Do you sometimes run out of time during writing exams? Do you start writing quickly… and then realize you forgot to plan or check your work?
Don’t worry — you’re not alone! In the PET Writing Part 2, you have 45 minutes to write one text: an article, essay, letter, blog post, or report. That sounds like a lot, but without a good plan, it can disappear fast!
In this mini-lesson, you’ll learn a 5-step plan to help you:
understand the task ✅
organize your ideas 🧠
write clearly ✍️
and check everything before time’s up! 🔍
Let’s go step by step and learn how to make the most of every minute!
🔍 Read the prompt carefully 🧠 Identify the type (essay, blog, etc.), the purpose (inform, describe, persuade), and the reader (friend, teacher, website readers)
🪶 Start with the body paragraphs (main ideas + examples) 📌 Then write the introduction and conclusion (or opening/closing lines for letters/blogs) ✨ Use clear paragraphs
📝 Check for: • Spelling • Grammar • Punctuation • Repeated words or awkward phrasing
✨ Tips
Don’t start writing immediately. Planning helps you write faster and better.
Leave space between lines to make editing easier.
Use linking words (however, because, in addition) to get a better score.
Check register: Use contractions for informal writing, full forms for formal.
If unsure about spelling, choose a simpler word you know.
🟢 Step 1: Understand the Task in 5 Minutes
(Part of the 5-Step Writing Workflow)
Before you plan or write anything, stop and read the task carefully. Use your first 5 minutes to make sure you understand what to write, who you are writing to, and what you must include.
🧠 Follow These 3 Simple Steps to Understand the Task:
What to Do
Why It’s Important
Read the task slowly (twice)
📖 The first time you get a general idea. The second time, you look for details.
Underline the important words
✏️ Highlight the type of writing, the topic, and the bullet points.
Answer 3 golden questions
✅ These questions help you stay on task and avoid losing points.
✅ Ask Yourself These 3 Golden Questions
❓ Question
✅ What to Look For
1. What do I have to write?
Is it a letter? Article? Blog? Report? Essay?
2. Who is going to read it?
A teacher? A friend? Everyone online? A company?
3. What 2 or 3 things must I say?
Check the bullet points and make sure you include all of them!
📚 Example Task Breakdown
Task: Your teacher has asked you to write a blog post about your favorite sport. You should: – say what the sport is – explain why you like it – say how someone can learn it
✅ Step-by-Step Analysis
1. What is the type of text? 🟦 Blog post
2. Who is going to read it? 🌐 Other students / people online → Use friendly, informal language
3. What 3 things do I need to include? 🔹 Name the sport 🔹 Give reasons why you enjoy it 🔹 Say how someone can learn it
💡 Pro Tips to Follow the Instructions
📌 Underline or highlight the 3 bullet points.
✅ Check them off as you write your draft.
🚫 Don’t write about something else or skip a question. You will lose marks!
💬 Common Phrases to Use in the First Paragraph
“In this blog post, I’m going to tell you about…” “Let me tell you why I love…” “If you’ve never tried it before, here’s how to learn…”
⏱️ After 5 minutes, you should: ✔️ Know what type of text you’re writing ✔️ Understand who it’s for ✔️ Know exactly what 2–3 things you must write about
🧠 Reminder:
Understanding the instructions is 50% of the test! Take your time, read carefully, and follow the plan. You can do this! 💪
⏱️ Step 2: Plan Your Writing in 5 Minutes
(Part of the 5-Step Writing Workflow)
Before you start writing, take 5 minutes to plan. This helps you organize your ideas and write faster and better!
🧠 Follow These 3 Simple Steps to Plan in 5 Minutes:
What to Do
How It Helps
Read the task again and underline keywords
✔️ Make sure you understand what kind of text you must write (article, email, blog, letter, etc.) and what 3 things you need to include.
Brainstorm 2–3 main ideas
✍️ Quickly think of examples, ideas, or reasons for each bullet point in the task. Write short notes (not full sentences).
Make a quick outline
📋 Plan your 3–4 short paragraphs. Decide what to write in each paragraph and what linking words or useful phrases to include.
📝 Example: Planning an Article
Task: Write an article about a place you love in your city.
