Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET): How to Write a Story

Summary

In this video, Teacher Phil provides a comprehensive guide to writing a story for the B1 Preliminary exam. He outlines the task analysis process, including how to identify the topic and key requirements. The video emphasizes the importance of structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, as well as the use of engaging language features like direct speech, time expressions, and vivid adjectives. Phil also offers practical tips on writing effectively within the 100-120 word limit, stressing the need for a logical flow and satisfying conclusion. The overall goal is to help students craft stories that are both interesting and well-structured.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand that story writing in the B1 Preliminary exam is optional, and you can also choose to write an article, with the only mandatory task being an email.
• 😀 The recommended word count for a B1 Preliminary story is between 100 and 120 words. Keep your story concise while ensuring it has a clear beginning, main part, and ending.
• 😀 A good story begins with the sentence provided in the exam prompt, but you are free to develop the plot and characters after that.
• 😀 A thorough task analysis is key. Identifying the topic (like a holiday or trip), main character, and any implied guidelines from the task will help you structure your story.
• 😀 In your task analysis, always ask questions like: What is the topic? What do I need to include? Who is my audience? This will help you align your writing to the exam expectations.
• 😀 Use the **past continuous** verb form to set the scene in your story’s beginning, describing what was happening in the background before the main events.
• 😀 Keep your **main part** focused on logical sequencing of events. Use time expressions and proper verb forms like **past simple** and **past perfect** to clearly outline the progression.
• 😀 The **ending** of your story should bring a sense of conclusion, but it doesn’t have to be spectacular. It could be surprising, funny, or simply a neat wrap-up.
• 😀 **Direct speech** is an excellent feature to include in your story. It makes your characters' actions and words more relatable and engaging for the reader.
• 😀 Using **adjectives and adverbs** will help make your writing more vivid and interesting. Aim to use descriptive language that adds color and emotion to the story.
• 😀 Don’t overthink the details. While it’s helpful to include interesting language features like contrast, direct speech, and descriptive words, the focus should be on clarity, good structure, and coherence.

Q & A

What is the word count requirement for a B1 Preliminary story?

The recommended word count for a story in the B1 Preliminary exam is between 100 and 120 words.

Is writing a story mandatory in the B1 Preliminary exam?

No, writing a story is not mandatory. You can choose between writing a story or an article. The only mandatory task is writing an email.

What is the purpose of a task analysis when writing a story?

A task analysis helps you understand the topic, required content, and structure of the story, enabling you to brainstorm ideas and organize your writing effectively.

What is the first thing you must do when starting a story in the B1 Preliminary exam?

You must start your story with the sentence provided in the task. This sentence is the required opening line.

How should the main part of the story be structured?

The main part of the story should describe the key events in a logical sequence, using interesting language and correct verb tenses to maintain clarity and engagement.

What are some key language features to include in your story?

Use past continuous for background actions, past simple for main events, past perfect for actions that happened earlier, and include adjectives, adverbs, and direct speech to make the story more engaging.

Why is it important to use time expressions in the story?

Time expressions help the reader understand the chronological order of events and provide clarity on when each action takes place.

What is the role of the story’s ending in the B1 Preliminary exam?

The ending should bring the story to a conclusion, satisfying the reader. Avoid introducing new characters or plot twists at this stage.

What advice is given for writing the beginning of the story?

The beginning should include the task's first sentence, followed by one additional sentence to set the scene, create atmosphere, and capture the reader's interest.

Can the structure of the story change depending on the task?

No, the structure remains the same: beginning (first sentence + one extra sentence), main part (logical sequence of events), and ending (a conclusion to the story).