Cambridge B1 Preliminary Exam: Mastering Writing Part 1 Email - Mentes Altus Aprende Al Estilo Mentes Altus

B1 Preliminary Writing · Exam Instructions

0. Before You Start the Writing Paper 📝

Before we write anything, we need to understand the rules of the exam. This is very important because Cambridge is not only testing your English, but also your ability to follow instructions calmly and clearly.

⏱️ Time

You have 45 minutes to complete the whole Writing paper.

✍️ Number of questions

You must answer Part 1 and choose one question from Part 2.

📌 Part 1

Part 1 is compulsory. You must answer the email task.

📌 Part 2

You choose one option. In B1 practice, this can include formats such as an article, a story or an email depending on the paper.

Official candidate instructions

Do not open the question paper until you are told to do so.
Write your name, centre number and candidate number on your answer sheet.
Read the instructions for each part carefully.
Answer the Part 1 question and one question from Part 2.
Write your answers on the answer sheet.
Write clearly in pen, not pencil.
You may make alterations, but make sure your work is easy to read.
You must complete the answer sheet within the time limit.
At the end of the test, hand in both the question paper and the answer sheet.

Paper-based and digital-based exams: In a paper-based exam, you write by hand on the answer sheet. In a digital-based exam, you type your answers on a computer. In both formats, the most important thing is the same: answer the question, organise your ideas, use clear English and finish on time.

Teacher tip: messy handwriting or unclear corrections can make your answer difficult to assess. So yes, you can correct mistakes, but keep your final version clean and readable.

Lesson Introduction

1. Welcome! Today We Are Going to Master Writing Part 1 💪✨

Hello, my lovely students! Today we are going to practise one of the most useful parts of the Cambridge B1 Preliminary exam: Writing Part 1.

And listen carefully: you do not need to panic about Writing. With enough training, a clear structure and some useful phrases, this part becomes much easier than it looks. We are going to do it step by step, calmly and intelligently. 😊

What does the B1 Writing paper include?

Part 1: Email

This part is compulsory. You read an email from an English-speaking friend and some notes. Then you write a reply of about 100 words.

Today, we are practising this part.

Part 2: Choice Task

In Part 2, you choose one task. Depending on the paper, common B1 formats include an article, a story or sometimes another written format such as an email.

The secret is to choose the option that feels easier for you and gives you more ideas.

In this lesson, we are going to study emails, because emails are very common, very practical and very useful for real life too. 📩

What will we do in this lesson?

Understand the official exam instructions.
Analyse a real Cambridge B1 Writing Part 1 task.
Learn what Cambridge examiners are looking for.
Identify common mistakes Spanish-speaking students make.
Create a quick plan in under 5 minutes.
Write a full model answer step by step.
Learn useful grammar, vocabulary and email phrases.

Writing Part 1 · Task Analysis

2. What Do You Have to Do in Part 1? 📩

In Part 1, Cambridge gives you an email from a friend and some notes. Your job is to write a reply using all the notes. This means you must answer every point. If you forget one note, your Content mark can go down.

Official task

Part 1

You must answer this question.

Write your answer in about 100 words on the answer sheet.

Question 1

Read this email from your English-speaking friend Sandy and the notes you have made.

From: Sandy

Subject: Your visit!

Hi,

I’m so excited that you’re coming to stay with me for a week!

Note: Me too!

On your first evening here, there’s a rock concert in our town. Would you like to go to the concert or would you prefer us to relax at home?

Note: Say which I prefer

Also, shall we go climbing in the mountains while you’re here?

Note: No, because …

Let me know if you have any questions.

Note: Ask Sandy …

See you soon,

Sandy

Write your email to Sandy using all the notes.

What must your email include?

1. React to the visit

You need to say that you are excited too.

2. Choose an option

You must say whether you prefer the concert or relaxing at home.

3. Refuse climbing

You must say no to climbing and give a reason.

