Guide written by Aaqib

Writing Tasks and Formats

Task 1 - Letter
Total time - 20 minutes
Planning - 5-7 minutes
Writing - 10-12 minutes
Reviewing and proofreading - 2 to 3 minutes

Formal Letter

Salutation
Dear Sir/Madam OR Hi Mr./Ms./Mrs. <last name>

Paragraph 1
Say why you’re writing this letter and describe the problem.

Paragraph 2
Give a little bit of background details about how it happened and where it happened.

Paragraph 3
Talk about the solution you have in mind and how would you like to proceed with it.

Paragraph 4
This is a short closing paragraph where you can generally share your expectation or gratitude.

Signature
Yours sincerely/Yours faithfully/Regards/ Kind regards
<your name>
Informal Letter

Salutation
Dear/Hi <name of friend>

Paragraph 1
Say something casual or crack a joke - like ask about their health, how they are doing, or
express how much you miss them

Paragraph 2
Casual talk/updates about your specific issues or achievement

Paragraph 3
Casual talk/updates about your specific issues or achievement (you can leave this paragraph
out if your letter is becoming too long)

Paragraph 4
Main reason for writing the letter, ending with an invitation or a request, and a well wish.

Signature
Yours faithfully/Your friend/Best/Best wishes/Cheers/Keep in touch
<your name>
Task 2 - Essay
Total time - 40 minutes
Planning - 10 to 15 minutes
Writing - 20 to 22 minutes
Reviewing and proofreading - 5 to 8 minutes

Opinion Essay

Introduction
Paraphrase the question
Thesis statement/your opinion - whether you agree or disagree
2 main ideas that support your opinion

Body Paragraph 1
Topic/idea sentence for the 1st idea that supports your opinion
Explanation
Example

Body Paragraph 2
Topic/idea for the 2nd idea that supports your opinion
Explanation
Example

Conclusion
Repetition of your opinion
Summary of the two main ideas supporting your opinion
Discussion Essay

Introduction
Paraphrase the topic statement
Paraphrase both the views into a single sentence
Your opinion (which of the two views you agree with)

Body Paragraph 1
Linking statement for the first view
Discussion
Your opinion about this view (agree of disagree)
Example to support your opinion

Body Paragraph 2
Linking statement for the second view
Discussion
Your opinion about this view (agree of disagree)
Example to support your opinion

Conclusion
Summary of both the views
Reiterate your opinion
Two-Part Essay

Introduction
Paraphrase the topic sentence (you can add a bit of extra detail to it)
State both the questions again and mention which question will be addressed first and which of
the two will be addressed second

Body Paragraph 1
Answer the first question - if the question ask about different factors at play, you can use 2
factors
Explanation - if you mentioned different factors, give an explanation for each in a separate
sentence
Example

Body Paragraph 2
Answer the second question
Explanation
Example

Conclusion
Simple summary of both the answers
Problem-Solution Essay

Introduction
Paraphrase the topic statement
Simple statement about what the essay will discuss

Body Paragraph 1
State the problem
Explain the problem
Example

Body Paragraph 2
State the solution
Explain the solution
Example

Conclusion
Simple summary of the problem and the solution
Give recommendation OR state a prediction (of what will happen in the future to resolve the
problem)
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Introduction
Paraphrase the topic statement
State the advantage - briefly
State the disadvantage - briefly

Body Paragraph 1
State the advantage in more detail
Explain why it is an advantage
Example
Results derived from the example supporting it as an advantage

Body Paragraph 2
State the disadvantage in more detail
Explain why it is a disadvantage
Example
Results derived from the example supporting it as a disadvantage

Conclusion
Compare advantage against the disadvantage (summary)
Opinion - state which one outweighs the other

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