Lesson 1 of 153 min read

Orientation & Diagnostic

Learn the test format, timing, word counts, scoring, and complete a short baseline task to set clear goals.

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 every bullet point in the prompt (usually three), 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