Writing
There are two tasks. The instructions specify the minimum number of words for each task and also recommend the amount of time you should spend on each one. It's important to follow these guidelines, because Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1, for example if you score a 6 on Task 1 and a five on Task 2 your overall band score for writing will come to 5.
Task 1: You are given a diagram or table of some kind and you have to present the information in your own words. For example, you may have to consider a set of statistics and then write a report outlining the key features; you may have to study a diagram of a machine and explain how it works; or you may have to look at a flow chart and describe the main stages in a process. The task explicitly asks you to summarize the important information and make comparisons where relevant.
You have to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and you are recommended to spend 20 minutes on it.
Task 2: You are given brief details of an opinion, an argument or a problem, and you have to write an essay in response. For example, you may have to consider an opinion in relation to evidence, or weigh up the pros and cons of an argument before presenting your own view on the matter. You may also have to discuss various aspects of a problem and then outline your ideas for solving it.
You have to write at least 250 words for Task 2 and you are recommended to spend 40 minutes on it.
NB You will lose marks if you write less than the required number of words.
MARKING
Task 1 scripts are assessed on the following criteria:
There are two tasks. The instructions specify the minimum number of words for each task and also recommend the amount of time you should spend on each one. It's important to follow these guidelines, because Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1, for example if you score a 6 on Task 1 and a five on Task 2 your overall band score for writing will come to 5.
Task 1: You are given a diagram or table of some kind and you have to present the information in your own words. For example, you may have to consider a set of statistics and then write a report outlining the key features; you may have to study a diagram of a machine and explain how it works; or you may have to look at a flow chart and describe the main stages in a process. The task explicitly asks you to summarize the important information and make comparisons where relevant.
You have to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and you are recommended to spend 20 minutes on it.
Task 2: You are given brief details of an opinion, an argument or a problem, and you have to write an essay in response. For example, you may have to consider an opinion in relation to evidence, or weigh up the pros and cons of an argument before presenting your own view on the matter. You may also have to discuss various aspects of a problem and then outline your ideas for solving it.
You have to write at least 250 words for Task 2 and you are recommended to spend 40 minutes on it.
NB You will lose marks if you write less than the required number of words.
MARKING
Task 1 scripts are assessed on the following criteria:
- Task Fulfillment: Have you followed the instructions exactly? Have you given a clear, accurate and relevant description of the information?
- Coherence and Cohesion: Is your writing well organised? Are sentences logically linked? • Vocabulary and Sentence Structure: Have you used a variety of appropriate vocabulary, and are your sentences well constructed?
- Task 2 scripts are assessed on performance in the following areas:
Arguments, Ideas and Evidence: Have you evaluated arguments and ideas? Have you compared and contrasted evidence and opinions? - Communicative Quality: Have you presented your ideas clearly and coherently and organised your writing logically?
- Sentence Structure: Have you used a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures? Is your writing reasonably accurate?
There are loads of available on the market. Make sure that before you appear for the test you have had enough practice. Still if you feel that you need guidance join a good language institute.
In the next post I will be discussing the DOs and DON'Ts of writings.
In the next post I will be discussing the DOs and DON'Ts of writings.
