B1 (PET) Schools– Writing Exam – Part 2 Article
How to Write a Cambridge B1 (Preliminary for Schools) Article
In the Cambridge B1 Preliminary for Schools Writing Part 2, students may choose to write an article for a school magazine, website, or blog. The aim is to interest and engage the reader, who is usually another student.
The required length is about 100 words.
You must answer all parts of the question.
1. Understanding the Task
An article usually asks you to:
- Give your opinion
- Describe an experience
- Give advice or suggestions
- Talk about topics students find interesting
The style should be semi-informal: friendly but not too casual.
2. Structure of a B1 Article
A clear structure helps the reader follow your ideas.
Title
Give your article a short and interesting title.
Examples:
- The Best Way to Spend a Weekend
- Why School Trips Are Important
Introduction
Start with a sentence that introduces the topic and attracts attention.
Example:
Do you ever feel bored at the weekend? Many students don’t know how to spend their free time, but there are lots of fun things you can do.
Main Paragraph
Develop your ideas and answer the question prompts.
Include:
- reasons
- examples
- personal experience
Use linking words such as:
- First
- Also
- For example
- Because
- However
Conclusion
End with a final opinion, suggestion, or summary.
Example:
In my opinion, spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to relax after a busy school week.
3. Useful Language for Articles
Giving opinions
- I think…
- In my opinion…
- I believe…
Adding ideas
- Also
- Another reason is…
- Moreover
Giving examples
- For example
- For instance
Concluding
- To sum up
- In conclusion
- That is why…
4. Tips for a Good Answer
- Write about 100 words
- Organize your ideas clearly
- Answer all parts of the task
- Use linking words
- Check spelling and grammar
Avoid:
- Very long sentences
- Text-message language
- Writing far below or above the word limit
Example B1 Article Questions
Question 1
Your school magazine is preparing a page about free time activities.
Write an article answering these questions:
- What do you like doing in your free time?
- Why do you enjoy it?
- Would you recommend it to other students?
Write about 100 words.
Question 2
Your English teacher asked students to write an article for the school website about the best place to study.
In your article say:
- where you usually study
- why it is a good place
- give advice to other students
Write about 100 words.
Question 3
Your school magazine wants articles about technology in daily life.
Write an article answering:
- what technology you use every day
- how it helps you
- one disadvantage of technology
Write about 100 words.
Question 4
Your school magazine is publishing articles about sports.
Write an article saying:
- What sport you like
- How often you do it
- Why other students should try it
Write about 100 words.
Question 5
Your English teacher asked you to write an article called “My Perfect Weekend.”
Include:
- what you like doing at the weekend
- who you spend time with
- why weekends are important for students
Write about 100 words.