2.1. The Writing Test at a Glance
Get the shape of the Writing test and learn which task carries the marks.
The short version
60 minutes for both tasks together.
2 tasks, and you must do both.
Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.
Minimum lengths: 150 and 250 words.
Two tasks, one hour
You write both tasks in sixty minutes. Nobody stops you between them. The clock is one block of time, and dividing it is your job.
Task 1
Task 2
Task 2 carries the marks
Task 2 is worth two thirds of your Writing score. Task 1 is worth one third. That single fact decides how you spend the hour.
Side by side
At least 150 words. Worth one third. What you write depends on which version you sit.
At least 250 words. Worth two thirds. An essay, and the same on both versions.
Quiz time3 questions
Three quick questions on the shape of the paper.
The clock
Choose the length of the test.
How long is the Writing test?
The weighting
Choose the task worth more.
Which task is worth more marks?
The word count
Choose the minimum for Task 2.
What is the minimum length of Task 2?
Recap
Two tasks, sixty minutes, no break between them.
Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.
The word counts are minimums, and going under costs marks.
Next: what Task 1 actually asks on each version of the test.