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Lesson 24
Module 06 · Linking & Detail
B1+

Module 06 —Writing With Flow

Writing Part 2 (article) · paragraphing and linkers · self-editing checklist

60 min Mixed skill · Written linking

PET parts in this lesson · mixed-skill spiral

Writing 2 articleGrammarStrategy

Why this lesson now? Applies Module 06 linking work to Writing 2.

CEFR Pathway · You are here

  1. A0/A1Beginner
  2. A1/A2Elementary
  3. A2/B1Pre-Intermediate
  4. B1/B1+Intermediate
  5. B2Upper-Intermediate
  6. C1Advanced
  7. C2Proficiency

Get ready · 01

5 min

Get talking

activity
One idea per paragraph

Read a messy paragraph mixing three ideas. Discuss: how would you split it into three clear paragraphs?

discussion
Article vs story

Recall: what's the difference between a PET article and a PET story? Which uses more opinion language?

reflection
Editing mindset

Discuss: why is checking your own writing before finishing just as important as writing it?

Grammar for the Exam · 02

8–10 min

Paragraphing and linking words in an article

Grammar Bank: Paragraphing and linking words in an articleJumps straight to this rule — full explanation, examples & practice
Quick rule

One clear idea per paragraph; open with a hook, link ideas with connectors, close with an opinion or recommendation.

Examples

A well-organised PET article usually has four parts: a short, interesting opening that hooks the reader; one or two paragraphs developing the main ideas, each with a single clear focus; and a closing paragraph giving your opinion or a recommendation. Within and between paragraphs, linking words like 'however', 'in addition', 'as a result' and reference words like 'this' and 'these' connect your ideas smoothly, so the reader never has to guess how one sentence relates to the next. Examiners reward writing that flows logically far more than writing with impressive but disconnected vocabulary.

  • → Opening hook: 'Have you ever wondered why some people never seem to get tired?'

  • → Linking within a paragraph: 'Many students skip breakfast. As a result, they struggle to concentrate by mid-morning.'

  • → Closing opinion: 'In my opinion, schools should teach healthy habits from a young age.'

Question 1.A well-organised article usually has how many main parts?

Question 2.What should each paragraph in the middle of an article ideally contain?

Question 3.Which sentence is the strongest opening hook?

Question 4.Examiners reward writing that is mainly:

Question 5.A good closing paragraph in an article usually gives:

Answer all items, then check.

Quick check 1.True or false: it's fine to mix several unrelated ideas in one paragraph if the vocabulary is good.

Answer all items, then check.

Exam Vocabulary · 03

5–7 min

Words & phrases to own

Open Vocabulary BankTap any word below to jump straight to its entry
1

a hook

an interesting opening line that grabs the reader's attention

Use it

Write one hook sentence for an article about free time.

2

to develop (an idea)

to explain or add detail to a point

Use it

Give one idea and one sentence that develops it further.

3

a recommendation

a suggestion about what should be done

Use it

Give one recommendation for students who want to improve their English.

4

to self-edit

to check and improve your own writing before finishing

Use it

Name one thing you always check when you self-edit.

5

a checklist

a list used to check something has been done correctly

Use it

What would you put on a checklist for a good article?

6

clear and well-linked

logical and easy to follow

Use it

What makes a piece of writing feel clear and well-linked to you?

7

a rough draft

a first, unfinished version of a piece of writing

Use it

Do you usually write a rough draft before a final version?

8

to proofread

to check a text carefully for mistakes before finishing

Use it

What kind of mistakes do you usually find when you proofread?

Matching
Match each writing-process word with its meaning.

Tap an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

Answer all items, then check.
Use it now

Activation · Personalise · Recycle

Use today's writing-process words to talk about your own habits.

