Unit 3: Writing – Task 1: Informal Writing

Welcome to your first step in mastering the Writing unit! In Task 1, you will show off your ability to communicate with people you know well, like friends or family. It is a short, friendly task that is designed to help you ease into the exam. Think of it as writing a quick email or a message to a best friend.

What is Task 1?

In this part of the exam, you are asked to write an informal piece of writing. Usually, this is an email or a letter.
The exam will give you:
1. A short description of a situation (e.g., "You have just started a new hobby").
2. Three specific bullet points that you must include in your answer.
3. A suggested length of 80 words.
4. A total of 10 marks.

Quick Note: While 80 words is a suggestion, try to stay close to it. If you write much less, you might miss important details. If you write much more, you might run out of time for the bigger tasks!

Topics You Might Write About

Task 1 will always be based on one of the first four topics of your syllabus. You won't see "Global Issues" here (that's for Task 2!). You should be prepared to write about:
• Topic 1: Myself and Others (Hobbies, family, friends, or your home).
• Topic 2: Travel and Tourism (Holidays, transport, or places you've visited).
• Topic 3: Education (School life, future plans, or using computers).
• Topic 4: Employment (Part-time jobs or work experience).

The Secrets to a 10/10 Score

To get the highest marks, you need to focus on two main things: Communication (answering the prompt) and Language (using good English).

1. Use the Three Bullet Points

The examiners are looking for these! If you miss one bullet point, you lose marks. A good trick is to write one or two sentences for each bullet point. This ensures your writing is balanced and covers everything asked.

2. Use an Informal Register

Since you are writing to a friend, your tone should be relaxed. This is called your register. (For more on this, see the chapter on "Register, target reader and bullet-point coverage").
• Use Contractions: Instead of "I am", write "I'm". Instead of "We did not", write "We didn't".
• Friendly Greetings: Start with "Hi [Name]," or "Dear [Name],".
• Friendly Closings: End with "See you soon," "Best wishes," or "Write back soon!".

3. Accuracy (SPaG)

In the Writing unit, Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar (SPaG) matter. Unlike the Reading or Listening papers, the examiners here will check if your sentences are built correctly. Even in a friendly email, remember to use capital letters for "I" and full stops at the end of sentences.

Step-by-Step Writing Plan

Don't worry if you feel stuck at first! Just follow these four simple steps:
Step 1: The Greeting. Write a short opening like: "Hi Sam, I hope you're doing well!"
Step 2: Bullet Point 1. Introduce why you are writing.
Step 3: Bullet Points 2 and 3. Give the extra details requested in the prompt. Use "and" or "because" to join your ideas.
Step 4: The Closing. Wrap it up with a friendly sentence: "Anyway, I have to go now. Talk soon!"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too formal: Avoid starting with "To whom it may concern" or using very "stiff" language. It's a friend, not a boss!
• Copying the prompt: Try to use your own words. If the prompt says "describe your new school," don't just write "I am writing to describe my new school." Instead, try: "I wanted to tell you all about the place where I'm studying now!"
• Forgetting the word count: If you write 200 words, you are spending too much time on a task worth only 10 marks. Keep it short and sweet.

Did you know? Using a few "exclamation marks" (!) can help make your writing sound more enthusiastic and informal, but don't overdo it!

Quick Review: Key Takeaways

• Target: 80 words.
• Style: Informal (contractions, friendly tone).
• Must-haves: Cover all 3 bullet points and use correct SPaG.
• Topics: Focused on everyday life (Topics 1–4).