PAPER 2: Writing - General tips

PAPER 2: WRITING (1 HOUR 20 MINUTES) two questions in total to answer – 40 points in total

PAPER 2: Writing - General tips in the exam

General tips in the exam

- You have to write two complete compositions in 80 minutes. You have around 30 minutes to write for each part.

- You have trained for this beforehand, so you will be well prepared in the exam.

- You have to write between 120 and 150 words for Part 1 (Obligatory question) and between 120 and 180 words for Part 2 (You may choose from questions 2 to 4 and/or question 5 (set book) if you have registered to do that part.) composition. You have some time for planning, writing and checking your work at the end.

- Read your chosen question very carefully and understand exactly what it is you have to do in each part.

- You lose marks if you do not answer each question in full.

- Before answering your questions, always consider the purpose of what you are writing and who the register/reader will be.

- Take up to 5 minutes to make a circle method so you can plan what you want to express before you start answering each question fully.

- Structuring your responses well, take 25-30 minutes to write each composition.

- Use the last 5 minutes in each part to check each composition afterwards. Remember to check for grammar/vocabulary errors that you have made in the past. Correct mistakes! Don’t worry if your response looks unclean as a result. The examiners expect this to be a rough first draft. But do try to keep it as neat as possible. No tipex allowed!

- Don’t spend too much time philosophising about how you should answer or express an idea. Adapt your ideas to the language expressions you know.

- Make sure to answer all the questions in each part.

- Use clear letters when writing. Use capital letters for proper nouns, places, names, etc.

- Once you have been instructed to finish, place your pens down quickly. If you fail to follow this instruction, you may be disqualified.

N.B.: The remainder of your time is to read back over your work. Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

REMEMBER: you must complete part 1 so do it FIRST.

Part 1: Write 145-150 words only – 20 points awarded

Obligatory question 1

Part 2: Write 175-180 words only – 20 points awarded

You may choose from questions 2, 3, and 4, or choose question 5 (set book) if you have registered to do that part.

At the end of the test:

- There will be many clocks around the room for you to keep track of the time in the test.

- A whiteboard will indicate the start and finish times so you can keep track of the time during the test.

- Keep a close eye on your performance and stick to the timings that you have learnt during pre-testing.

- Once you have finished answering both questions, quickly check your work for last-minute changes or corrections.

- You will be informed when 5 minutes remain for you to complete your test.

- Once the five-minute time is up, and the test has ended, the invigilators will tell you:

     "That is the end of the test!"

- Follow their instructions and pens down at that time.

- Once you have been instructed to finish, place your pens down quickly. If you fail to follow this instruction, you may be disqualified.

- Wait for the interlocutor to come round and pick up your question and answer sheet.