You must say: – why you love it – what people can do there – why people should visit it
✅ Step-by-Step Plan (5 minutes):
1. Underline task keywords ✔️ Article ✔️ Place I love ✔️ Why I love it / What people do / Why others should visit
2. Brainstorm ideas
Place: City park
Why I love it: relaxing, trees, birds, quiet
Activities: walk, picnic, play sports
Why visit: beautiful, free, fun for all ages
3. Outline paragraphs (Use for Draft)
Paragraph
What to Write
Intro 🟩
“Do you want to relax in nature? Let me tell you about my favorite place…”
Body 1 🟨
Why I love it (calm, peaceful, fresh air)
Body 2 🟦
What people can do (walk, picnic, sports)
Body 3 🟪
Why others should visit (good for families, beautiful, free)
Ending 🟥
Invite the reader: “Try it and see how amazing it is!”
⭐ Helpful Phrases to Add in Your Plan
I love this place because…
You can…
It’s a great place to…
I think everyone should visit because…
✅ Now you’re ready to write! You’ve used your 5 minutes wisely — and you won’t get lost while writing! Keep your plan next to you and follow it step by step.
✍️ Step 3: Write (25 minutes)
(Part of the 5-Step Writing Workflow)
Now it’s time to start writing your draft! But here’s a secret: don’t start with the introduction! Start with the main part (body) — it’s easier and helps you stay focused.
🧠 Follow These 3 Simple Steps to Write in 25 Minutes:
What to Do
Why It Helps
Write the body paragraphs first
🧱 These are the most important parts. Each paragraph should cover one bullet point from the task.
Write the introduction and ending
✨ Start with a short introduction and finish with a closing sentence or line (especially for letters or blogs).
Read it once slowly and fix anything confusing
👀 Make sure it sounds clear and you didn’t forget anything. This is your first check before the final edits.
✅ Tips for Writing the Body Paragraphs First
Each bullet point = one clear paragraph. Here’s how to organize them:
Paragraph
What to Write
Useful Phrases
Body 1
Answer the first bullet point
“One reason I love this place is…” “The weather is usually…”
Body 2
Answer the second bullet point
“People usually go there to…” “You can also…”
Body 3 (optional)
Answer the third bullet point
“It’s a great place because…” “Another reason is…”
✏️ Keep your sentences short and clear: Subject + Verb + Idea Example: I love summer because the weather is warm and sunny.
✨ Writing the Introduction and Ending
After your body paragraphs are done:
🟩 Introduction (1–2 sentences)
Say what the topic is and invite the reader.
“Would you like to visit a beautiful park in my city?” “In this blog post, I’ll tell you about my favorite sport.”
🟥 Ending (1–2 sentences)
Close the text in a friendly or polite way.
“That’s why I really love it!” “I hope you visit it soon.” “Let me know if you try it!”
🧠 Remember:
✅ Start with the body (main part) ✅ Use short paragraphs (1 per bullet point) ✅ Use linking words (first, then, also, because, so) ✅ Use the right tone (formal/informal) based on the task
🎯 Goal for this step: Have a full draft with a clear beginning, middle, and end. You’re almost there! Now it’s time to check and polish in Step 4. 🧽
🔍 Step 4: Check Structure & Language (5 minutes)
(Part of the 5-Step Writing Workflow)
You’ve written your draft — great job! Now, take 5 minutes to make sure your writing is clear, well-organized, and uses the right style.
🧠 Follow These 3 Simple Steps to Check Your Writing:
What to Do
Why It Helps
Check paragraphs and layout
📑 Make sure your text has clear paragraphs for each idea or bullet point. It looks neat and is easy to read.
Check register and tone
🎭 Make sure your writing is formal or informal, depending on the task. For example, letters to a friend are informal; reports or formal letters are formal.
Check if you answered the task fully
✅ Have you written about every bullet point in the question? Did you keep the right length and format?
✅ What to Look For When Checking Paragraphs and Layout
Does each paragraph talk about one main idea?
Are paragraphs separated by a line or indent?
Does your text have a clear introduction and ending?
✅ How to Check Tone and Register
Task Type
Tone to Use
Examples
Letter to a friend
Informal
Use “Hi,” “I’m writing to tell you…”
Formal letter/report
Formal
Use “Dear Sir/Madam,” “I would like to inform you…”
Blog post/article
Usually informal
Use “You can,” “I think…”
✅ How to Check Task Completion
Did you write about all the bullet points?
Did you follow the instructions for format and style?
