Index

● The Writing Test - Introduction 3

● Writing Part 1 – Writing a short text 4

● Functions Bank for Writing Part 1 & Practice Exercises 7

● The Rubric (instructions) for Writing Part 1 10

● Checklist for Writing Part 1 11

● Adding more details 11

● Writing Part 1 task 13

● Writing Part 2 - Introduction 14

● Option 1: Writing an email 14

● Farewell expressions 16

● The importance of first lines and last lines 16

● Making your email more interesting 17

● Spelling, Punctuation and Paragraphing 18

● Checklist for writing an email 18

● Functions Bank for Writing an email. 21

● Option 2: Writing a story 23

● A sample story 23

● How to write a good story & Practice Exercises 24

_____________________________

2
 The Writing Test
Introduction

The writing part of the B1 Idoneità exam consists of 2 writing

tasks:

● Writing Part 1 (a short text of 35-45 words)

● Writing Part 2 (an email or a story of approximately 100
words)

3
Writing Part 1 – Writing a short text
Writing short texts usually takes the form of a message. A message is a very important part of
everyday writing. We do it because it is often necessary to write something short to someone for a
specific reason. The following are just a few of the types of messages that we are often asked to
write in our everyday lives:

a. A short note left on a refrigerator or table at home .

b. A text message or whatsapp message from a mobile phone.

c. A card sent by post to someone for a special reason.

d. A regular postcard or e-postcard sent to a friend, friends or family while visiting another
city or country.

e. A short email message.

Let’s look at why we write these types of short texts. One of the most common reasons is to
inform.. A short note left on the kitchen table could inform the others who live there that you
will be late coming home, or that there is no milk left, or to be aware that something is not
functioning in the home. A mobile phone text message or whatsapp message can also be
used to inform someone, for example, of an upcoming event. In addition to this, short texts can
also be used to invite, thank, apologise, suggest, congratulate, instruct, make an
arrangement to meet, etc…

4
The following are two examples of short texts. The first one is a note (post-it) and the second one
is a mobile text message/whatsapp. What is the purpose of writing these short messages?

Jean

When you wake up today, you’ll notice that the

television isn’t working. I couldn’t watch my
favourite programme last night.

Could you please make an appointment to have it

fixed.

I couldn’t do it because I left the house early this

morning.

Yasmine

Hey Marc,

We’re all meeting this evening in P.zza del

Campo at 8pm to celebrate Jack’s graduation!

Why don’t you join us? We’re going to have a

drink together and then everyone is coming
to my house for dinner. If you come, could
you please bring dessert?

The first message asks someone to do something and the second message invites someone to
attend a social event.

5
What’s missing?
Read the following notes, notices and cards. Writing the missing line for each one.

For a - e use some of the phrases from the phrases a - n below.

For f - h use your own ideas.

6
Functions Bank for Writing Part 1
The following is a table with reasons why we write short messages, followed by the possible
language functions used:

Reason Language

Inviting ● Would you like to come over … ?

● Do you want to … ?
● I’d like you to come …
● Why don’t you come …

Reminding ● Remember that …

● Don’t forget about / that …
● It’s important to remember sth / that ...
● It’s essential that you do/bring …

Congratulating ● Congratulations on … !
● Congratulations! It’s great that you …
● Well done!
● Well done with … !
● Way to go!

Apologising ● I’m really sorry about …

● I’m sorry that I …
● Forgive me for …
● Please, forgive me!

Suggesting ● Why don’t we … ?

● How about … ?
● What about … ?
● Shall we … ?
● Let’s …,
● Let’s …, shall we?
● It could be a good idea to …

Arranging meetings ● Let’s meet at …

● I’ll see you … at … , okay?
● Is it okay if we meet at … ?

Offering ● Shall I …?
● Can I help you with …?
● I can give you a hand with … , if you want.
● I’ll …. , if you want.
● Let me know if you need any help with …

Saying «yes» / accepting ● Of course I’ll go (to … ).

