0. Before You Start the Writing Paper 📝
Before we practise the article, let’s understand the official instructions. This helps you enter the exam with a clear mind and avoid losing marks for simple mistakes.
⏱️ Time
You have 45 minutes for the whole Writing paper.
✍️ 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
In this sample paper, Part 2 gives you two options: an article or a story.
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 your 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 answer. In both formats, your objective is the same: answer the task, organise your ideas, use clear English and finish on time.
Teacher tip: in the paper-based exam, your handwriting matters. You can correct mistakes, but the final answer must be easy to read.
1. Welcome! Today We Are Going to Master Writing Part 2: Article 🌟
Hello, my lovely students! Today we are going to practise the second part of the Cambridge B1 Preliminary Writing paper. And please, do not worry: with enough training, this task becomes much easier than it looks. 😊
We are going to learn how to understand the task, plan quickly, organise ideas, use useful phrases and write a clear article that answers the question properly.
How is the Writing paper organised?
Part 1: Email
This part is compulsory. You read an email and some notes, then you write a reply of about 100 words.
Part 2: Choice Task
In Part 2, you choose one task. In this official sample, you can choose between Question 2: an article and Question 3: a story.
In wider B1 practice, you may also practise formats such as emails, articles and stories, because these help you develop flexible writing skills.
In this lesson, we are going to study articles. Articles are wonderful because they allow you to give your opinion, explain preferences and write in a friendly, natural style for readers. 📰
What will we do today?
- Understand the official Part 2 article task.
- Learn what Cambridge expects from an article.
- Identify common mistakes Spanish-speaking students make.
- Create a quick article plan in under 5 minutes.
- Write a complete model answer step by step.
- Highlight the most important structures in the article.
- Practise useful phrases for articles, emails, essays, reviews and stories.
2. What Do You Have to Do in Part 2? 📰
In Part 2, you choose one question and write your answer in about 100 words. For this lesson, we are choosing Question 2: the article.
Official task
Part 2
Choose one of these questions.
Write your answer in about 100 words on the answer sheet.
Question 2
You see this notice on an English-language website.
Articles wanted!
FILMS
What kind of films do you enjoy?
Do you prefer watching them at the cinema or at home? Why?
Write an article answering these questions and we will put it on our website!
Write your article.
What must your article include?
1. A title
An article normally needs an attractive title. It should make the reader want to continue.
2. Your favourite film type
You must answer: What kind of films do you enjoy?
3. Cinema or home?
You must answer: Do you prefer watching them at the cinema or at home?
4. A reason
You must explain why you prefer that option.
Important: an article is not a formal essay and it is not a private email. It is written for readers of a website, so it should be clear, interesting and friendly.
3. What Does Cambridge Evaluate in an Article? 🎯
Cambridge evaluates your article using the same big areas as other Writing tasks. The important thing is not only grammar: your answer must communicate clearly.
1. Content
Did you answer all parts of the task? In this article, you must say what kind of films you enjoy, whether you prefer watching them at the cinema or at home, and why.
2. Communicative Achievement
Is your text appropriate for an article on a website? It should have a friendly tone, a title and a clear connection with the reader.
3. Organisation
Are your ideas easy to follow? A good article usually has a title, an introduction, one or two middle paragraphs and a short conclusion.
4. Language
Do you use suitable B1 vocabulary and grammar? Try to include variety: opinions, reasons, linking words, adjectives and examples.
Teacher secret: a B1 article does not need to be complicated. It needs to be complete, readable, organised and interesting for the target reader.
4. Problems and Common Mistakes 🚫
Let’s look at the mistakes that can lower your mark. The good news? Most of them are easy to avoid when you know what to check.
Time management ⏱️
You have 45 minutes for the whole Writing paper. Since you must answer Part 1 and one task from Part 2, you need to control your time. A good strategy is to spend around 20–22 minutes on Part 2, including planning and checking.
Things that lower your mark
Memorised phrases
Do not write empty sentences like “Nowadays society has many important things” if they do not answer the question. Cambridge wants relevant communication.
Repetition
If you repeat “I like films, films are good, films are fun”, your language looks limited. Use words like movies, stories, characters, scenes, actors.
Bad organisation
One huge paragraph is difficult to read. Use a title and short paragraphs.
Wrong style
An article should not sound like a formal report. It should be friendly, direct and interesting.
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 the film | ✅ It depends on the film | The correct preposition is “on”. |
| ❌ I prefer watch films | ✅ I prefer watching films | After “prefer”, we often use the -ing form. |
| ❌ I like very much action films | ✅ I really like action films | In English, “really” normally goes before the verb. |
| ❌ In the cinema is better | ✅ Watching films at the cinema is better | English usually needs a clear subject. |
| ❌ The film was very funny and I was funny | ✅ The film was funny and I was happy | “Funny” describes something that makes you laugh, not your emotion in this sentence. |
Teacher tip: in an article, your reader must feel that you are talking to them. A good article is not robotic. It has personality, examples and a clear opinion.
5. Tips for Success and Strategies 🌟
Before you write your article, you must plan. Please do not start writing immediately. Planning is not a waste of time; it is what saves your answer.