Is your text long enough but not too long? (Around 100–120 words)
💡 Quick Tip: Use a Checklist
Before moving to Step 5, ask yourself:
Have I answered all parts of the question?
Is my writing organized with clear paragraphs?
Does my writing have the right tone?
Did I use linking words to connect ideas?
🎯 Goal for this step: Make sure your writing is clear, organized, and fits the task. This helps you get a higher score!
📝 Step 5: Proofread & Edit (5 minutes)
(Part of the 5-Step Writing Workflow)
🎉 You’re almost done! Before you hand in your writing, take 5 more minutes to catch small mistakes and make your writing smoother.
This step can help you gain extra points by fixing simple errors!
🧠 Follow These 3 Simple Steps to Proofread & Edit:
What to Do
Why It Helps
Read your text slowly, out loud (if possible)
👂 You’ll hear if something sounds strange or is missing.
Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation
✏️ Look for small mistakes you can fix quickly (missing “s”, wrong tense, no capital letters).
Replace repeated or awkward words
💡 Make your writing clearer by changing words you used too often or that don’t sound natural.
✅ Common Mistakes to Look For
❌ Check This
✅ Fix It Like This
“He go to the park”
→ “He goes to the park”
“I like the city. The city is nice.”
→ “I like the city because it’s nice.”
“i” or “monday”
→ Capitalize → “I” and “Monday”
Missing punctuation
→ “Hello!” not “Hello”
Double words
→ “She she likes” → “She likes”
🧹 Quick Editing Checklist
Use this list while you read:
Did I spell all words correctly?
Did I use correct verb tenses?
Did I capitalize names, places, and “I”?
Did I end my sentences with periods or question marks?
Did I avoid repeating the same word too many times?
✨ Pro Tips
Use a ruler or your finger to go line by line.
If a word looks strange, write it again and choose the version that “looks right.”
Don’t worry about using fancy words — just make sure it’s clear and correct!
🎯 Goal for this step: Make your writing easier to read and fix small mistakes before the examiner sees them. These small improvements make a big difference! 💪
QUIZ
Ready to test what you learned? 🎯 This short quiz will help you check how well you remember the 5-step writing plan for PET Part 2.
⏱ You’ll answer questions about time, structure, and writing tips. 💡 Take your time and read each question carefully.
Students will use words from the word cloud to create their own sentences, practicing sentence structure, vocabulary, and creativity.
📌 Instructions:
✅ Look at the word cloud and choose at least 5 words to include in your sentence. ✅ You can add other words to make your sentence complete. ✅ Try to make sentences that are meaningful and grammatically correct.
🔢 Steps:
1️⃣ Choose at least five words from the word cloud. 2️⃣ Think of a meaningful sentence using those words. 3️⃣ Write your sentence. 4️⃣ Share your sentence with your group or write it in the chat.
💡 Example Sentences:
The teacher explained a difficult problem to the student.
The friendly teacher is explaining difficult Grammar to her students now.
🔥 Challenge: Try to use more than one sentence to make a short story!
Are You a High-Intermediate English Learner? Practice Writing Here!
This section is for high-intermediate English learners who want to practice writing. The topics will help you writeclear and detailed texts on many subjects for the Cambridge PET test. You can practice writing essays, reports, reviews, messages, and emails.
Each lesson includes a preparation task, a model text with writing tips, and tasks to check your understanding and practice different writing skills. Start improving your writing today!
