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FCE - 2

ARTICLES

* The articles can be on different topics and in different styles. You can write in a
serious, humorous, formal or informal style, depending on who is going to read your
article.

* Think of the target audience. You are writing for young people, so keep the style
friendly and chatty. Imagine you are talking to a friend you know well.

Paragraph 1: Think of an opening sentence that will catch the reader's attention. You
address the reader directly if you like.

Paragraph 2: Give details of the good points o this star sign, and try to give detailed
examples that illustrate what you mean. Don't just give a list of adjectives! Look at the
sample answer if necessary.

Paragraph 3: Give details of some of the bad points of this star sign. Again, give more
than just a list.

Paragraph 4: Give details of which other star signs are compatible or incompatible with
yours as far as romance is concerned.

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DESCRIBING PEOPLE AND RELATIONSHIP - (Article 24)

* A publishing company plans to publish a book called “People to remember”. You have
been invited to write a short article for this book, describing a person and saying why
he/she is/was important in your country.

One name that sports fans will always remember is Earvin Johnson Jnr, known to the
public as `Magic' Johnson. His early success in basketball saw him winning
championships in school and university. He then went on to become the captain of
the Lakers team, and was a star in the 1992 Olympic Games.

Some players are good because they have one particular skill, but `Magic' Johnson
was great as he had remarkable talent in all areas of the game. Due to his everlasting
smile and endless energy, he was also an inspiring team leader. He always believed
in himself and in his team, and would do anything to win the game.

Outside the world of basketball, he is also important because of his role in business.
Since he believes that every enterprise should be of value to society, his companies
have brought employment to poverty-stricken inner cities. In addition, he has been
involved in many charities, using his fame to benefit the underprivileged.

I believe that `Magic' Johnson has brought opportunity and happiness not only to
basketball fans, but also to young people needing a chance to succeed in life.
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REVIERWING (Article 25)

* You may be asked to write a review on something you have seen, heard, read or
experienced.

My favourite TV programme is `Friends'. It's a brilliantly funny American sitcom about a

group of friends who live in New York. Each character has a distinct personality, and they
are always getting into strange, sad or hilarious situations.

This show is one of my favourites because the characters are so strongly portrayed. My
favourites are Chandler and Phoebe. Chandler is unlucky in love, because he always
seems to choose the wrong sort of girl. Phoebe is an eccentric who always has something
strange or irrelevant to say, but all her friends accept her for who she is.

Another reason I love this programme is that the script is so witty that I laugh from
beginning to end. There aren't many other programmes that leave me helpless with
laughter throughout!

I suppose the main reason why this show appeals to me so much is that it reflects our
own lives, but in an amusing way, so that we can laugh at our own problems. This is one
of the funniest shows I have ever seen, and you should not miss it if you can see it where
you live!

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LANGUAGE LEARNING (Article 26)

* You may be asked to write letters and reports, but also articles about your experience
of learning a language.

Lost for words ?

Have you been studying English for years, but still can´t say a word? Do you suddenly
lose confidence when you have to speak to someone? I had the same problems, but I´ve
managed to find ways to overcome them.

First of all, adopting a positive attitude is essential. You should never be afraid of making
mistake or worry that people will laugh at you. Only then can you really start to speak.
Most people listen for the meaning of what you are trying to say, and do not notice your
mistakes.

Secondly, you should try to get as much speaking practice as possible. In class, answer
as many questions as possible, and try to participate in class discussions. When you are
on holiday, try to make contact with other English-speakers, and who knows? You might
make some good friends in this way.

My problem has always been vocabulary. I find that watching TV programmes in English
and reading increase my exposure to new words, and help me recycle words I know in
new contexts.

I hope that you will find my suggestions useful. Don´t waste any more time! Get
speaking English now!
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