The 5-Minute Lightning Plan ⚡
- Task type: Article.
- Reader: Visitors of an English-language website.
- Topic: Films.
- Question 1: What kind of films do I enjoy?
- Question 2: Cinema or home?
- Reason: Why do I prefer that option?
- Structure: Title + introduction + 2 middle paragraphs + conclusion.
Example Lightning Plan for the Article
| Part | My idea | Useful language |
|---|---|---|
| Title | A fun title about films | Why I Love Films |
| Introduction | Introduce the topic and connect with the reader | Films are a great way to relax... |
| Question 1 | I enjoy adventure and comedy films | I especially enjoy... |
| Question 2 | I prefer watching films at home | I prefer watching them at home because... |
| Conclusion | Final opinion | For me, the best film night is... |
What raises your mark?
Good paragraphing
A title and 3 or 4 short paragraphs make your article easy to read.
Variety of grammar
Use structures like “I prefer watching...”, “because...”, “although...”, “if...”.
Topic relevance
Do not write about music, school or holidays unless it directly connects to films.
Appropriate register
Articles are usually friendly and semi-informal. You can use questions to involve the reader.
Cohesion
Use linking words: also, because, however, for example, in my opinion, finally.
Teacher tip: the examiner should see that your article has a clear beginning, middle and end. If your article feels easy to follow, you are already doing something right.
6. Solving Step by Step – MODEL ANSWER ✅
Now we are going to solve the article task step by step. Remember: Cambridge wants a clear answer, a suitable style and organised ideas.
Step 1: Understand the task
The website wants articles about films. You must answer two questions:
- What kind of films do you enjoy?
- Do you prefer watching them at the cinema or at home? Why?
Step 2: Choose your opinion
For this model answer, we are going to say:
- I enjoy adventure films and comedies.
- I prefer watching films at home.
- Reason: it is more comfortable and cheaper.
Step 3: Article structure
| Article part | What it should do | Approximate length |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Attract the reader and show the topic. | 3–7 words |
| Introduction | Introduce the topic in an interesting way. | 15–25 words |
| Paragraph 1 | Answer what kind of films you enjoy. | 25–35 words |
| Paragraph 2 | Say where you prefer watching films and why. | 25–35 words |
| Conclusion | Finish with a final opinion or recommendation. | 10–20 words |
MODEL ANSWER
The Best Way to Enjoy Films
Films are a great way to relax after a busy day, and almost everyone has a favourite kind.
I especially enjoy adventure films and comedies because they are exciting and usually make me feel happy. I like stories with interesting characters and funny moments, so I never get bored.
Personally, I prefer watching films at home because it is more comfortable and cheaper than going to the cinema. I can sit on my sofa, eat my favourite snacks and pause the film if I need to.
For me, the perfect film night is at home with family or friends.
Why is this a good article?
- The title tells the reader the topic and sounds natural.
- The hook introduces the topic in a friendly way.
- “I especially enjoy adventure films and comedies” answers the first question.
- “because they are exciting...” gives a reason and develops the answer.
- “Personally, I prefer...” clearly introduces the writer’s opinion.
- “because it is more comfortable and cheaper...” answers why.
- The conclusion finishes naturally and gives a final personal idea.
Teacher tip: when writing an article, imagine that a real person is going to read it online. Make it friendly, clear and a little bit personal.
7. General Tips for the Writing Section 🧠
These tips will help you not only with articles, but also with emails and stories. Writing improves when you train with a system.
Understand the format of the exam
Know how many tasks you need to answer and what each text type requires. An article is different from an email or a story.
Practice regularly
Write short texts every week. Practise articles, emails and stories so you feel flexible.
Familiarise yourself with exam conditions
Use a timer. Practise writing in about 20 minutes so you are ready for the real exam.
Clarity in writing
Short, clear sentences are better than very long sentences full of mistakes.
Understand assessment criteria
Remember: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language. All four areas matter.
Try using advanced language
Use better vocabulary when possible, but only if you are sure it is correct. Accuracy comes first.
My advice: do not memorise full articles. Learn flexible structures: titles, introductions, opinion phrases, reasons, examples and final sentences.
8. Essential Grammar and Vocabulary for B1 Writing 📚
To write better articles, you need language for opinions, preferences, reasons and examples. But because Cambridge Writing includes different formats, we will also review useful phrases for emails, essays and reviews.
