Express Your Opinion on a Modern-Life Issue B1 Writing Practice Tests

Exercises: 1 2 3 4 5

Exercise 1

Read each group of sentences carefully. Choose the one sentence that has correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. The other sentences contain one or more errors related to these features.

Example: Which sentence is correct?
A) many people think that, social media has a negative affect on teenagers.
B) Many people think that social media has a negative effect on teenagers.
C) Many people think that social media has a negative effect on Teenagers.
Answer: B) Many people think that social media has a negative effect on teenagers.

1. You are writing an opinion article about social media for a school magazine. Which opening sentence is most appropriate for a B1 article in an informal-neutral register?

Social media is discussed in this article because it has advantages and disadvantages.

Have you ever wondered whether social media is actually making our lives better or worse?

I am going to write about social media and tell you what I think about it.

Social media, which it has many users, is a topic that people talk about.

2. Which sentence correctly uses 'although' to express an opinion about screen time?

Although spending too much time on screens, it is harmful to your health.

Although spending too much time on screens is relaxing, it can seriously damage your eyesight.

Although, spending too much time on screens is harmful to your health.

Although it is relaxing spending too much time on screens, however it can damage your eyesight.

3. A student wrote this sentence in an opinion article: 'Many young people use their phones constantley, which means they rarley talk face to face.' Identify the error.

The relative clause 'which means' is used incorrectly.

The words 'constantley' and 'rarley' are misspelled.

The tense of 'use' should be past simple.

A comma should not appear before 'which'.

4. Which sentence correctly uses 'however' with the right punctuation when expressing an opposing view in an article?

Working from home has many benefits, however it can feel very lonely.

Working from home has many benefits. However, it can feel very lonely.

Working from home has many benefits however, it can feel very lonely.

Working from home has many benefits however it can feel very lonely.

5. Choose the correct way to complete this opinion sentence using 'despite': 'Despite _______, many teenagers still prefer chatting online.'

despite that meeting friends in person is more fun

meeting friends in person is more fun

the fact that meeting friends in person is more fun

although meeting friends in person is more fun

6. A student is writing an informal email to a friend about online learning. Which sentence fits the informal register correctly?

I would like to inform you that online learning presents several notable disadvantages.

It has been brought to my attention that online learning is increasingly prevalent.

Honestly, I think online classes are a bit boring — you can never ask questions properly!

The undersigned wishes to express dissatisfaction regarding online learning methods.

7. Which sentence correctly uses the second conditional to give advice about reducing screen time in an opinion article?

If I will have less screen time, I would feel healthier.

If I had less screen time, I would feel much healthier and more focused.

If I had less screen time, I will feel much healthier and more focused.

If I would have less screen time, I would feel much healthier.

8. A student wrote this paragraph about fast food. Find the sentence with a tense error: 'Fast food restaurants are everywhere today. When I was young, my parents rarely took us to these places. Last Saturday, we were walking past a burger restaurant when suddenly my brother was recognising a famous chef inside.'

'Fast food restaurants are everywhere today.'

'When I was young, my parents rarely took us to these places.'

'we were walking past a burger restaurant'

'my brother was recognising a famous chef inside'

9. Which of the following correctly uses the passive voice to describe a modern-life issue in an opinion article?

A lot of plastic waste is throwing into the ocean every year.

A lot of plastic waste thrown into the ocean every year.

A lot of plastic waste is thrown into the ocean every year.

A lot of plastic waste are thrown into the ocean every year.

10. Which sentence uses linking words correctly to add a point in an opinion paragraph about technology?

Technology saves us time. In addition, it can create problems like addiction and stress.

Technology saves us time, in addition it can create problems like addiction and stress.

Technology saves us time in addition, it can create problems like addiction and stress.

Technology saves us time. In addition it can create problems like addiction and stress.

Exercises: 1 2 3 4 5

How to Write an Opinion Article in English

An opinion article is a piece of writing in which you share your personal views on an issue that affects modern life. You might write about technology, social media, the environment, or how people spend their free time. Opinion articles are common in school magazines, English-language websites, and newspaper columns.

At B1 level, a good opinion article does three things: it states your opinion clearly, it supports your view with reasons and examples, and it ends with a recommendation or conclusion. You are not simply describing a topic — you are persuading your reader to think about it in a new way.

Real-life examples of opinion articles include pieces such as "Should teenagers be allowed to use smartphones in class?" or "Is social media making us less sociable?" These are exactly the kinds of topics you may be asked to write about in the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) exam.

Essential Writing Rules & Sentence Structure

1. Organise Your Article into Clear Paragraphs

A well-structured B1 opinion article has three or four paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 — Introduction: Introduce the topic with a hook (a question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement) and state your opinion.
Paragraph 2 — First reason: Give your main argument with a reason and an example.
Paragraph 3 — Second point or opposing view: Add a further reason or acknowledge the other side before returning to your view.
Paragraph 4 — Conclusion: Summarise your opinion and make a recommendation.

