Tag: writing practice

Writing Topics for High-Intermediate

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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 write clear 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!

How to Write a Short Story for the B1 Preliminary Test (PET)

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…

How to Write a Review of a Place

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…

How to Write a Formal Email for the B1 Preliminary Test or IELTS General Training

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…

How to Write a Description of an Event

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…

How to Write a Movie Review

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…

How to Write an Article for the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET)

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…

How to Write an Opinion Essay A2/B1

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…

🤔 How to Write a Report About a Graph

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…

How to describe photos and pictures

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…

How to Write Emails Arranging a Party

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 –…

How to Write a Description of an Event

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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 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:

  1. Because many people wanted tickets…
  2. Due to the rainy weather…
  3. Since they changed the venue at the last moment…
  4. 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:

  1. The concert tickets sold out quickly.
  2. The outdoor event got cancelled.
  3. Some fans missed the first performance.
  4. 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:

  1. Because many people wanted tickets, the concert sold out quickly. It was a big success.
  2. Due to the rainy weather, the outdoor event got cancelled, which disappointed many people.
  3. Since they changed the venue at the last moment, some fans missed the first performance, which was unfortunate.
  4. 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 PhrasesEffect Phrases
BecauseAs a result
SinceTherefore
Due toConsequently
As a result ofHence
The main cause ofThus
One factor that contributes toSo
The reason forAs a consequence
Leads toResult in
Brings aboutLeads to
TriggersCauses
Results inAffects
Is responsible forInfluences
ProducesContributes to

Pro tips for describing an event

Make sure that you:

  1. Introduce the event clearly.
  2. Describe the outcome or result.
  3. Include relevant details to paint a vivid picture.
  4. Use clear and concise language.
  5. Organize your thoughts logically.
  6. 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

🤔 How to Write a Report About a Graph

teacherjulieta23 Comments

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].”

💡 USEFUL VOCABULARY

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

StageVocabulary 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.

Look at the following chart.

Write your report in the comments below.

How to Write an Article for the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET)

teacherjulieta14 Comments

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 be easy to read.

Parts of an Article
  • Title: It should be short and informative. Try to choose an interesting title, so the reader wants to read your article to learn more about the topic.
  • Author’s name: A line having the name of the person who wrote the article (optional)
  • Main paragraphs: This is the main part of your article, it should include the following parts:
    • Introductory paragraph: Here you introduce the topic. The introduction should be short, catching, and interesting.
    • Descriptive paragraph: Here you give examples and reasons.
    • Additional information: only if needed.
  • Conclusion: This is the ending paragraph of the article that should be a summary of your article.
Steps to write an article

1 Think of the topic that you are going to write about carefully.

2 Identify the target audience. Who are going to read your article: students, young people, adults, elderly people, or professionals?

3 Find the objective of writing the article. Do you want to give advice? Are you going to give some useful tips? Do you want to teach your readers how to do something?

4 Identify the details that are more significant and think of some examples.

5 Organize your ideas and arrange the information and the facts in a coherent and logical way.

Now that you know the parts of an article and the steps to follow, let’s see an article sample for the B1 Cambridge writing test.

You see this announcement in your English school magazine.

Articles wanted!

Write an article telling us how to make your home safer when children visit you.
What are the most dangerous places in a house for children? Why?
The best articles answering this question will be published next month.
Useful language for writing an article

For the introductory paragraph:

  • Have you ever thought about …?
  • What would you do if …?
  • Do you like + verb+ing …?
  • How important is it for you to …?
  • What would life be like if …?

Giving your opinion:

  • In my opinion, …
  • From my point of view, …
  • As far as I’m concerned, …
  • I guess that …
  • I’m under the impression that …
  • I have no doubt that …
  • I have the feeling that…

Giving advice:

  • Don’t forget to …
  • Remember to…
  • Make sure you…
  • You should + base form
  • You should have + past participle
  • Never + base form
  • What about if …?
  • Let’s consider…
  • Why don’t you …?

Adding more details and examples:

  • Above all…
  • In addition, …
  • Above all, …
  • On top of that, …
  • Moreover, …
  • Another advantage/ disadvantage of …

Reasons:

  • … in case
  • … so (that)
  • … because it might + base form
  • The evidence shows (that) …
  • The facts suggest (that) …

Writing Practice 1

You are going to write an opinion article for a school magazine about the best places to visit in your city.

Plan the content

1 Think of at least 2 interesting/ touristic places

2 Think of an interesting introductory paragraph

3 Write your introduction

4 Write your descriptive paragraphs. Write one paragraph per place

5 Write your conclusion

6 Type your answer in the box below, and I’ll give you personalized feedback.

Checklist

  1. Introduction:
    • Did you write a clear introduction that introduces the purpose of the opinion article?
    • Does the introduction include a sentence with your opinion on the best places to visit?
  2. Body paragraphs:
    • Have you included separate paragraphs for each recommended place?
    • Did you provide detailed descriptions of each place, highlighting their attractions and unique features?
    • Have you supported your opinion with specific examples or personal experiences for each place?
  3. Conclusion:
    • Does the conclusion summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs?
    • Does it restate your opinion on the best places to visit in the city?
    • Does it provide a strong closing statement or call to action?

