B1 English Writing Tasks 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You need to write a note to your child's teacher explaining a dental appointment. Which version is most appropriate at B1 level?
- 'Dentist. Back later.'
- 'Dear Mrs Clarke, please could you excuse James from school this afternoon? He has a dental appointment at 2:30pm. I will collect him from reception at 2:15pm and return him to school afterwards if possible. Kind regards, Sarah Ahmed.' (Correct answer)
- 'I must regretfully inform you that my progeny will be absenting himself from the educational establishment.'
- 'James is leaving at 2. Thanks.'
Correct answer: 'Dear Mrs Clarke, please could you excuse James from school this afternoon? He has a dental appointment at 2:30pm. I will collect him from reception at 2:15pm and return him to school afterwards if possible. Kind regards, Sarah Ahmed.'
This note uses appropriate formality, provides all necessary details (who, what, when), explains the plan (collection and return), and closes politely — exemplary B1 written communication.
Question 2: Which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation for a list in formal writing?
- 'Please bring: your passport, two photographs, and proof of address.' (Correct answer)
- 'Please bring your passport two photographs and proof of address.'
- 'Please bring, your passport, two photographs, and proof of address.'
- 'Please bring; your passport; two photographs; and proof of address.'
Correct answer: 'Please bring: your passport, two photographs, and proof of address.'
A colon introduces the list, commas separate items, and 'and' precedes the final item. This is the standard punctuation for lists in formal British English.
Question 3: You receive a text from your employer asking you to work an extra shift. Which written reply is most appropriate at B1 level?
- 'K'
- 'Thanks for asking. I'm available on Saturday morning but not the afternoon as I have a family commitment. Would that work for you?' (Correct answer)
- 'I shall endeavour to accommodate your request pending verification of my extant obligations.'
- 'No.'
Correct answer: 'Thanks for asking. I'm available on Saturday morning but not the afternoon as I have a family commitment. Would that work for you?'
This reply is polite, gives a clear answer with specifics, provides a reason for partial availability, and asks for confirmation — appropriate B1-level written communication even in an informal context.
Question 4: In the B1 writing exam, you must write about 'A place you enjoy visiting.' Which paragraph structure is most appropriate?
- Write everything in one long paragraph without any breaks
- Start with an introduction about the place, then describe what you do there and why you enjoy it, and finish with a concluding thought (Correct answer)
- List bullet points about the place
- Write three unconnected sentences about different places
Correct answer: Start with an introduction about the place, then describe what you do there and why you enjoy it, and finish with a concluding thought
B1 writing should demonstrate the ability to organise text logically with an introduction, development, and conclusion. This shows coherent, connected writing at the expected level.
Question 5: You need to complete a housing benefit application form. The form asks: 'Please state your current housing situation.' Which response provides the most useful information?
- 'I live in a house.'
- 'I rent a two-bedroom flat from a private landlord. My monthly rent is £850, and I share the property with my partner and one child. We have lived here since September 2024.' (Correct answer)
- 'My housing situation is adequate for my current needs.'
- 'It's expensive.'
Correct answer: 'I rent a two-bedroom flat from a private landlord. My monthly rent is £850, and I share the property with my partner and one child. We have lived here since September 2024.'
This response provides all relevant details: property type, landlord type, rent amount, household members, and length of tenancy — exactly what housing benefit assessors need to process a claim.
Question 6: Which of the following contains a common spelling mistake that B1 learners should avoid?
- 'I received your letter about the appointment.'
- 'The accomodation was clean and comfortable.' (Correct answer)
- 'The weather in the UK can be unpredictable.'
- 'I would appreciate a response at your earliest convenience.'
Correct answer: 'The accomodation was clean and comfortable.'
The correct spelling is 'accommodation' (double c and double m). This is one of the most commonly misspelt words in English and frequently tested at B1 level.
B1 English Writing Tasks 2
You need to write a note to your child's teacher explaining a dental appointment.
Which version is most appropriate at B1 level?