2. Use Complex Sentences and Relative Clauses

Avoid short, repetitive sentences. Combine ideas using subordinate clauses and relative clauses to show B1-level fluency.

Relative clauses: "Social media is a tool which can connect people across the world."
Subordinate clauses: "Although many people enjoy scrolling through their phones, this habit can seriously affect sleep."
Cause and effect: "Teenagers spend hours online every day. As a result, they have less time for face-to-face conversation."

3. Use the Correct Tenses

Use the present simple for facts and general opinions: "Many young people spend more than five hours a day on their phones."
Use the present perfect for recent changes: "Screen time has increased significantly since the pandemic."
Use the second conditional for hypothetical ideas: "If people spent less time online, they would feel less anxious."
Use modals for suggestions and advice: "Schools should teach students how to use technology responsibly."

4. Punctuate Linking Words Correctly

Many B1 learners forget to punctuate connectors correctly. Follow these rules:

Place a comma after sentence-starting adverbs: "However, not everyone agrees with this idea."
Do not use a comma directly before although when it begins a clause mid-sentence: "I enjoy social media although I try to limit my screen time."
Use a full stop or semicolon before however, never a comma alone: "Social media has many benefits. However, it also has serious disadvantages."

5. Use a Neutral but Engaging Register

An opinion article for a school magazine or website uses a semi-formal, engaging register. This means:

You may use rhetorical questions to engage the reader: "Have you ever thought about how much time you spend online each day?"
Avoid very informal slang (gonna, wanna, loads of) but you may use contractions sparingly.
Address your reader directly with you or we to create connection.

Useful Linking Words (Connectors)

Using a variety of connectors makes your writing flow naturally and shows the examiner that you can organise ideas at B1 level. Study the table below carefully.

Connector	Function / Use	Example Sentence
However,	Introduces a contrast or opposing idea. Starts a new sentence. Always followed by a comma.	Social media can be useful. However, it is often a distraction.
Although	Introduces a contrast within the same sentence. No comma needed before it mid-sentence.	Although smartphones are convenient, they can damage our social skills.
Even though	Stronger version of although. Emphasises a surprising contrast.	Even though many teenagers know the risks, they still spend hours online.
Therefore,	Shows a logical result or conclusion. Followed by a comma.	Screen time is rising every year. Therefore, we need to take action now.
As a result,	Shows a cause-and-effect relationship.	Many students check their phones constantly. As a result, their concentration suffers.
In addition,	Adds a further point or supporting idea.	Social media affects sleep patterns. In addition, it can lower self-esteem.
On the one hand / On the other hand	Presents two contrasting sides of an argument.	On the one hand, technology connects us. On the other hand, it can isolate us.
Because	Gives a direct reason. Used mid-sentence.	I believe smartphones should be banned in schools because they disrupt learning.
Since	Gives a reason (formal) or refers to a point in time.	Since social media is so powerful, we must learn to use it wisely.
While	Shows two things happening at the same time, or introduces a contrast.	While some apps are educational, others simply waste our time.
Despite	Shows contrast. Must be followed by a noun or -ing form, NOT a full clause.	Despite the risks, most teenagers use social media every day.
So that	Expresses purpose or intention.	Parents should set screen-time limits so that children can sleep properly.

Model Writing Sample: "Is Social Media Ruining Our Social Lives?"

This model article is written for an English-language school magazine. It is 115 words and follows a clear B1 structure. Read it carefully, then study the annotations.

— START OF MODEL TEXT —

[Catchy Title]
Is Social Media Ruining Our Social Lives?

[Introduction — Hook + Opinion]
Have you ever sat at a dinner table where everyone was staring at their phone instead of talking? This is becoming increasingly common, and I believe it is a serious problem. In my opinion, social media is damaging the way we communicate with each other in real life.

[Body Paragraph 1 — First Reason + Example]
On the one hand, social media platforms which allow us to message friends instantly are clearly useful. However, studies have shown that teenagers who spend more than three hours a day online feel lonelier than those who do not. As a result, many young people are losing the ability to hold a real conversation.

[Body Paragraph 2 — Second Point + Conditional]
Although some people argue that social media keeps us connected, I think it often replaces deeper, more meaningful relationships. If we spent less time scrolling and more time meeting friends face to face, our mental health would definitely improve.

[Conclusion — Summary + Recommendation]
In conclusion, I strongly believe that we should use social media in a more balanced way. Schools should teach digital well-being so that young people can enjoy technology without letting it control their lives.

