Productive Skill (Writing): Writing Straightforward Connected Text on Familiar/Personal Topics (B1)

This CEFR B1 writing benchmark describes the ability to produce simple, coherent texts (like paragraphs or short compositions) about subjects the writer knows well or has a personal interest in.

Scope and Characteristics:

1. Text Type:

• Short essays, descriptions, narratives, reports on familiar topics.
• Paragraphs contributing to a larger piece of writing.
• Personal emails/letters (see line 34) are a specific application of this skill.

1. Content Focus:

• Familiar Topics: Subjects related to daily life, work, school, hobbies, family, friends, personal experiences, places known.
• Personal Interest: Topics the writer has chosen or feels engaged with.

1. Language Use:

• Connected Text: Moving beyond simple, isolated sentences. Using basic linking words and conjunctions (en, maar, want, omdat, dus, ook, vervolgens, eerst, dan, daarna, ten slotte) to connect ideas and sentences logically.
• Coherence: Ideas are presented in a logical sequence, making the text understandable.
• Straightforward: Using B1 level vocabulary and grammar structures with reasonable accuracy. Avoiding overly complex or ambitious language that leads to errors.
• Variety: Beginning to use a range of sentence structures (simple main clauses, some subordinate clauses).

1. Structure:

• Ability to organize ideas into simple paragraphs.
• Following a basic logical flow (e.g., introduction, description/narration, simple conclusion).

Skills Developed (B1):

• Expressing ideas, experiences, or opinions in written form beyond single sentences.
• Linking sentences and clauses to create coherent text.
• Structuring short pieces of writing logically.
• Using B1 vocabulary and grammar to communicate effectively in writing on familiar topics.

Challenges:

• Using linking words correctly and variedly.
• Maintaining grammatical accuracy (word order, verb conjugation, adjective endings) in longer stretches of text.
• Organizing ideas clearly.
• Finding the right vocabulary to express intended meaning.

Learning Focus:

• Practicing writing paragraphs and short texts on familiar themes.
• Focusing on the use of conjunctions and linking words.
• Reviewing and applying B1 grammar points in writing tasks.
• Planning the structure of a text before writing.
• Proofreading work for common errors.