4. Ask a question

You must ask Sandy something about the visit.

Remember: this is an email to a friend, so the style should be friendly, natural and informal. Do not write it like a formal essay.

Assessment Criteria

3. What Does Cambridge Evaluate? 🎯

Cambridge does not only look at grammar. They look at the whole answer. A simple but complete answer can score better than a complicated answer full of mistakes.

1. Content

Did you answer the question? Did you include all the notes? In this task, you must react to the visit, choose an evening activity, refuse climbing with a reason and ask Sandy a question.

2. Communicative Achievement

Is your email appropriate for the situation? Since Sandy is your friend, your tone should be warm, friendly and informal.

3. Organisation

Are your ideas easy to follow? Do you use paragraphs, linking words and a logical order? Good organisation helps the examiner understand your message quickly.

4. Language

Do you use good B1 grammar and vocabulary? You do not need perfect English, but you should show control, variety and clear meaning.

Teacher secret: Cambridge rewards clarity. Do not try to sound “super advanced” if the sentence becomes confusing. It is better to write clearly, naturally and accurately.

Examiner Secrets

4. Problems and Common Mistakes 🚫

Many students lose marks not because their English is terrible, but because they make avoidable mistakes. Let’s look at the most common problems.

Be careful with time ⏱️

You have 45 minutes for the whole Writing paper. Do not spend 30 minutes on Part 1. A good strategy is to spend around 20 minutes on Part 1 and keep enough time for Part 2.

Things that lower your mark

Memorised phrases

Phrases like “Nowadays society is very important” often sound unnatural. Use flexible phrases that fit the task.

Repetition

Repeating the same word again and again makes your writing look limited. Use simple synonyms when possible.

Bad organisation

If your ideas are mixed together in one huge paragraph, the examiner may struggle to follow your answer.

Wrong style

Do not write to a friend like this: “Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to inform you...” For Sandy, you need a friendly email.

Common mistakes Spanish-speaking students make

Incorrect	Correct	Why?
❌ People is	✅ People are	“People” is plural.
❌ I am agree	✅ I agree	“Agree” is a verb, not an adjective.
❌ It depends of	✅ It depends on	The correct preposition is “on”.
❌ I have 16 years	✅ I am 16 years old	In English, we use “be” for age.
❌ Explain me	✅ Explain it to me	“Explain” needs “to” before the person.
❌ I am boring	✅ I am bored	“Bored” describes how you feel. “Boring” describes the thing/person.

Teacher tip: in Writing Part 1, small mistakes are normal. The real danger is forgetting one note, using the wrong tone or writing something impossible to understand.

Examiner Secrets

5. Tips for Success and Strategies 🌟

The biggest secret is simple: never start writing immediately. First, plan. Even a 3-minute plan can save your answer.

The 5-Minute Lightning Plan ⚡

Before writing, quickly answer these questions:

Who am I writing to? Sandy, a friend.
What style do I need? Informal and friendly.
How many notes must I answer? Four notes.
What is my structure? Greeting, answer notes, closing.
What useful phrases can I use? “Thanks for your email”, “I’d prefer”, “Could you...?”

Example Lightning Plan for Sandy’s Email

Note	My idea	Useful language
Me too!	I am excited about the visit.	I’m really excited too!
Say which I prefer	I prefer the rock concert.	I’d rather go to the concert.
No, because...	I do not want to climb because I am afraid of heights.	I don’t think climbing is a good idea because...
Ask Sandy...	Ask what clothes to bring.	Could you tell me what clothes I should bring?

What raises your mark?

Good paragraphing

Use 3 or 4 short paragraphs. This makes your email easy to read.

Variety of grammar

Use different structures: “I’d prefer”, “Could you tell me...?”, “because”, “although”.

Topic relevance

Everything you write must answer Sandy’s email. Do not add random information.

Appropriate register

For a friend, write informally. For a teacher or company, write more formally.

Cohesion

Use linking words like “also”, “because”, “so”, “but” and “by the way”.

