Written production and interaction
Written production and interaction: what is tested
The writing task asks you to produce a coherent text of about 120-150 words, usually an informal email or letter, an opinion piece, a narrative, or a description. The exam rewards task achievement, organization, range of language, and accuracy. Interaction means responding appropriately to the situation and audience.
Core rules
- Plan for two minutes: decide the format, the register (formal/informal), and the three or four points you must cover.
- Use paragraphs: an opening, one or two body paragraphs, and a closing. Each paragraph should have a clear purpose.
- Use linkers to connect ideas: "first", "however", "in addition", "as a result", "finally".
- Vary sentence length and structure; include at least one complex sentence (relative clause, conditional, or subordinate clause).
- Match register: informal emails use contractions ("I'm", "don't") and friendly closings ("Best wishes", "Take care"); formal writing avoids contractions and uses "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully".
- Check the word count; being far under or over can lose marks.
Worked example
Task: Write an informal email to a friend inviting them to visit your town. Planning: greeting ("Hi Alex"), reason for writing ("I'm writing to invite you..."), two details (a local festival, a free weekend), closing ("Let me know..."). Model opening: "Hi Alex, How are you? I'm writing because I'd love you to visit next month. There's a music festival in my town on the first weekend, and you can stay at my place." Reasoning: The opening is informal (contraction, direct address), states the purpose immediately, and gives specific details. The closing will ask for a reply.
Traps that cost marks
- Missing a bullet point from the task.
- Writing an essay when the task is an email (wrong format).
- Mixing formal and informal language.
- Copying sentences from the reading text.
- Using repetitive vocabulary and simple sentences only.
- Ignoring punctuation and capitalization.
- Writing too little (under 100 words) or too much (over 180 words).