B2 WRITING MASTER GUIDE 2.

ARTICLE

1. FORMAL EMAIL OR LETTER Purpose: To share ideas or opinions in an engaging and informative
way.
Purpose: To request, complain, apply, or provide information in a
professional way. Audience: General readers, online magazines or school newspapers.

Audience: A person you don’t know well (teacher, manager, company). Tone: semi-formal and lively.

Tone: formal and polite.

STRUCTURE
1. Title – interesting question or phrase
STRUCTURE
2. Introduction – attract reader’s attention, present topic
1. Opening greeting: Dear Sir/Madam, or Dear Mr/Ms + surname
3. Main body – 2–3 paragraphs with examples and arguments
2. Introduction: state your reason for writing
4. Conclusion – personal comment or advice
3. Main body: give details, reasons, or requests (2–3 paragraphs)
4. Closing: polite ending and signature
USEFUL LANGUAGE
Engaging readers: Have you ever thought about...? / It’s hard to imagine
USEFUL LANGUAGE
life without...
Opening: I am writing to inform you / to apply for / to complain about
Adding ideas: moreover, in addition, what’s more
Requesting: I would be grateful if you could..., I would like to know
whether... Contrasting: however, although, on the other hand

Complaining: I am not satisfied with..., I would appreciate it if... Giving examples: for instance, such as, to illustrate

Closing: I look forward to hearing from you / Yours faithfully (if no Conclusion: to sum up, all things considered, in conclusion
name) / Yours sincerely (if you used a name)
MODEL TEXT
MODEL TEXT Why Volunteering Matters
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the delivery service I Have you ever helped someone without expecting anything in return?
received last week. Although I ordered my package five days in advance, it Volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities a person can do. It
arrived two days late and in poor condition. I would appreciate it if you not only benefits the community but also helps individuals develop new
could arrange a replacement or offer a partial refund. skills. For example, I once volunteered at a local animal shelter and
learned responsibility and teamwork. Moreover, volunteering improves
Please let me know how this issue can be resolved as soon as possible. I
confidence and gives people a sense of purpose. All things considered,
look forward to your reply.
volunteering is an experience everyone should try at least once in their
Yours faithfully, life.
Anna Martinez
3. REVIEW 4. FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY
Purpose: To describe and evaluate a book, film, event, or product, Purpose: To discuss both sides of an issue objectively before giving a
giving personal opinions and recommendations. balanced conclusion.
Audience: Readers interested in your experience. Audience: Examiner or teacher.
Tone: semi-formal and descriptive. Tone: formal and neutral.