— END OF MODEL TEXT —

Model Text Annotation

Title: Uses a rhetorical question to grab the reader's attention immediately.
Introduction: Opens with a relatable scenario, then states a clear opinion using "I believe" and "In my opinion".
Body Paragraph 1: Uses "On the one hand … However … As a result" to present a balanced point and lead to a conclusion.
Body Paragraph 2: Uses "Although … I think" and a second conditional ("If we spent … would improve") to argue persuasively.
Conclusion: Summarises the opinion with "I strongly believe" and ends with a practical recommendation using "so that".
Grammar range: Present simple, present perfect, relative clause (which), second conditional, modal verb (should), and multiple B1 connectors.

Key Phrases & Sentence Starters

Catchy Titles

Is [topic] really good for us?
Why [topic] is changing our lives
The truth about [topic]
Should we be worried about [topic]?

Opening Lines & Engaging the Reader

Have you ever thought about how much time you spend …?
Imagine a world where …
It may surprise you to learn that …
These days, more and more people are …
This is a topic which affects all of us.

Stating Your Opinion Clearly

In my opinion, …
I strongly believe that …
It seems to me that …
Personally, I think …
From my point of view, …

Giving Reasons and Examples

One of the main reasons for this is …
For example, studies have shown that …
A good example of this is …
This is particularly true for teenagers, who …
Because of this, many people feel …

Acknowledging the Other Side

Although some people argue that …, I believe …
On the one hand, … On the other hand, …
Even though there are benefits to …, the disadvantages are greater.
While it is true that …, we should not forget that …

Making Recommendations

I would strongly recommend that …
Schools and parents should …
If I were you, I would definitely …
We could all try to … so that …
It might be a good idea to …

Concluding Your Article

In conclusion, I firmly believe that …
To sum up, …
All things considered, …
I hope this article has made you think about …
The next time you …, why not try …?

Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Confusing although and however

❌ Although, social media can be useful, it has many dangers.
❌ Social media can be useful however it has many dangers.
✅ Although social media can be useful, it has many dangers. — Although goes at the start of a clause and does NOT need a comma directly after it. It connects two ideas in one sentence.
✅ Social media can be useful. However, it has many dangers. — However starts a new sentence and IS followed by a comma.

Mistake 2: Using despite with a full clause

❌ Despite the fact teenagers know the risks, they still go online for hours.
❌ Despite they know the risks, teenagers still go online for hours.
✅ Despite knowing the risks, teenagers still go online for hours. — After despite, use a noun or a verb in the -ing form. Never use a subject + verb clause directly after despite.

Mistake 3: Missing the comma after a sentence-starting connector

❌ Therefore we should think carefully about how we use technology.
❌ In addition many young people feel anxious because of social media.
✅ Therefore, we should think carefully about how we use technology.
✅ In addition, many young people feel anxious because of social media. — Always place a comma after Therefore, However, In addition, As a result, and In conclusion when they begin a sentence.

Mistake 4: Misspelling key opinion-writing vocabulary

❌ I definately think this is a serious problam that afects evryone.
✅ I definitely think this is a serious problem that affects everyone. — Memorise the correct spelling of these high-frequency B1 words: definitely, necessary, environment, recommend, disappointing, comfortable, beginning.

Mistake 5: Using the wrong conditional form

❌ If people would spend less time online, they will feel better.
✅ If people spent less time online, they would feel better. — For imaginary or hypothetical situations (second conditional), use if + past simple in the condition clause, and would + infinitive in the result clause. Never use would in the if clause.

Writing Checklist & Practice Task

Writing Checklist

Before you submit your opinion article, go through this checklist. Tick each box when you are confident:

✅ I have written a catchy title that makes the reader want to read on.
✅ I have used an engaging opening line (a question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement).
✅ I have stated my opinion clearly using phrases such as In my opinion or I strongly believe.
✅ I have written 3–4 paragraphs with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
✅ I have used at least three different linking words from the connector table above.
✅ I have used a relative clause (with who, which, that, or where).
✅ I have included a second conditional (If … would …) or a modal verb for recommendations.
✅ I have punctuated my linking words correctly (comma after However, Therefore, In addition,).
✅ I have checked the spelling of key words: definitely, necessary, recommend, environment.
✅ My article is between 100 and 120 words.

Your Practice Task

You have seen an article on an English-language website asking for readers' opinions. Write your own opinion article of 100–120 words for the website on the following topic:

"Do you think people today spend too much time watching television and streaming videos online? Write an article expressing your opinion, giving reasons, and making a recommendation."

Use the following points to guide your writing:

Write a catchy title for your article.
Start with an engaging hook (a question or a surprising fact).
Give two reasons to support your opinion.
Acknowledge the other side of the argument briefly.
End with a clear recommendation for your readers.

Remember to use linking words from the connector table, at least one relative clause, and the correct punctuation throughout your article.

Now test your writing mechanics and sentence skills in the exercises below.

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