B2-Level General English Writing Activities

Lesson #1: Fitness and Mindfulness

Outcome: I can write a plan to achieve New Years’ resolutions.

Instructions: Make a plan for 3 New Years' resolutions you have. Alternatively, think of 3 New Years' resolutions you had in the past and reflect on how you achieved them or why you did not.

Lesson #2: Mass Media

Outcome: I can respond to an article which I disagree with.

Instructions: Conduct research and find an article that you disagree with. Find one which you believe misrepresents a particular point of view. Write two paragraphs summarizing the article and giving your opinion.  

Lesson #3: Making Predictions

Outcome: I can write a report on predictions of future developments based on a chart. 

Instructions: Based on the following (made-up) GDP chart, make projections for the future.

Lesson #4: Memory

Outcome: I can compare and contrast past and present habits with respect to memory.

Instructions: Respond to the following questions about changes in your memory:

1. Have you noticed any changes in your ability to memorize information over the past year?
2. What strategies or techniques have you used to improve your memorization skills?
3. Can you recall a specific instance where you struggled to memorize something recently?
4. Have you found that certain types of information are easier or harder for you to memorize now compared to before?
5. Do you think external factors such as stress or sleep patterns have influenced your ability to memorize?
6. Have you experimented with any memory enhancement exercises or training programs?
7. Are there any memory techniques or mnemonic devices that you find particularly effective?
8. How do you approach memorization tasks differently now compared to when you were younger?
9. Have you noticed any correlation between your overall cognitive function and your memorization abilities?
10. In what ways do you think your memorization skills impact your daily life or work performance?

Lesson #5: Millenials

Outcome: I can report on current trends with respect to generational differences.

Instructions: Write about generational differences in your country. Choose five of the following ten topics. For each one, provide commentary.

Lesson #6: Trends

Outcome: I can write a description of a graph.

Instructions: Find a graph on one of the following websites. Write a one-paragraph description of it.

Lesson #7: Role Models and Super Heroes

Outcome: I can write an advertisement for a volunteer program happening in the community. 

Instructions: Look up volunteer projects in your community. Choose one and write a two-paragraph advertisement for it. 

Lesson #8: Expectations

Outcome: I can write a personal note of sympathy to someone who has experienced a loss.

Instructions: Imagine that a loved-one has experience a loss. Write a letter giving your condolences. 

Lesson #9

Outcome: I can write a letter to a friend who is expecting you to help them build a deck. 

Instructions: Write an email or text addressed to a friend in which you offer to help them with a DIY project.

Lesson #10

Outcome: I can write a short letter to express concerns about a new building in my city.

Instructions: Write a letter addressed to a local councillor in which you advise them against pursuing a planned construction project.

Lesson #11

Outcome: I can write a letter to the author of an article explaining if they agree or disagree with them.

Instructions: Find an opinion piece in one of the following news outlets. Write a paragraph response either agreeing or disagreeing with the author.

Lesson #12

Outcome: I can compare the education systems of two countries and give my opinion of which one I prefer.

Instructions: Compare the education system of one of the following countries with the one in your home country. Explain in another paragraph which one you prefer and why.

Lesson #13

Outcome: I can write a letter to an airline asking to transport my pet on a coming flight.

Instructions: Write a letter to an airline asking for more information on transporting your pet on a coming flight.

Lesson #14

Outcome: I can write a letter to one’s boss advising them of my intentions to leave my post.

Instructions: Write a two-week-notice letter to an employer. 

Lesson #15

Outcome: I can write a short blog post about language learning.

Instructions: Write a language learning blog post based on one of the following topics:

Lesson #16

Outcome: I can write a comparison of a company’s services with those of a leading competitor.

Instructions: Choose one of the following companies. Research the services or products of a competitor. Write a brief comparison between two services or products.

Lesson #17

Outcome: I can jot dot quick notes based on someone’s appearance as seen in a video.

Instructions: 

Lesson #18

Outcome: I can write a letter of dissuasion to a friend using fear-related vocabulary.

Instructions: Use fear-related vocabulary to discourage a friend from making a bad decision.

Lesson #19

Outcome: I can write to a science teacher requesting more focus in a specific area.

Instructions: Imagine that you are in a science class and want to learn more about a specific concept. Write a brief email requesting more focus in this area.

Lesson #20

Outcome: I can write a plan for a cultural campaign to be launched on a university campus.

Instructions: Make a plan for a cultural campaign to be launched on a university campus.

Lesson #21

Outcome: I can write a passive aggressive email to a friend as a joke.

Instructions: Write a message addressed to a friend based on any topic. Incorporate elements of sarcasm into the text.

Lesson #22

Outcome: I can write a critical review of a piece of art.

Instructions: Find a piece of art (visual, cinematic, musical, theatrical, etc.) and write a one-paragraph review of it.

Lesson #23

Outcome: I can watch a documentary and take notes on it. 

Instructions: Choose from the following documentaries. Watch it and take notes while watching it. Then, paste your notes here.

1. "Blackfish"
2. "The Social Dilemma"
3. "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"
4. "13th"
5. "Food, Inc."
6. "Inside Job"
7. "Man on Wire"
8. "Jiro Dreams of Sushi"
9. "The Cove"
10. "March of the Penguins"
11. "An Inconvenient Truth"
12. "Searching for Sugar Man"
13. "Amy"
14. "The Act of Killing"
15. "The Fog of War"
16. "Citizenfour"
17. "Free Solo"
18. "Exit Through the Gift Shop"
19. "13th"
20. "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"

Lesson #24

Outcome: I can write a study plan for my former self as a student.

Instructions: Think back to yourself as a younger student (any age and context). Make a plan for your learning. Consider how this plan could have made your learning more productive than it was.

Lesson #25

Outcome: I can summarize 15 apps one has on their phone in one line.

Instructions: Look at 15 apps on your phone. Summarize each one in one line each.