Writing
Parts 6–7 of the Reading & Writing paper (60 minutes total, 50% of your final score). You write a short message (Part 6, 25+ words) and a story from pictures (Part 7, 35+ words).
| Part | Name | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Short Message | Note, message or short email · 25+ words · 3 content points given |
| 7 | Story | Story from 3 picture prompts · 35+ words |
Part 6 · Short Message
Write a short message covering all 3 given content points.
Tests: Basic communicative writing — covering content clearly for a specific reader.
- Cover all 3 content points — missing one loses marks even with great English.
- Keep sentences short and simple; accuracy matters more than ambition.
- Match the tone to the reader (friend vs. colleague vs. teacher).
Part 7 · Story
Write a story that matches the three pictures, in order.
Tests: Simple narrative writing — sequencing events with basic past tenses and linkers.
- Tell the story in the same order as the three pictures.
- Use past simple as the main tense; add time linkers (then, after that, finally).
- Add one or two describing details rather than a long list of separate facts.
Genres
| Genre | Part | Reader | Purpose | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short message | Part 6 | Friend / family member / colleague (specified reader) | Write a note, message or short email covering 3 given content points. | Informal / neutral |
| Story | Part 7 | General reader | Tell a story that matches 3 given picture prompts, in order. | Simple narrative, past tenses |
How it is marked (each scale is 0–5, for each task)
Content
All required content points covered and relevant to the task.
Band 0–5
Communicative Achievement
Uses appropriate, simple language for the genre and reader at A2 level.
Band 0–5
Organisation
Ideas connected with basic linking words (and, but, because, then).
Band 0–5
Language
Range and control of A2 vocabulary and grammar; simple errors don't block meaning.
Band 0–5
Official Cambridge samples