Handout · Day 5

Full Writing Test Simulation

Duration: 90 minutes (60 min mock + 30 min review) Module: Writing Focus: Timed writing, self-review, peer review against band descriptors

Objectives

0:00 – 0:00

30-Second Reminder Before You Start

Test conditions
  • 60 minutes total. Task 1 = 20 min. Task 2 = 40 min.
  • No looking up words. No phones. No discussion until the timer hits zero.
  • Start with Task 1. Do it cleanly, hit 150 words, move on. Don't perfect it.
  • Task 2 is worth 2/3 of your Writing mark — protect that 40-minute window.
💻

Take this as a computer-based test

How you'll sit this mock

This mock runs in the writing test player: Task 1 and Task 2 on tabs, a single 60-minute clock, live word counts, and on-screen prompts — just like the real computer-delivered test. Your work saves as you type and is submitted to your instructor for marking, with an indicative AI band returned straight away.

You'll see the two prompts only once you launch — Task 1 (a data description, 20 minutes, 150+ words) and Task 2 (an opinion essay, 40 minutes, 250+ words). Start with Task 1, hit the word count, and protect the 40 minutes for Task 2 — it carries two-thirds of your Writing mark.

▶ Launch the writing mock test

1:00 – 1:00

End of Test — Pens Down

Stop writing

If you haven't finished, that's information — it tells you to write faster next time. The clock is part of the test.

1:00 – 1:15

Self-Review Checklist

Be honest. Rate each item Y (yes) / M (mostly) / P (partly) / N (no). The point isn't to feel good — it's to spot what to fix.

Task 1 self-review

ItemY/M/P/N
I wrote at least 150 words (counted them)
Paraphrased introduction, not copied
Strong overview (2 sentences, no specific numbers)
2 body paragraphs with logical grouping
Accurate comparisons (highest/lowest, biggest change)
Range of trend language (rise, fall, peak, plateau, etc.)
At least one passive structure
No opinions or invented data
Grammar mostly accurate (tenses, articles, prepositions)
Avoided repeating "increase"/"decrease"

Task 2 self-review

ItemY/M/P/N
I wrote at least 250 words
Paraphrased intro with clear thesis/position
2 body paragraphs with clear topic sentences
Each main idea supported with explanation + relevant example
Addressed all parts of the question (both views + opinion)
Range of linking words (however, furthermore, for example…)
My own opinion is clearly stated and defended
Conclusion restates position, no new ideas
Mix of simple and complex sentences
Vocabulary varied (no big repetitions)
Few grammar/spelling errors that obstruct meaning

Overall self-reflection

What I did well:

My biggest problem(s) today:

One specific thing I'll improve next time:

Estimated band: Task 1 · Task 2 · Overall

1:15 – 1:25

Peer Review Rubric

Swap papers with a partner. Rate their Task 2 (you can do Task 1 too if time allows). Use the band descriptors below — be specific, constructive, and kind.

Quick band descriptor reminder
  • 9: Fully addresses task, fully developed, wide range of structures/vocab, very accurate
  • 8: Sufficiently addresses task, well-developed, wide range, mostly error-free
  • 7: Addresses task, clear position, good range, some errors but no impediment
  • 6: Addresses task but may be limited, adequate range, some errors noticeable
  • 5: Limited response, basic range, frequent errors

Peer review — Task 2

Student being reviewed:

Reviewer:

CriterionBand 1–9Key strength / weakness
Task Response
Fully answered? Clear position? Good examples?
Coherence & Cohesion
Clear paragraphs? Logical flow? Linking words?
Lexical Resource
Topic-specific vocab? Range & precision? Spelling?
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Complex sentences? Mostly error-free?

Overall Task 2 estimated band:

One key strength:

One thing to work on:

1:25 – 1:30

Compare with Band 8 Models & Wrap-Up

Band 8 sample — Task 2 (robots/AI replacing workers)

Word count: ~282

The rapid integration of advanced technologies like robotics and AI into workplaces has sparked debate about their effects on employment. Some argue that this automation leads to job losses and economic inequality, while others contend that it creates new opportunities and boosts productivity. In my opinion, although there are valid concerns about displacement, the overall impact is positive if managed with retraining initiatives.

Proponents of the view that technology harms employment highlight the displacement of workers in traditional sectors. For instance, in manufacturing, robots have replaced assembly line jobs, resulting in unemployment rates rising by up to 20% in some regions like the US Midwest. This not only exacerbates social inequality but also leads to skill obsolescence, where workers struggle to adapt without support. Consequently, without intervention, such advancements could widen the gap between skilled and unskilled labor forces.

Conversely, others maintain that technology generates more jobs than it eliminates by fostering innovation and efficiency. AI, for example, has created roles in data analysis and programming, with global demand for tech specialists projected to grow by 25% by 2030 according to the World Economic Forum. Moreover, automation allows humans to focus on creative and strategic tasks, enhancing overall economic output. In countries like Japan, where robots handle repetitive work, productivity has surged without mass unemployment.

In conclusion, while technology undoubtedly poses risks of job displacement, I believe its potential to drive economic growth and new employment opportunities outweighs the negatives. Governments should prioritize education and reskilling programs to ensure a smooth transition in the labor market.

Why this scores Band 8:

  • Task Response: Both views fully covered + clear opinion stated and defended.
  • Coherence: Linkers used naturally — While, For instance, Consequently, Conversely, Moreover, In countries like, In conclusion.
  • Lexical: integration, displacement, exacerbates, skill obsolescence, reskilling — topic-specific vocabulary deployed accurately.
  • Grammar: Mix of complex structures (although there are…, where workers struggle to…), few or no obstructing errors.

Final wrap-up question: "What's the one technique you'll apply on the real test?" Make it specific — not "write better" but "spend 5 minutes planning Task 2 before I write" or "use a passive structure in my Task 1 overview."

Tonight's homework

Rewrite either Task 1 or Task 2 based on today's feedback. Apply the specific improvement you identified. About 30 minutes.

Open homework →

Practice online (free)

A little extra self-study for this skill — each link opens in a new tab. These are free resources; some may ask you to create a free account.