Tips:WRITING tasks
How to better perform in terms of ‘Task fulfilment’
Know what to expect in terms of text types to be produced (e.g. informal or formal
letter, email, report, essay, short story, article) and remember their key stylistic features.
While reading instructions, it may help to underline key words so as to remember what
exactly is required. Be aware, too, that writing off topic is penalized (in terms of ‘Task
Fulfilment’).
Organise your thoughts on a separate piece of paper. Spend some time jotting down key
points/ideas. A mind map is usually an easy way to organize the structure of your tasks.
In the introduction, do not copy the topic word for word. Paraphrase it for the
introductory statement.
While practising, you may write a draft but keep in mind that on your Test Day you simply
do not have time for that.
Remember to cover all points given in the topic. Otherwise, referring to fewer points
than the ones requested will affect your ‘Task Fulfilment’ grade.
Keep in mind that in the case of letters/emails, you do not have to write any
address/date. If you are given a word or sentence to start with, start with that.
Write a few lines or a paragraph for each point given. Remember a paragraph usually
consists of at least 2/3 sentences.
Write the required amount. Do not risk losing marks if the text is shorter. Also, note that
you will not get extra marks for writing more than required.
Lastly, keep an eye on timing. Do not risk failing to complete your writing tasks because
of poor time management.
How to better perform in terms of ‘Accuracy and Range of Grammar’
Avoid complex sentence structure that may negatively affect the coherence and
cohesion of your text.
Tangibly show you know more than just ‘basic’ grammar while, at the same time,
maintaining cohesion and coherence in your composition.
Carefully read the topic and think of the grammar to be used (e.g. tenses, active or
passive voice, conditional structures).
Remember who the intended audience is as it will affect the grammar to be used (e.g. in a
formal letter, avoid using contractions, direct questions, abbreviations).
Plan to finish early and have time for review (e.g. check for mistakes in tenses, articles
omitted or wrongly inserted, wrong prepositions).
While proofreading, how about using another sheet of paper and hiding the lines below
the one that you are reading? That may help you focus on it.
Try to remember the kind of mistakes you usually make and see if you’ve made similar
ones again.