● I’m more than happy to …
● I’m glad to …
● Great! I’d really like to …

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Saying «no» / refusing
Explaining
Asking for information
Expressing preference
Wishing good things
Asking for advice
Saying what you liked/disliked
Warning
● I’m sorry, but I can’t …
● (Thanks, but ) I’m afraid I can’t …
● Sorry, but it’s impossible for me to …
● I’d like to, but I can’t …
● What happened was that …
● The thing is that …
● Could you tell me … ?
● Can you tell me … ?
● Is it true that … ?
● Do you know (if …) … ?
● Please, let me know (if …) …?
● I would prefer to … (if that’s okay).
● I’d rather …
● I like …. better.
● What I’d like/love is to …
● Good luck (with …) !
● All the best (with ...) !
● Hope you enjoy … !
● Enjoy yourself!
● Have fun (at / in …)!
● Have a good time (at / in … ) !
● You’ll have no problems with … !
● You can do it!
● What could/can I do (about / with …)?
● Do you think I should…?
● Should I…?
● What would you do?
● What I really enjoyed / liked /loved / hated was
…
● I really enjoyed / liked / loved / hated …
● What I liked / enjoyed/ most was …
● My favourite (part of the …) was …
● The best thing (about …) was …
● Be careful with …
● Be careful not to …
● Remember (not) to …
● It’s not a good idea to …
● I wouldn’t … if I were you.
8
For extra practice, try the following two exercises:

9
The Rubric (instructions) for Writing Part 1
In Writing Part 1 you are given a situation and three points to include in the text. You must write
between 35 - 45 words and include all three points.

10
Checklist for Writing Part 1

Adding more details

Once you have verified that you have included everything in the checklist and you are confident of
the vocabulary, expressions, grammar and tenses used, it is important to make your writing sound
friendly because it is usually written to someone that you know. Take a look at the following task
and the responses that two students have given for it.

You went to a friend’s house for dinner. Write a card of 35-45 words to

● thank him/her for the dinner

● say what you enjoyed the most

● suggest another meeting

11
Student Response N.1

Hi Mary,

Thanks a lot for the lovely evening on Saturday. I really liked the soup.
What about meeting again soon? Are you free next Saturday for lunch at
my house? Let me know soon.

Anne

The student has included all three points, the grammar and tenses are correct as well as
expressions and vocabulary. The word count is 35, so it qualifies as a good answer to the question.
What’s missing?

(Answer: It sounds cold, not at all like a thank you card to a friend)

Take a look at the next example:

Student Response N.2

Hi Mary,

Thanks a lot for the lovely evening on Saturday. I really enjoyed myself.
Everything you made was great, especially the soup. What about meeting
again soon? Are you free next Saturday for lunch at my house? Give me a ring
and let me know soon.

Sue

All three points are included and the student has added a little more information, yet still within the
word limit (45 words). This response would receive a higher mark than the first one because it
sounds friendlier.

12
Writing Part 1 task
Using all the information that you have learned on writing short texts, complete the
following Writing Part 1 task.

13
Writing Part 2 - Introduction
You have two options in Writing Part 2: Writing an email or Writing a story. In both options you
are required to write approximately 100 words.

First let’s take a closer look at writing an email.

Option 1: Writing an email

If you choose to write an email in Writing Part 2, it is important to know that the email you write is
ALWAYS a response to a friend’s email to you. In fact, you are given a sentence or two from your
friend’s email for you to answer/write about.

The instructions for Writing Part 2 (an email) usually look like this:

This is part of an email you have received from an English friend.

Reply to the email in approximately 100 words.

Let's look at a sample answer to this email and then we’ll examine, on page 15, what makes
it a good example.

Dear (your friend’s name),

How are you? I hope you are well. I was happy to read your email. You're right!
I love going to the cinema, and the last film I saw was the new James Bond
film called Spectre.
I really enjoyed it because it was full of action. James Bond had to drive fast
cars and fight with dangerous villains. It was set in interesting places all over
the world, and of course James won all the fights.
What about you? Do you like going to the cinema? Write back soon. I’m
looking forward to your email.
Best wishes,
(Your name)

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Start with an opening greeting:

Dear (your friend’s name),

There is ALWAYS a comma after your friend’s name, followed by a new paragraph.
Once the opening greeting has been written, the first part of the email needs to have a
friendly/social comment. Add it at the beginning of the new paragraph and ALWAYS begin with
a capital letter:

