Cambridge English B1 Preliminary (PET) · B1 · Writing Unit 3 · B1P-U03-A01
Write an article readers want to read
1 · Learn: an article is for readers
Outcome: write an engaging article of about 100 words that answers every part of the task and explains ideas with relevant details.
An article is a short text for a magazine or website. Here, “article” does not mean the grammar words a, an, the. Think about the reader, answer the questions and group related ideas.
A useful plan is: a title and opening that invite interest → what you do, with a specific example → why it matters, with a reason → a short ending. This is a helpful plan, not a compulsory exam template.
Worked examples: make an idea useful
| Thin idea | Developed example | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| I like gardening. | I grow chillies and tomatoes in pots outside our kitchen. | The reader can picture the activity. |
| It is good. | Watching a tiny seed become a healthy plant makes me feel proud. | A clear feeling replaces a vague word. |
| I go there. | I visit the library on Saturday mornings with my sister. | Time and company add relevant detail. |
| It is fun. It is cheap. | It is fun, and you can start with one pot. | A specific example supports the point. |
| I like it because it is nice. | I enjoy it because I can spend time with my grandmother. | The reason explains the opinion. |
| That is all. | Why not try growing one plant this weekend? | The ending connects with the reader. |
Two repairs
“Dear Editor, Yours sincerely” frames a letter. For this magazine article, use a relevant title and direct opening instead. “First, secondly, thirdly” in every sentence can sound mechanical: connect ideas only where the meaning needs it.
2 · Guided practice
Original EWS task: Our youth magazine wants articles about hobbies. What hobby do you enjoy? What do you do, and why would you recommend it? Write your article in about 100 words.
- Choose the more useful title: “My article” or “One pot, lots of possibilities”. Explain your choice.
- Improve “Reading is good” by adding a specific example and a reason.
- Group these ideas into paragraphs: grow tomatoes; grandmother teaches me; water before school; enjoy time together.
- Explain why an interesting opening does not replace answering the task questions.
Short revision check
Before drafting, decide and explain: (A) For a youth magazine, which opening fits better: “Dear Sir” or “Looking for a hobby?” (B) Which gives a useful reason: “It is nice” or “It helps me relax after school”? (C) Two paragraphs both repeat “I like it”. What new detail could replace one repetition?
Your own first draft
Choose your own hobby. Answer what you enjoy, what you do and why you recommend it. Use examples that are true for you; do not copy the gardening model.
Words:
Check separate explained answers after trying