130-150
Word target
4
Bullet points
20-25
Minutes suggested
16
Marks available
What is Long Writing?
The long writing task tests extended communication and organization. You choose 1 of 3 questions and write 130-150 words addressing 4 bullet points.
Strategy: Choose the question you can answer BEST
- - Read all 3 questions first
- - Pick the topic where you know the most vocabulary
- - Choose where you can show tense variety
- - Don't pick the "easiest looking" - pick where you can SHINE
Understanding Bullet Points
The 4 bullet points guide what to include. You MUST address all 4, but don't make it obvious - weave them into natural paragraphs.
Example bullet points:
- 1What the occasion was
- 2When and where it took place
- 3Who was there
- 4Why it was special to you
Structure Template
Intro
Introduction
What topic is about (1-2 sentences, ~20 words)
Body
Body paragraphs
Address bullet points (6-8 sentences, ~100 words)
End
Conclusion
Final thought/opinion/future wish (1-2 sentences, ~20 words)
Grade Comparison
Grade 4-5
- • All present tense (no past or future)
- • Simple, short sentences
- • Basic vocabulary only
- • Missing bullet points
- • Under 130 words
- • Lists ideas without developing them
Grade 6-7
- • Past + present (but no future)
- • Some longer sentences
- • Basic connectives (et, mais, parce que)
- • All bullets addressed but briefly
- • Approaching word count
- • Obvious bullet point structure
Grade 8-9
- • Past, present AND future tenses
- • Complex sentences with varied connectives
- • Sophisticated vocabulary
- • Bullets woven into natural paragraphs
- • 130-150 words exactly
- • Opinions with reasons, natural flow