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Exam guide & reading text

Email: Choosing a present — Writing

"Email: Choosing a present" is a Cambridge B2 First Writing practice task (Letter / Email). Cambridge assesses content, communicative achievement, organisation and language on a scale from 0 to 5 per criterion. Plan before you write: identify the target reader, the required register and the number of points you must address. Use accurate vocabulary, varied sentence structures and clear paragraphing that are appropriate to your exam level.

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How should I approach this B2 writing task?

Plan the Letter / Email before writing, address every prompt point, keep the expected register, respect the word limit, and use feedback to improve content, organisation, grammar range, and vocabulary precision.

Task prompt

Your cousin has asked for help choosing a birthday present for a teenager who enjoys technology and music. Write an email recommending a gift and explaining why it would be suitable.

Word limit: 190 words

Assessment criteria

  • Content: All points addressed with relevant detail and examples.
  • Communicative achievement: Appropriate register and tone for the target reader.
  • Organisation: Clear paragraphing with cohesive devices linking ideas.
  • Language: Wide range of vocabulary and structures used with control and accuracy.