B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing – Practice Test 1 — Explanation

Welcome to this free Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing practice test. It follows the real exam format exactly — the same two parts and the same kinds of task — so you know what to expect on exam day. Each exercise gives you the full task, a model answer and useful phrases, plus short questions that check you know how to write a strong answer.

The B1 Preliminary Writing paper lasts 45 minutes and is worth 25% of your total mark. You write two texts of about 100 words each, so try to spend roughly 20 minutes on each part and leave a few minutes to check your work.

What is the B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing exam?

The Writing paper shows that you can produce clear, connected writing about everyday topics. You need to organise your ideas into paragraphs, use a range of everyday grammar and vocabulary, and write in the right style — friendly for an email to a friend, a little more formal for an article.

The two parts

• Part 1 (Question 1) — an email. You read a short email from an English-speaking friend with four notes written next to it. You must write a reply of about 100 words that responds to all four notes. This part is compulsory.
• Part 2 (Question 2 or 3) — an article or a story. You choose one task and write about 100 words. The article answers questions on a topic for a magazine or website; the story must begin with (or include) a sentence you are given.

How you are marked

• Content — you cover every point in the task (in Part 1, all four notes).
• Communicative Achievement — your writing is the right style for the reader and holds their attention.
• Organisation — your ideas are in clear paragraphs, linked with words like however, because and in addition.
• Language — you use a range of grammar and vocabulary with good control.

How to get a good score

• Answer every point. In Part 1 you lose marks for any note you don't respond to, however good the rest is.
• Plan for one minute. Decide your paragraphs before you start writing.
• Match the style to the reader. Use contractions and a friendly tone in the email; a slightly more formal, lively tone in the article.
• Use linking words to connect your ideas, and start a new paragraph for each new idea.
• Keep to about 100 words and leave time to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Ready? Start with Part 1 below, then choose a task in Part 2.