Ask your partner
Task 1

Ask your partner

  • Do you write a rough draft first, or straight to a final version?
  • What do you check when you proofread?
  • What's the hardest part of self-editing your own work?
Userough draftproofreadself-edit
Complete it
Task 2

"A good hook for an article about school life could be..."hook

Your opinion
Task 3

Is it more important to have interesting ideas or clear organisation in an article? Give a reason.

Give your answer + one reason.

Useclear and well-linked
Quick write
Task 4

Write 35 words giving advice to someone planning their first article.

Usehookrecommendationclear and well-linked

Pronunciation for Speaking · 04

3–4 min

Reading your own writing aloud to check flow

Say it like this

If you run out of breath or get confused reading a sentence aloud, it's probably too long or badly linked.

  • • Many people skip breakfast. As a result, they feel tired by lunchtime.
  • • I used to dislike reading. However, that changed when I found the right book.
  • • In my opinion, schools should teach this from a young age.

Reading Skills · 05

8–10 min

Sample article: Why I started running

Have you ever tried an activity you were sure you'd hate, only to fall in love with it? That's exactly what happened to me with running.

Two years ago, I thought running was boring and exhausting. My sister, however, kept inviting me to join her early morning runs. Eventually, I agreed to try it just once, mainly to stop her asking. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the quiet streets and the feeling of achievement afterwards.

Since then, running has become a regular part of my week. In addition to the physical benefits, it has helped me deal with stress before exams. Whenever I feel overwhelmed with schoolwork, a short run clears my head completely.

In my opinion, everyone should try an activity they think they'll dislike at least once. You might discover, as I did, that first impressions can be completely wrong.

Question 1.What did the writer originally think about running?

Question 2.Who first invited the writer to go running?

Question 3.Why did the writer agree to try running once?

Question 4.How does running help the writer now, besides physically?

Question 5.What is the writer's overall recommendation?

Answer all items, then check.

Listening Skills · 06

8–10 min

Two students planning an article together

Listening audio

Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.

Show transcript

Amir:Right, our article topic is 'a skill worth learning'. Where should we start?

Beth:I think we need a good hook first — something that grabs the reader straight away.

Amir:How about a question, like 'Have you ever wished you could speak another language fluently?'

Beth:That's good. Then in the next paragraph we can explain why learning a language is useful.

Amir:And we should link it — something like 'As a result, more job opportunities open up.'

Beth:Exactly. Then a second paragraph could give a personal example, so it doesn't sound like a lecture.

Amir:We could mention that learning Spanish helped you talk to your cousins, right?

Beth:Yes, and I'll add 'however' before the part about it being difficult at first.

Amir:Good idea. Then we finish with our opinion — something like 'In my opinion, everyone should try learning a new skill.'

Beth:Perfect. Let's write a rough draft now and proofread it together after.

Question 1.What is Amir and Beth's article topic?

Question 2.What kind of hook does Amir suggest?

Question 3.What linking word does Amir suggest using to show a consequence?

Question 4.Why do they want to include a personal example?

Question 5.What does Beth want to add before mentioning difficulty?

Question 6.What will they do after writing a rough draft?

Answer all items, then check.
Tick what you hear
Tick the writing-process words you hear in the dialogue.
Answer all items, then check.

Exam Strategy · 07

5 min

Writing Part 2 — article

Strategy

Plan, write, self-edit — always leave time to check your article against a checklist.

Task

Write an article of about 100 words on a given topic, usually with two questions to guide your content, for a magazine or website.

Example

Topic: 'Write about a skill you think everyone should learn, and explain why.' Plan: Hook question → paragraph on the skill's usefulness → personal example paragraph → closing opinion.

Writing Task · 08

5 min

Put it in writing

Sentence transformation
Type a short answer (1–3 words)

Q1.Give one word meaning 'an interesting opening line'.

Q2.Give one word meaning 'to check writing carefully for mistakes'.

Answer all items, then check.
Writing Part 2Write an article
≈100 words

Write an article of about 100 words for a school magazine on the topic: 'A skill you think everyone should learn, and why.' Use a hook, at least two linking words, and a closing opinion.

