Updated
B2 B1 to B2
How to write at B2: the 19 skills
What B2 writing means: you can write clear, well-organised texts at every length, from one sentence to a short essay. The 19 skills run through five stages: Sentence (8-40 words), Linked sentences (20-70 words), Short paragraph (60-110 words), Full paragraph (110-170 words) and Short essay (140-220 words).
This guide is for B1 writers moving to B2. Each skill has a model text, useful language and a task.
Stage 1: Sentence
one sentence, 8-40 words
- Joining two ideas in one sentence: although, because, butYou can join two connected ideas in one sentence with a word like because, although, when or unless.
- Relative clauses: who, which, that and whereYou can add useful detail about a person, thing or place with who, which, that, where or whose.
- Giving your opinion and a reason in English writingYou can give a clear opinion and the reason for it in one sentence, without starting with 'you think'.
- Conditional sentences (if ... would) at B2You can show the result of an idea with if, using the right verb forms.
- The passive voice: is made, was builtYou can use forms like 'is made' or 'was built' (the passive) when the person who does the action is not important.
- Collocations at B2: words that go togetherYou can use exact words and natural word partners, like 'make a decision' or 'have an effect on', instead of very general words.
Stage 2: Linked sentences
2-3 sentences, 20-70 words
- Adding a point and showing contrast: moreover, howeverYou can show how your sentences connect, with linking words like In addition, However and On the other hand.
- Giving examples in writing: for example, for instanceYou can support a point with an example a reader can picture, and say what it shows.
- Cause and result in writing: because of, due toYou can explain why something happens and what it leads to, with words like because of, as a result and this means that.
- Referring back in writing: this change, this trendYou can point back to an idea with words like this, these, it or they, so you do not repeat the same words.
Stage 3: Short paragraph
one short paragraph, 60-110 words
- Topic sentences: how to start a paragraph with its main ideaYou can open a paragraph with its main idea and make every other sentence support it.
- Advantages and disadvantages paragraphsYou can explain an advantage and a disadvantage of something and say which matters more.
- Problem and solution paragraphs for B2You can explain a problem and why it happens, suggest a solution, and say how it would help.
Stage 4: Full paragraph
one full paragraph, 110-170 words
- How to argue your opinion with two reasonsYou can argue for your opinion in one paragraph with two different reasons and an example.
- Mentioning the other view and answering itYou can give the opposite view fairly and then explain why your view is still stronger.
- Formal style in writing at B2You can write a paragraph in a calm, formal style, with full forms and no chatty words.
Stage 5: Short essay
a short essay (4 paragraphs), 140-220 words
- How to write a B2 essay introductionYou can open an essay by introducing the topic in your own words and giving your view.
- How to write essay body paragraphsYou can write body paragraphs that each have one main idea, explained and supported, and linked to each other.
- How to write a B2 essay conclusionYou can end an essay by summing up your main points in new words and giving your final answer.