FCE Essay Writing: Common Mistakes Analysis

1 Introduction

Under exam pressure, unprepared students often produce writing that falls short of FCE requirements. Common issues include poor task achievement, inconsistent register, and weak use of cohesive devices. Writing Coach Jenny will analyze a typical example from student Maria, highlighting areas where B2 candidates often struggle when writing essays.

2 FCE – ESSAY – Sloppy Writing Example

Task Question:
Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on teenagers. Do you agree?
Write an essay discussing the effects of social media on teenagers. Include:
– Effects on academic performance
– Impact on family relationships
– Influence on mental health

Maria’s Response:

In my opinion, social media is very bad for teenagers these days. First of all they spend to much time on their phones and stuff. Like my friend Sarah she is always on Instagram and TikTok and never does her homework properly.

Secondly teenagers dont talk to their parents anymore face to face because they are always texting. This is making relationships between parents and kids very bad and stuff.

Also I think that social media makes teenagers feel bad about theirselves because they see perfect lives on Instagram. And they get depressed and anxious.

To conclude, I think social media should be banned for teenagers because its very negative for there mental health and school work and relationships with family.

3 How Many Errors Did You Spot?

Before reading Jenny’s analysis, take a moment to identify the problems in Maria’s essay. Consider these areas:
– Use of formal language
– Paragraph organization
– Supporting evidence
– Grammar and punctuation
– Coherence and flow