A short story is a piece of fiction that has a limited number of words and a few characters. Parts of a short story Let’s see a short story sample for the B1 Writing test Useful vocabulary for a short story Time expressions: Adverbs and adverbials to spice up your story Finishing your short story…
What is a Review? A review is a piece of writing where you share your opinions and experiences about a particular place, service, or product. It provides valuable information to potential visitors or users, helping them make informed decisions. The Rating System A rating system is a tool to communicate your overall opinion concisely. Here’s…
Formal emails are the ones that people write to people they don’t know well. The language used in these types of emails is more formal and polite. informal email formal email friendsfamily memberspeople we know well people we don’t knowbosses or managersdoctors, teachers and professors Formal emails have a standard format, so they must include…
for the B1 Cambridge test (PET) or the General Training IELTS test Informal emails are the ones that people write to their friends, family members or people they know well. The language used in this type of emails is more casual and similar to the way that we speak. informal email formal email friendsfamily memberspeople…
What is a description of an event? A description of an event is when we talk about something that happened. It’s like telling a story or sharing details about a specific occasion. We give information about the event’s name, where it happened, the date, the people involved, and what actually took place. The purpose is…
For the B2 FCE Cambridge exam A movie review is an informal piece of writing that describes and evaluates a movie. Movie reviews are usually written by experts giving their opinion about the movie and published in newspapers, magazines, or blogs. Parts of a movie review 1. Title This should include the movie title and…
An article is an informal/ neutral piece of writing that is written for a specific audience. The purpose of an article is to share an opinion, or knowledge on a particular topic, or offer suggestions and pieces of advice to the readers. Newspapers, magazines, and journals usually publish articles. For that reason, articles have to…
An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing in which you share your thoughts on a specific topic. You should express your opinion clearly and give reasons and examples to support your point of view. Remember that when we write in formal style, we must not use contractions or informal words or expressions. Parts…
Sometimes in proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge, you may be asked to describe a graph. But what exactly is a graph? A graph is a visual representation of data or information. It helps us understand and analyze different trends, patterns, or comparisons in a clear and organized way. In these exams, you may…
for the B1 Cambridge test (PET) In some English exams you have to speak or write about photos or pictures. Here is a list of useful vocabulary and expressions for describing pictures or photos for oral/written exams. What is there in the picture?(people, things, animals, places, etc) In the picture I can see …There is…
When writing an email to make arrangements, it’s important to include the following elements: Now that you know the steps to write an email arranging a party, let’s see an example Useful vocabulary to make requests in emails Writing practice You’re organizing a surprise party and need to write two emails to make requests –…
A review is a piece of writing where you share your opinions and experiences about a particular place, service, or product. It provides valuableinformation to potential visitors or users, helping them make informed decisions.
The Rating System
A rating system is a tool to communicate your overall opinion concisely. Here’s a basic guide to a five-star rating system:
★☆☆☆☆ – Very poor (I hated it )
★★☆☆☆ – Below average (I didn’t like it)
★★★☆☆ – Average (I didn’t like it but I didn’t hate it)
★★★★☆ – Above average (I liked it)
★★★★★ – Excellent (I loved it)
Useful Phrases and Vocabulary:
Introduction:
I recently visited/ explored…
I had the opportunity to visit…
Let me share my thoughts on…
Positive Expressions:
I was impressed by…
The highlight for me was…
It exceeded my expectations in…
Negative Expressions:
I was disappointed with…
It fell short of my expectations in…
I found it lacking in…
Overall Opinion:
In conclusion…
To sum up…
All in all…
Recommendation:
I highly recommend…
I strongly recommend this place because…
I would suggest…
If you enjoy…, you’ll definitely like…
Comparisons:
In comparison to…, I found…
Unlike…, this was…
When compared to…, this stood out as…
Personal Experience:
From my perspective…
Personally, I feel…
In my opinion…
Rating Explanation:
I would give it a rating of…
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate it…
My overall rating is…
Now that you know which parts should be included in a review of a place 📍⭐, let’s see an example:
Pro tips for writing a review of a place
Start with a clear introduction
Provide specific details about the ambiance, service, or products.
Balance positive and negatives
Use descriptive language (include a wide variety of adjectives and adverbs
Remember to share your personal opinion and your evaluation.
Time to practice
You see this announcement in a travel magazine.
Review wanted!
Write a review about a place that you have recently visited. It could be a restaurant, a park, a city, or a hotel. You should also provide a score for the place.
Type your answer in the box below, and I’ll give you personalized feedback.
When writing an email to make arrangements, it’s important to include the following elements:
Greeting: Start your email with a polite greeting, such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name],”.
Introduction: Introduce yourself and state the purpose of your email. For example: “I hope you’re doing well. I am writing to discuss arrangements for a party.”
Request: Clearly state what you are requesting, which is to arrange a party. Be direct and use simple language. For example: “I would like to request your assistance in organizing a party.”
Party Details: Provide essential details about the party, such as the date, time, location, and any specific requirements or preferences. Keep it simple and concise. For example: “The party is planned for [date] from [time] at [location]. We expect around [number] guests and would like to have some music and decorations.”
