B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing – Practice Test 1 — Part 2 – Write an article or a story
Choose ONE task and write about 100 words. Question 2 (article) or Question 3 (story). Read both tasks and the model answers, then try the questions below.
Question 2 — Article
You see this notice on an English-language website.
Articles wanted — FOOD!
What is a meal you love from your country? When do people eat it, and why is it special? Write an article answering these questions and we will publish the best ones on our site.
Model answer (about 100 words)
A bowl of comfort
Have you ever eaten something that instantly makes you feel at home? For me, that meal is lentil soup.
In my country, we eat it almost every day in winter, usually to start lunch or dinner. It is cheap, warm and very healthy, so families of all kinds enjoy it.
What makes it special, though, is not the taste but the memories. My grandmother made it every Sunday, and the smell still reminds me of her kitchen.
If you ever visit, you must try a bowl. I promise it will warm more than your hands!
Question 3 — Story
Your English teacher has asked you to write a story. Your story must begin with this sentence:
As soon as Leo opened the box, he knew something was wrong.
Model answer (about 100 words)
The wrong box
As soon as Leo opened the box, he knew something was wrong. He had ordered a new phone, but inside there was only an old, dusty book.
He checked the address on the label. It was his name, but the handwriting looked strange. Curious, he opened the book and a small photograph fell out. It showed a house he had never seen, with a date written on the back: the day he was born.
Leo sat down slowly. He did not understand it yet, but he was sure of one thing — this book had found him for a reason.
Useful language
- Starting an article with a question: Have you ever…?, Do you know…?
- Giving your opinion: In my opinion…, What makes it special is…
- Ordering a story: As soon as…, A few moments later…, In the end…
- Building interest: Suddenly…, To my surprise…, I couldn't believe it.
11. In Part 2, how many of the two tasks do you answer?
22. If your story must begin with a given sentence, what must you do?
33. Which is the best opening for an article?
44. Which sentence best builds interest in a story?
55. What is a good way to organise a 100-word answer?
66. You have finished with five minutes left. What is the best thing to do?