FCE Writing Part Two articles tips and multiple choice cloze

FCE Result Unit 12 

Are these things good, okay (and therefore optional) or bad in articles in FCE Writing Part Two? Mark each one with a tick, OK or a cross.

–       An interesting title to get people’s attention

–       An introduction

–       A sentence explaining the structure of the article

–       Paragraph headings

–       A gap between paragraphs

–       An indent when you start a new paragraph

–       Starting each new sentence on a new line

–       Paragraphs with one clear topic each

–       One-sentence paragraphs

–       Bullet points/ Numbers

–       Starting paragraphs with short simple linking expressions

–       Joining ideas in paragraphs with short simple linking expressions

–       Using a range of different linking expressions

–       Paraphrasing to avoid using the same words

–       Reference expressions such as pronouns to avoid using the same word

–       Idioms such as phrasal verbs

–       Very informal language such as textspeak and slang

–       Standard abbreviations like e.g., etc. and i.e.

–       Using personal pronouns

–       Using personal information

–       Using your imagination to make up details

–       Additional support for your arguments

–       Topics that are outside what the question asks for

–       A summary or conclusion

Can you think of any other things which you should or shouldn’t include in an FCE article?

Look at the article on the next page for examples of the things above, and any other things you mentioned, starting with any that you weren’t sure about.

How to totally transform my hometown

We would all like to make our towns and villages more pleasant places to live and work in. If I could alter three things in my hometown of Monkton, they would be to pull down the multi-storey car park, to get the lakeside area cleared up, and to ban lorries from the centre of town.

The first change I would make would be to have the multi-storey car park in the town centre demolished. Not only is it a very ugly building, but it also attracts criminals, especially after dark. Moreover, removing the car park would make people use public transport to come into town.

For my second improvement, I would have the area around the lake cleaned up. At the moment, the banks are covered with litter. In addition, I would get the council to install some litter bins.

My third variation in how things are would be banning lorries from driving through the town centre. They cause a lot of noise and pollution, and what’s more they put people off cycling, because cyclists are afraid they will get knocked off their bikes.

I believe that the three reforms explained above could turn Monkton into one of the best places to live in the whole area. I hope they happen soon.

(text adapted from FCE Result pages 150-151)

Do you agree with the inclusion of the things which are there? Are any of them optional? 

Could any other things be added?

Are there any other good and bad things in the article above?

Discuss all the questions on the two pages above as a class.

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FCE Use of English Part 1 multiple choice cloze practice of FCE articles

For questions 1 – 8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.

How to totally transform my hometown

We would all like to make our towns and villages more pleasant places to live and work in. If I could alter three things in my hometown of Monkton, they would be to pull down the multi-storey car park, to (1)… the lakeside area cleared up, and to ban lorries from (2)… centre of town.

The first change I would make would be to have the multi-storey car park in the town centre demolished. Not only is it a very ugly building, but it (3)… attracts criminals, especially after dark.(4)…, removing the car park would make people use public transport to come into town.

For my second improvement, I would have the area around the lake cleaned up. At (5)… moment, the banks are covered with litter. (6)… addition, I would get the council to install some litter bins.

My third variation in how things are would be banning lorries from driving through the town centre. They cause a lot of noise and pollution, and what’s more they put people off cycling, because cyclists are afraid they will get knocked off their bikes.

I believe that the three reforms explained (7)… could turn Monkton into one of the best places to live in the whole area. I (8)… they happen soon.

Make sure you know why the other options are wrong What would you need to change to make the other options useable?

1. be/ being/ get/ take
2. a/ any/ some/ the
3. addition/ also/ as well/ furthermore
4. Addition/ And/ As well/ Moreover
5. a/ current/ that/ the
6. at/ by/ in/ on
7. above/ already/ before/ below
8. hope/ look forward to/ want/ wish

 

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