Assistance Needed: Clearly mention the areas where you need assistance or support. For example: “I would appreciate your help in organizing the logistics, such as coordinating food and drinks, arranging music, and selecting decorations.”
Ask for Suggestions: Politely ask the recipient for any suggestions or ideas they might have for the party. Use phrases like:
“I would be grateful for any suggestions you may have to make the party more enjoyable.”
“If you have any ideas regarding the theme or activities, please let me know.”
Express Appreciation: Show gratitude for the recipient’s time and assistance. For example: “Thank you for considering my request. Your help is greatly appreciated, and I value your input.”
Closing: End your email with a polite closing. For example: “Thank you once again. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Sign-off: Use a formal sign-off appropriate for the recipient, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Now that you know the steps to write an email arranging a party, let’s see an example
Useful vocabulary to make requests in emails
Would it be possible to + (base form)?
I would be most grateful if you could + (base form).
I was wondering if I could + (base form).
Would you mind + (ing verb)?
Could you please + (base form)?
Please call me as soon as you hear anything.
Your help is greatly appreciated
Thank you for considering my request
Writing practice
You’re organizing a surprise party and need to write two emails to make requests – one to the venue for the party, the other to the guests. Decide …
… who the party is for.
… where it is going to be.
… what you would like to happen.
… what requests you will make of the venue/the guests
A description of an event is when we talk about something that happened. It’s like telling a story or sharing details about a specific occasion.
We give information about the event’s name, where it happened, the date, the people involved, and what actually took place.
The purpose is to help others understand what the event was like, to imagine being there.
We want to convey the atmosphere, feelings, and important moments.
Describing events can be done in different situations, such as writing articles, essays, blogs, talking about personal experiences, or discussing historical events.
Why is it important to learn how to describe an event?
Understanding how to describe events using cause-and-effect phrases is important because it helps you explain why things happen and what comes as a result.
It’s about showing the connection between actions and their results. When you describe events using cause and effect, you can provide clear explanations and connect the dots in a logical way. This skill is useful for speaking and writing, whether you’re talking about things that happened, sharing stories, or expressing your thoughts.
It helps you make your point more clearly and convincingly. Being able to show cause-and-effect relationships helps people understand what you’re saying and makes your language skills better. It’s a valuable tool for communicating effectively and improving your English.
How to Describe an Event?
Step 1: Introduce the event
Begin by giving a short introduction about the event you want to describe. Include important details like the event’s name, the date, and where it happened.
For example:
Last weekend, I went to a music concert at the local stadium.
Step 2: Explain the cause
Next, use one of the cause phrases to explain the reason or why something happened. Choose a phrase that best fits the cause-effect relationship you want to describe. Here are some examples:
Because many people wanted tickets…
Due to the rainy weather…
Since they changed the venue at the last moment…
As the main singer got sick…
Step 3: Describe the result or effect
After explaining the cause, describe what happened as a result. Use phrases that show the outcome of the event. Here are some examples:
The concert tickets sold out quickly.
The outdoor event got cancelled.
Some fans missed the first performance.
We decided to leave early and get our money back.
Step 4: Combine the cause and effect phrases
Finally, put the cause and effect phrases together to make complete sentences or a paragraph that makes sense. Here are some examples:
Because many people wanted tickets, the concert sold out quickly. It was a big success.
Due to the rainy weather, the outdoor event got cancelled, which disappointed many people.
Since they changed the venue at the last moment, some fans missed the first performance, which was unfortunate.
As the main singer got sick, we decided to leave early and get our money back. It was a bit disappointing, but we still enjoyed the rest of the show.
By combining cause and effect phrases, you can create clear descriptions of events. Remember to adjust the sentences to match the specific event you’re talking about. Practice using these phrases in different situations to improve your understanding and skill.
Now that you know the steps to describe an event, let’s see an example
Useful language to express cause-and-effect
Cause Phrases
Effect Phrases
Because
As a result
Since
Therefore
Due to
Consequently
As a result of
Hence
The main cause of
Thus
One factor that contributes to
So
The reason for
As a consequence
Leads to
Result in
Brings about
Leads to
Triggers
Causes
Results in
Affects
Is responsible for
Influences
Produces
Contributes to
Pro tips for describing an event
Make sure that you:
Introduce the event clearly.
Describe the outcome or result.
Include relevant details to paint a vivid picture.
Use clear and concise language.