How are you? I hope you are well. I was happy to read your email.
For the main part of the email, using the information given in the question, make reference to
your friend’s comment and answer the first question. Note the use of the linker and to join the
two ideas together:

You're right! I love going to the cinema, and the last film I saw was the
new James Bond film called Spectre.
You can choose to begin a new paragraph to answer the second question. Don’t forget to give
reasons for your answer. Use linking words when possible:

I really enjoyed it because it was full of action. James Bond had to

drive fast cars and fight with dangerous villains. It was set in
interesting places all over the world, and of course James won all the
fights.
Another friendly/social comment or question to end the email message. This can be done by
introducing a new paragraph:

What about you? Do you like going to the cinema? Write back soon. I’m
looking forward to your email.
Lastly, the closing greeting, followed by your name. Once again, as in the opening greeting,
there is a comma at the end of the closing greeting.

Best wishes,

(Your name)

15
Farewell expressions
There are many ways to say goodbye in an email.Some expressions you could use are the
following:

● Bye!
● Bye for now!
● All the best,
● Best wishes,
● See you soon!

Remember that the overall look of the email can improve your mark, so the individual paragraphs
should be separated by leaving a line between them.

The importance of first lines and last lines

Complete the following two exercises on first lines and last lines of a longer
email.

The first line of your email is very important because it tells the reader why you’re writing.

Match the two halves of these sentences to make the first lines of different emails.

First lines …

Start …. …. Continue
1. The reason why I’m writing … (e.) a. … hear from you.
2. I’m really sorry … b. … I last wrote to you.
3. Hi! Did you … c. … to tell you about my last holiday.
4. Thanks a lot … d. … hearing from you.
5. I’m thinking of … e. … is to invite you to visit my town.
6. It’s a long time since ... f. … for your email.
7. I really enjoyed … g. … have a good holiday?
8. It was great to … h. … to hear about your accident.
9. You asked me ... i. … coming to Japan soon.

16
…. and last lines

A good last line will help the reader to feel positive about your email. Match the two halves of these
sentences to make the last lines of different emails.

Making your email more interesting

Read this email from George to Charlotte about his holiday. It is correct, but it only gives some very
basic information, so it’s not very interesting. To make it a better email, add some details. Use the
notes and questions to help you.

17
Spelling, Punctuation and Paragraphing
In the Idoneità B1 exam, an email that doesn’t have too many spelling or punctuation mistakes will
make a good impression.

Read this email from a student who lives in Scotland, to her penfriend. There are some spelling
mistakes and punctuation errors in the email. Make the corrections.

Dear Nathalie,

You asked me how I usually spend my summer holidays, and

what I’m planing to do this year in july. I’m happy to tell you

about this - it’s something cheerful to think about now in

febuary, when the wether is so cold and miserible. do you

remember I told you about my grandmother, who lives in the

country on an old farm. Every summer we go there and spend

four wonderfull weeks riding horses, feeding the chickens and

swiming in the lake. Its very cold water, but we still enjoy it!

What are your plans for this summer? Looking forward to your

next email.

Love, Fiona

Look at the email again. You could break it into three short paragraphs. Where would each one
begin?

18
Checklist for writing an email
Students were asked to write an email of about 100 words in reply to this:

Your English friend, Thomas, has written you an

email. Here below is part of his email to you:

… So that’s what I’m planning to do. What about you?

What are your plans for the next five years of your
life?

Read Fiona’s response to Thomas and answer the questions in the checklist below.

Dear Thomas,

thank you for your email. I’ve just received it, i’m happy to know that
you’re quite optimistic about your future. I hope you can realise your
dream in a new country and a new job. I decided to stay with my old job
until I’m able to obtain better qualifications, in fact I’m taking an
english course at evening school. I hope to get my cambridge B1
Preliminary Certificate. If I pass the exam I’ll have more options for
my career. So, I’m going to stay in my city for the next five years,
although I’d like to visit a european country during my holidays. Good
luck with your new job and your new life in a new country.

