Writing: short messages that cover every point
What the task asks
Level 1 writing is short and practical: a message, email, postcard, note or form, usually 25–50 words, with two or three things you must include. Marks come from three places: content (every point covered), communicative effect (the reader understands, and the tone fits) and accuracy (simple grammar, spelling, capitals and punctuation).
What to control
- All the bullet points. Tick each one off as you write it.
- Basic tenses: present simple for facts and routines, present continuous for now, past simple for finished events, going to for plans.
- Connectors: and, but, because, so, then - one short connector per idea is enough at A2.
- Register: Hi Tom … See you, Ana for a friend; Dear Mr Brown … Regards for an office or a stranger.
- Sentences, not fragments. Each sentence needs a subject and a verb.
Traps to watch
- Writing a long answer that ignores point two.
- Copying the words of the prompt instead of answering it.
- Starting every sentence with I and never adding a closing line.
- Leaving out capitals for I, days and names.
Worked example
Prompt: Write an email to a friend. Say where you are, what the weather is like, and when you are coming home. (25–35 words)
Hi Sam, I’m in Brighton with my sister. The weather is sunny and hot. We’re coming home on Sunday evening. See you soon, Ana
Three points, three short sentences, informal opening and closing: full marks for content.