B1 Preliminary Exam Guide
Writing Paper Paper: Part One
Contents
Overview
Task: Write an email in response to an email you receive.
What you get: You will see an email (100-120 words) with four notes showing what to include in your reply.
Word count: About 100 words
Marks: Part One is worth 20 points. Overall, the Writing paper is worth 25% of the B1 Preliminary exam.
How to Approach
- Read the email carefully to understand who you're writing to and why.
- Look at all four notes - you must include all of them in your reply.
- Plan what you'll write before starting.
- Write about 100 words - not much more or less.
- Check your email includes everything when you finish.
What Examiners Look For
Your email should show you can:
- Write clearly about all four points from the notes
- Use the right style for an email
- Show different writing skills like giving opinions, agreeing or disagreeing
- Write the correct amount of words
Tips
- Don't learn emails by heart - they won't match what the exam asks for
- Practise writing emails in the time given
- Check your work carefully when you finish
- Make sure your meaning is clear and you've answered all points
How It Looks
Student Suggestion
"I always read the email twice and underline the important parts. Then I make sure my reply covers all four points in the notes. This helps me get better marks." - Sara Williams
Practice Exercises
Practise Writing Part 1 here: B1 Preliminary: Writing Part 1 Exercises
