The Writing test at a glance

Two tasks:
1. Task 1: Write an email
2. Task 2: Respond to a survey question
Total time: 53 minutes (about 27 min for Task 1 and 26 min for Task 2)
Word count: aim for about 150–200 words per task
On-screen tools: basic editing plus a word counter and spell checker
Scoring focuses on four areas, and inside those four areas there are sixteen factors. Grammar is one of the sixteen, which is why a test taker with clean grammar can still score a 7.
- Content & Coherence (clear ideas, logical order, support)
- Vocabulary (natural and precise word choice)
- Readability (paragraphing, transitions, grammar, spelling, punctuation)
- Task Fulfillment (meets purpose, tone, and all parts of the task)
Test setup: computer-based. Paper and pencil are provided for notes.

🎥 Start here (4:42)

A short walk through what examiners look for in both tasks, with a demonstration on the practice platform. Watch this before you take the diagnostic below.

What each task expects

Task 1 — Email (≈27 min | 150–200 words)

Write to a real reader, such as a manager, an event organiser or a neighbour.
Cover all three bullet points in the prompt, and develop each one.
Match your tone to that reader. Every prompt is either formal, when you write to a company or an office, or informal, when you write to a friend or a neighbour. There is no safe middle setting.

Task 2 — Survey (≈26 min | 150–200 words)

Choose one option in your first line.
Give two clear reasons, each with one short example,
and finish by acknowledging the other side.

A simple time plan

Plan: 4–5 min (brainstorm → order ideas → quick outline)
Write: 18–20 min
Check: 3 min (fix typos, missing points, unclear lines)

Quick do’s

Stay on task: answer every bullet in the prompt.
Be clear: use short, direct sentences with simple links (first, also, because).
Use everyday words: avoid long or rare words if a simple one works.
Support your points: add short real-life examples.
Watch the counter: stay close to 150–200 words.
Use the tools: spell check helps, but still do a final read.

Mini-Diagnostic (baseline)

Warm-up (5 min)
Type 60–90 words about your week. This is just to loosen up.

Task 1 Baseline (27 min | 150–200 words)
Write an email to a community center about repeated last-minute class cancellations. Explain the problem, how it affects you, and suggest two solutions. Ask for next steps.

Task 2 Baseline (26 min | 150–200 words)
Your city can add more public recycling bins or launch a door-to-door pick-up for small electronics. Choose one and explain why it helps residents the most.

Fast self-check (2–3 min per task)

Content & Coherence: clear main idea · 2–3 reasons · logical order · examples
Vocabulary: simple and precise · minimal repetition
Readability: paragraphing · basic transitions · few grammar/spelling slips
Task Fulfillment: all bullets covered · right tone · near 150–200 words

Orientation & Diagnostic