0The Writing section is the third section of the exam. It takes 50 minutes and has two parts with three tasks altogether.
WRITING: GENERAL MODULE
Part | Marks | Time limit | Part description | Purpose and Focus |
Part 1: Task 1 General English – Write a letter | 15 | 10 minutes | You need to write a letter of response. Write your answer/reply in 120 words in an appropriate style. | Task 1 assesses the test takers’ ability to follow English letter-writing conventions (i.e. what order to put information in, what style to use, how to start and finish a letter), to use language accurately and appropriately and to organise and link information coherently and cohesively.The range of functions tested may include expressing enthusiasm, requesting and giving information, describing,explaining, advising, apologising, thanking, expressing opinions, recommending,suggesting and expressing preferences. |
WRITING: ACADEMIC MODULE
Part | Marks | Time limit | Part description | Purpose and Focus |
Part 2: Task 2 | 5 | 10 minutes | You are given some information in the form of one or more line graphs, charts, diagrams or table and are asked to complete the passage or sentences describing them. | Task 2 tests your ability to select and report the main features, to describe and compare data, identify significance and trends in factual information. Main points:
§ Basic vocabulary to describe graphs (bar, line or pie graph) or tables; |
Part 2: Task 3 | 15 | 30 minutes | You need to write a descriptive report of at least 150 words on some visual information:
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Task 3 assesses the test takers’ ability to identify the most important and relevant information and trends in a graph, chart, table or diagram, and to give a well-organised overview of it using language accurately in an academic register or style. If you have to describe two graphs or charts, you need to compare and contrast the information and make connections between the two. |