The Writing test at a glance
- Two tasks:
- Task 1: Write an email
- 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:
- 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.
What each task expects
Task 1 — Email (≈27 min | 150–200 words)
- Write to a real reader (manager, organizer, neighbor, etc.).
- Cover all bullet points in the prompt.
- Keep a polite, neutral tone.
Task 2 — Survey (≈26 min | 150–200 words)
- Choose one option in your first line.
- Give 2–3 clear reasons with brief, concrete examples.
- No email format needed here.
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