B1-Level General English Writing Activities

Lesson #1: Story-Telling

Outcome: I can rewrite a story using cliche storytelling phrases.

 Instructions: Choose one of the following three stories which are exemplars for the Lesson #1 speaking activity. Rewrite the story. Be sure to paraphrase a much language as possible and integrate story-telling phrases into your revised version of the story.

1. Question: "What's the best way to stay motivated when working on long-term projects?"

   Answer: "One strategy that has always worked wonders for me is setting small, achievable goals along the way. It reminds me of a time when I was working on my undergraduate thesis. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the project. However, instead of focusing solely on the end result, I decided to break it down into smaller milestones. Each week, I aimed to complete a section or conduct a certain amount of research. Whenever I achieved one of these mini-goals, whether it was finishing a chapter or gathering data, I celebrated it as a small victory. It not only kept me motivated but also gave me a sense of progress, which was incredibly rewarding."

2. Question: "How do you handle difficult conversations with coworkers?"

   Answer: "When it comes to difficult conversations at work, I've found that honesty paired with empathy goes a long way. There was a time when I had to address a conflict with a colleague that had been brewing for some time. I vividly remember feeling nervous about broaching the subject, but I knew it needed to be addressed for the sake of our working relationship. So, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting and calmly explained my perspective, being careful to use 'I' statements to avoid sounding accusatory. What surprised me was how my colleague responded. Instead of becoming defensive, they opened up about their own concerns and frustrations. By listening actively and showing genuine empathy towards their perspective, we were able to find common ground and work towards a resolution together. It was a turning point in our relationship, and I learned the power of approaching difficult conversations with sincerity and understanding."

3. Question: "What's your secret to maintaining a healthy work-life balance?"

   Answer: "For me, maintaining a healthy work-life balance boils down to setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. I remember a time in my career when I was so consumed by work that I neglected my own well-being. It wasn't until I experienced burnout that I realized something needed to change. So, I made a conscious effort to establish boundaries between work and personal life. One thing that really helped was creating a shutdown ritual at the end of each workday. Whether it was going for a walk, practicing meditation, or simply disconnecting from technology, having that transition period allowed me to mentally switch gears and unwind. Additionally, I started scheduling time for activities that brought me joy outside of work, whether it was spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. By prioritizing self-care and making time for the things that mattered most to me, I found that I was not only happier and healthier but also more productive when I was on the clock." 

Lesson #2: Finances

Outcome: I can give a stock market projection.

Instructions: Look at the following stock chart for a made up stock. Then, write a few sentences making projections for the future of this stock.   

Lesson #3: Fashion

Outcome: I can write a list of items to bring on a trip around the world, each with a rationale based on the weather conditions.

Instructions: Imagine you are traveling to one of the following cities. Write a list of items to on a trip to these places based on the weather conditions.

1. New York City, USA:
   • Monday: Mostly cloudy, high of 20°C, low of 12°C.
   • Tuesday: Showers likely, high of 18°C, low of 10°C.
   • Wednesday: Partly cloudy, high of 22°C, low of 14°C.
2. London, UK:
   • Monday: Rainy, high of 15°C, low of 9°C.
   • Tuesday: Overcast, high of 13°C, low of 7°C.
   • Wednesday: Cloudy, high of 14°C, low of 8°C.
3. Tokyo, Japan:
   • Monday: Sunny, high of 22°C, low of 14°C.
   • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high of 24°C, low of 16°C.
   • Wednesday: Partly cloudy, high of 20°C, low of 12°C.
4. Sydney, Australia:
   • Monday: Partly cloudy, high of 25°C, low of 18°C.
   • Tuesday: Showers likely, high of 23°C, low of 17°C.
   • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high of 27°C, low of 20°C.

Lesson #4: 

Outcome: I can write an advisory letter to a friend using common proverbs linked to folklore and superstition.

Instructions: Write a letter to a friend giving them suggestions on how to travel safely. Include at least three of these proverbs in your letter.  

Lesson #5: 

Outcome: I can write a letter to a manager requesting time off.

Instructions: Write a letter to a manager requesting time off. Use this guide to help you. 

Lesson #6: Canada

Outcome: I can read about facts about Canada and compare Canada to another country.