Model Answer

6. Solving Step by Step – MODEL ANSWER ✅

Now we are going to solve the task like Cambridge wants: clearly, logically and without panic. The goal is not to write a perfect literary masterpiece. The goal is to answer the task well.

Step 1: Identify the reader

You are writing to Sandy, your English-speaking friend. So the style should be friendly and informal.

Step 2: Answer every note

Me too! Say you are excited too.
Say which I prefer. Choose the concert or relaxing at home.
No, because... Refuse climbing and explain why.
Ask Sandy... Ask a question connected to the visit.

Step 3: Use the correct email structure

Paragraph	Purpose	Approximate length
Opening	Say hello and react to the visit.	15–25 words
Middle paragraph 1	Answer the concert/home question.	25–35 words
Middle paragraph 2	Refuse climbing and give a reason.	25–35 words
Closing	Ask Sandy a question and finish naturally.	15–25 words

MODEL ANSWER

Opening Reaction Preference Reason Polite refusal Suggestion Question Closing

Hi Sandy,

Thanks for your email. I’m really excited too, and I can’t wait to stay with you for a week!

About the first evening, I’d rather go to the rock concert because it sounds much more fun than staying at home. I love live music, so I think it’ll be a great start to my visit.

However, I don’t think climbing in the mountains is a good idea for me because I’m a bit afraid of heights. Maybe we could go for a walk instead?

By the way, what clothes should I bring?

See you soon,
Alex

Why are these structures important?

“Thanks for your email” is a natural opening for an informal email.
“I’m really excited too” answers Sandy’s note: Me too!
“I’d rather go to...” is a strong B1 structure for expressing preference.
“because...” gives a clear reason, which helps your Content and Organisation marks.
“I don’t think... is a good idea” is a polite way to say no.
“Maybe we could...” shows flexibility and gives an alternative suggestion.
“By the way...” helps introduce a final question naturally.
“See you soon” is an appropriate informal closing for a friend.

Teacher tip: when you practise at home, underline your own structures like this. Check that you have included: opening + reaction + preference + reason + refusal + question + closing. If all of them are there, your answer is much safer. ✅

Writing Strategy

7. General Tips for the Writing Section 🧠

These tips are not only for this email. They will help you in the whole Writing paper: emails, articles and stories.

Understand the format of the exam

Know how many parts there are, what each task asks you to do and how long your answer should be. This reduces stress on exam day.

Practice regularly

Writing improves with repetition. Practise short tasks every week and check your common mistakes.

Familiarise yourself with exam conditions

Practise with a timer. In the real exam, you need to think, plan, write and check within 45 minutes.

Clarity in writing

Your ideas must be easy to understand. Do not write very long sentences if they become confusing.

Understand assessment criteria

Remember: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language all matter.

Try using advanced language

Use slightly stronger vocabulary when you can, but only if you are sure it is correct. Accuracy is more important than decoration.

My advice: do not memorise a full answer. Memorise useful structures and learn how to adapt them. Cambridge wants to see that you can communicate, not that you copied a text from memory.

Grammar and Vocabulary

8. Essential Grammar and Vocabulary Knowledge 📚

To write well, you need useful grammar and vocabulary for different writing formats. You do not need to use all of these in one answer, but you should recognise them and practise them.

Useful phrases for essays

Phrase	Use	Example
In my opinion...	Give your view	In my opinion, online classes are very useful.
Firstly...	Introduce first reason	Firstly, they save time.
Secondly...	Add another reason	Secondly, they are flexible.
However...	Show contrast	However, they can be tiring.
On the one hand...	Present one side	On the one hand, exams motivate students.
On the other hand...	Present opposite side	On the other hand, they create stress.
As a result...	Explain consequence	As a result, students learn faster.
For example...	Give an example	For example, many apps help with vocabulary.
For this reason...	Explain cause	For this reason, practice is essential.
It is clear that...	Make a strong point	It is clear that English is important.
I strongly believe that...	Give a strong opinion	I strongly believe that reading helps.
Although...	Contrast ideas	Although it is difficult, it is possible.
In addition...	Add information	In addition, it improves confidence.
To sum up...	Conclude	To sum up, both options are useful.
To conclude...	Final opinion	To conclude, practice is the key.

