Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET): How to Write an Article

Summary

This video guides viewers on how to write excellent articles for the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) exam. It covers key aspects like analyzing the task, staying on topic, using neutral to informal language, and including relevant vocabulary. The video emphasizes the importance of structure: a clear title, topic paragraphs addressing specific questions, and a strong final sentence. It also offers tips on using contractions, phrasal verbs, and colloquial expressions to enhance the writing. With examples and practical advice, this tutorial helps viewers craft engaging and well-organized articles for the exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 Articles in the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) exam are optional tasks, and you can choose between writing an article or a story.
• 😀 To write an effective article, always make sure to answer the question in the task clearly and stay on topic.
• 😀 Articles should be organized in paragraphs to make it easier for the reader to follow your ideas.
• 😀 Use neutral to informal language when writing your article, as it is typically for a magazine or website audience.
• 😀 Remember to include relevant vocabulary related to the topic of the article to make your writing more engaging.
• 😀 Before writing, analyze the task by asking three questions: What is the topic? What do I have to include? Who is the reader?
• 😀 For the topic, identify specific vocabulary related to the subject matter to ensure your language is appropriate and accurate.
• 😀 In the task analysis, ensure you understand the specific points you need to address to avoid going off-topic.
• 😀 The tone of your article should be neutral to informal, including contractions, phrasal verbs, and colloquial expressions to make it feel natural and conversational.
• 😀 A great article includes a simple title, topic paragraphs addressing the task points, and a closing final sentence that can be humorous or summarizing to leave a strong impression.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on how to write effective articles for the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) exam.

What kind of task is an article in the PET exam?

An article is an optional writing task in the PET exam, where you can choose to write either an article or a story.

What is the general purpose of an article in the PET exam?

An article is written for a magazine or website, with the goal of keeping the reader engaged and delivering specific information.

What are the five key points to focus on when writing a good article?

1. Answer the question clearly. 2. Stay on topic. 3. Organize the article in paragraphs. 4. Use neutral to informal language. 5. Include vocabulary related to the topic.

How should you analyze a new article writing task in the PET exam?

You should ask three questions: 1. What topic do I have to write about? 2. What do I have to include in my text? 3. Who is going to read my article?

Why is understanding the topic important in writing an article?

Knowing the topic helps you gather relevant vocabulary and ensures that your article stays on track and answers the question.

What is the importance of staying on topic in your article?

Staying on topic ensures that everything you write is relevant to the task and helps you answer the question effectively.

What style of language should be used in PET exam articles?

PET exam articles should use neutral to informal language, as they are written for a magazine or website.

What language features can improve your article in the PET exam?

Using contractions, phrasal verbs, and colloquial expressions can improve your article and help you achieve higher marks.

How should you structure the different parts of your article?

An article should have a title, topic paragraphs that address the specific points in the task, and a final sentence that concludes or summarizes the article.