Your writing draft

0 words Saved
Show model answer & examiner comment

Have you ever wished you could fix things around the house instead of calling someone else? I think basic DIY is a skill everyone should learn. Many people feel helpless when something breaks. As a result, they waste money on simple repairs. Last year, I learned to fix a leaking tap myself, which felt surprisingly satisfying. However, it did take a few YouTube videos and one small flood! In my opinion, schools should teach practical skills like this alongside academic subjects, because they're useful for life.

EX

Examiner comment

Reward range, organisation and style. Penalise lists, off-topic or under-length answers.
Mark scheme extract
5All content points covered; consistent style; range of structures; minor errors only.
3Content mostly covered; mostly suitable style; some range; errors don't stop the reader understanding.
1Limited content; intrusive errors; very basic structures; under-length.
PET Writing Part 1 · Email
Plan and write an article using this checklist before you submit.
Magazine topicSubject: A skill everyone should learn

Write an article for your school magazine answering these questions: What skill do you think everyone should learn? Why is it useful?

✎ Start with a hook
✎ Give at least two reasons or examples
✎ Use linking words to connect ideas
✎ Finish with your opinion

Your reply must cover:

  1. An interesting opening hook
  2. A clear reason the skill is useful
  3. A personal example
  4. A closing opinion or recommendation

Speaking Task · 09

10–15 min

Make it a real conversation

Open Expressions BankConversation phrases and functional language from across the course

In pairs, plan an article together on 'a place worth visiting', deciding on a hook, two development points and a closing opinion before either of you writes anything.

Speaking · Part 4
Discussion task
2–3 min · pair

Examiner

"Now talk together about what makes an article enjoyable to read."

Discussion together
No picture sheet
AStudent A

Talk together about

What makes an article genuinely enjoyable to read, rather than just correct?

Share opinions, agree and disagree — you do not have to talk only about yourself.

BStudent B

Ideas you could discuss

  • The opening line
  • Personal examples versus general facts
  • How ideas are linked together

Round off the discussion

Agree on the three most important features of an enjoyable article.

Useful discussion language

"What do you think about…?""I agree, but…""That's a good idea because…""I'm not sure about that.""How about you?""Some people think…""It depends on…""On the other hand…"

Useful phrases

Optional · Teacher-led

Teacher Activities

Use if the writing and self-editing finishes early. ~14 min total

Homework · 10

Take-home

Take it home

Self-study — everything you need is included below. All four skills are covered so you keep the spiral going between lessons; pick the order that suits you.

WritingProductive

Write a full 100-word article on a topic of your choice, following the hook–development–development–opinion structure.

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Checklist

1. Hook opening? 2. One idea per paragraph? 3. At least two linking words? 4. Closing opinion? 5. Proofread for spelling?

Attempt the task first, then check your answers.

WritingProductive

Take a messy paragraph (provided) and rewrite it as two clear, well-linked paragraphs.

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Messy paragraph

I like football and also I think reading is good and sometimes I go running but running is tiring and my sister likes swimming and I don't really like swimming much.

Model rewrite

I enjoy several different activities. My favourite is football, although I also think reading is a great way to relax. In addition, I sometimes go running, even though I find it tiring. My sister, however, prefers swimming, which isn't really for me.
WritingProductive

Proofread a partner's homework article using the checklist and give two pieces of feedback.

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Feedback focus

1. Is there a clear hook? 2. Are linking words used naturally? 3. Is there a clear closing opinion?

Recap · 11

2–3 min

What you've learned

  • A strong article has a hook, clearly separated development paragraphs, and a closing opinion.
  • Linking words (however, as a result, in addition) and reference words (this, these) connect ideas smoothly.
  • Read your writing aloud to check whether it flows — confusing sentences are usually too long or badly linked.
  • Always leave time to self-edit against a checklist before finishing a writing task.
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