Linguaskill General Writing Section Breakdown and Tasks
The Writing module of Linguaskill General tests keyboard-based text production under timed conditions. Rather than relying on traditional single-examiner evaluation, answers go through a hybrid marking system combining automated computer algorithms with human examiner reviews to calculate the final mark.
Candidates get 55 minutes to complete two distinct tasks, with heavy weighting on the second response:
- Part 1 (Email): Accounting for 25% of the final module mark, candidates write a short functional email responding to a prompt, with a recommended minimum of 50 words.
- Part 2 (Essay): Representing 75% of the score, candidates compose a longer piece of continuous writing based on given points, with a recommended minimum of 250 words.
Part 1 seems simple enough on paper, but hitting the exact communicative purpose matters more than length. If the prompt asks for three specific pieces of information, missing one point automatically caps your score, even if your grammar is spotless.
Part 2 requires careful time management. Spending 30 minutes tinkering with a short email leaves under half the session to draft, write, and edit a full 250-word essay, which carries three-quarters of your grade.
Focus on clear paragraph breaks and reliable cohesive devices. Hybrid evaluation systems flag disorganized text blocks quickly, so keeping main ideas clearly separated works far better than trying to impress the software with overly complicated syntax.