B2 First · Writing · Part 1
How to write a B2 First essay (Free)
Build a clear opinion essay from the task's two notes and an idea of your own. Practise organising reasons into a focused argument.
This exercise, its explanations and the downloadable PDF are in English.
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Should schools offer more outdoor learning?
In your English class, you have been discussing where students learn best. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay. Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view. Essay question: Should schools give students more opportunities to learn outdoors? Notes: 1. learning new skills; 2. staying healthy; 3. your own idea. Write 140–190 words in an appropriate style.
Write 140–190 words.
This is guided self-review, with no automatic writing score.
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Read the model and review your draft
One possible response
174 words · Original teaching example. Other responses can also work.
Many school activities take place inside classrooms, but students can also learn a great deal outdoors. I believe schools should provide more opportunities for this, as long as the activities have a clear purpose.
Firstly, outdoor lessons help students develop practical skills. For example, measuring trees in a local park allows them to apply mathematics to a real situation. Explaining their results to classmates can also improve communication.
Secondly, spending part of the school day outside encourages movement. A carefully planned walk can give students a break from sitting and help them return to their studies feeling refreshed. However, schools should offer suitable alternatives when the weather is poor.
Another benefit is a stronger connection with the local community. Students who help maintain a public garden can see how their work supports other people. This may make them more willing to take responsibility for shared spaces.
Overall, outdoor learning should complement classroom teaching. With thoughtful planning, it can support students’ skills, health and sense of responsibility without replacing the lessons they still need indoors.
What to notice
Understand the task
The reader is your teacher, and the purpose is to give and justify your view about more outdoor learning. You must cover learning new skills, staying healthy and a distinct third idea. The model’s own idea is responsibility towards the local community; it is not simply another example of physical health. Write a complete essay within 140–190 words.
Plan a reasoned answer
The introduction answers the question with a condition: activities need a clear purpose. The next three paragraphs develop one note each, then the conclusion combines them. This is one workable plan, not a compulsory five-paragraph formula. You could combine related points, but both supplied notes and your own idea must remain clear.
Develop the supplied notes
“Measuring trees ... allows them to apply mathematics” turns the vague claim about skills into an observable learning activity. The health paragraph connects movement with a break from sitting rather than claiming outdoor lessons cure illness. Its weather limitation shows that the recommendation has practical boundaries. Each example explains why the point supports the answer.
Make your own idea distinct
“Students who help maintain a public garden” introduces a benefit to the community, and the following sentence explains how that may encourage responsibility. This develops an additional argument instead of listing a new place to exercise. Other ideas, such as understanding the environment, could work if explained and connected to the question.
Address the reader appropriately
The tone is neutral and clear: “I believe” states a view without using chatty expressions or addressing the teacher as a friend. “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “Another benefit” and “Overall” organise the argument. Use linking expressions where they clarify the relationship; filling every sentence with one would make the essay mechanical.
Notice useful language
“As long as the activities have a clear purpose” sets a condition. “Can” and “may” express possible benefits without pretending that every lesson guarantees them. “Should complement classroom teaching” explains that outdoor work adds to existing lessons. These choices support the meaning; difficult words are not needed merely to sound advanced.
Avoid a common content mistake
Do not write only about a favourite school trip or discuss just health because it is easier. Both notes and the additional idea need reasons. A different overall opinion can also meet the task: an essay against increasing outdoor lessons could explain costs or disruption while still addressing every note. This model is one possible response, not a promised score.
Review your own choices
- Have I answered whether schools should provide more outdoor learning?
- Have I developed both supplied notes?
- Is my own idea different from the two notes?
- Have I explained how my examples support my view?
- Is my tone suitable for a teacher reading an essay?
- Does the conclusion follow from my reasons?
- Is my response within 140–190 words?
Choose one improvement to make in your draft. Matching the model's wording is not the aim; compare how clearly each response does the task.
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