Best wishes,

Fiona

1. Does it answer the question?

2. Does it have a good beginning and a good end?
3. Is it well organised with paragraphs?
4. Does it use different verb tenses?
5. Does it include a good range of vocabulary and language structures?
6. Is the punctuation correct?
19
Answers:

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No Reorganise in 2 or 3 paragraphs.
4. Yes Which tenses are used?
5. Yes
6. No. Correct the punctuation errors. (There are 8 common errors. See solutions
on page 20)

Dear Thomas,

Thank you for your email. I’ve just received it. I’m happy to know
that you’re quite optimistic about your future. I hope you can realise
your dream in a new country and a new job.

I decided to stay with my old job until I’m able to obtain better
qualifications. In fact I’m taking an English course at evening school.
I hope to get my Cambridge B1 Preliminary Certificate. If I pass the
exam, I’ll have more options for my career. So, I’m going to stay in my
city for the next five years, although I’d like to visit a European
country during my holidays.

Good luck with your new job and your new life in a new country.

Best wishes,

Fiona

20
Functions Bank for Writing an email
The following are examples of expressions you can use when writing your email in Writing Part 2.
Many of the examples are similar to the ones used for Writing Part 1:

Function Language

Apologising for something ● I’m sorry for breaking your

glasses.
● I’m sorry I broke your glasses.

Asking someone for something ● Can/Could I borrow your speakers

for the party tomorrow?

Asking someone to do something ● Could /Can you come round and

help me on Saturday?
● Would you bring a dessert to the
party, please?
● Please water my flowers while I’m
away.

Giving advice ● I think you should do more

exercise.
● If I were you, I’d visit the National
Art Gallery.

Inviting someone, Accepting/refusing ● Would you like to come to the

an invitation cinema on Saturday?
● I’d love to come to your party.
● I’m sorry, but I can’t come to your
party. I’ve got to study for my exam.

Offering to do something ● Would you like me to do the

shopping?
● Shall I pick you up at the station?
● I’ll take your dog for a walk while
you’re away.

Promising to do something ● I’m sorry I broke your vase. I’ll buy

you a new one.
● Thank you for lending me your
book. I’ll return it by Monday

Recommending something ● I suggest you read this book. I

suggest reading this book.
● You really ought to see that new
James Bond film.
● You should try the new sushi

21

Making suggestions
Reminding someone to do something
Thanking someone
Opening greeting of an email
First social line of an email
Introducing the reason you are writing
Ending an email
Farewell expressions
restaurant.
● What / How about going to the
cinema?
● Why don’t we meet on Friday for a
pizza together?
● Why don’t you tell your parents
you’d like to find another job?
● We could try the new sushi
restaurant this weekend.
● We can go to the zoo this weekend,
if you’d like.
● Let’s go swimming.
● I think Monday would be a better
day to meet.
● Please don’t forget to bring my
jacket, which I left at your house last
week.
● Remember to order the tickets for
us.
● Thank you for a lovely evening.
● Thank you for helping me with my
studying
Dear / Hello / Hi John,
Thank you for …
● Thank you very much for your last
email.
● I’ve just read your interesting email.
● It was very nice to hear from you.
● I hope you and your family are well.
● You asked me about / why / what /
where / how /what kind / for advice
…
● You want to know….
● That’s all for now.
● Write back soon and tell me more
about …
● I’m looking forward to receiving your
next email.
● I hope to hear from you soon.
Best wishes, / Love, / Lots of love, /
Cheers,
(Your name)
22
Option 2: Writing a story
The second option for Writing Part 2 is writing a story. You are required to write approximately 100
words. You will either be given the title of the story or the first sentence. The following are two
examples:

Story with title given: The Gift

Story with first sentence given: I felt nervous when the phone rang.

A sample story
The following is a sample task as you will see it written in your exam and a sample answer to the
task.

I felt nervous when the phone rang. It was just after midnight and I was
trying to sleep. Who could it be?

I got up and ran to the phone. However, as I was running, the phone stopped
ringing. I was angry, but I went back to bed again because I was tired. I
had spent most of the day studying for an exam. All of a sudden, the phone
rang again. “Goodness! This is annoying!”, I thought. This time I picked up
the phone quickly and shouted, “Hello?!”. I waited for an answer, but
nobody said anything. Then, I heard, “Happy birthday, sister!”

