Writing: B2
An advert
Learn how to write an advert.
Before reading
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.
Preparation task
Which words and phrases mean an item for sale is in very good condition? Tick the three
correct answers.
immaculate condition
no wear and tear
has some minor damage
unmarked
signs of use
reasonable condition
Reading text: An advert
Sofa for sale
This gorgeous brown sofa made by grandsofas.com is excellent quality and extremely
comfortable. It is in immaculate condition (see photo) and comes with a 25-yr guarantee.
Material is cotton and it has a cool modern feel.
© 2019 British Council www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish
Cushion covers are all removable and machine washable, with a quality foam filling, and it’s
super comfortable. Keeps its shape when you sit on it. The dark-coloured wooden legs can be
easily removed to allow the sofa to fit through a standard doorway.
No wear and tear as we’ve only had it for two years and kept it in good condition. Sofa comes
from a smoke-free, pet-free home. Only selling it due to moving house, as the new place isn’t
big enough for the sofa.
Sofa measurements:
• Width: 182cm
• Overall height: 81cm
• Height without legs: 63cm
Any questions, feel free to ask. Asking price: £250. **For collection ONLY**
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Tips
1. Keep the advert short, with clear paragraphs or bullet points.
2. Include description of the material, style, size/measurements and condition.
3. Say if the item must be collected or if you can deliver it.
4. You can leave out certain words to make sentences shorter, e.g. Selling due to moving
house instead of I am selling … .
Tasks
Task 1
Are the sentences true or false?
Answer
1. Short adverts with the key details work best. True False
2. Don’t give information about the condition of the item. True False
3. Use clear paragraphs. True False
4. You mustn’t use bullet points. True False
5. Delivery information isn’t necessary. True False
6. You must always write in complete sentences. True False
© 2019 British Council www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish
Task 2
Write the words that have been left out of these sentences.
1. ……………………………… Beautiful leather sofa in excellent condition.
2. ……………………………… In immaculate condition.
3. ……………………………… Keeps its shape when you wash it.
4. ……………………………… No wear and tear.
5. ……………………………… From a smoke-free house.
6. ……………………………… Only selling due to lack of space.
Task 3
Complete the advert.
nearest design due to Square
immediate wear and tear collection Perfect
Beautiful, large, white coffee table for (1)……………………………… sale. Good condition. Sleek, modern
(2)………………………………, with a solid wood base and a glass top.
(3)……………………………… shape, 120 x 120 x 50 cm. (4)……………………………… for books, magazines,
drinks or plates of snacks.
Minor (5)………………………………, not really noticeable. Selling (6)……………………………… moving house.
Please call or message Alex at 09876 543210 to view. Asking price £50 or
(7)……………………………… offer. For (8)……………………………… only.
Discussion
Is buying or selling second-hand things online a good way of shopping?
© 2019 British Council www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish
Answers
Preparation task
1. immaculate condition
2. no wear and tear
3. unmarked
Task 1
1. True
2. False
3. True
4. False
5. False
6. False
Task 2
1. A | It’s a | It is a
2. It’s | It is
3. It
4. There’s | There is
5. It comes | It’s | It is
6. We’re | We are | I’m | I am
Task 3
1. immediate
2. design
3. Square
4. Perfect
5. wear and tear
6. due to
7. nearest
8. collection
© 2019 British Council www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish
