#1. Orientation & Diagnostic

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:
  • 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