STRUCTURE STRUCTURE
1. Title 1. Introduction – present the topic without giving your opinion
2. Introduction – what you are reviewing 2. Paragraph 1 – arguments for
3. Description – summary of content or features 3. Paragraph 2 – arguments against
4. Evaluation – positives and negatives 4. Conclusion – summarise both sides and state your opinion briefly
5. Recommendation – who it’s for and final opinion
USEFUL LANGUAGE
USEFUL LANGUAGE Introducing topic: It is often said that..., Many people believe that...
Describing: It tells the story of..., It is set in..., The main character is... For arguments: firstly, moreover, another advantage is...
Opinions: I was impressed by..., What I liked most was..., However, I Against arguments: however, on the other hand, one disadvantage is...
found...
Conclusion: to sum up, in conclusion, on balance
Recommendation: I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys..., It’s
definitely worth seeing.
MODEL TEXT
Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs?
MODEL TEXT
Many people argue that having a part-time job while studying can teach
Book Review: The Hunger Games
young people valuable skills. Firstly, it helps them become more
independent and responsible. In addition, they can earn their own money
The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, is a thrilling dystopian and learn how to manage it. However, others believe that working may
novel about survival and courage. The story is set in a future world where distract students from their studies. It can also be stressful to balance
young people are chosen to fight in a televised competition. The main work and school.
character, Katniss Everdeen, is brave and intelligent, and the reader
On balance, part-time jobs can be beneficial if students learn to manage
quickly identifies with her. The book is full of action and emotional
their time effectively.
moments. Although some parts are violent, the story is powerful and
thought-provoking. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys 5. OPINION ESSAY
fast-paced adventure stories with a deeper message. Purpose: To express and justify your personal opinion on a topic.
Unlike a for-and-against essay, an opinion essay clearly states the
writer’s view from the beginning and argues in favour of it.
Audience: Examiner or general readers.
Tone: formal but persuasive. 6. REPORT
Purpose: To present information and suggestions in an organised,
STRUCTURE factual way.
1. Introduction – state your opinion clearly
Audience: Teacher, employer, committee.
2. Paragraph 1 – first reason with examples
3. Paragraph 2 – second reason or counterargument with justification Tone: formal, objective, factual.
4. Conclusion – restate your opinion firmly
STRUCTURE
KEY DIFFERENCE FROM FOR & AGAINST ESSAY 1. Title
In a for-and-against essay, you discuss both sides before giving your 2. Introduction – say what the report is about
opinion. In an opinion essay, you choose one side from the start and 3. Findings – describe results, facts, or opinions (use headings)
support it throughout. Use persuasive language and strong linking 4. Recommendations – suggest improvements or actions
expressions.
USEFUL LANGUAGE
USEFUL LANGUAGE Purpose: The aim of this report is to...
Stating opinion: In my opinion, I strongly believe that..., From my point of Findings: Most people said that..., It was found that...
view... Recommendations: It is recommended that..., I suggest that...
Giving reasons: Firstly, because of this, as a result, this means that...
Contrasting: although, even though, while it is true that... MODEL REPORT
Conclusion: for all these reasons, therefore, in conclusion Student Satisfaction with the School Cafeteria
Introduction
MODEL TEXT The aim of this report is to present the results of a survey about students’
Should Teenagers Have More Free Time? satisfaction with the school cafeteria and to suggest possible
improvements.
In my opinion, teenagers should definitely have more free time. School
and homework take up most of their day, leaving little time to relax or Findings
enjoy hobbies. Firstly, free time is essential for mental health. It helps Most students agree that the cafeteria staff are friendly and that prices
young people reduce stress and develop creativity. For instance, doing are reasonable. However, many complain about the limited variety of
sports or playing music can make them happier and more confident. food options. In particular, vegetarian and healthy dishes are not always
Secondly, free time allows teenagers to spend time with friends and available. A number of students also mentioned that the cafeteria is often
family, which is important for building strong relationships. For all these crowded at lunchtime, making it difficult to find a place to sit.
reasons, I believe that giving teenagers more free time leads to a Suggestions
healthier and more balanced life. It would be advisable to introduce a wider selection of meals, including
vegetarian and vegan alternatives. In addition, the cafeteria could extend
its opening hours so that students can eat at different times and avoid
long queues. Finally, placing a few more tables in the outdoor area would digital resources. In addition, the space is quite small, and there are few
provide extra space during busy periods. comfortable places to sit and study.
Conclusion Suggestions
In conclusion, although students are generally satisfied with the cafeteria Firstly, it would be a good idea to invest in new books and e-books,
service, several changes could make it more convenient and appealing to especially those related to current school subjects. Secondly, more
everyone. computers and Wi-Fi access should be provided to help students carry out
online research. Finally, rearranging the furniture and adding beanbags
7. PROPOSAL
or sofas would make the environment more inviting.
Purpose: To suggest a plan of action with clear reasons and benefits.
Benefits
Audience: Teacher, organisation, committee. These changes would encourage more students to use the library
Tone: formal and persuasive. regularly and would create a positive learning atmosphere. As a result,
both academic performance and student satisfaction would improve
STRUCTURE significantly.
1. Title Conclusion
2. Introduction – purpose of the proposal To conclude, I strongly recommend implementing these improvements as
3. Current situation – describe the problem soon as possible. They would make the library a modern and comfortable
4. Suggestions – explain proposed actions space that truly supports students’ needs.
5. Benefits – explain why they will work
CONNECTOR BAN K
6. Conclusion – summarise and encourage acceptance
ADDITION: MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE, IN ADDITION

