S1 is your warm-up task and your first impression. A strong S1 sets your perceived band for the rest of the test — raters form an initial mental anchor that's hard to move later.
The structure
- Acknowledge: 1 sentence of empathy ('That sounds frustrating').
- Advice: clear recommendation in one sentence ('If I were you, I'd…').
- Reason 1 + detail.
- Reason 2 + detail.
- Encourage: 1 sentence, warm close ('I'm sure it'll work out').
Prompt for all 3 examples
Your friend wants to start running but has never exercised regularly. They ask for your advice.
CLB 7 — passing, but basic
I think you should start slow. Running is very good but it can hurt your knees. Buy good shoes first. Don't run every day, maybe 3 days in a week. Drink water. Yeah, I think you can do it.
Problems: short sentences, basic vocabulary, underdeveloped reasons. Adequate content, CLB 7 ceiling.
CLB 9 — solid, templated
That's great that you want to start running — it's a fantastic habit. If I were you, I'd ease into it rather than jumping straight into long distances. First, your body needs time to adjust, so even 15 minutes three times a week is plenty for the first month. Also, a decent pair of running shoes matters more than anything else; they really help prevent injuries. Stick with it for six weeks and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
CLB 11 — natural, nuanced
Honestly, the hardest part of running isn't the running itself — it's starting without burning out. What I'd suggest is a 'run-walk' approach for the first few weeks: alternate a minute of slow jogging with two minutes of walking, and gradually shift the ratio. That way your heart and joints adapt together. One thing I really recommend is not tracking pace at the beginning; focus on consistency three days a week and let speed come naturally. Give it a month and you'll notice the change — you'll actually look forward to it.