Article writing is a key part of the B1 PET Cambridge exam and is a common writing activity in the writing part of the LanguageCert exam. Because of this, it’s essential to understand how to effectively write an article for the B1 exam which we are going to discuss in today’ post!
In part 2 of the Cambridge exam, you are given 2 writing options: a story or an article. Here at Daway we would recommend doing the article. This is because a story is much more open and may require a lot more time to plan whereas with an article you have the structure set out for and therefore can make the planning process much smoother.
Let’s take a look at an example question and think about how to respond:
You have seen this notice in your school magazine:
"Best Day of the Year" We want to hear from you! Tell us about the best day you had this year. What made it so special? Who did you spend it with? Was it a day that you’ll remember forever?
Write your article in 100 words.
Tips on How to Write a Strong Response:
Read the Task Carefully:
Make sure you understand the prompt. In this case, you are asked to write about your best day of the year, who you spent it with, and why it was special.
Plan Your Article:
Before writing, take a moment to plan your article. Jot down the key details:
- What day you’re going to describe.
- What made it so special (e.g., an event, place, people).
- Who you were with.
- Why it’s memorable.
- Keep the structure simple:
- Introduction (a few sentences introducing the day).
- Body (describe what happened and why it was special).
- Conclusion (sum up why you’ll always remember it).
Use a Friendly and Engaging Tone:
Since this is an article for a school magazine, write in a friendly, informal style.
Imagine you’re telling the story to a classmate, so keep it lively and interesting.
Start with a Catchy Introduction:
Capture the reader’s attention with an exciting or intriguing opening sentence. For example:
"The best day of my year started out like any other, but it quickly became unforgettable!"
Organise Your Writing Clearly:
- Introduction: Set the scene by explaining what day it was.
- Body: Provide details about what made it special. Describe the people, activities, or place.
- Conclusion: Explain why it was such an important day and how you felt about it.
Include Descriptive Language:
Use adjectives and adverbs to make your writing more engaging.
For example: “We laughed all afternoon,” or “The sun was shining brightly, making the day perfect.”
Stay Within the Word Limit:
The B1 PET exam usually requires about 100 words, so don’t write too much.
Focus on keeping your writing concise and clear, avoiding unnecessary details.
Use Connectors:
To make your article flow, use linking words like and, but, because, so, first, then, finally.
Check Your Grammar and Spelling:
Before finishing, review your work for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes. Make sure your sentences are complete and make sense.
Example Response:
The Best Day of My Year
This year, the best day of my life was when my family and I went to the beach for my birthday. We had planned the trip for weeks, and the weather was perfect! My friends surprised me with a cake, and we all went swimming in the sea. We spent the whole day playing games and having fun. The best part was watching the sunset together while eating ice cream. I’ll never forget how happy I felt that day. It was truly special, and I hope to have another amazing day like it next year!
So there you go! Some easy to follow tips to keep your writing on point! If you want to practise your article writing skills then download the worksheet in the link here.
Also, if you’re interested in learning English and are looking for a course to advance your studies then check out Daway and use the promotional code BLOG20 for a 20% discount on all courses!