Writing Practice 2

You are going to write an article for a school magazine. Choose one of the titles below>

  • How to stay safe if you are hiking in the mountains.
  • How to stay safe on a day at the beach.
  • How to stay safe online.

Plan the content

1 Think of at least 3 useful tips

2 Think of an interesting introductory paragraph

3 Write your introduction

4 Write your descriptive paragraphs. Write one paragraph per tip.

5 Write your conclusion

6 Type your answer in the box below, and I’ll give you personalized feedback.

How to Write a Short Story for the B1 Preliminary Test (PET)

teacherjulieta20 Comments

A short story is a piece of fiction that has a limited number of words and a few characters.

Parts of a short story
  • Title: It summarizes the whole story, or it is related to the main theme. The theme is the central idea or belief in a short story.
  • Exposition: It is the beginning of the story where you introduce the main characters. It also serves as the introduction to the next part.
  • Climax: It is the action part where the main characters try to solve the conflict or problem.
  • Resolution: In this part, the conflict is solved.

Let’s see a short story sample for the B1 Writing test

Useful vocabulary for a short story

Time expressions:

  • at that moment
  • as soon as
  • _____ minutes later
  • just in time
  • then
  • after that
  • meanwhile
  • while
  • one morning in + month
  • one afternoon in + month
  • one evening in + month

Adverbs and adverbials to spice up your story

  • suddenly
  • in the end
  • eventually
  • unexpectedly
  • right away
  • nearly
  • actually
  • in fact
  • apparently
  • gradually
  • basically
  • obviously
  • anyway
  • all of a sudden
  • without warning

Finishing your short story

  • in the end
  • eventually
  • finally
  • luckily
  • when it was all over

Verb tenses used for short stories

Short stories usually take place in the past, for that reason, the most common narrative tenses you should use for your short story are:

Writing Practice 1

You are going to write a short story about a past mistake you have made.

Plan your story

The following questions can help you make your own story

  1. Where were you?
  2. What were you doing?
  3. What was happening around you?
  4. What surprising thing happened suddenly?
  5. What did you do?
  6. What did you think/ say?
  7. How were you feeling
  8. How did the story end?

Write your story in about 100 – 120 words in the comment section below.

Checklist:

  1. Title: Have you included a title that accurately reflects the content of your story?
  2. Exposition: Have you introduced the characters, setting, and plot of your story in a clear and concise manner?
  3. Action part: Have you included a sequence of events or actions that develop the conflict and engage the reader?
  4. Resolution: Have you provided a satisfactory conclusion to your story that ties up any loose ends and provides a resolution to the conflict?
  5. Adjectives and Adverbs: Have you used descriptive words (adjectives) and words that describe actions (adverbs) to create vivid imagery and convey your story’s mood and tone?
  6. Narrative tenses: Have you used the appropriate narrative tenses (simple past, past continuous, past perfect, past perfect continuous) to tell your story consistently and clearly?
  7. Clear ideas: Have you organized your story in a logical and coherent manner, ensuring that your ideas are expressed in a clear and concise manner?

If you use this list, you can check that you have included everything you need to in your short story.

This will help you create a story that makes sense and is interesting for people to read. In addition, if you include all the items from the checklist, you will get an EXCELLENT writing score.

Type your story in the “LEAVE A REPLY” textbox and you will receive feedback directly to your email.

I will post your final story after you have received feedback.

Leave a Reply

How to Write a Formal Email for the B1 Preliminary Test or IELTS General Training

teacherjulieta2 Comments

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 emailformal email
friends
family members
people we know well		people we don’t know
bosses or managers
doctors, teachers and professors

Formal emails have a standard format, so they must include the following parts:

  1. Greetings

We say hi to the other person. Depending on the kind of relationship we have with the person we are writing to, we can use the following greetings:

  • Dear Mr./Mrs./ Ms. + Last name,

For example: Dear Mr. Smith,

  • Dear Sir/ Madam,

If you don’t know the name and last name of the recipient

  • To whom it may concern

This is a more generic formulaic expression.

2. Introduction

In this part, we must indicate briefly and clearly the reason for writing. It should be consistent with the subject of the email. We can use the following introductory phrases:

  • I’m writing with regard to … (email subject)
  • I’m writing to … (ask, inform, request, send, confirm, etc)
  • I’m writing in reference to … (email subject, e.g. a job post, an advertisement, a website, etc)

3. Body

There are no formulaic expressions or conventional formulas for the body of the text because the information that we share in the body of the email varies according to what you need to communicate.

There is one general rule for this part: it should be divided into short paragraphs.

