Writing

There are two Writing tasks:

Task 3 — Reading into writing 

Use information from the four texts from task 2 to write an answer to a question. 

 Read all four texts before you answer. 

 Read the Reading into writing question and underline the important words. 

 There are several parts to the question — make sure you answer all parts. 

 Use the space provided to plan your answer. For example, you could make a mind map.

  Refer to the texts from task 2 — you must refer to all four texts in your answer. 

 Your answer should be roughly 200–230 words. 

 When you finish, check your answer. Refer back to the question to check you have answered all three parts and check your spelling and grammar. 

 Spend up to 40 minutes on this task but no more. 

— Use your own words as far as possible. Don’t just copy from the reading texts.

 — In your answer refer to all texts from task 2. Check your answer. 

Task 4 — Extended writing 

 Read the Extended writing question and underline the important words. 

 There are several parts to the question — make sure you answer all parts.

  Use the space provided to plan your answer, eg make a mind map. 

 Your answer should be roughly 200–230 words. 

 When you finish, check your answer. Refer back to the question to check you have answered all parts. 

 Spend up to 40 minutes on this task but no more. 

— Read the question carefully and plan your answer. 

— When you have finished, check your answer and correct any mistakes.

Below are some tips for preparing for the Writing part of the ISE III exam:

Do 

 Look at the question carefully (How many different ideas are there in the question? How many ideas do you have to write in your answer?).

  Practise writing in a three-stage process: – plan what you want to write – write your answer – check what you have written. 

 Check your work to see if it is: 

– organised (Have you used paragraphs? Does it have a conclusion? Are your ideas logically linked? Are your ideas clearly expressed? Does each paragraph express a different point?) 

– appropriate (Have you answered the question? Have you thought about who will read your writing?) 

– accurate (Is your spelling correct? Have you used capital letters and full stops?) 

– legible (Is it easy to read?). 

 Practise doing sample exams from the Trinity website trinitycollege.com/ISEIII. 

 Practise writing in English outside study time — for example, write a journal of your ideas and plans, write your opinions on news items and current affairs, write reviews of films you have seen or books you have read, take part in discussions on the internet in English, and write emails or messages to friends in English.