The Reading component consists of 40 questions. A variety of question types is used in order to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose.
The Academic version includes three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. The texts are authentic and are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. These have been selected for a non-specialist audience but are recognizably appropriate for anyone entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or those seeking professional registration.
The General Training version requires you to read extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English speaking environment.
The Writing component of the Academic version includes two tasks. Topics are of general interest and suitable for anyone entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration.
You will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and will be asked to describe, summarize or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to explain data, the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.
You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be written in a formal style.
The Writing component of the General Training version includes two tasks which are based on topics of general interest.
You will be presented with a situation and will be asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.
You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.