Useful phrases for articles
| Phrase | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Have you ever...? | Catch the reader’s attention | Have you ever watched a film that changed your mood? |
| Most people enjoy... | General opening | Most people enjoy watching films in their free time. |
| In this article, I will... | Introduce topic | In this article, I will talk about my favourite films. |
| I especially enjoy... | Give preference | I especially enjoy adventure films. |
| My favourite kind of film is... | State favourite type | My favourite kind of film is comedy. |
| The reason is simple: | Introduce reason | The reason is simple: they make me laugh. |
| For example,... | Give example | For example, I love films with surprising endings. |
| Personally,... | Give personal opinion | Personally, I prefer watching films at home. |
| In my opinion,... | Give opinion | In my opinion, cinemas are too expensive. |
| Another reason is that... | Add reason | Another reason is that home is more comfortable. |
| Although... | Show contrast | Although cinemas are exciting, I prefer my sofa. |
| However,... | Contrast | However, watching films at home is cheaper. |
| If you ask me,... | Friendly opinion | If you ask me, comedies are the best. |
| To sum up,... | Conclusion | To sum up, films are perfect for relaxing. |
| So, next time... | Final reader connection | So, next time you watch a film, choose something fun! |
Useful phrases for essays
| Phrase | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| In my opinion... | Give your view | In my opinion, films are educational. |
| Firstly... | Introduce first reason | Firstly, films help us relax. |
| Secondly... | Add another point | Secondly, they teach us about other cultures. |
| However... | Contrast | However, some films are too violent. |
| As a result... | Consequence | As a result, people learn new ideas. |
| To conclude... | Final sentence | To conclude, films can be very useful. |
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. |
| Let me know... | Ask for information | Let me know what time I should arrive. |
| By the way... | Add a point | By the way, should I bring anything? |
| See you soon. | Informal ending | See you soon, Alex. |
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. |
| Overall,... | Final opinion | Overall, it is a fantastic film. |
9. B2 and C1 Language to Upgrade Your Article 🚀
This language is not compulsory for B1, but it can help you sound more precise. Use it only when you understand it and can use it naturally.
B2 vocabulary for films and opinions
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Entertaining | Fun to watch | The film was really entertaining. |
| Predictable | Easy to guess | The ending was predictable. |
| Moving | Emotionally powerful | It was a moving story. |
| Enjoyable | Pleasant | The film was enjoyable from beginning to end. |
| Convenient | Easy and practical | Watching films at home is convenient. |
| Affordable | Not too expensive | Streaming films is more affordable than the cinema. |
| Comfortable | Relaxing and pleasant | My sofa is more comfortable than cinema seats. |
| Impressive | Very good or surprising | The special effects were impressive. |
C1 adjectives
| Outstanding | Extremely good | The acting was outstanding. |
| Remarkable | Very impressive | The story was remarkable. |
| Memorable | Easy to remember | It was a memorable film. |
| Gripping | Very exciting | The plot was gripping. |
| Thought-provoking | Makes you think | The film was thought-provoking. |
| Overrated | Not as good as people say | In my opinion, it was overrated. |
C1 phrasal verbs
| Look forward to | Feel excited about something | I look forward to watching new films at weekends. |
| Come across | Find by chance | I came across an amazing film online. |
| Turn out | Have a final result | The film turned out to be better than I expected. |
| Put on | Start showing | They put on a classic film at the cinema. |
| Switch off | Stop paying attention or relax | Films help me switch off after school. |
| Get into | Become interested in | I got into science fiction last year. |
C1 collocations and linking words
| Expression | Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A wide range of films | Collocation | There is a wide range of films online. |
| A major advantage | Collocation | A major advantage of watching at home is comfort. |
| A powerful performance | Collocation | The actor gave a powerful performance. |
| Despite this | Linking phrase | Despite this, I still prefer watching films at home. |
| Nevertheless | Contrast | Cinemas are expensive. Nevertheless, they are exciting. |
| Furthermore | Addition | Furthermore, home is quieter. |
| Consequently | Result | Consequently, I watch more films at home. |
| In contrast | Comparison | In contrast, the cinema offers a bigger screen. |
10. Email Formulas and Formal Titles 📩
Today’s task is an article, but B1 students also need to recognise email formulas. This table helps you choose the right opening and closing depending on the reader.
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, |
Report / Proposal phrases — useful for C1 preparation
| Phrase | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The aim of this report is... | Introduce purpose | The aim of this report is to analyse student habits. |
| It is recommended that... | Give recommendation | It is recommended that students practise weekly. |
| One possible solution would be... | Suggest solution | One possible solution would be to create a film club. |
| According to the survey... | Refer to data | According to the survey, students prefer comedies. |
| In conclusion... | Finish formally | In conclusion, the proposal is realistic. |
11. Final Advice: Never Leave It Blank 🌈
My dear students, please remember this: never leave a Writing answer blank. Even if you feel nervous, write something clear and connected to the task.
How much is this part worth?
In this Writing paper, each question carries equal marks. Since you answer two questions in total — Part 1 and one question from Part 2 — your Part 2 answer is worth 50% of the Writing paper.
That means this article is a big opportunity. If you plan it, organise it and answer both questions, you can collect valuable marks.
Final teacher tips 💛
- Choose the Part 2 option that gives you more ideas.
- Do not start writing without a quick plan.
- For an article, always use a title.
- Answer every question in the task.
- Use short paragraphs.
- Give reasons and examples.
- Check spelling, grammar and missing information at the end.
Remember this ❤️
You do not need perfect English to write a good B1 article. You need a clear answer, a friendly style and good organisation. Every practice article makes you faster, calmer and more confident.
Source
This activity is based on the official Cambridge B1 Preliminary Sample Paper 2 (2022) – Writing: Part 2.