telc B1 Writing — one task, clear criteria
Last updated: July 20, 2026
A semi-formal letter, 30 minutes, given bullet points. The section where practiced patterns earn points — but memorized content rarely gets the highest grade.
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- Duration
- 30 minutes for one task
- Text Type
- Semi-formal letter / email, usually a response to a cover letter
- Length
- approx. 150 words, all given bullet points must be addressed
- Assessment
- Task (content & bullet points), Communicative Design, Formal Correctness
- Salutation & Closing
- Are mandatory and part of the assessment — do not omit
What the task truly requires
The task presents you with a brief situation: you have received a letter, an email, or an advertisement and are asked to respond to it. The given bullet points dictate what must be included in your reply — for example: "Thank you for the invitation", "State when you are available", "Ask if you should bring something", "Suggest an outing".
Your task is not to be creative. Your task is to address every given bullet point — with correct grammar, appropriate politeness, and a clear structure. A letter that omits a bullet point loses points in the first criterion, even if the language is perfect.
Where test-takers lose points
The most common mistake is overlooking a bullet point. Those who write the letter in one go, without ticking off the bullet points on the side, regularly forget one. Rule of thumb: before you write, briefly note the bullet points on your draft paper and cross them off as soon as you include them in the letter.
The second mistake is to fall into purely memorized phrases. "I hope I have been able to satisfy you with my answer and remain with kind regards" is not B1 German — it is memorized. The assessment rewards flexibly used phrases, not entire blocks.
The third mistake is underestimating the formal framework. Salutation, date (if required), closing formula, and signature are part of formal correctness. Those who end the letter in the middle of a paragraph lose points unnecessarily.
The three assessment criteria in plain language
Task: Are all given bullet points addressed and adequately executed? If a point is missing or only answered with one sentence, points are lost here.
Communicative Design: Does the letter sound like a letter? Do the salutation, tone, and closing fit the situation? Is the text structured and easy to read? Phrases that do not fit the situation (too formal to a friend, too casual to a landlord) will be penalized here.
Formal Correctness: How many errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and at what density? B1 does not require error-free writing — but controlled use of familiar structures. A few simple errors in more complex sentences score better than error-free strings of main clauses.
- Salutation: "Dear Ms. …" or "Dear …" — register must fit the situation.
- Introduction: brief reference to the occasion (Thank you for your letter / message).
- Main part: all bullet points, structured, in separate sentences.
- Closing: friendly conclusion plus appropriate closing formula ("Sincerely" or "Best regards").
- Signature with first and last name.
How to practice writing realistically
The most productive type of training is a real 30-minute task with a stopwatch, on paper or in a text field without autocorrect, followed by an honest review — not by looking at a sample letter. Those who only read sample letters write sample letters; those who write themselves and then compare learn their own mistakes.
Build up a small repertoire of phrases that you actually use: a way to say thank you; one to suggest an appointment; one to politely decline. Five or six building blocks that you can confidently vary are better than twenty building blocks that you only half know.