Writing
34 free cards on Task 1 language, Task 2 essays, General Training letters and what examiners mark. Try to answer before you flip.
Four paragraphs: an introduction that paraphrases the task, an overview of the main trend or comparison with no numbers, then two detail paragraphs with key figures.
Tip: The overview is the most important paragraph. A missing overview caps Task Achievement.
About 20 minutes and at least 150 words.
Tip: Writing under 150 words costs marks, but going far over 190 usually means you are listing data.
rose, increased, climbed, grew, went up, surged. With size: slightly, steadily, sharply, dramatically.
Tip: Vary the verbs, but do not use a rare verb you are unsure about. Accuracy matters.
fell, declined, dropped, decreased, dipped, plunged. With size: slightly, gradually, sharply, significantly.
Tip: "Fall" and "rise" are irregular: fell/fallen, rose/risen.
remained stable, stayed at, levelled off at, fluctuated around, showed little change.
Tip: Say the level: "remained stable at 20%".
peaked at, reached a peak of, hit a low of, bottomed out at, was at its highest in...
Tip: Name both the value and the year.
higher than, nearly double, roughly half, the most popular, the least common, whereas, while, in contrast.
Tip: Use "whereas" or "while" to join a contrast in one sentence.
"Number of" is for countable amounts. "Proportion of" and "percentage of" are for shares of a whole.
Tip: Check whether the chart shows counts or percentages before you choose.
Past simple for past dates, present simple for data with no date, future forms for forecasts.
Tip: Do not mix tenses within the same time period.
No. Task 1 reports the data only. Do not guess causes or give opinions.
Tip: Words such as "because of" and "I think" usually mean you have drifted off task.
Say how many stages there are in the overview, then describe each stage in order with sequence words and the passive voice.
Tip: Sequence words: first, then, after that, next, finally.
Compare before and after: "was replaced by", "was converted into", "a new road was built to the north of...".
Tip: Use position words such as to the north of, next to, opposite and between.
Units show what the figures measure (percent, thousands, tonnes, hours per week). Without them the description is unclear.
Tip: Give the unit the first time you mention each figure.
Opinion (agree or disagree), discussion (both views), problem and solution, two-part questions, and advantages and disadvantages.
Tip: Underline the instruction words before you plan.
Introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion. Each body paragraph has one main idea, an explanation and an example.
Tip: A clear structure helps Coherence and Cohesion.
About 5 minutes planning, 30 minutes writing, and 5 minutes checking.
Tip: Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1, so protect its time.
A paraphrase of the question and a clear position or outline of what you will discuss.
Tip: Keep it to two sentences. Do not copy the question word for word.
Point, explanation, example, link back to the question (PEEL).
Tip: One idea per paragraph is better than several half-developed ones.
Restate your position in different words and summarise the main points. Add no new ideas.
Tip: Two or three sentences are enough.
At least 250 words. Aim for 270 to 300.
Tip: A short essay is penalised, but padding with repetition does not help either.
Give a clear position in the introduction and keep it consistent. You may partly agree, but explain exactly where.
Tip: A contradictory position is a common reason for a low Task Response score.
No. Examiners recognise memorised text and it lowers Task Response when it does not fit the question.
Tip: Learn the structure and phrases, then write with your own ideas.
No. They must be relevant and clear, not necessarily factual.
Tip: One or two sentences are enough. Do not tell a long personal story.
Formal (to someone you do not know), semi-formal (to someone you know slightly, such as a manager) and informal (to a friend).
Tip: Read who the letter is to before you choose the tone.
Dear Sir or Madam: Yours faithfully. Dear Mr Smith: Yours sincerely. Dear Anna: Best wishes or Kind regards.
Tip: Match the closing to the greeting.
Yes. Each bullet point should be covered in its own short paragraph.
Tip: Missing a bullet lowers Task Achievement.
I am writing to complain about... I would be grateful if you could... I look forward to hearing from you.
Tip: State the purpose in the first sentence.
Thanks so much for... It would be great if... Let me know what you think.
Tip: Contractions are fine in informal letters, but avoid slang.
At least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
Tip: Planning one minute per bullet saves time.
Task 1: do you cover the key information or bullet points? Task 2: do you answer every part of the question with a clear position?
Tip: Check that every part of the question has been answered.
How logically ideas are organised, paragraphs are used and ideas are linked.
Tip: Linking words help, but too many sound mechanical.
The range and precision of your vocabulary, including collocations and spelling.
Tip: Use words you are sure about. A wrong rare word costs more than a simple correct one.
The variety of structures you use and how accurately you use them.
Tip: Mix simple and complex sentences, and check for errors in the last five minutes.
Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 in the Writing band.
Tip: Do not spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1.
Yes. All cards are free with no registration. Your progress is saved in your own browser.
Yes. There are decks for Academic Task 1, Task 2 essays (both versions), General Training letters and the marking criteria.
At least 150 words in Task 1 and at least 250 words in Task 2. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1.
No. They help you remember structures and language, but you improve by writing full answers under time and getting feedback.