B1 Preliminary - Writing Practice

Cambridge English (PET)

On this page, you will find example writing tests to help you prepare for the B1 Preliminary Writing paper (Paper 2).

There are two parts to the Writing paper. In Part 1, you must write an email of about 100 words. You'll be given an email from someone and notes about how to reply. This task has a maximum of 20 marks.

In Part 2, you can choose between writing an article or a story of about 100 words. For the article, you'll be given a topic to write about with specific questions to answer. This task also has a maximum of 20 marks.

Each writing task should be between 100-120 words long. You have 45 minutes to complete both tasks.

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing - Test One
Part One: Email to friend planning to visit your country (about local food and weather).
Part Two: Article about favourite season OR Story about something found in the attic.
Exercise Number: KEY265

Exam Tip!

1. Always include all points from the notes in your email reply (Part 1).

2. Write about 100 words for your email - aim for between 100-120 words.

3. Make your email sound friendly but not too informal. Start with "Hi" or "Dear" and end with something like "Best wishes" or "Looking forward to hearing from you".

4. Make sure your reply relates directly to what the person said in their email to you.

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing - Test Two
Part One: Email to friend who's just moved house (about furniture shopping).
Part Two: Article about local markets OR Story about phone calls.
Exercise Number: KEY266

English Learning Lounge - iOS App

Our app for iOS to help you improve your English!

  • Full Grammar explanations.
  • Exercises to help with Grammar, Vocabulary, Listening, Reading and Pronunciation.
  • Exam Levels - First, Advanced, Proficiency, IELTS, TOEFL
  • Authentic English listening and reading materials.
  • Fun, imaginative quizzes and games.
  • Full statistics. Track your progress as your English improves!
  • Download today for FREE!
Exam Tip!

1. For Part 2, choose the task (article or story) that you feel most confident about.

2. If you choose the article, make sure you answer all the questions in the task.

3. If you choose the story, make sure your story follows naturally from the opening sentence you're given.

4. Write about 100 words - aim for between 100-120 words.

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing - Test Three
Part One: Email to friend learning to cook (about beginner recipes and advice).
Part Two: Article about favourite café OR Story about travel company email.
Exercise Number: KEY267

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing - Test Four
Part One: Email to friend taking photography course (about practice tips).
Part Two: Article about local transport OR Story about important letter.
Exercise Number: KEY268

Exam Tip!

1. Plan your time carefully - you have 45 minutes to write both tasks.

2. Use paragraphs to organise your writing and make it easier to read.

3. Use linking words (however, although, therefore, so) to connect your ideas.

4. Always leave time at the end to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing - Test Five
Part One: Email to friend who joined a gym (about exercise timing and advice).
Part Two: Article about shopping habits OR Story about lottery ticket.
Exercise Number: KEY269

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing - Test Six
Part One: Email to friend learning to drive (about driving lessons and preparation).
Part Two: Article about neighbourhood OR Story about restaurant experience.
Exercise Number: KEY270

Exam Tip!

1. Show range in your writing - try to use different vocabulary and grammar structures where appropriate.

2. Keep to the topic - don't include irrelevant information just to make your writing longer.

3. Make sure your writing has a clear beginning, middle and end.

4. Read the task carefully and make sure you understand exactly what type of text you need to write.

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing - Test Seven
Part One: Email to friend starting work from home (about workspace and concentration).
Part Two: Article about local restaurants OR Story about midnight phone call.
Exercise Number: KEY271

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing - Test Eight
Part One: Email to friend growing vegetables (about gardening advice).
Part Two: Article about free time activities OR Story about old photograph.
Exercise Number: KEY272

© 2001-2024 esl-lounge.com