Goethe B2 Writing Part 1 – Forum Post
In Part 1 you write an argumentative forum post on a topic. Here’s how to structure it and argue convincingly.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You write an argumentative contribution to an online forum (~150–180 words).
- Structure clearly, argue with reasons and examples and state your opinion.
What this part tests
In Part 1 you produce a connected, argumentative text: a contribution to an online forum (around 150–180 words). You respond to a question or statement on a topic and take a stance.
What’s decisive is that you introduce the topic factually, name arguments, justify them and support them with examples, weigh up (for and against) and clearly state your opinion at the end. The text must be clearly structured and connected with connectors.
The most common losses of marks: staying superficial (just the opinion without reasons), not weighing up or writing too little. Whoever argues in a structured way and supports their points writes convincingly.
How to approach it
- 1
Grasp the topic and plan your structure briefly.
- 2
Introduce the topic factually (introduction).
- 3
Name arguments for and against, justify them and give examples.
- 4
Link your thoughts with “einerseits … andererseits”, “zwar … aber”.
- 5
Clearly state your own opinion at the end (conclusion).
- 6
Check structure, connectors, register and grammar.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: the task and a shortened model post.
In einem Online-Forum geht es um die Frage „Sollte man in Städten das Auto stärker einschränken?". Schreiben Sie einen Beitrag (~150–180 Wörter): Nehmen Sie Stellung, nennen Sie Argumente und begründen Sie Ihre Meinung.
Model post (shortened):
Why? The post introduces the topic factually, weighs up with “einerseits … andererseits”, justifies the arguments and supports them with an example, and ends with a clear, balanced opinion – exactly what Part 1 expects.
Practice: test yourself
In einem Online-Forum wird diskutiert: „Sollten Smartphones an Schulen verboten werden?"
Which opening is good for an argumentative forum post?
Common mistakes
An opinion without reasons isn’t enough at B2. Argue and support with examples.
Consider both sides. A one-sided text is weaker at B2.
Without introduction, body and conclusion the text feels disordered. Structure clearly.
Around 150–180 words are needed. Too short a text doesn’t treat the topic sufficiently.
Tips
- Plan briefly before writing: introduction, arguments, opinion, conclusion.
- Use demanding connectors to weigh up and justify.
- Support each argument with a short reason or example.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the forum post be?
Around 150–180 words. What matters is that you treat the topic fully with arguments, reasons and opinion.
Do I have to consider both sides?
Yes. At B2 you should weigh up (for and against) and then justify your own opinion. A one-sided text is weaker.
Which register is right?
A neutral, factual register. The post is neither private and casual nor strictly formal.
How do I get feedback on my post?
The official PDF answer key does not grade writing. At Prepliq a mock exam grades your post automatically against the official criteria.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 700+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat B2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat B2 practice test – with answers and study material.