Organize your thoughts logically.
Show the connection between the cause and effect.
Practice time
You are going to write a post describing an event you went to. It can be a real event or you can invent one. Think about:
when and where the event was and why you went there.
who you went with and what it was like
anything that was unusual about the event and why
what the best part of it was and why
Write your post in the comments below to get feedback
Sometimes in proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge, you may be asked to describe a graph. But what exactly is a graph?
A graph is a visual representation of data or information. It helps us understand and analyze different trends, patterns, or comparisons in a clear and organized way.
In these exams, you may come across various types of graphs that you’ll need to describe. Let’s take a look at some common types of graphs:
When you talk about graphs in these exams, it’s important to give a clear and short summary of the main things you see.
It’s good to learn how to describe graphs because it helps you understand and explain information better. You can use this skill to study and share data in your writing.
Here you have the basic guidelines to write a report to describe a graph:
📋📊What is a report describing a graph?
A report describing a graph is a way to explain and share information about a graph you see. A graph is a picture that shows data or information in a clear and organized way.
When you write a report about a graph, you look at the different parts of the graph and describe what you see. You talk about the important points, like the highest or lowest values, the trends or patterns you notice, or any comparisons between different parts of the graph.
Writing a report describing a graph helps you understand and communicate the information in the graph to others. It’s like telling a story about the graph and what it shows.
🗹 Parts of a report describing a graph
1 Introduction
Start by explaining what the survey is about, who did it, and when.
Example: “This report tells us about a survey on [topic].
Use the passive to do this:
Example: The survey was done in [month/ year]/ by [organization/ person]
2 Main findings
Begin with the most important discovery in the first sentence.
Example: “The most important thing we learned from the survey is that [state the discovery].”
Use numbers and facts to support your main finding. Use words like “but,” “different,” or “compared to” to talk about contrasting information.
If there is more than one topic or discovery, talk about each one in a different paragraph.
Use words like “but,” “different,” or “while” to show contrasting information.
Use simple words and phrases like “most people,” “almost two-thirds,” or “a lot” to describe numbers.
Conclusion
Explain what you think the survey results mean using phrases like “show,” “seem,” or “tell us.”
Example: “The survey results show that [interpretation of findings].”
Give a suggestion or advice based on the survey results.
Example: “From these findings, it would be a good idea to [suggested action].”
Now that you know the parts of a report and the steps to follow, let’s see a report sample for the IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or Duolingo tests
Survey Question: How many hours per week do you spend following the news?
Results:
Useful language to describe a graph
Stage
Vocabulary and Phrases
Introduction
– The picture/graph shows… – This picture/graph has information about… – The horizontal line is for… – This picture/graph gives a general idea of… – This report presents the findings of… – The purpose of this report/survey was to…
Describing the graph
– Overall, we can see that… – The results show that… – The graph goes up/down a lot… – The numbers/values show… – The graph keeps changing/stays the same/goes up and down. – The highest point is at… – The lowest point is at… – There is a big/small change from… to… – There is a big/small change from… to… – The numbers show a pattern of…
Comparisons
– Compared to… – Similarly – In contrast… – There is a big difference between… – There is a big difference between… – Two things are different:… – On one side, … On the other side, … – While…, …; But…, …
Specific data and statistics
– According to the graph, the percentage/number is… – The graph shows that… – Most/Some/Many… – Almost two-thirds/half/one-fourth of… – About/Around… – It’s important to notice that…
Concluding the report
– In conclusion/To finish,… – Overall, we can say… – This picture/graph helps us understand… – From the graph/ diagram/ survey, we can see… – Based on the information, we can tell… – This survey/ graph/ diagram suggests that…
Pro tips for writing reports
Make sure that you:
wrote a title that shows what the report is about
divided the report into clear paragraphs with subheadings
did NOT use contractions or informal words
Used connectors and formulaic expressions (useful language)
Used the correct verb tenses, word forms and punctuation
your ideas are easy to read and understand
Practice time
You have been asked to write a report about a media survey.
As a high-intermediate English learner, you’ve likely already gained a lot of proficiency in the language. However, there are still some common writing mistakes that can prevent you from reaching your full potential. Here are five of the most common writing mistakes made by high-intermediate English learners, along with some tips on how to avoid them.