I had forgotten that it was my birthday.

23
How to write a good story
Now let’s take a closer look at the elements that make a good story (refer to the sample story on
page 23).

Well-defined structure

Similarly to the email, you should try to include 3 clear paragraphs in your story. Don’t forget to
leave a line between each paragraph. Each paragraph has a function:
● 1st paragraph: setting the scene
● 2nd paragraph: narration of all the events that happen.
● 3rd paragraph: conclusion/resolution of the story

A variety of past tenses (Narrative Tenses)

Stories tend to take place in the past, which makes it necessary to use a range of past tenses
appropriately.
There are three main past tenses you should aim to use if you choose to write a story for your
Writing Part 2. They are known as Narrative Tenses. They are:

Past simple: This is the main verb tense to describe actions that happen one after the
other:
I got up and ran to the phone.
I was angry, but I went back to bed again because I was tired.

Past continuous: Use this verb tense to describe a longer action in the past
… I was trying to sleep.
or for a longer action interrupted by a shorter one.
… as I was running, the phone stopped ringing.

Past Perfect: Use this tense to describe an action that happened before the time of narrating
this story.
I had spent most of the day studying for an exam.
I had forgotten that it was my birthday.

A variety of expressions to use

There are certain expressions that you can use in the different parts of a story to show how the
story develops to make it more interesting. The vocabulary can vary, but there is a set of
expressions which you can make use of in any story:
24
Beginning your story
When you start a story, if the first sentence isn’t given to you, you can use phrases like these:
It all began…
● When I first …
● At the beginning …
● It was a hot/cold summer/winter day.

Time phrases
One of the great differences between writing a letter and writing a story is the need to pay careful
attention to the time over which the story develops. In order to define the order of the events in the
story, we must use time expressions or time phrases. Here are a few examples:

● Then
● After that
● Not long afterwards
● As soon as
● While
● Meanwhile
● As
● Some time later
● A little later
● ____ minutes later
● A moment later
● Later (that morning / afternoon / day / night…)
● Just then

Practice using some of these expressions by modifying the sample story above, for example:
As soon as I fell asleep, the telephone rang again.

Expressions to create suspense

When writing a story, the aim is not to inform or to convey information, but to entertain the reader.
One way to do this is by creating suspense, which we can do by using some of the following
expressions:

● Suddenly
● All of a sudden
● Without warning
● Just at that moment
25
 ● Unexpectedly
● Out of the blue
● Out of nowhere
● Right away

Practice using some of these expressions by modifying the sample story above, for example:
Just at that moment I heard someone shout, “Happy birthday, sister!”

Connecting words or linkers

It’s best to write your story in clear short sentences, rather than very long ones that make it difficult
for the reader to follow. However, it is sometimes necessary to link two ideas together with a
connecting word or linker, rather than a comma. Here are a few simple linking words you can use
in your writing and some examples from the sample story to illustrate their use:

and but / yet however because also too though even though so

It was just after midnight and I was trying to sleep.

However, as I was running, the phone stopped ringing.
I was angry, but I went back to bed again because I was tired.

Direct speech
Sometimes it’s necessary to reproduce the words the characters actually say or think. If you
choose to use Direct Speech in your story, correct punctuation becomes very important.

Look at some of the examples from the sample story on page 25 and take note of the
punctuation:

● “ Goodness! This is annoying!”, I thought.

● I picked up the phone quickly and shouted , “ Hello?!”.
● Then, I heard , “ Happy birthday, sister !”

Practice using direct speech by modifying the sample story above. For this exercise, it would be a
good idea to write the sentences on a piece of paper.

“ Who is calling me at this time ?”, I thought.

26
Finishing your story
This paragraph should be separated from the rest, and it’s a good idea to start it with one of the
following expressions:

● In the end
● Finally
● When it was all over
● Eventually
● After everything that happened
● Luckily

The following exercises can help you start thinking creatively about stories and give you extra
practice on narrative tenses and linking words.

Read the story below and put each verb into the correct tense.

27
Linkers and verb tenses

Tell the story

28