B1 English Writing at B1 Level — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are writing an email to your landlord to report a broken heater. Which opening is most appropriate for B1 level?
- Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to let you know that the heater in my flat is not working. (Correct answer)
- Hey, the heater's broken, can you fix it ASAP.
- To Whom It May Concern, I hereby wish to formally notify you of a defect.
- Hi! Hope you're well! Quick thing — heater broken lol.
Correct answer: Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to let you know that the heater in my flat is not working.
A semi-formal email to a landlord should use 'Dear', a clear opening statement, and polite language. The first option is appropriately polite and clear.
Question 2: Which sentence is the best way to make a polite request in a formal email?
- Could you please send me the form as soon as possible? (Correct answer)
- Send me the form now.
- I need the form. Send it.
- Can you send the form? I need it.
Correct answer: Could you please send me the form as soon as possible?
'Could you please' is a polite and formal request structure suitable for B1 written communication. The other options are too direct or informal.
Question 3: Which of the following correctly starts a formal letter of complaint?
- I am writing to complain about the service I received on 12 March. (Correct answer)
- I want to complain about something that happened.
- This is to tell you I am not happy.
- Hi, I had a bad experience and want to talk about it.
Correct answer: I am writing to complain about the service I received on 12 March.
A formal complaint letter should state its purpose clearly in the first sentence using formal language. The first option does this accurately and politely.
Question 4: Which linking word best completes the sentence? 'The flat is very spacious. ___, it is close to the city centre.'
- Furthermore (Correct answer)
- However
- Although
- Despite
Correct answer: Furthermore
'Furthermore' or 'Moreover' is used to add a positive point to another positive point. 'However' introduces contrast, which is not needed here.
Question 5: A friend asks you to write a short note explaining you will be 30 minutes late to meet them. Which note is most appropriate?
- Hi Maria, I'm so sorry but I'm going to be about 30 minutes late. I'll explain when I get there. See you soon! (Correct answer)
- Maria, late. 30 min.
- Dear Maria, I regret to inform you I shall be delayed by approximately thirty minutes.
- Maria — can't make it on time, might be late, not sure how long.
Correct answer: Hi Maria, I'm so sorry but I'm going to be about 30 minutes late. I'll explain when I get there. See you soon!
An informal note to a friend should be friendly, clear and give the key information. The first option is appropriately informal but still clear.
Question 6: Which sentence uses a connective of reason correctly?
- I left early because the meeting finished sooner than expected. (Correct answer)
- I left early although the meeting finished sooner than expected.
- I left early despite the meeting finished sooner than expected.
- I left early however the meeting finished sooner than expected.
Correct answer: I left early because the meeting finished sooner than expected.
'Because' introduces a reason. 'Although' introduces contrast. 'Despite' is followed by a noun or gerund, not a clause. 'However' connects separate sentences.
B1 English Writing at B1 Level
You are writing an email to your landlord to report a broken heater.
Which opening is most appropriate for B1 level?