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CEFR B2 Writing Prompts: Tasks and Model Answers [2026]

International English Test Editorial Team·27 Sept 2026·7 min read
#cefr b2 writing prompts#writing practice#B2#CEFR#essay writing

At B2 level, writing is about organising ideas into a clear, well-argued whole. You can already produce correct sentences; the step up is structure, weighing different views, giving reasons and examples, and matching your tone to the task. This guide gives common B2 writing prompts with model answers pitched at the right level, showing the paragraphing and linking that examiners look for. Adapt each one to make the argument your own.

Opinion essay

Some people think that working from home is better than working in an office. Do you agree?

Model answer: Working from home has clear advantages, and for many people it is the better option, though not for everyone. On the positive side, it removes the daily commute, which saves both time and money, and it allows people to work in a calmer environment where they can concentrate. On the other hand, home working can blur the line between work and rest, and it removes the everyday contact with colleagues that makes teamwork easier. On balance, I believe the ideal is a mixture of the two: a few days at home for focused tasks, and time in the office for meetings and collaboration.

For and against

Write about the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Model answer: Social media has transformed the way we communicate, bringing both benefits and drawbacks. The main advantage is connection: it lets us stay in touch with friends and family across the world and gives ordinary people a voice they never had before. However, there are real disadvantages. It can spread false information quickly, and constant comparison with others can affect people's confidence and mood. In conclusion, social media is a powerful tool, but one that has to be used carefully if its benefits are to outweigh its costs.

Formal email

Write an email to a hotel to complain about a recent stay.

Model answer: Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with my stay at your hotel last weekend. Although the room had been booked as a quiet double, it overlooked a busy road and the air conditioning did not work throughout my visit. When I raised the matter at reception, I was told that no other rooms were available. As a result, I was unable to sleep properly and my stay was spoilt. I would therefore be grateful if you could offer a partial refund. I look forward to your reply. Yours faithfully, J. Marsh.

Review

Write a short review of a restaurant you visited.

Model answer: I visited The Olive Tree last month and left thoroughly impressed. The setting is warm and relaxed, and the staff struck the right balance between attentive and unobtrusive. The menu is small but well judged, and the seasonal vegetable dishes in particular stood out for their freshness. My only criticism is that the main courses were slightly overpriced for the portion size. Even so, I would happily return, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet evening and genuinely good food.

How to get the most from these

Plan before you write, giving each paragraph a single clear point, then check that your ideas are joined smoothly rather than listed. Varied linking is one of the clearest markers of B2 writing, and our guide to linking words in English groups the connectors by function so you can move beyond "and" and "but". Finally, read your answer aloud to check the tone fits the task.

Writing is one skill where honest, outside feedback makes a real difference. At the beginner end, A1 writing prompts show how short a task can be. Our English levels explained guide sets B2 writing beside the levels around it, so you can see whether your work is already at B2 and exactly what would lift it further.

Frequently Asked Questions

At B2 you can write clear, detailed text on a range of subjects: opinion essays, formal and semi-formal emails, reviews, and for-and-against pieces. You are expected to organise ideas into paragraphs, give reasons and examples, weigh different views, and control tone. The step up from B1 is structure and argument, not just longer answers.
A B2 essay or email is usually a few clear paragraphs, not one block of text. What matters more than length is organisation: an introduction, one idea per paragraph with support, and a conclusion. A short, well-structured answer scores better than a long, rambling one.
Plan before you write, so each paragraph has one clear point, and link your ideas with a varied range of connectors rather than repeating "and" and "but". Read your work back for tone: a formal email and a personal review sound different. Comparing your writing to a model answer shows you where structure or linking can improve.
International English Test

International English Test Editorial Team

ALTE Associate Member · UK English assessment provider · Est. 2023

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