Writing reference for the PET exam (Parts 2 & 3)

Writing Part 2

In this part you have to write a short communicative message. The focus of this part is not on using complex grammar or vocabulary, but on being able to convey (transmit) the intention of the message (apologise, ask someone to do something for you, thank someone, make a suggestion, etc.), so please keep it simple!

In the instructions you are given a situation with three points to include in your message, so you MUST write something about each of them.

You should start your message with “Dear   (name of your friend)   ,” and write your name at the end of the message. Here is an example:

  You are going to move to a new flat. Write an e-mail to a friend. In your e-mail, you should

                · say where you are moving to

                · explain why you are moving

                · invite your friend to visit you

   Dear James,

 I found a new flat yesterday. I am going to move to Oxford because I am going to work in a shop. So, I need a flat near this shop. You can visit me if you want.

   Best wishes,

     Josué

           

When it’s an e-mail, you can also include “From: ____” / “To: _____” if you want.

From: Josué

To: Sarah

Subject: Moving to a new flat

 Dear Sarah,

 I am going to move to a new flat in Barcelona. I found a job there, so I have decided to move. Would you like to visit? The flat is very big, so I can put you up.

 Kind regards,

Josué

As you can see, the sentences are very short and simple. Just remember to use linking words (However, because, so, but …). Here are also some useful expressions:

· To apologise: I’m sorry that (+ sentence). I’m sorry that I didn’t go to your party.

   I’m sorry for (+ -ing / noun). I’m sorry for having to leave early yesterday.

                                                                 I’m sorry for my behaviour the other day.

· Future apology: I’m sorry, but (+ sentence). I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to help you.

                               I’m afraid (+ sentence). I’m afraid I won’t be able to go to your party.

· To thank someone: Thank you for (+ -ing / noun). Thank you for helping me with the cake.

                                                                                   Thank you for your help with the cake.

· To make a suggestion: How about (+ -ing / noun)? How about meeting in the cinema at 6?

                                     Would you like to (+ infinitive)? Would you like to go shopping?

    Is (noun) good for you? Is 6pm good for you?

    Can you meet on (day)? Can you meet on Thursday evening?

· To ask a favour: Could you (+ infinitive), please? Could you call the hotel for me, please?

Writing Part 3

In this part you have two options: You can write either a letter or a story. Choose only ONE option. You can write a draft on the question paper, but you have to write your final letter/story on the answer sheet, so plan your time accordingly.

Remember to write clearly, use paragraphs, and make your letter or story interesting.

Writing a letter

If you choose to write a letter, you will have to reply to something in a letter from an English penfriend. Your penfriend’s letter will tell you the topic of your letter. Make sure you know what the topic is, and write about the topic given and not something else. Also, don’t forget to answer any questions your penfriend asks.

·   Structure:

Always start your letter with “Dear   (your penfriend’s name)    ,” and a ‘hello’ sentence. Then, write your letter with relevant information about the given topic, dividing the ideas in different paragraphs, and finish with a ‘goodbye’ sentence and your name.

‘Hello’ sentences: · Thank you for your letter. · I was really glad to hear from you. · Sorry it’s taken me so long to write. · I hope you’re well. · I was happy to hear that … (+ sentence) · I was sorry to hear that … (+ sentence)

Linking ideas:

-          Adding information: Also, … / Besides, … / Moreover, … / … , and … / … too.

-          Contrasting information: However, … / … , but … / In spite of (+ noun /-ing verb), … / Despite (+ noun /-ing verb), … / Even though (+ sentence), … /  … , even though … / Although (+ sentence), … / … , although …

[you can find theory and activities to practice contrasting ideas with linking words here]

-          Giving reasons: (consequence) because (reason) /Because of (+ noun), (consequence) / (reason), so (consequence) / As (reason), (consequence) / For this reason, (consequence).

Thanking:

· I’m really thankful/grateful for … (+ noun). [Remember to include details]

· I would like to (invite you to … + infinitive) in appreciation for your help.

Giving advice:

· I think you should … (+ infinitive). / I think the best idea/option is to … (+ infinitive)

· In my opinion, you should … (+ infinitive). / In my opinion, the best idea is to … (+ infinitive)

Making suggestions:

· Would you like to … (+ infinitive)?

· Why don’t you … (+ infinitive)? / Why don’t we … (+ infinitive)?

· I am planning to … (+ infinitive). Would you like to come with me?

· I was wondering if you would like to … (+ infinitive). [formal]

· I think it would be a good idea if … (+ sentence). [formal]

‘Goodbye’ sentences:

· I look forward to seeing you soon!

If you ask the other person to reply:

· Please write soon / I look forward to hearing from you. / Can’t wait to hear from you!

  

· Best wishes,                 · Kind regards,                      · Love,

    (name)                          (name)                               (name)

Writing a story

If you choose to write a story, you will be given either the title or the first sentence. Remember the elements in a story: characters (who?), setting (when? where?), plot (what happened?), and conclusion (what happened in the end?). Also, don’t forget to include descriptions (what are the places/characters like? how do they feel?).

One of the things that examiners value the most in a story, besides correct grammar and use of the language, is originality. Therefore, try to make your story interesting. A useful tip is to use many adjectives so that the readers can visualize what is happening.

Moreover, it is very important to structure your story properly in paragraphs. Usually, the first paragraph will be the opening, which sets the scene. Here, the characters, the setting and the situation are presented. The second paragraph will be the development of the story. In this part, it is very important to use a lot of linking words to arrange the different events in sequence. Finally, the last paragraph will be the resolution, in which the problem is solved and the situation goes back to normal (or not! You have to be original and creative, so you can also decide to end your story in suspense – just make sure it doesn’t look as if it’s incomplete or you didn’t have time to finish it).

Also, you must be very careful with verb tenses. The most common narrative tense is the Past Simple, but sometimes you may need to use other tenses so your story is coherent.

Here you have some linking words to order the events in time. Try not to use always the same ones. You will be given a better mark if you use different linking words and there is diversity of grammar structures.

Starting:

· First, … / In the beginning, … / At first, …

Continuing:

 · Next, … / Then, … / Later, … / After that, … / (Soon) afterwards, …

 · After (+ noun/sentence), … / As soon as (+ sentence), … / From (time), … / … until (+ noun/sentence)

After everyone had finished eating, Mr. Jones offered dessert. / After dessert, they played cards.

As soon as the woman left, Harry hurried to the kitchen.

From the moment she saw him, she knew he was going to be her future husband.

She waited until the afternoon. / She waited until everyone had left.

Making reference to a previous event:

 · Before (+ noun / -ing verb), … / … before (+ noun / -ing verb).

Before picking up the phone, he checked who was calling.

He checked who was calling before picking up the phone.

· …, but before (+ sentence).

Thomas went out, but before he checked if all the windows were closed.

· Until then, … / (sentence) before.

Until then, he had never felt so energetic. / He had never felt so energetic before.

Talking about a simultaneous action:

 · Meanwhile, ... / In the meantime, ...
 · While (+ sentence -- usually in Past Continuous), ...

While I was waiting for the bus, I saw a man leaving the building with a suitcase.

Adding something surprising:

· Suddenly, … / All of a sudden, … 

Suddenly, his body starting swelling. / All of a sudden, his body started swelling.

· To [my/his/her/our/their] surprise, …

To my surprise, the wallet was still there when I came back.

Finishing:

· In the end, … / Finally, … / At last, …

· Ever since (time), … / Since then, … / From then on, …

From then on, they decided to use their superpowers to fight crime in Valencia City.