Writing Skill Focus: Writing Clear, Detailed Text on a Wide Range of Subjects (B2 Level)
At B2 level, you can write clear, detailed texts (like essays, reports, reviews, emails, descriptions) on a variety of topics related to your interests, experiences, or areas of knowledge. Your writing should be coherent, well-structured, and demonstrate reasonably good control of grammar and vocabulary.
Key Abilities for B2 Writing:
- Clarity and Detail:
- Expressing ideas clearly and elaborating on main points.
- Providing relevant details, examples, or explanations to support your statements.
- Describing events, experiences, feelings, or processes in detail.
- Structure and Cohesion:
- Organizing the text logically with clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect.
- Using appropriate linking words and phrases (
ten eerste,bovendien,echter,daarom,hoewel,samenvattend, etc.) to connect sentences and paragraphs smoothly. - Ensuring the text flows well and is easy for the reader to follow.
- Using clear introductions and conclusions.
- Range of Vocabulary and Grammar:
- Using a good range of vocabulary appropriate to the topic, including less common words and some idiomatic expressions where suitable.
- Employing a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences (subordinate clauses, relative clauses, conditional sentences).
- Maintaining generally good grammatical control. Errors may occur, especially with more complex structures, but they should not significantly hinder comprehension.
- Reasonably good control of spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
- Appropriateness (Register and Tone):
- Adapting the style and tone of the writing to suit the intended reader and purpose (e.g., formal email vs. informal description).
- Using appropriate register (see Formal vs. Informal Language).
Types of Texts at B2:
- Descriptions of experiences, events, people, places.
- Narratives (telling a story).
- Reports presenting factual information.
- Essays presenting arguments or discussing advantages/disadvantages.
- Reviews of books, films, products.
- Formal and informal emails/letters.
Importance for B2:
- Essential for academic study (essays, reports).
- Necessary for many professional tasks (emails, memos, summaries).
- Allows for clear written communication in personal life (emails, social media longer posts).
Learning Strategy:
- Write Regularly: Practice writing different types of texts on various topics.
- Plan Your Writing: Before starting, outline the main points and structure (introduction, paragraphs with main ideas, conclusion).
- Focus on Linking Words: Actively use transition words and phrases to improve flow.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn synonyms and more precise words to avoid repetition and add detail.
- Review Grammar: Pay attention to common error patterns in your writing (e.g., word order, verb conjugation, adjective endings).
- Proofread: Always check your writing for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation before submitting or sending it.
- Read: Reading widely exposes you to different writing styles, structures, and vocabulary.
- Get Feedback: Ask teachers, native speakers, or language partners to review your writing and provide feedback.