USEFUL LANGUAGE CONTRAST: HOWEVER, ALTHOUGH, WHEREAS, ON THE OTHER HAN

Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to... REASON: BECAUSE, SINCE, AS, DUE TO
Suggestions: I recommend that..., It would be a good idea to... RESULT: THEREFORE, CONSEQUENTLY, AS A RESULT
Benefits: This would improve..., This will lead to..., As a result... OPINION: I BELIEVE, I THINK, IN MY VIEW, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT
CONCLUSION: IN CONCLUSION, TO SUM UP, OVERALL, ON BALANCE
MODEL PROPOSAL
REGISTER NOTES
Improving the School Library
Formal: no contractions, avoid personal language (I, you), use passive
Introduction
voice and complex linkers.
The purpose of this proposal is to suggest ways of improving the school
library so that students can use it more effectively for studying and Semi-formal: contractions acceptable, friendly tone, some personal
leisure reading. examples allowed.

Current Situation Informal: use simple linkers, contractions, and direct questions.
At present, the library is often crowded, and the range of books is limited.
Many students complain that there are not enough recent publications or
COMPREHENSIVE B2 WRITING TENSE GUIDE 3. FUTURE FORMS
Will + base verb
– Predictions, expectations, spontaneous decisions.
1. PRESENT TENSES
Example: This change will benefit all students.
Present Simple
– Used for general facts, opinions, routines, and permanent situations. Be going to + verb
Example: Many students prefer studying in the morning. – Intentions or plans decided before speaking.
Example: We are going to increase the number of study spaces.
Present Continuous
– For ongoing or developing actions, or trends. Present Continuous (future meaning)
Example: People are becoming more aware of environmental issues. – Fixed arrangements or timetables.
– Often used in articles or reports for current trends. Example: We are meeting the manager tomorrow to discuss
improvements.
Present Perfect Simple
– To show experience or a past action with a result in the present. Future Perfect
Example: I have worked on several volunteer projects. – To express what will have been completed by a certain future time.
– Used in formal reports or proposals to emphasise achievement or Example: By next year, the school will have implemented all
progress. recommendations.

Present Perfect Continuous Future Continuous

– To show duration and continuity. – To describe actions that will be in progress at a specific future time.
Example: The school has been improving its facilities over the last few Example: At this time next week, students will be sitting their exams.
years.
4. MODALS AND CONDITIONALS
2. PAST TENSES Modal verbs
Past Simple – Should, must, might, could, may, would are essential for polite and
– For completed actions or specific events in the past. formal writing.
Example: The new system started last month. Examples:
– Students should be encouraged to participate more.
Past Continuous
– This proposal might help reduce waste.
– To describe background or simultaneous actions.
Example: Students were waiting while the staff prepared the meal. Conditionals
– Zero: If you heat water, it boils. (general truth)
Past Perfect
– First: If we invest in better facilities, students will benefit. (real future)
– To refer to an action that happened before another past event.
– Second: If the school had more funds, it could expand the library.
Example: By the time the project started, we had already collected
(hypothetical)
enough data.
– Third: If they had planned earlier, they would have saved money. (past
– Often used in reports and stories to show sequence or preparation.
hypothetical)
– Mixed: If I had studied harder, I would be more confident now.
5. PASSIVE VOICE Report Intro–Findings– Formal Present it was found
Used to sound more formal, objective, or impersonal (important for Recommendations that,
reports and proposals). therefore
Example: Proposal Intro–Problem– Formal Present as a result,
– It is recommended that more recycling bins be provided. Suggestions– consequently
– The results were analysed by the committee. Benefits–
Conclusion
6. SEQUENCE AND TENSE CONSISTENCY
At B2 level, examiners expect:
 Logical tense sequencing (no random switches)
 Consistency within paragraphs
 Correct use of perfect tenses in conclusions or summaries (It
has been shown that…)

SUMMARY TABLE
Text Structure Tone / Typical Main
Type Register Tenses Connectors
Formal Intro–Body– Formal Present, therefore,
Email Closing Modal however, as
verbs a result
Article Title–Intro–Body– Semi-formal Present, for example,
End Past moreover, in
conclusion
Review Intro–Details– Semi-formal Present, although,
Opinion Past overall, on
the whole
For & Intro–For– Formal Present on the one
Against Against– hand, on
Essay Conclusion balance
Opinion Intro–Body– Formal Present in my
Essay Conclusion opinion, for
this reason