Writing Exam NB2 - Some Advice

There are two tasks. In the first task, you are asked to write about 60 - 80 words; the maximum mark is 4 points. In the second task, you have to write between 100 - 130 words. The maximum mark here is 6 points. The exam lasts 70 minutes. You must write in black or blue ink. (Not pencil.)

You must have a total of at least 5 points to pass this paper.

Here are some questions to help you revise.

Can you write:

• a note?
• an informal email / letter to a friend?
• a formal  email / letter to an unknown person?

Can you talk about:

• yourself?
• your work / studies?
• your family and friends?
• your interests?
• your holidays?
• your city / town?
• your future plans?

Can you:

• make suggestions?
• ask for suggestions?
• give advice?
• offer to help?
• compare and contrast?
• give opinions?
• talk about what you like / don't like?
• ask for permission?
• agree / disagree?
• explain?
• apologise?
• thank somebody?
• invite?

Can you correctly use:

• linkers? (First of all, . . . , Secondly, . . . , Lastly . . . ; However, while, so, because, though . . ;)
• interesting expressions? (Nowadays, Actually, Another factor to take into account is . . . )

Do you know the characteristics of:

• notes: (informal language, friendly register, contracted verb forms - I'll see you later)
• emails: (To . . . From . . .  Subject . . . )
• letters: (Where do I put my address? Where do I put the date? Where do I put my name? If it's a formal letter, where do I put the name and the address of the person I'm writing to?)

When do we say:

• Dear Sir / Madam
• Dear Mrs Jones
•  Yours faithfully
•  Yours sincerely
•  Best wishes
• Love
• Kisses
• I look forward to hearing from you
• I'm looking forward to hearing from you
• Write soon!

 Tip: look carefully at all of the written work you have done. What mistakes did you make? Why? What is the correct form? Also, check the feedback from your oral tasks. What grammar mistakes did you make there? What is the correct form? Check the Reading and Writing Portfolios  at the back of the workbook that we've done, too.