4. Closing paragraph

There are various ways to end your email. The most common formulaic expressions are the following:

  • I look forward to hearing from you soon / at your earliest convenient time.
  • Thank you in advance.
  • Thank you for your attention.
  • If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  • For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  • Please let me know if you have any questions.

5. Goodbye

Here you can find a list of the most common phrases to end a formal email:

  • Sincerely,
  • Kind regards,
  • Best regards,
  • Yours faithfully, (only if you began your email with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’)
  • Yours sincerely, (only if began your email with ‘Dear Mr./Mrs./ Ms. + Last name)
  • Regards,

6. Signature

We write our full name (name + last name)

Now that you know which parts should be included in a formal email, let’s see an example:

Ana has read an ad about some English courses on a school website.

  • She is 23 years old. She has graduated from college.
  • She wants to take an IELTS course in July.
  • She needs to get information about dates and prices.
  • She wants to stay with a host family.
  • She wants a room for her and her friend.
Language School

Come and study English at our school!
Summer and winter intensive courses
Highly experienced teachers
One month courses for all levels
Reasonable prices
Accommodation with host families
Pro tips for writing formal emails
  • Use the standard format that English speakers use to write formal emails.
  • Use formulaic expressions.
  • DO NOT use contractions (I’m, I’ve, I’d, don’t, can’t, won’t, etc.).
  • Use formal words and indirect questions (e.g. I was wondering if …/ I would be grateful if you …)
  • Don’t forget to START your email by saying why are you writing or what you are

Time to practice

The best way to improve your writing is to practice. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Remember that practice makes progress.

Write an email to get more information about the following course:

Computer courses in Canada
One -or two-week courses in different parts of Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Halifax)
Professional instructors
Morning and afternoon classes
All levels, beginners to advanced
Small groups or private lessons

For more information email Robert Anderson at info@academy.com

Don’t forget to explain why you are writing and give some personal information

Ask your questions, and ask them to send you information

What to write in a Christmas Card

teacherjulietaLeave a comment

Let’s write some Christmas cards!

Writing Christmas cards is a tradition in many many English speaking countries. The tradition of sending Christmas cards started in the mid 1800’s in the UK when a British artist created a greeting card for Sir Henry Cole to send forth to his family and friends. Sir Henry Cole thought that sending Christmas cards to his family and friends would be a nice way to convey happy sentiments while wishing them a joyful holiday.

Queen Victoria started sending seasonal greeting in the 1840’s.

The White House traditionally sends Christmas cards every year.

In spite diverse in culture and religion, Canadians also partake in the tradition. Christmas cards are sent to wish people peace and joy.

Writing a Christmas card can be a bit challenging, especially if you don’t know what to include in your card.

Here I have made a list of common Christmas messages that you can include in your Christmas cards:

Wishing you and your family health, happiness, peace and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year.

Merry Christmas! May you get chance to take in the beauty and true meaning of the season.

Happy Holidays! I hope all of your Christmas wishes come true.

May your holidays be filled with love and rejoice. May you have a great time with your friends and family this Christmas! Sending my best wishes to you.

May your holidays be filled with happiness and good cheer!

It’s people like you that make Christmas a sacred, meaningful occasion. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! This coming year, may you be gifted with countless blessings.

Gifts come and go, what really matters are the people who light up our lives all year long. Thank you!

The past year has been anything but cheerful and bright. Wishing you love, light and a prosperous year ahead.

Wishing you nothing but the best this holiday season.

Practice time

Write a Christmas card

Christmas postcard

How to Write an Opinion Essay A2/B1

teacherjulieta25 Comments
Listen to the audio

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 of an opinion essay

An opinion essay must have 3 parts:

1. Introduction

In this paragraph you have to introduce the topic. You introduce the topic by restating the question or the title of the essay in your own words. Here you have to say if you agree or not with the question or the title of the essay. You can agree, disagree or partially agree.

2. Body

In this section you have to support your opinion with reasons and examples. You must include at least three reasons. Break it into several paragraphs. Write one paragraph for each supporting reason. Don’t forget to include examples or facts.

3. Conclusion

Summarize your ideas and restate your opinion using different words.

Transition words and phrases

In your essay you have to organize all your ideas in a logical and coherent way. You can use different transition words or phrases to connect your ideas. Transition words and phrases help the reader understand your point of view easily.

In the table below there is a list of common transition words that you can use in your opinion essays.

Transition words and phrases for opinion essays

EXAMPLE

Essay question: A1/B2 English learners should learn how to write an opinion essay. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Example of an opinion essay A2/B1

Here you can download a simple template that you can use to organize your ideas. You can replace the red words with other transition or linking words from the chart. You can also add more transition words to connect your ideas more clearly.

Opinion Essay simple template
DOWNLOAD PDF

PRACTICE TIME

Dogs are better pets than cats. Do you agree or disagree. Why?

Write your answer in the comments below.

How to Express your Opinion in English