GENERAL TRAINING WRITING
General training writing:
Timing: 60 minutes
No of questions: 2
Task types: Task 1: To write a letter Task 2: To write an essay
TASK 1Timing: 20 minutes
You have to write a letter asking for information or explaining a situation.
You might have to write a letter to a friend explaining what you want them to do for you.
Yo have to write at least 150 words for task one.
TASK 2Timing: 40 minutes
You write an essay in response to a point of view, an argument or problem.
Give your opinion about something, explain the advantages and disadvantages of whatever the topic is.
You have to write at least 250 words for task 2
TIPS FOR WRITING TEST TASK 1 Make sure your answer the question completely.
Depending on who you are writing to, you need to decide if you write in a more formal or a more informal style.
We use a more formal style when we are writing for professional reasons or to people we don´t know.
We use a more informal style with people we know well: family menbers, relatives, friends.
In formal writing, sentences are generally longer and complex.
Sometimes using passive voice, we do not use contractions.
FORMAL IMFORMAL
Dear Sir or Madam Dear Mala / Hi Mala
I am writing with regard to… I’m writing about…
I would like to invite you… Why don’t you come to …
I would like to request… Do you have…?
Therefore / However So / Anyway
I look forward to hearing from you. Hope to hear from you soon!
Yours faithfully Best wishes / See you soon
TIPS FOR THE WRITING TEST 2
PLANNING AND ORGANISING 1.Readthe question carefully and underline the key words.
2. Decide what structure to use. Most task 2 questions will ask you to
discuss or analyse an issue in terms of advantages/ disadvantages and / or take a position by agreeing or disagreeing.
You can almost always use a four paragraph structure:
ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES QUESTIONIntroduction Paraphrase the question and
give a general answer.
Main Paragraph 1 What are the advantages
Main Paragraph 2 What are the disadventages
Conclusion Paraphrase your argument
Agree / disagree question
Introduction Paraphrase the question and give a general answer that will summarise your opinion.
Main Paragraph 1 Agree / disagree because … + supporting reasons.
Main Paragraph 2 Another reason I agree / disagree is …
Conclusion Paraphrase your argument and sum up.
Spend time thinking of good vocabulary related to your topic.
Develop your ideas in ecah paragraph by giving reasons for your answer and include examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Try using linking words like: firstly, secondly, finally to connect your ideas withon each your main paragraph.
When your writing is marked, the examiners are looking for four
things… Fisrt is task achievement for task one, or task response for task two.
In task one, do you successfully do everything the question asked?
In task two, do you give a full answer to the question with well- supported ideas?
You are judged on coherence and cohesion.
Lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, different tenses.
What can I do to improve my writing?
Reading a lot will definitely help you with writing.
Time spent thinking about what you want to say and how you want to organise it is always time well spent.
Practice is the key.