1. Using the wrong verb tense
One of the most common mistakes that English learners make is using the wrong verb tense. This can happen for a number of reasons, including confusion about the rules for each tense, or simply not having enough practice using them. To avoid this mistake, take the time to review the different verb tenses and their uses, and try to practice using them in context as much as possible.
Example:
Wrong: Last night, I see a movie with my friends.
Correct: Last night, I saw a movie with my friends.
In this example, the incorrect verb tense is “see”. The past tense of “see” is “saw”. To correct the sentence, we need to use the past tense of the verb “see”, which is “saw”. So the correct sentence is “Last night, I saw a movie with my friends”.
Remember, in English, the verb tense must match the time period you are describing. By paying attention to the verb tense you are using, you can avoid common errors and communicate more effectively in English.
Another common mistake made by English learners is misusing articles (i.e. “a”, “an”, and “the”). This can happen when learners are unsure about whether to use a definite or indefinite article or when they simply forget to include an article altogether. To avoid this mistake, try to pay close attention to the way that articles are used in English, and practice using them in your writing.
Subject-verb agreement is another important aspect of English grammar that many learners struggle with. This mistake can occur when learners don’t understand the rules for matching the subject and verb in a sentence, or when they don’t pay enough attention to the subject-verb agreement when writing. To avoid this mistake, practice using subject-verb agreement in your writing and seek feedback from your English teacher or language tutors.
This can include writing super long and confusing sentences, incomplete sentences, and incorrect use of punctuation. To avoid these mistakes, focus on writing clear, concise sentences and review punctuation rules regularly.
One of the best ways to improve sentence structure is to read extensively in English. This will expose you to a wide variety of sentence structures, and help you develop a better sense of how sentences are constructed.
If you struggle with long and complicated sentences, try breaking them down into shorter sentences. This will make your writing easier to read and understand.
Coherence refers to the logical flow of ideas in a piece of writing. High-intermediate English learners often struggle with this, as they may have difficulty connecting ideas or organizing their thoughts. To improve coherence, make an outline before you start writing, and use transitions and linking words to connect your ideas.
You can avoid common writing mistakes by reviewing grammar rules, paying attention to word choice, practising spelling, focusing on sentence structure, and improving coherence.
By addressing these areas, you can improve your writing skills and communicate more effectively in English.
A movie review is an informal piece of writing that describes and evaluates a movie. Movie reviews are usually written by experts giving their opinion about the movie and published in newspapers, magazines, or blogs.
Parts of a movie review
1. Title
This should include the movie title and an eye-catching heading
2. Introduction
This paragraph should include the name of the movie, the genre, the director, the stars and any prizes they have won. You can also include information about the place and the time the movie is set and filmed. The purpose of this paragraph is that you engage the reader and give them a general idea of the type of movie you are going to review.
3. Summary
This part should include an outline of the main events along with general information about the characters and the plot. Your summary should NOT spoil the film. Therefore, you should not mention anything about the ending of the movie.
4. Analysis
In this section you should share your opinion about the movie. Your review should examine the plot, the actors, the special effects and the soundtrack. You can also compare the movie you are reviewing to a similar film in the same genre. In this section you can also give examples of the good elements and the bad elements in the movie.
5. Conclusion
In this part you should summarize your thoughts on the good and bad elements of the movie. Finally, you should evaluate the movie (give stars ⭐⭐⭐, thumbs up 👍 or thumbs down 👎) and make a recommendation. You should mention why you recommend/ don’t recommend the movie.
Now that you know which parts should be included in a movie review 🎞️🍿, let’s see an example:
Check the movie trailer out to learn more about “Little Boy”
tragic violent too boring too scary uninteresting too slow too long weak flawed second-rate third-rate silly disappointing bloody predictable confusing ordinary disgusting
Don’t forget to include the names of the characters, the year the movie was made and if the movie or the actors have won any awards (For example, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, an MTV Movie Award, etc).
Never ever mention the ending!!! You don’t want to spoil the movie.
Remember to share your personal opinion and your evaluation.
You see this announcement in your English school magazine.
Review wanted!
Write a review about a movie you enjoyed or a film that you didn’t like. It could be a recent film or a movie that you watched a long time ago. Explain that is it about, why the main character is interesting/ boring and if you recommend it or not.
Type your answer in the box below, and I’ll give you personalized feedback.
Pro tips for writing a review of a place
Time to practice
