FCE Essay Writing: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1 Introduction
When students face the FCE writing exam without proper preparation, they often make common mistakes that affect their scores. Writing Coach Jenny explains that many students struggle with task fulfillment and proper essay structure. Let’s look at a typical example of poor writing from Maria, who didn’t plan her essay properly.
Key Terms
- common mistakes
- typical errors that many students make
- task fulfillment
- completing all parts of what the exam question asks
- essay structure
- the way an essay is organized into paragraphs
2 Poor Writing Example
Essay Question: Should mobile phones be banned in schools? Write an essay giving your opinion.
In my opinion about mobile phones in schools. Mobile phones is very bad for students because they don’t concentrate in class and always playing games. Also they using social media in lessons.
Firstly phones make noise in class and disturb teacher. Secondly students sending messages to friends instead of studying. They not learning anything.
However some people think phones are good for learning but I don’t agree because students just waste time. Mobile phones should banned in schools because education is important thing.
In conclusion, I think mobile phones is very bad thing in schools and make big problems for teachers and students learning.
Key Terms
- banned
- not allowed or prohibited
- concentrate
- focus attention on something
- disturb
- interrupt or bother someone
3 How Many Errors Did You Spot?
Take a moment to read Maria’s essay carefully. Can you identify problems with grammar, vocabulary, and organization? Think about what’s missing from a good essay structure. What could Maria do to improve her writing?
Key Terms
- grammar
- rules about how words are used and combined in a language
- vocabulary
- words and phrases used in a language
- organization
- the way ideas are arranged and connected in writing