Introduction

The writing part of the B1 (preliminary) exam is joined with the reading part of the exam. You have 3
tasks. This post seeks to advise students how to write a story that will get you a great score at B1
level.

1. 5 rephrasing questions (see HERE)

2. A short text of 35-45 words – normally a message, email or note (SEE HERE)
3. a letter (see HERE) or a story of 100 words

The first thing to mention is that at B1 level they want a simple text with some complex grammar. It
should be very easy to read and follow with very few mistakes. You must follow the instructions
in the question!

TO AVOID ERRORS YOU SHOULD NOT GUESS VOCABULARY OR GRAMMAR

STRUCTURES. ONLY USE WHAT YOU KNOW WELL. YOU SHOULD EXPERIMENT WITH
LANGUAGE IN CLASS AND WHILE STUDYING, NOT IN THE EXAM

When writing a story, there are a few problems that most students find:

1. In only 100 words, how can I complete the task?

2. How do I organize the text?
3. What do they mean by complex grammar?

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The answers to these questions are simple:
 Find a good teacher to guide you through the questions CHECK

Practice the task a lot. Not only writing full stories but also write frequently. Write sentences to improve
vocabulary, messages and notes.
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Organize your text in a simple way. Use a clear start, middle and end. A TITLE IS OPTIONAL UNLESS
STATED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS

Ways to start your story

Once upon a time

One day
At the beginning
When it all began
When it al started
Time Phrases (for the middle of the story)

Firstly, secondly, thirdly

in due time
as long as
as soon as
just in time
at the moment
in good time
in the meantime
in a moment
in ages
whenever
now that
instantly
without delay
Suddenly
all of a sudden
at the present time
from time to time
sooner or later
at the same time
as soon as

Ways of ending the story

In the end
finally
When it all ended
After all of that
After everything that had happened 
Once and for all
At the end of the day

Complex grammar

Passive
reported/direct speech
Conditionals
Wish/ if only
Past perfect
 Modal verbs
relative clauses

Cohesive devices

The use of connectors is essential in the organisation of stories. Use them to sequence the story
and make it easy to follow.

ADDING INFORMATION CONTRAST

And, also, as well, in addition, besides, above all However, but, although, on the other hand, despite,
in spite of, even though, though, whereas

GIVING EXAMPLES SIMILARITY

Such as, for example, like, for instance, as follows: Similarly, equally, likewise, in the same way

REINFORCEMENT RESULT

Also, furthermore, moreover, above all, not only… So, therefore, as a result, because of this,
but also consequently, thus, hence, in that case

DEDUCTION SUMMARY

Otherwise, in other words, then, in that case In conclusion, to sum up, in brief, to sum up,
therefore, to summarise

SEQUENCE STATING THE OBVIOUS

Firstly, secondly, thirdly, lastly, next, after, to start Obviously, clearly, naturally, of course, naturally, 
with, to finish, surely, after all

MY ADVICE IS TO WRITE THE STORY IN THE PAST UNLESS THE INSTRUCTION OBLIGATES
YOU TO USE THE FUTURE. THIS WAY THE GRAMMAR STRUCTURES ARE SIMPLE AND IT IS
EASIER TO WRITE, YOU ONLY NEED A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF 3 GRAMMAR
STRUCTURES:

Past simple
Past continuous
 Past perfect

For a better grade include WISH + PAST PERFECT or 3RD CONDITIONAL

Example of a story

Start the story with…

As soon as I woke up, I realised that it was the most important day of my life.

As soon as I woke up, I realised that it was the most important day of my life. I
had been preparing for this day for as long as I can remember. We had studied all year
for our final exam and we knew that when it was over, we would be qualified doctors. I
couldn´t wait because it had been my dream since I was a kid. My parents would be so
proud and they were planning a party for when I got my results. As I had studies so
hard I knew I would pass without a problem. My plan was to finish the exam and then
go clubbing with some friends. It was going to be a night to remember.

Organisation.A start and a clear ending are essential in the writing of a good story at B1 level

Language use.Use complex grammar structures (SEE COMPLEX GRAMMAR)

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B1 STORY QUESTIONS