensitive areas and supporting locally owned businesses could reduce these risks while preserving community life.
In conclusion, tourism can benefit communities, but only when it is carefully managed. Authorities should protect the environment and ensure that local people, rather than only large companies, receive the economic advantages.