HOW TO WRITE AN ARTICLE FCE
An article is a very common type of text nowadays. We can find all kinds of articles in newspapers,
magazines, blogs, etc. For this reason, in order to know how to write an article for FCE, we must
bear in mind who will be reading our article. This, as we will see later on, we will find out from the
instructions the FCE Writing paper provides us with. But, before we move on to that, let’s take a look
at the characteristics of an article for FCE Writing Part 2:
Purpose of an article: The aim of an article is usually to talk about a topic that we like or
that we are familiar with. Besides, one of the features that articles have as opposed to
other FCE Writing tasks is that an article must entertain the reader and, almos always,
recommend the thing we are talking about.
Language: In general, an article is more informal than an essay, although it will depend on
where it is supposed to be published (an international magazine, a teenage magazine, a college
magazine, an online blog, a newspaper, etc.). However, the most common case is that we must
write a text in an informal or colloquial style. For this reason, our tone must be relaxed,
making use of contractions, phrasal verbs and other colloquial expressions. Besides, it is
recommended to use rhetorical questions and exclamation marks to engage the reader. You
should also address the reader directly in the second person (you, your) and can make jokes if
you think they are appropriate.
Structure: Articles must always have a title. If possible, this must be catchy and witty so as
to engage the reader. Then, each paragraph must address a single idea, to which you must add
the introdduction and the conclusion, where you are usually expected to make a
recommendation. It is also a good idea to end your article with a rhetorical question, especially
if it is going to be an online article where people could (in theory) leave a comment.
Giving your opinion: An article is almost exclusively about giving your opinion, so feel free
to do so throught the whole piece of writing. As you are normally asked to write about
something you like or enjoy, opinions are expected to be generally positive. Any article for
FCE is usually a very personal piece of writing, so you can speak in the first person as much
as you like.
Common topics: You may be asked to write articles on a variety of topics: the Internet, health
and fitness, music, plays, hobbies, etc.
Number of words: you are expected to write your article in 140 – 190 words, no more or
less than any other type of FCE Writing task.