Useful phrases for emails

Phrase	Use	Example
Thanks for your email.	Opening	Thanks for your email. It was great to hear from you.
I’m writing to...	Explain purpose	I’m writing to ask about the trip.
It was lovely to hear from you.	Friendly opening	It was lovely to hear from you after so long.
I’m really excited about...	Show enthusiasm	I’m really excited about visiting you.
I’d prefer to...	State preference	I’d prefer to go to the concert.
I’d rather...	State preference	I’d rather relax at home.
I don’t think that’s a good idea because...	Refuse politely	I don’t think that’s a good idea because I’m tired.
Maybe we could...	Suggest alternative	Maybe we could go for a walk instead.
Could you tell me...?	Ask politely	Could you tell me what time I should arrive?
By the way...	Add a new point	By the way, should I bring warm clothes?
Let me know...	Request information	Let me know if you need anything.
I can’t wait to...	Show excitement	I can’t wait to see you.
See you soon.	Informal closing	See you soon, Alex.
Best wishes,	Neutral closing	Best wishes, Maria.
Write back soon.	Friendly ending	Write back soon and tell me your plans.

Writing Formats

9. Email Formulas, Reviews, Reports and Stories ✍️

Email greetings and endings

Situation	Greeting	Ending	Example
Close friend	Hi Sandy,	See you soon,	Hi Sandy, Thanks for your email...
Friend	Hello Tom,	Best wishes,	Hello Tom, It was great to hear from you.
Teacher	Dear Mr Brown,	Kind regards,	Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to ask...
Unknown person	Dear Sir or Madam,	Yours faithfully,	Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to enquire...
Known professional	Dear Ms Taylor,	Yours sincerely,	Dear Ms Taylor, Thank you for your message.

When to use Mr, Ms, Miss and Mrs

Title	Use	Example
Mr	For a man	Dear Mr Smith,
Ms	For a woman when marital status is unknown or irrelevant	Dear Ms Johnson,
Miss	For an unmarried woman, less common in professional contexts	Dear Miss Taylor,
Mrs	For a married woman, only if you know she uses it	Dear Mrs Brown,
Dr	For someone with a doctoral or medical title	Dear Dr Wilson,

Useful phrases for reviews

Phrase	Use	Example
I would highly recommend...	Strong recommendation	I would highly recommend this film.
One drawback is...	Mention a negative point	One drawback is that it is quite long.
The best thing about it is...	Highlight strength	The best thing about it is the acting.
It is suitable for...	Explain audience	It is suitable for teenagers.
The plot is about...	Summarise story	The plot is about a young musician.
The characters are...	Describe people	The characters are funny and realistic.
The atmosphere is...	Describe mood	The atmosphere is exciting.
I was impressed by...	Positive reaction	I was impressed by the music.
I was disappointed by...	Negative reaction	I was disappointed by the ending.
Overall,...	Final opinion	Overall, it is a fantastic film.
If you enjoy..., you will love...	Recommend by taste	If you enjoy comedy, you will love this show.
It is worth watching because...	Give reason	It is worth watching because it is original.
The ending was...	Evaluate conclusion	The ending was surprising.
The main problem is...	Criticise	The main problem is the slow beginning.
I would give it...	Score	I would give it four stars.

