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B1 BEC Writing Guide

The B1 Business Preliminary (BEC) exam, also known as Cambridge English: Business Preliminary, is designed for people at the B1 level of English who are preparing to use English in a business or work environment. The writing section of this exam focuses on practical business writing skills, such as composing short emails or notes and filling in forms. Here are the key details for the B1 BEC Writing section:

Format:

  • 2 tasks (worth 25% of the total exam score for the Writing section).
  • Duration: 45 minutes.

Task Types:

  1. Task 1: Writing a Message (or Note/Email)
    • You are typically required to write a short message or note based on a given scenario. The scenario often involves a business-related situation, such as replying to an inquiry, confirming arrangements, or providing simple information.
    • Length: Around 30-40 words.
    • You will be assessed on your ability to communicate the required information clearly and concisely, using appropriate business language.
  2. Task 2: Writing a Business Correspondence (Email or Memo)
    • In this task, you’ll write a longer, more detailed piece of business correspondence. This could be an email, a memo, or even a report depending on the prompt. You may be asked to describe situations, request information, or give instructions.
    • Length: Around 60-80 words.
    • You need to demonstrate a good command of business writing conventions, such as clear organization, polite tone, and appropriate formal language.

What’s Assessed:

  • Content: Does your response address the task properly?
  • Communicative Achievement: Does your response communicate effectively in the appropriate business context?
  • Organization: Is your writing well-structured and logically organized?
  • Language: Are grammar, spelling, and vocabulary accurate and appropriate for a business setting?

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice writing business emails and memos: Focus on being clear, concise, and polite.
  • Review business-related vocabulary: Knowing how to use appropriate business terms can make your writing more professional.
  • Learn standard business correspondence formats: Practice the layout for emails, reports, and memos to ensure they are correctly formatted.
  • Manage your time: You only have 45 minutes for both tasks, so practice completing both tasks within the time limit.

The B1 BEC writing exam is designed to test practical communication in a business context, so it’s important to focus on clarity and purpose in your writing.