Aptis Writing: Practice Test 1
Here, as promised, are our model answers for the sample test we gave you in Overview of the Writing Test.ย Writing Practice Test 1 is written at a good B2 level.
Before we start, letโs remember that there are four parts to the Aptis writing test, and you have 50 minutes to complete it. The four parts of the test are always based around the same theme. As we explained before, this usually relates to joining a club, doing a course or becoming part of an activity group.
Weโve used the theme of joining a film club for Writing Practice Test 1. If you havenโt tried answering the questions yourself yet, we strongly recommend you to do so. Then youโll be able to compare your answers with ours and look for ways to improve.
Aptis Writing Practice Test 1: Model Answers at B2
Part One
You want to join โFilm Clubโ, and you have 5 messages from a member of the club. Write short replies (1-5 words) to each message.
- Where do you live? In the Macarena, Seville.
- Whatโs the weather like there? Itโs boiling in summer. (Contractions count as two words)
- When do you usually watch TV? Mainly in the evenings.
- What do you usually do at weekends? I go swimming and dancing.
- Whatโs your favourite film? Itโs the Godfather.
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Tips: Try to use all five words, and use different words to the question. Think of more specific words. For example: very hot = boiling.
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Part Twoย
You are now a member of โFilm Clubโ. Please tell us why you are interested in films. Use 20โ30 words.
I love the way that films transport us from our everyday world and take us to a magical place. Especially if the film is science fiction or fantasy.
Tip: Remember you can invent an answer โ you donโt have to tell the truth!
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Part Three
You are in the โFilm Clubโ chat room. Answer the questions from other members. Use 30-40 words per answer.
Sandra: Hi, and welcome to the club! Canย you remember the first time you wentย to the cinema? What was it like?
The first film I ever saw was Mulan. Even though it was 30 years ago, it feels as if it was only yesterday. It was an amazing experience. The thing that surprised me was the size of the screen.
Samir:ย Whatโs the most interesting film that youโve seen?
If I had to choose just one, I think itโd be Inception. Itโs a science-fiction film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The plot is complicated, but basically itโs about a thief who steals secrets from peopleโs dreams.
Benni:ย Whatโs the worst film youโve ever seen?
Thatโs easy, it was the remake of Doctor Dolittle which was released in 2020. It stars Robert Downey Jr. It was so awful that I could only watch the first 5 minutes! It was full of terrible jokes and had a poor script.
Tips: Try to use vocabulary specific to the topic. For example: screen, science fiction, directed by, remake, script.
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Part Four
As a member of โFilm Clubโ, you receive this e-mail:
Dear Member
We are writing to inform you that the film-maker Malcolm G unfortunately wonโt be able to attend the screening of his latest film tomorrow. Luckily you will have the opportunity to buy a signed DVD copy of the film at a specially reduced โFilm Clubโ price of ยฃ40. We only have a limited number of copies, so please write to the club secretary if youโd like to reserve one.
Regards
Mo Jones
Task 1: Write an email to your friend. Write about your feelings and what you think โFilm Clubโ should do about the situation. Write 40โ50 words. You have 10 minutes.ย
Hi Dave
Hope things are all good with you. Listen, I feel a bit let-down that Malcolm G isnโt coming tomorrow. I took the evening off work, so Iโm angry too. Plus, I think that the film club should sell us the DVD at cost price, donโt you?
Best
John
Task 2: Write an email to the president of the club. Write about your feelings and what you think โFilm Clubโ should do about the situation. Write 120-150 words. You have 20 minutes.
Dear Mo Jones
I am writing to express my real disappointment at the cancellation of Malcom Gโs visit. I had been really looking forward to this for many weeks and had even taken time off work. If I had known earlier that he was not going to come, then I would not have done this. Not only will I miss hearing the director speak, I will also lose money.
As compensation (or as an apology which I think we deserve) I strongly believe that the least the club should do is to fully reimburse members who now do not want to attend. Not only that, instead of charging ยฃ40 for a signed DVD I feel that the Film Club should be asking only cost price โ especially these days when very few people actually own a DVD player!
I look forward to hearing your reply.
Kind regards
John Harrop
Tips: Most importantly, stick to the word count and make sure you answer the question. Also think about the level of formality. The informal email should sound like youโre chatting to a friend. However, write complete words rather than using abbreviations such as u = you. (Thatโs very informal and used only in text messaging.) Remember to use full words (not contractions) in the formal email. Try to include a variety of structures and formal expressions.
Video explanation and more ideas
Now that youโve read the answers, watch John explaining more about how to do the Writing Test. Heโll give you more tips and ideas. You can turn the subtitles on if you want โ we’ve done them ourselves, so they’re correct!
Remember to also read our Top Tips to help you pass the Writing Test.
And in our Guide to the Posts you’ll find lots of other areas to practise your skills.
It’s great to have such clear model answers. I’m sure these will help my students.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, we’ve spent a lot of time writing the posts and we’re so glad to hear that you think they’ll be helpful for your students.
Hello. If I exceed word limit., will it lower my mark. What if I write 10 words instead I of 5 in part 1
Hi Sayyora
Yes, you’ll lose marks under the heading ‘task completion, this is also true of the other parts of the writing test too. Remember to make sure that you follow the instructions. Good luck!
Thank you all for spending so much time on your posts, they are really useful for me, I’m practising
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Guli and we’re so happy you find the posts useful. Good luck with your studies. John and Chris
I’d like to say that I feel I would be able to do better in coming exam after visiting this site. Thanks.
What a fantastic tip!
Thanks for your enthusiasm, Muhammad! Good luck with your studies! ๐๐
Lovely Tips
Glad to hear it, Sanjay โ thanks! ๐๐๐ป
Hello, your posts are very useful for us. Using your instructions, we’ve a gerat chance of improving our skills ,thank a lot.
Hi Dilfuza, Thanks for your positive feedback, and good luck with your studies! ๐๐๐ป๐
great
Thanks again! ๐
Hello Dilfuza
Really it’s a great tip.
You’re welcome – thanks for leaving the feedback.
Good job
Thanks for taking the time to comment. John and Chris
Thanks!
Thanks for the tips and explanations, they are very clear. I was wondering if you guys are from Ireland, I lived there for years and it sounds familiar to me ๐
I meant your accent, sorry!