Academic Writing: Cambridge overview 2010	

Writing Task 1
In Writing Task 1, candidates may be asked to describe facts or figures presented in one or more graphs, charts or tables on a related topic; or they may be given a diagram of a machine, a device or a process and asked to explain how it works. Candidates should make sure to include the most important and the most relevant points in the diagram. Some minor points or details may be left out. They should write in an academic or semi-formal/neutral style. Candidates should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task. They are asked to write at least 150 words and will be penalised if their answer is too short. While candidates will not be penalised for writing more than 150 words, they should remember that a longer Task 1 answer may mean that they have less time to spend on Task 2, which contributes twice as much to the Writing band score. Candidates should also note that they will be penalised for irrelevance if the response is off-topic or is not written as full, connected text (e.g. using bullet points in any part of the response, or note form etc.). They will be severely penalised if their writing is plagiarised (i.e. copied from another source). Candidates must write their answers on the answer booklet.
Task Focus	This task assesses the candidate’s ability to identify the most important and relevant information and trends in a graph, chart, table or diagram, and to give a well-organised overview of it using language accurately in an academic register or style.

Writing Task 2
In Writing Task 2, candidates are given a topic to write about. Answers should be a discursive consideration of the relevant issues. Candidates should make sure that they read the task carefully and provide a full and relevant response. For example, if the topic is a particular aspect of computers, they should focus on this aspect in their response. They should not simply write about computers in general. They should write in an academic or semi-formal/neutral style. Candidates should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task. They are asked to write at least 250 words and will be penalised if their answer is too short. While candidates will not be penalised for writing more than 250 words, if they write a very long answer they may not have time for checking and correcting at the end and some ideas may not be directly relevant to the question. They may also produce handwriting which is unclear. Task 2 contributes twice as much to the final Writing band score as Task 1. Therefore, candidates who fail to attempt to answer this task will greatly reduce their chance of achieving a good band. Candidates should also note that they will be penalised for irrelevance if the response is off-topic or is not written as full, connected text (e.g. using bullet points in any part of the response, or note form etc.). They will be severely penalised if their writing is plagiarised (i.e. copied from another source). Finally, candidates should make sure that they do not copy directly from the question paper because this will not be assessed. Candidates must write their answers on the answer booklet.
Task Focus	This task assesses the candidate’s ability to present a clear, relevant, well-organised argument, giving evidence or examples to support their ideas, and to use language accurately.