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,
Josu

When its an e-mail, you can also include From: ____ / To: _____ if you want.

From: Josu
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,
Josu

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: Im sorry that (+ sentence). Im sorry that I didnt go to your party.

Im sorry for (+ -ing / noun). Im sorry for having to leave early yesterday.
Im sorry for my behaviour the other day.

Future apology: Im sorry, but (+ sentence). Im sorry, but I wont be able to help you.
Im afraid (+ sentence). Im afraid I wont 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 onlyONE 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 penfriends 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, dont forget to answer any
questions your penfriend asks.

Structure:
Always start your letter with Dear (your penfriends 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 its taken me so long to write.
I hope youre 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:
Im 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 dont you (+ infinitive)? / Why dont 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. / Cant 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, dont forget to includedescriptions (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 doesnt look as if its incomplete or you didnt 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