WRITING 800/4

WRITING TEST SPECIFICATIONS

      Candidates will be assessed on their ability to transfer information from a non-linear source to a linear text. Candidates will also be assessed on their ability to write a piece of extended writing.

The possible genres for writing are report, article, letter and essay.

Number of questions : 2

Possible rhetorical style :

• Analytical
• Descriptive
• Persuasive
• Argumentative     

TASK

Question 1: Interpretation of information based on the specific stimuli provided

                    Candidates have to write in about 150 words

Question 2 : Extended writing that is based on a given topic.

                     Candidates have to write not less than 350 words.

Questions 1 : Interpretation of information based on specific stimuli provided.

• GRAPHS AND CHARTS

- Graphs, charts, and tables are ways of presenting information. Graphs and charts are pictures which show numbers of figures whereas tables are just rows and columns of information.

- Graphs provide information in the form of diagram. It is the candidate's job to work out what the graph is about and write about it. Understanding and interpretting the graph correctly is the most important part of the task.

- There are different types of chart and graph used in the question such as :

       1) Bar graph

    
      2) Line graph

       3) Pie chart

    Question 2 : Extended writing

Ways to write a good essay

1) Well focused
     -Answer the question completely
     -Avoid rambling and ranting

2) Well organized
     -Do some planning
     -State your stand on the issue
     -Write a clear introduction by writing a clear thesis statement
     -State point(s) that you are going to make
     -Write a clear conclusion.

3) Well Supported
    -Points given must be well explained and well supported by giving examples, figures or cases related to the topic.



HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE ESSAY

• Read the questions carefully
• Manage your time well. Divide the 50 minutes into 3 parts : 10 minutes to draft and 35 minutes to write and 5 minutes to proofread
• Underline the key word(s) which tell you what the questions requires you to do
• Plan and draft your essay in a form of simple points or mind map
• Write your answers as quickly and legibly as you can; do not take the time to recopy
• Begin each answer with the thesis statement which summarizes your answer. Support your thesis statement with specific references to the material you have studied or read 
• Proofread your answer and correct errors in spelling and mechanics