How to Write an Article - B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam — Explanation

How to Write an Article – B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam

In a B1 article task, you write for readers of a magazine or website. Your aim is not only to answer the questions in the prompt but also to make people want to continue reading. A successful article has a clear title, an engaging opening, organised ideas and a memorable final line.

Example B1 article task

ARTICLES WANTED!

FREE TIME

What is the best way to spend a free afternoon?
Would you recommend this activity to other young people? Why?

Write an article answering these questions for our student website.

Model article

Swap the Screen for a City Adventure!

Do you sometimes waste a free afternoon scrolling through your phone? My favourite alternative is to explore my own town on foot. You do not need an expensive ticket or a detailed plan—just comfortable shoes and a little curiosity.

First of all, walking lets you notice places that you normally pass without seeing. Last month, I discovered a tiny bookshop, a colourful street market and a peaceful garden in one afternoon. I have lived here for years, but all three places were new to me.

In addition, a city walk is healthy, free and easy to enjoy with friends. Although the weather can sometimes ruin your plan, you can usually stop at a café or visit a museum. Personally, I would recommend choosing a different route each time so that every walk feels like a small adventure.

So, next time you have a few hours to spare, why not put your phone away and see where your feet take you?

Understand the task before you write

Read the prompt twice and underline every question. B1 article tasks usually ask two or three connected questions about a familiar topic, such as hobbies, travel, school, technology, food or healthy living. You must answer every part. If you only describe your favourite activity but forget to explain why you recommend it, the article is incomplete.

Think about the target reader too. A student magazine needs a friendly, lively style. You can address readers directly with you, share personal experience with I and use questions to create a connection.

A clear four-part structure

1. Write a catchy, relevant title

Your title should reveal the subject and attract attention. It can be a question, a command or a short phrase with a strong adjective.

• Could This Be the Perfect Weekend?
• Three Reasons to Try Cycling
• Turn an Ordinary Afternoon into an Adventure

Avoid titles that are too general, such as My Article or Free Time.

2. Hook the reader in the introduction

The first paragraph should introduce the topic and make the reader curious. You can ask a direct question, describe an imagined situation or mention a surprising fact.

• Have you ever wondered how much of your town you have never really seen?
• Imagine finding a peaceful garden only five minutes from a busy shopping street.
• What if a great afternoon cost almost nothing?

Keep the introduction brief. Save detailed reasons and examples for the body.

3. Answer the questions in the body

Use one or two body paragraphs. Give your opinion, then support it with a reason, detail or personal example. The model explains what the activity is, describes a real experience and gives several reasons for recommending it.

A useful paragraph pattern is:

1. Make your main point.
2. Explain why it matters.
3. Add an example or personal experience.

Relevant detail makes an article convincing. Instead of writing “Walking is good,” explain that it is free, healthy and helps you discover new places.

4. Finish with impact

Do not simply stop after your last reason. Summarise your view, make a recommendation or ask the reader a final question.

• To sum up, it is a simple activity that offers more than you might expect.
• If I were you, I would give it a try this weekend.
• So, which new corner of your town will you discover first?

Linking ideas clearly

Connectors help readers understand the relationship between your ideas. Use them accurately rather than adding them to every sentence.

• Adding: also, in addition, what is more
• Sequencing: first of all, secondly, finally
• Contrast: but, however, although, while
• Reason: because, since, as
• Result: so, therefore, as a result
• Purpose: to, in order to, so that

Remember the grammar: although is followed by a clause, while despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form. However normally begins a new sentence and is followed by a comma.

Useful language for a B1 article

Introducing the topic

• When it comes to free time, ...
• On the subject of healthy habits, ...
• Regarding places to visit, ...

Giving an opinion

• In my opinion, ...
• Personally, I believe that ...
• It seems to me that ...
• From my point of view, ...

Recommending and suggesting

• I would definitely recommend ...
• Why not try ...?
• You might want to ...
• Have you considered ...?
• If I were you, I would ...

Engaging the reader

• Are you one of those people who ...?
• Picture this: ...
• Did you know that ...?
• What would you do if ...?

Show a range of B1 grammar

Use grammar that fits your meaning. A strong article may include:

• Present perfect for experience: It is the most interesting market I have ever visited.
• Comparatives and superlatives: Walking is cheaper than shopping and one of the healthiest choices.
• Modal verbs: You can explore alone, but you should take some water.
• First conditional: If you choose a new route, you will probably find something surprising.
• Second conditional: If I had a whole day, I would walk to the old harbour.
• Relative clauses: Choose a friend who enjoys discovering new places.

Accuracy is more important than forcing many difficult structures into a short answer.

Plan efficiently

Before writing, spend a few minutes making notes. Write the task questions at the top, choose one clear answer for each and add one supporting example. Then decide on a title and opening hook. This short plan prevents repetition and ensures that no content point is missed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting the title or copying the task heading as the title.
• Answering only one of the questions in the prompt.
• Writing like a formal essay and never addressing the reader.
• Making claims without reasons or examples.
• Using connectors incorrectly or repeating the same one.
• Ending suddenly without a recommendation or final thought.
• Writing very long sentences that are difficult to control.

Final B1 article checklist

• Does my title match the topic and attract attention?
• Have I answered every question in the task?
• Does the introduction engage the target reader?
• Have I supported my opinions with reasons or examples?
• Are my paragraphs and connectors clear?
• Have I used suitable B1 vocabulary and grammar?
• Does the ending leave the reader with a final idea or suggestion?
• Have I checked spelling, punctuation and verb forms?

The best B1 articles combine useful information with personality. Answer the prompt fully, speak directly to your audience and make each paragraph serve a clear purpose.