Cambridge B2 First Writing Part One essay tasks on work

Cambridge B2 First Writing Part One essay tasks on work

Part One: Speaking

Give a presentation on a topic below, then see if your partner agrees. You don’t need to think about planning/ writing, but make sure you cover all three sub-topics (including your choice of one extra sub-topic). Then take turns doing the same with different tasks below.

• Is it better for employees to specialise early in their careers, or should they try many different jobs and departments first?

Speak about/ Write about:

1. best job
2. future work
3. … (your own idea)

• Some people say that most jobs that we do now will be done by computers and robots within thirty years. Do you agree?

Speak about/ Write about:

1. things computers and robots can do now
2. future changes in technology
3. … (your own idea)

• In many countries people are being “cancelled” and losing their jobs because of one small mistake on social media. Do you think that this is a major problem that governments should do something about?

Speak about/ Write about:

1. how common it is
2. how fair or unfair it is
3. … (your own idea)

• Many people say that the rise of the gig economy has more bad effects than good effects. Do you agree?

Speak about/ Write about:

1. flexibility
2. work-life balance
3. … (your own idea)

• Some countries have exactly the same rights for part-time and full-time workers. Do you think this is a good idea?

Speak about/ Write about:

1. what kinds of people do full-time and part-time jobs
2. changes in working life
3. … (your own idea)

• Many children help in their family firms such as restaurants. Some people say that this is exploitation and should be treated the same as any other child labour. Do you agree? Speak about/ Write about:

1. why parents allow it or encourage it
2. how children feel about it
3. … (your own idea)

When your teacher stops you, ask about any questions above which you don’t understand or couldn’t think of a point of view on, discussing the topics as a class each time.

Part Two: Writing preparation

Plan two or three of the tasks above, including deciding what overall structure (= topic of each paragraph in the main body of your essay) you will use.

Write the first paragraph/ introduction for one of the essays which you planned, then discuss these questions:

• How many sentences does your introduction have? What is the function of each sentence/ purpose of each sentence?
• How many sentences is usually the best length for the introduction to a Cambridge B2 First Writing Part One task like those above?
• How about body paragraphs and final conclusion paragraphs?

Part Three: Timed exam practice

Do the task under the fold below as timed exam practice, in exactly 40 minutes from first looking at the question to finishing editing (meaning that you mustn’t look at the question before you start the timed practice). Don’t forget to plan before you start to write.

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Writing Part 1 (40 minutes)

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

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In your English class you have been talking about university education. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

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