10 Essay Practice Questions with Answers | Cambridge B2 First

Part 1 of the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Writing paper is a compulsory essay. You are given a statement, two ideas, and space for your own idea, and you write an essay of 140 to 190 words. You must use both ideas, add your own idea, and give your opinion with reasons. This post gives you 10 B2 First essay practice questions with model answers. Each answer is written at B2 level and shows a clear structure you can follow: an introduction, a paragraph for each idea, and a conclusion that gives your opinion.

Essay 1

In your English class you have been talking about public spaces in towns and cities. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Every town should spend more money on public parks.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• people's health
• the cost to the town
• your own idea

Model answer

Parks are an important part of any town, and many people believe that local governments should spend more money on them. In my opinion, this is a good idea, although the cost needs to be considered carefully.

The first reason to support parks is people’s health. When there are green spaces nearby, people are more likely to walk, run or play sport, which helps them stay fit. Parks also give families a free place to relax outdoors, away from busy streets and traffic.

Of course, improving parks costs money, and some people feel this money could be used for other services, such as schools or hospitals. This is a fair point. However, healthy citizens are less likely to become ill, so good parks may actually save the town money in the long term.

Finally, in my view, parks help to build a sense of community. People from different backgrounds meet at events, markets and playgrounds, and this makes a town friendlier.

For these reasons, I believe that spending more on public parks is worthwhile, as long as towns plan their budgets sensibly.

Essay 2

In your English class you have been talking about teenagers and employment. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Teenagers should have a part-time job while they are still at school.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• work experience
• time for schoolwork
• your own idea

Model answer

Many teenagers take a part-time job while they are still studying, and people disagree about whether this is a good idea. In my opinion, a part-time job can be helpful, as long as it does not take too many hours.

The main advantage is work experience. When young people have a job, they learn useful skills such as being on time, working in a team and dealing with customers. These skills are difficult to learn in a classroom, and they can help students later when they look for full-time work.

On the other hand, a job takes time that students need for their schoolwork. If teenagers work too much, they may feel tired and their grades may get worse. For this reason, the number of hours should be kept low.

In addition, I believe a part-time job teaches young people how to manage money. When they earn their own money, they learn to save and spend it carefully.

For these reasons, I think teenagers should be allowed to work part-time, but only for a few hours each week.

Essay 3

In your English class you have been talking about the way people send messages on special occasions. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Handwritten cards are better than digital messages for special occasions.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• personal meaning
• convenience
• your own idea

Model answer

These days, many people send digital messages instead of handwritten cards on special occasions. Some people believe that handwritten cards are better, and I agree with this opinion, although digital messages also have their uses.

Firstly, a handwritten card has more personal meaning. The sender has to choose the card, write the words by hand and post it, which takes time and effort. Because of this, the person who receives it usually feels that the message is more special.

However, digital messages are far more convenient. They arrive immediately, they cost nothing, and it is easy to send them to many people at once. For someone who is busy, this is a real advantage.

In addition, I think handwritten cards last longer. People often keep them for years and read them again, while digital messages are quickly forgotten.

In conclusion, although digital messages are quicker and easier, I believe handwritten cards are better for special occasions because they feel more personal and can be kept as a memory.

Essay 4

In your English class you have been talking about clothes worn at secondary school. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

All secondary school students should wear a school uniform.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• equality between students
• personal choice
• your own idea

Model answer

In many countries, secondary school students wear a uniform, but not everyone agrees that this is a good idea. In my opinion, uniforms are useful, mainly because they treat all students equally.

The first reason to support uniforms is equality. When everyone wears the same clothes, it is harder to see who has expensive clothes and who does not. This means students are less likely to be judged by what they wear, and there is less pressure to follow fashion.

On the other hand, a uniform limits personal choice. Clothes are one way for young people to show their character, and some students feel uncomfortable when they cannot dress in their own style.

In addition, I believe uniforms make mornings easier. Students do not have to spend time choosing what to wear, and families may also save money by buying fewer clothes.

For these reasons, I think all secondary school students should wear a uniform, even though it reduces personal choice, because the benefits for equality are more important.

Essay 5

In your English class you have been talking about the time secondary school lessons begin. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Secondary schools should begin lessons later in the morning.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• students' health
• family routines
• your own idea

Model answer

There has been a lot of discussion about whether secondary schools should start lessons later in the morning. In my opinion, a later start is a good idea, mostly because it is better for students’ health.

Teenagers need a lot of sleep, but many of them go to bed late and have to wake up very early for school. When lessons begin later, students can sleep for longer, which helps them feel less tired and stay healthier.

However, a later start can create problems for family routines. Many parents leave for work early, so they may find it difficult to organise their day if their children go to school later.