Report / Proposal phrases — useful for higher levels

Phrase	Use	Example
The aim of this report is...	Introduce purpose	The aim of this report is to analyse student satisfaction.
It is recommended that...	Give recommendation	It is recommended that the school offer more activities.
One possible solution would be...	Suggest solution	One possible solution would be to create a reading club.
According to the survey...	Refer to data	According to the survey, students want more speaking practice.
The main advantage is...	Explain benefit	The main advantage is flexibility.
A further issue is...	Add problem	A further issue is the lack of space.
In order to improve...	Purpose	In order to improve results, students need feedback.
This would lead to...	Consequence	This would lead to better motivation.
The majority of...	Generalise data	The majority of students prefer online lessons.
A minority of...	Small group	A minority of students prefer self-study.
It should be noted that...	Highlight point	It should be noted that costs are low.
In conclusion...	Finish formally	In conclusion, the proposal is realistic.
The findings suggest that...	Interpret information	The findings suggest that students need more practice.
It would be advisable to...	Formal advice	It would be advisable to increase class time.
This proposal outlines...	Introduce proposal	This proposal outlines a new study plan.

Stretch Vocabulary

10. B2 and C1 Language to Upgrade Your Writing 🚀

This language is not compulsory for B1, but it is excellent if you want to sound more natural, more precise and more mature. Use it only when you understand it well.

B2 vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
Convenient	Easy or useful	Online lessons are convenient.
Challenging	Difficult but useful	Writing can be challenging.
Reliable	That you can trust	She is a reliable friend.
Affordable	Not too expensive	The course is affordable.
Suitable	Appropriate	This activity is suitable for B1 students.
Enjoyable	Pleasant or fun	The concert sounds enjoyable.
Crowded	Full of people	The cinema was crowded.
Peaceful	Calm	I prefer peaceful places.

C1 adjectives

Outstanding	Extremely good	The performance was outstanding.
Remarkable	Very unusual or impressive	It was a remarkable experience.
Beneficial	Helpful	Regular practice is beneficial.
Demanding	Requires effort	The exam is demanding but manageable.
Memorable	Easy to remember	The trip was memorable.
Overwhelming	Too intense	The first day felt overwhelming.

C1 phrasal verbs

Look forward to	Feel excited about the future	I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Put off	Postpone	Let’s not put off our plans.
Come up with	Think of an idea	We came up with a better plan.
Carry out	Do a task	The school carried out a survey.
Set up	Organise or create	They set up a new club.
Get across	Communicate clearly	Try to get your ideas across clearly.

C1 collocations and linking words

Expression	Type	Example
Make a significant improvement	Collocation	You can make a significant improvement with practice.
Reach a decision	Collocation	We need to reach a decision soon.
A major advantage	Collocation	A major advantage is flexibility.
Despite this	Linking phrase	Despite this, the activity was enjoyable.
Nevertheless	Contrast	Nevertheless, I would recommend it.
Furthermore	Addition	Furthermore, it helps students gain confidence.
Consequently	Result	Consequently, students feel more prepared.
In contrast	Comparison	In contrast, studying alone can be harder.

Conclusion

11. Final Advice: Never Leave It Blank 🌈

My dear students, the most important thing I want you to remember is this: never leave a Writing answer blank.

Why?

In this Writing paper, each question carries equal marks. That means Part 1 is worth 50% of the Writing paper, because you answer two questions in total: Part 1 and one question from Part 2.

If you write nothing, Cambridge cannot give you marks for content, organisation, communication or language. But if you write a clear answer, even a simple one, you give yourself a real opportunity to score.

Final teacher tips 💛

Read the task carefully before writing.
Underline or mentally check every note.
Plan your answer in less than 5 minutes.
Use paragraphs so your answer is easy to read.
Use friendly language when writing to a friend.
Check grammar, spelling and missing notes at the end.
Do not panic if your English is not perfect. Clear communication is the goal.

Remember this ❤️

You do not need to be perfect to pass. You need to be prepared. Writing is a skill, and skills improve with training. Every email you write, every mistake you correct and every plan you practise brings you closer to your goal.

Source

This activity is based on the official Cambridge B1 Preliminary Sample Paper 2 (2022) – Writing: Part 1.

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