Writing
What Writing tests
The writing section tests free writing (essay, story, article) and guided writing (letter, email, notice, report, news story). Markers reward task achievement, organisation, range and accuracy, and register.
Core rules
- Identify purpose and audience before writing: a letter to the editor is formal; a letter to a friend is informal.
- Use a clear frame: introduction with thesis, body paragraphs with one idea each, conclusion that answers the task.
- Link ideas with firstly, in addition, however, as a result; do not overuse them.
- For formal letters, use 'Dear Sir/Madam', a subject line, formal closing, and no contractions.
- For reports and news stories, use a headline, byline if required, and short paragraphs in past tense.
- Leave two minutes to check subject-verb agreement, articles, and spelling of curriculum words.
Worked example
Task: 'Write a letter to the editor about dust pollution from road construction.' Reasoning: The purpose is to complain and request action; audience is the editor and public. Opening: 'I am writing to draw attention to...' Body: give two specific effects (health, visibility) and one concrete demand (water sprinkling, covered loads). Closing: 'I hope the concerned authority will act promptly.' Do not write 'Hi editor' or use SMS language.
Traps that cost marks
- Wrong format: a report without a headline or a formal letter with contractions.
- Off-topic content: every paragraph must serve the task.
- No paragraphing: a single block loses organisation marks.
- Ignoring word limit: too short underdevelops; too long adds errors.