Writing - LanguageCert General SELT
Writing is a scored domain of the LanguageCert General SELT written paper. It asks you to produce everyday texts - a message, email, or short letter - for a stated reader and purpose, and it is marked on task fulfilment, organisation, grammar and vocabulary range, and accuracy at your target level.
Two tasks, two jobs
Typically Task 1 is a short transactional message (confirming, apologising, inviting, requesting) and Task 2 is a longer email or letter with several content points. Read the rubric twice and number each thing you must include.
Planning that pays
Spend two minutes on a skeleton: greeting, purpose sentence, one paragraph or bullet per content point, closing. Keep the register consistent: 'Hi Sam' with contractions for a friend; 'Dear Mr Patel ... I am writing to ...' for a formal reader. Never mix them.
Worked example
Prompt: 'Write an email to a colleague, Chris. Say you cannot attend Thursday's meeting, explain why, and ask for the minutes.' Skeleton: 'Hi Chris, I'm sorry but I can't make Thursday's meeting. I have a hospital appointment that morning. Could you send me the minutes afterwards? Thanks, Ana.' Every content point is covered in four sentences, the register is consistent, and the request uses a modal.
Traps
- Leaving out one bullet - content marks go immediately.
- Copying the prompt instead of writing your own sentences.
- Ignoring the word count: far under loses content, far over adds errors without credit.
- Swapping formal and informal phrases ('I am writing to ask' next to 'Cheers').
- Forgetting a closing or sign-off in a letter task.