Instructions: Read these facts about Canada. Then, compare them to corresponding information in your home country. 

Lesson #7: Success and Failure

Outcome: I can make SMART goals for New Year’s resolutions.

Instructions: Using this guide, make SMART goals for this year or next year.

Lesson #8: Volunteering

Outcome: I can write a paragraph about a new or useful local service.

Instructions: Research a local service in your community. Write a paragraph-long description of it. 

Lesson #9: Technology

Outcome: I can write an email to a company requesting a refund for a dysfunctional device.

Instructions: Imagine you have purchased a faulty technological device. Write an email to the company requesting a refund.

Lesson #10: Making Decisions

Outcome: I can write a letter of intent for a post-secondary program.

Instructions: Using this guide, write a letter of intent for a post-secondary program that you would like to enrol in or that you would enrol in if you were looking to pursue post-secondary studies. 

Lesson #11: Probability

Outcome: I can make predictions based on a football table.

Instructions: Look over this table and set of fixtures from the Bundesliga. From this information, make predictions for the outcomes of the fixtures.

Bundesliga Table:

Upcoming Fixtures:

1. Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund
2. RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen
3. Borussia M'gladbach vs VfL Wolfsburg
4. Eintracht Frankfurt vs FC Union Berlin
5. TSG Hoffenheim vs 1. FC Koln

Lesson #12: Local Services

Outcome: I can write to a local councillor requesting more support in a social service.

Instructions: Think about a service in your community that could be improved. Then, write a letter addressed to a local councillor requesting supporting. 

Lesson #13: Culture and Civilization

Outcome: I can write about a civilization that was based in the student’s home country.

Instructions: What a three-paragraph description of a historical civilization what was based in your geographical region.

Lesson #14: UK vs. US English

Outcome: I can write a list of pros and cons of living in either the US or the UK.

Instructions: Write a list of five pros and five cons of living in the US or in the UK. 

Lesson #15: Festivals

Outcome: I can write a social media advertisement for a festival.

Instructions: Use a guide likes this one to research popular festivals. Choose a festival and write a 100-word advertisement for that festival. 

Lesson #16: Gardening

Outcome: I can create a gardening plan.

Instructions: If you had the space and resources to plant a flower or vegetable garden, which plants would you grow? Create a step-by-step plan. 

Lesson #17: Compliments

Outcome: I can read some definitions of parental coddling and give one’s own opinion.

Instructions: Research and read about coddling children. In at least one paragraph, give your  definition and opinion on coddling children.

Lesson #18: Injuries

Outcome: I can write a report on an accident that one witnessed on the road.

Instructions: Imagine that you have witnessed a car accident on the road. Write a report on it which is at least one paragraph in length.

Lesson #19: Happiness

Outcome: I can write a personal definition of happiness.

Instructions: Make a list of at least five elements which contribute to happiness in your view.

Lesson #20: Love

Outcome: I can write a formal invitation for a group function (such as a company picnic, BBQ or potluck).

Instructions: Imagine that you have moved into a new community and would like to host a neighbourhood BBQ. Draft a short invitation for the BBQ. This should be at least one paragraph in length.

Lesson #21: Time Travel

Outcome: I can write a letter of one’s pre-pandemic self giving warnings.

Instructions: Write a letter to your pre-pandemic self. In the letter, give suggestions on ways that your former self could prepare for the quarantine. 

Lesson #22: Parties

Outcome: I can write a letter to a friend thanking them for inviting one to a party.

Instructions: Write an informal email to a friend thanking them for inviting you to a party. 

Lesson #23: Seasons

Outcome: I can write a list of reasons to visit a place in high-season vs. low-season.

Instructions: Think of a tourist destination you have visited. Write a list of ways that this place would be different in the low season vs. in the high season.

Lesson #24: Multiculturalism

Outcome: I can write a proposal for a culture campaign.

Instructions: Create a short plan for a five-event campaign for your culture (three sentences for each event). 

Lesson #25: Cultural Walls

Outcome: I can write a letter to a mayor asking them to maintain a wall of historical significance.

Instructions: Imagine that a wall with a historically significant mural (or any other historical monument) is planned to be knocked down. Write a 100-word letter to a local council urging them not to do so.