The A2–B1 writing test: what it’s like, and what it takes to reach B1

On the A2–B1 test you write three texts in 90 minutes. You can get B1, A2 or a lower level, never higher than B1.

Three tasks

Task	What you do	Length
Task 1	Describe a picture	80–100 words recommended
Task 2	Write about a familiar topic	80–200 words recommended
Task 3	Write an email in which you justify an opinion	At least 80 words recommended

You must answer all three tasks to get a result. The word counts are guidance. The test is taken on a computer.

Source: HK-dir, about the writing test (in Norwegian). For now, Norskpenn has practice tasks for task 2 and task 3.

Criterion	A2	B1
Communication, familiar topic (task 2)	Answers the task in a simple and mostly understandable way.	Answers the task and writes a text that is easy to understand.
Communication, opinion (task 3)	Gets a few opinions across in a very simple way. Any justification may be unclear or incomplete.	Gets across opinions on the given topic and gives some reasons for them in an understandable way.
Text structure	Some connection, for example through the topic, the order of events or simple linking words.	The text is mostly easy enough to follow. Uses a number of different linking words.
Spelling and punctuation	Spells a fair number of words correctly. Marks some sentences with a full stop and a capital letter.	Fairly good command of spelling, but a fair number of errors. Marks sentences with a full stop and capital letter for the most part.
Vocabulary	Enough to write about everyday topics. Still many wrong word choices.	Fairly broad vocabulary. Good command of a simple range of words linked to familiar topics.
Grammar	Some correct use of basic structures. Many errors, including very basic ones.	Fairly good command of basic structures. Some examples of complex sentences.

Source: HK-dir’s assessment form for written production (2023), shortened, in our translation. The Norwegian original is on our Norwegian page.

Give reasons, not just opinions. In the email (task 3) you must say what you think and why, ideally with two or three reasons. The greeting and sign-off say little about your level.
Link your sentences. Use «først», «etterpå», «derfor», «fordi», «men», «likevel», so the text hangs together.
Full stops and capital letters. At B1 your sentences should mostly be marked correctly. These are easy points to win.
Try some longer sentences. B1 needs some examples of complex sentences, for example with «som», «at» or «når».
Stick to the task. If you answer something else entirely, you get no assessment on that part of the test.

Try an A2–B1 task now and see what level your text is at. See an example grading first.