B1 · Writing
Story
Lesson Handout
Writing a Story at B1
⚠ At B1 level you may be asked to continue a story or write one based on a first line. Use past tenses and narrative connectors to build tension and interest.
Narrative tenses — quick review
Story connectors
Creating tension
Summary
B1 · Writing
Story
Worksheet
Name: ___________________________ Date: _______________
Choose the correct narrative tense (6 points)
1. The sun shone / was shining / had shone brightly when Maria left the house. (background)☐ was shining☐ shone☐ had shone
2. She opened / was opening / had opened the letter and gasped. (main event)☐ opened☐ was opening☐ had opened
3. She realised she left / was leaving / had left her bag at the café. (earlier event)☐ had left☐ left☐ was leaving
4. While they walked / were walking / had walked along the beach, it started to rain.☐ were walking☐ walked☐ had walked
5. ______, they reached the top of the mountain and looked around in amazement. (sequencer)☐ Finally☐ However☐ Despite
6. ______, a car stopped and a woman leaned out of the window. (sudden event)☐ Suddenly☐ Nevertheless☐ Furthermore
Complete the story extract (6 points)
Use the verbs in brackets in the correct narrative tense.
7. It ___________ (be) a cold winter evening when she first ___________ (notice) the light in the old house.
8. She ___________ (walk) towards it slowly when suddenly the door ___________ (open).
9. She realised she ___________ (see) this place before — but she ___________ (never / go) inside.
Write a story (8 points)
Continue this story opening. Write 120–160 words. Use past simple, past continuous and past perfect. Include at least three story connectors.
"It had been raining all day when Sara finally arrived at the airport..."
10. [Open writing task — see instructions above]
B1 · Writing
Story
Answer Key
1. was shining
2. opened
3. had left
4. were walking
5. Finally
6. Suddenly
7. Open task — assess individually
8. Open task — assess individually
9. Open task — assess individually
10. Open task — assess individually