Writing · Unit 5: Practice and exam day
W49: The last 14 days before your Writing test
Target all levels
Writing improves more slowly than the other skills, so the last two weeks matter more for Writing than for Listening or Reading. You won't transform your level in 14 days. But you can lock in good habits, reduce your common errors, and walk in with a plan for every question type. Here's how to use those two weeks.
Why this matters
Many students panic in the last two weeks and write an essay every day without any feedback. They repeat their mistakes and feel exhausted. A focused plan does the opposite: fewer essays, more correction, and confidence on test day.
What to stop
- Writing essays without checking them.
- Learning new "band 9 words" lists. Use what you know, correctly.
- Memorising full essays or templates. They won't fit the real question.
- Changing your method. Stick to the structures you've practised.
The 14-day plan
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| 14 | Full timed test (Task 1 + Task 2). Mark it against the criteria, or get feedback. |
| 13 | Make or update your top 5 error card (W40). |
| 12 | Task 2: plan 5 questions of different types in 5 minutes each (W29). |
| 11 | Write one opinion essay. Self-check. |
| 10 | Task 1: write overviews for 5 different chart types (W09). |
| 9 | Write one discussion essay. Self-check. |
| 8 | Task 1: process and map practice (W26, W27). |
| 7 | Full timed test on computer, typed, spellcheck off. Get feedback if possible. |
| 6 | Fix the problems found on day 7. Rewrite one paragraph. |
| 5 | Write one problem/solution or two-part essay. |
| 4 | Review your idea banks and collocations (W38, W41). |
| 3 | One final full timed test, in the morning. |
| 2 | Light work: read your best essays and your error card. |
| 1 | Rest. Read something in English for pleasure. Pack your ID. Sleep early. |
Your final Writing checklist
Write this on one card and read it on test morning:
- Task 2 first (if that's your plan). 40 minutes.
- 5-minute plan: type, position, two ideas.
- 2-sentence introduction. Clear position.
- One idea per body paragraph, developed.
- Task 1: overview first, key features, no opinions.
- Over 250 and 150 words.
- 3-minute check: articles, agreement, plurals, spelling.
On test day
- Writing usually comes after Listening and Reading. Have a quick drink of water and reset.
- Read each question twice before planning.
- If a topic feels strange, use the universal angles (W41) to find ideas.
- Watch the clock. Don't let Task 2 run into Task 1's time.
Honest note
If you're consistently scoring well below your target in practice, taking the test anyway may just cost you money. If your timeline allows, consider moving your date. Check your test centre's rules on changing dates first.
Your task today
Write your final Writing checklist card now.