There are two types of Writing tasks: 

the Writing for an Academic Discussion task and the Integrated task, which includes a reading and a listening.

1. Reading-Lecture (Integrated task): 

You will first be shown a reading passage, usually a textbook excerpt, on an academic topic. 

You have 3 minutes to read. Take notes on the main idea and supporting points as you read. 

Then the text disappears and you will hear a lecture excerpt (about 2 minutes long) on the same topic. You should take notes on the lecture, again capturing the main idea and supporting points. 

Then you will see a question asking you to summarize the lecture and relate it in some way to the reading. At this point, the reading passage will reappear. 

You will not give your own opinion. Some common phrases that are used in this question are “cast doubt,” “challenge,” or “oppose.” It is important to understand what these phrases mean before test day.

2. Writing for an Academic Discussion: 

The Writing for an Academic Discussion task presents a question from a professor written in an online discussion, and short responses from different students.

 Your task is to write your own answer to the professor’s question, taking into account the other students’ responses. 

The structure of the professor’s question is similar to the Paired Choice question in the Speaking section. However, it is always related to an academic class. 

You have 10 minutes total to read the information and type your answer. You should write a minimum of 100 words. 

The professor’s question and other students’ answers stay on the screen the whole time.

Quiz