In addition, I believe that students learn better later in the morning. When they are more awake, they can concentrate in class, and their results may improve as a result.

In conclusion, although a later start is not convenient for every family, I think it is worth trying, because healthy and well-rested students are likely to do better at school.

Essay 6

In your English class you have been talking about how people use everyday possessions. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

People should repair or borrow more things instead of always buying new ones.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• saving money
• convenience
• your own idea

Model answer

Instead of always buying new things, some people choose to repair old items or borrow what they need. In my opinion, this is a sensible habit, although it is not always the easiest option.

The clearest benefit is saving money. Repairing a broken item usually costs less than buying a new one, and borrowing something you rarely use, such as a tool, costs nothing at all. Over time, this can save a family a large amount of money.

On the other hand, buying new things is often more convenient. A new product works immediately and comes with a guarantee, while repairs take time and borrowing depends on other people.

In addition, I believe that repairing and borrowing are better for the environment. When people use things for longer, less waste is produced and fewer new products need to be made.

For these reasons, I think people should repair or borrow more often. It may be less convenient, but the savings and the benefits for the planet make it worthwhile.

Essay 7

In your English class you have been talking about the benefits and demands of keeping a family pet. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Having a pet is good for most families.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• companionship
• daily responsibility
• your own idea

Model answer

Many families keep a pet, and most people believe that this is a positive thing. In my opinion, having a pet is good for most families, although it also brings certain demands.

The main benefit is companionship. A pet such as a dog or a cat gives people company and affection, and playing with an animal can help family members relax after a busy day. For children especially, a pet can be a loyal friend.

However, a pet is also a daily responsibility. Animals need feeding, cleaning and exercise every day, and this takes time and money. If a family is very busy, looking after a pet properly can be difficult.

In addition, I think pets teach children important lessons. By helping to care for an animal, young people learn to be kind, patient and reliable.

In conclusion, although a pet requires real effort and care, I believe it is good for most families, because the companionship and the lessons it brings are worth the responsibility.

Essay 8

In your English class you have been talking about the cost of visiting museums. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Museums should be free for everyone to visit.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• access to education
• the cost of running museums
• your own idea

Model answer

Some people think that museums should be free for everyone, while others believe visitors should pay. In my opinion, free museums are a good idea, mainly because they give everyone the chance to learn.

The strongest reason for free entry is access to education. Museums contain art, history and science that can teach people of all ages. If entry is free, families who do not have much money can still visit, so knowledge is shared more fairly.

On the other hand, museums are expensive to run. They must pay staff, protect valuable objects and repair old buildings. Without ticket money, this cost has to come from the government or from donations, which is not always easy.

In addition, I believe free museums attract more visitors. When there is no charge, more people come, and museums become lively places that the whole community enjoys.

For these reasons, I think museums should be free, even though the cost is a challenge, because education should be available to everyone.

Essay 9

In your English class you have been talking about the role of zoos today. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Modern zoos still have an important role in society.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• education
• animal welfare
• your own idea

Model answer

People often disagree about whether modern zoos still have a useful place in society. In my opinion, good zoos do have an important role, as long as they treat their animals well.

One clear benefit is education. Zoos allow people, especially children, to see real animals and learn about how they live. This experience can be more powerful than a book or a film, and it may encourage young people to care about wildlife.

However, animal welfare is a serious concern. Some animals do not have enough space, and living in a cage can make them unhappy. A zoo can only be justified if it keeps its animals in good conditions.

In addition, I believe that zoos help to protect endangered species. Many zoos run programmes that breed rare animals and prevent them from disappearing completely.

In conclusion, although welfare must always come first, I think modern zoos still have an important role, because they educate the public and help to save animals that are in danger.

Essay 10

In your English class you have been talking about working from home and in an office. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Employees should be allowed to work from home at least one day a week.

Do you agree?

Notes — write about:

• concentration and productivity
• teamwork
• your own idea

Model answer

Many companies now let their employees work from home for part of the week. In my opinion, allowing staff to work from home at least one day a week is a good idea, although it does have some disadvantages.

The main advantage is concentration and productivity. At home, there are fewer interruptions from colleagues, so employees can focus on difficult tasks and often finish them more quickly. A quiet day like this can be very useful.

On the other hand, working from home can weaken teamwork. When people are not in the same office, it is harder to share ideas quickly or solve problems together, and some staff may feel isolated.

In addition, I believe that working from home saves a lot of travelling time. Without a daily journey, employees are less tired and have more time for their families.

For these reasons, I think employees should be allowed to work from home one day a week. Teamwork matters, but one day is not enough to harm it, and the benefits for focus and free time are clear.