Formal Language
True or False: Personal examples like "I think" or "In my opinion" are appropriate in a B2 First essay.
FALSE
What three elements should be included in the introduction of a B2 First essay?
A hook, background information, and a thesis statement.
What are the two prompts usually given in a B2 First essay task?
Two ideas provided in the instructions.
What are supporting ideas in a body paragraph?
They could be evidence, reasons, or explanations that back up the topic sentence.
What is a hook in an essay introduction?
A catchy opening sentence to grab the reader’s attention.
What should you avoid using in a formal essay to maintain a professional tone?
Contractions (e.g., "don't" → "do not").
What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
To introduce the main idea of the paragraph (that must be one of the prompts and needs to be clear)
What is the third prompt you need to add in your essay?
Your own idea related to the topic. (and it must be a clear single idea)
True or False: You should include only one supporting idea per paragraph.
False (you can include multiple, but they should be relevant).
Name two types of hooks you can use in an essay.
A quote, a surprising fact or a question.
What type of register (TONE) should you avoid in a formal essay?
Informal register (e.g., slang, casual phrases).
What three elements should be included in the conclusion?
Summary of key ideas, a clear opinion, and a strong final idea (e.g., prediction, recommendation).
rue or False: The reader should be able to identify the topic, question, and prompts without reading the instructions.
True
What is the difference between evidence and explanation?
Evidence is factual support, while explanation clarifies how it relates to the topic.
What is the purpose of a strong final idea in the conclusion?
To leave a lasting impression on the reader. Let him/her thinking about the topic.
Rewrite this sentence formally: "I can’t believe how important this is!"
It is difficult to overstate the importance of this.
The importance of this is truly undeniable.
It is evident that this is highly important.
This is an issue of great importance.
The value of this cannot be underestimated.
What should a concluding sentence in a body paragraph do?
Summarize the main point, a good solution or link to the next paragraph.
What should you do before starting to write your essay?
Carefully read and analyze the task instructions. Be clear about the prompts, the questions, the topic and have an idea of how I could organize my essay before writing it.
Give an example of evidence you could use in an essay about current electric power in Ecuador.
E.g., According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Ecuador generates over 80% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydropower.
In 2022, Ecuador's Ministry of Energy reported that the country’s installed capacity for hydroelectric power exceeded 7,000 megawatts.
The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, one of Ecuador’s largest, supplies approximately 1,500 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
Rewrite this sentence as a hook: "Many people think technology is important."
In the words of Steve Jobs, 'Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have faith in people.'
Name two formal phrases you can use instead of "I think."
It could be argued that
One might suggest that
It is evident that,
It is generally accepted that,
In light of this,
Based on the evidente,
In my view
In the view of many,
Why is it important to follow a clear structure in an essay?
It makes the essay easier and interesting to read and ensures all points are logically connected.
Why is it important to address all prompts in your essay?
To fully answer the question and meet the task requirements.
Why is it important to explain your evidence in an essay?
To show how it supports your argument and makes your essay more convincing.
Give an example of a strong final idea for an essay about education.
If we invest in education today, we can build a brighter future for generations to come.
By prioritizing education today, we can empower future generations to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
What kind of world are we creating if we deny children the right to quality education?