The Writing Paper

Each question on the Writing paper carries equal
marks.

Expected word length
Candidates are asked to write 120–150 words for Part 1 and
120–180 words for Part 2.
Writing approximately the right number of words is an
integral part of task achievement. If significantly fewer words
are written, this is likely to mean that the task has not been
successfully completed, whereas overlong pieces of writing
may involve irrelevance, repetition of ideas, poor organisation
and have a negative effect on the target reader.
PART 1: COMPULSORY TASK
This part tests the candidates’ ability to respond to a letter or email,
and accompanying notes.
Task type and focus:
In Part 1, the task will be in the form of a letter or email, with
notes or prompts to be addressed. The range of functions
tested may include expressing enthusiasm, requesting and
giving information, explaining, apologising, thanking,
suggesting and expressing preferences. Candidates are
expected to respond to both the letter and email in
grammatically correct English, and should note that
abbreviated text style language is not acceptable. Both letters
and emails should have an opening salutation, paragraphing
and closing phrasing (although no postal addresses are
required for the letter). The degree of formality required in the
task will vary according to the situation and the target reader;
candidates are expected to assess this from the information
given in the instructions and the tone of the input letter or
email.
Task format:
The input for Part 1 is approximately 160 words in total. It is
made up of a text (letter or email) and notes, and may be
supported by visuals or attachments such as a photo,
timetable or advertisement.Widely used abbreviations such as
N.B, e.g., and etc. may also appear as part of the input. It is
very important that candidates cover all of the essential
points of the input in their answer so that the target reader is
fully informed. Candidates should be aware that the overall
aim of the task is to achieve a positive effect on the target
reader. Organisation and cohesion, clear layout, use of register
appropriate for the audience, control and accuracy of language
are all important features of task achievement. Some evidence
of range of language is also required, which means building on
key words from the input rather than ‘lifting’ whole segments.
Part 1 tasks often offer the candidates the opportunity to add a
piece of information, or make a suggestion or request of their
own, and this enables them to demonstrate the range of their
language.
PART 2.
This part consists of four questions from which candidates must
choose one. One of the four questions offers two options based on set
texts. (There are two set texts, and one question will be offered on
each).
Task format:
The input for these five tasks is considerably less than in
Part 1. Each writing task in Part 2 has a context, a purpose for
writing and a target reader specified in no more than
70 words.
Attention to every element in the question is essential for
effective task achievement and candidates should consider
carefully what level of formality is appropriate to the task.
PART 2: QUESTIONS 2–5
Task type and focus:
In Part 2, candidates have a choice of tasks. Questions 2–4 are
general questions, based on a range of topics, such as health
and fitness, sport,music and so on. The tasks for questions
2–4 may include any of the following task types: an article, an
essay, a letter, a report, a review, a story. Questions 5(a) and
5(b) are based on two set texts. There will be one question on
each of the set texts (see following section).
As with Part 1, candidates are expected to show that they are
aware of the kind of writing required to accomplish a task, and
must be able to demonstrate appropriate use of one or more of
the following functions: describing, explaining, expressing an
opinion, giving information, narrating.
The different task types are intended to provide guidance for
the candidates, so they can put together and develop their
ideas on a topic, with a purpose for writing and a target reader
in mind.