B1 Writing · Lesson 5

Tell a Story About an Unexpected Situation

Learn to tell a short B1 story with background, an unexpected event, actions, a result, and a final reaction.

B1Narrative story25 min100–110 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4

Study the structure and model before completing the three exercises.

Write a connected narrative using past simple and past continuous, sequence linkers, a clear unexpected event, actions, and a satisfying ending.

Model text

Last month, I was travelling home by bus when something unexpected happened. A few minutes after I sat down, I noticed a small wallet on the seat beside me. There was some money inside, but no phone number. I gave it to the driver and explained where I had found it. About twenty minutes later, a worried passenger called the bus company, and the driver arranged to return the wallet. I was surprised by how quickly the problem was solved. In the end, I felt happy that a simple decision had helped someone. The experience reminded me to check my own belongings more carefully.

How to write

1
Set the scene with time and background

Last month...

2
Introduce the unexpected event

I was ... when...

3
Explain what you or other people did

Suddenly,...

4
Show how the situation developed

A few minutes later...

5
Finish with the result and your reaction

Then...

Useful phrases

Last month...
I was ... when...
Suddenly,...
A few minutes later...
Then...
After that...
I decided to...
Fortunately,...
In the end...
I was surprised by...

Language focus

Build connected B1 writing:

Use clear topic sentences and support them with specific details.

Connect ideas with words such as because, however, for example, although, finally when they fit the task.

Develop, do not only list:

Explain why, add an example, or show a result.

Use a mix of simple and longer sentences, but keep every sentence easy to understand.

Remember:
At B1, your reader should be able to follow the text from beginning to end without guessing how the ideas connect.
Specific details and reasons make your writing stronger than general statements.
Exercises:
Exercise 1 · Language

Choose the best B1 language

Choose natural language that fits this writing task.

Practise useful language.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4

You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6 to complete this exercise.

1
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
2
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
3
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
4
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
5
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
6
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
Exercise 2 · Structure

Build the text in a clear order

Choose the clearest organisation for this type of B1 writing.

Practise the five-step structure.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4

You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6 to complete this exercise.

1
What should you do first?
2
What is the best second step?
3
Which step belongs in the middle of the text?
4
What should come before the final sentence or closing?
5
What is the best final step?
6
Which order is clearest?
Exercise 3 · Writing

Tell a Story About an Unexpected Situation

Learn to tell a short B1 story with background, an unexpected event, actions, a result, and a final reaction.

Complete the fifth B1 Writing lesson.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4

Write about 100–110 words and develop your ideas clearly.

Your task

Tell a short story about an unexpected situation. Make the sequence easy to follow and explain how the situation ended.

  • Set the scene.
  • Include an unexpected event.
  • Use past forms accurately.
  • Use sequencing language.
  • Describe at least two actions.
  • Finish with the result and a reaction.
Last month...I was ... when...Suddenly,...A few minutes later...Then...After that...I decided to...Fortunately,...In the end...I was surprised by...
Your writing
0 words · Target: 100–110

Your draft is saved automatically on this device.

Quick check
Write about 100–110 words
Set the scene with time or background
Include an unexpected event
Use several past actions
Use sequence language
Describe actions taken
Give a result or ending
Use clear complete sentences and connected ideas
AI feedback

Pass the lesson check first, then get detailed AI feedback.