Writing Practice Test 2: Task 1
Native speaker model answer
Dear Aunt Joan,
How are you? How’s Uncle Steve?
I’m writing because I’m planning to visit Melbourne next month. I’ve got school holidays coming up, and I thought it would be a good time to come over (and do some shopping!). I’ve booked a flight arriving on 15 May and leaving on the 25th, so I’ll be in town for eleven days altogether.
Would it be possible for me to stay with you? If it’s inconvenient I completely understand, but I’d really appreciate it. It would also give me a real chance to catch up with you guys, and with my cousins. Are they all stiU living at home?
Of course, I’d be happy to pay my own way and buy my own groceries etc. In fact, I could cook you all dinner! You’ll probably be surprised to hear it, but I’m a pretty good cook these days.
Anyway, if ifs a problem just let me know, and I can make other arrangements. Either way, looking forward to seeing everyone.
Love,
Tina
(174 words)
Writing Practice Test 2: Task 2
Real student answer and comments
This answer was written by a student from Sweden:
It has been argued that the modern technology has an immense impact on our lives. Some people claims that it has reduced stress while others state it has an increasing effect on stress.
The modern technology has naturally made our lives easier by simplifying for instance house choures and transport. That gives us more time to do other activities such as spending time with our friends and family. In addition to this, the revolution of the Internet during the last decade has made our communication easier. We are able to always be online, using various social medias, emailing or texting. This results in a more global contact net where people all over the world are able to communicate with each other. This has been especially useful in the business world where a quick email is more effective than a long distance phone call between to different time zones.
However, other people argue that the modern technology actually increases stress rather than reducing it. While constently being online there will be less social interaction in person. Suddenly there will be no need for speaking to a person to find out the events in his life since you are able to read about it on his Facebook status. The lack of social interaction can result in antisocial behaviour which can be stressful to handle in different situations. Moreover, there will be an increasing need to have the latest gadgets. People will not be pleased with what they have which can effect their minds as well as economy.
In my opinion the modern technology might increase stress in some cases but overall I believe it reduced stress by helping our everyday life and keeping in touch with the rest of the world.
(294 words)
COMMENTS
Task response: the task response is appropriate and ideas are developed well, although supporting ideas sometimes lack focus or are slightly repetitive. Length is appropriate.
Coherence and cohesion: paragraphing is achieved well and ideas are logically arranged. The candidate has used a good range of linking words and phrases, such as In addition, However and Moreover. Grammatical links such as pronouns are used extremely well.
Lexical resource: the candidate has used quite a wide range of vocabulary, including some less common items such as simplifying (although misspelt). A good understanding of collocation is being shown with phrases like an immense impact, less social interaction and the latest gadgets. Minor word form and spelling mistakes occur (constently, house choures).
Grammatical range and accuracy: structures such as passives, relative clauses and comparatives are used flexibly. Error-free sentences are frequent, and errors that occur in articles (the modern technology). subject-verb agreements (some people claims) and noun phrases (the revolution of the Internet) do not affect understanding. Punctuation is usually appropriate.
This candidate would be likely to receive a high score in the exam.
