Preparing for the PRELIMINARY (B1) English Test writing tasks
Part 1 – Writing an email about 100 words
This is usually a response to a letter or email from a friend using the notes provided.
Exam Tips
• Read the task, including the notes, carefully so that you understand what to write. – Think about the reason for writing and who is going to read the email.
• Begin and end the email with a suitable phrase. – Teach expressions for opening and closing emails as well as appropriate salutations
• Make sure that you include all four points from the notes. – Encoutage them to plan ideas and expand on each point. Paraphrasing the prompts is useful,
• Think about the language you need for each idea in the notes. – Teach a variety of phrases for accepting an invitation, giving advice, making suggestions, etc.
• Checking work is essential – Look for grammar or spelling mistakes.
Tone: Friendly, informal – use personal language and contractions
Structure and format: A letter of of 100 words can easily be organised into 3 paragraphs.
Paragraph 1 – the introduction. Say something about what was in the original letter.
Paragraph 2 – the main content.
Paragraph 3 – the conclusion which usually ends with something like ‘Write back soon’.
Part 2 – Writing an article
Outline:
The main purpose of an article is to interest and engage the reader, so there should be some personal opinion or lively comment. You will read a notice from a magazine or website asking for articles which gives the topic of the article and includes some questions. You have to answer the questions and write about 100 words.
Exam Tips:
• Read the task carefully so that you understand what you need to write. Think about who is going to read your article.
• Start with a general introduction. Ask an opening question to make your reader feel involved.
• Use adjectives to describe people, places and experiences to make your writing more interesting.
• Answer all the questions in any order you want to
• Use connectors (e.g. but, so, because) to link your ideas and make your sentences longer.
• Give your own opinion and invite other people to give their opinions.
• Check your work for grammar or spelling mistakes.
Tone:
Articles are normally informal, personal, friendly and chatty (depending on the topic/reader). You need to talk to the reader directly as if it were a conversation.
Language:
Language for an article – Descriptive, lively and include some colourful use of language. Expressions and phrasal verbs, questions, personal pronouns. Ask questions. Be friendly but not impolite
Structure and format:
• Attention grabbing title – dramatic statement, a question, comment or play on words.
• Interesting intro paragraph – include quotes, questions, or involve the reader. Your aim is to make the reader want to continue reading.
• End with a summary, an opinion and an interesting comment, joke, quote or question.
• They sometimes include anecdotes and persoanal examples
Part 2 – Writing a story
Students are usually given the first line of a story. They need to give a clear beginning and explain the situation. Good stories use descriptive language and give interesting details. They must show a logical development of the ldea and lead to a clear ending. Try to finish in an interesting or dramatic way.
Language:
• A story needs to be in the past tense. Use the past simple, past continuous to set the scene, and past perfect to show the order of events.
• Use adverbs to add interest. Adverbs: Suddenly/ shockingly / unexpectedly / quickly / nervously
• Use strong adjectives to make the story more interesting.
• Use time expressions to order the actions in the story. Time expression: as soon as / after that / eventually / at that moment / in the meantime / later / instantly / at the same time
Tips: Add dialogue in direct speech