PET Preliminary English Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are writing a short story for the PET exam. Which sentence best opens a narrative?
- It was a dark and stormy night when everything changed. (Correct answer)
- The weather was bad and things happened.
- There was a person who did something interesting.
- I want to tell you about something that occurred.
Correct answer: It was a dark and stormy night when everything changed.
A strong narrative opening sets the scene and creates immediate interest with specific details.
Question 2: In PET writing, what does 'cohesion' mean?
- Using linking words so sentences flow logically together (Correct answer)
- Writing very long sentences with many clauses
- Using only simple vocabulary throughout
- Repeating key words in every paragraph
Correct answer: Using linking words so sentences flow logically together
Cohesion refers to how well ideas connect using linking words like 'however,' 'therefore,' and 'in addition.'
Question 3: Which word best completes this sentence? 'She was ______ tired to finish her homework.'
- too (Correct answer)
- so
- very
- much
Correct answer: too
'Too' is correct before an adjective when it means 'excessively,' as in 'too tired to do something.'
Question 4: A PET Writing Part 2 task asks you to write an article. What should your article include?
- A title, an introduction, main points, and a conclusion (Correct answer)
- Only facts with no personal opinions
- A greeting and closing like a letter
- A list of bullet points only
Correct answer: A title, an introduction, main points, and a conclusion
Articles for PET should have a clear structure: a catchy title, engaging introduction, developed body, and conclusion.
Question 5: Which sentence uses correct punctuation?
- Although it was raining, we decided to go. (Correct answer)
- Although it was raining we decided to go.
- Although, it was raining, we decided to go.
- Although it was raining; we decided to go.
Correct answer: Although it was raining, we decided to go.
When a subordinate clause begins a sentence, a comma separates it from the main clause.
Question 6: In an informal email to a friend, which opening is most appropriate for PET?
- Hi Sam, Hope you're doing well! (Correct answer)
- Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to inform you...
- To Whom It May Concern,
- Good Day, Mr. or Mrs. Smith,
Correct answer: Hi Sam, Hope you're doing well!
Informal emails use casual greetings like 'Hi' or 'Hey' with the person's first name.
Question 7: Which transition word best shows contrast between two ideas?
- However (Correct answer)
- Furthermore
- Therefore
- Similarly
Correct answer: However
'However' introduces a contrasting idea, while the others add, conclude, or compare ideas.
PET Preliminary English Writing 2
You are writing a short story for the PET exam.
Which sentence best opens a narrative?