The Writing section is designed to test a number of important writing skills. It consists of one task and will be on one of a variety of topics, in a range of forms (e.g., email, report, story, etc.) and with different purposes and audiences.The test will last 30 minutes, including planning and checking time.

Responses are assessed on:

Tasks may require candidates to write for a range of purposes including to narrate, explain, describe, inform, advise or persuade, and tasks may combine more than one purpose. For example, an email to a prospective visitor to the area may include information as well as advice. The written form required (e.g., email, diary entry, story, newspaper report) is clearly stated in the task instructions. Topics will be familiar to candidates, so that they can readily draw on familiar content for their writing. Tasks are designed to be engaging and challenging and offer scope to develop an interesting and original piece of writing.