[b]Can I use a pencil or do I have to use a pen?[b][/b]It’s up to you. You can use whatever you like as long as it is legible. [b]Do I have to count my words?[/b][b]No, but it is a good idea to know roughly how many words you usually write to a line. Then you can count the number of lines you write. [b]What will happen if I don’t write enough words?[/b][b]If you have not answered the questions as completely as you should, you will get a lower score. [b]What will happen if I write too many words? [/b][b]If you write far too many words, you might include irrelevant information and/or ideas for which you may be penalised. Also, if you write far too many words for one of the tasks, you may neglect the other. [b]Is spelling important? [/b][b]Spelling is important, although the occasional minor mistake won’t matter. [b]Can I start with Task 2 first? [/b][b]You can do the test in any order. Just make sure you keep to the times advised. [b]What should I do if I don’t understand the question? [/b][b]You cannot ask the invigilator or use a dictionary. You will have to guess and answer as well as you can. [b]What’s the best way to correct any mistakes that I make? [/b][b]The quickest way to correct mistakes is to cross them out and write the correction clearly next to or above the mistake. [b]Will I lose marks if my essay is very messy with lots of crossings out?[/b] [b]No, you won’t. But you must make sure that it is legible. Obviously the easier your essay is to read, the happier the examiner will be. [b]What do I do if I realise I have forgotten to include something important in one of my essays? [/b][b]You can add it in afterwards, by writing it at the bottom of your essay and showing where it should go with an asterisk or an arrow. [b]What do I do if I don’t know anything about the topic in Task 2? [/b][b]You will have to do the best you can. Take a few minutes to note down some ideas. Once you start, more details will almost certainly come. (See Step 2 in the Writing Section.) [b]If I don’t have enough time to finish, should I finish in note form, like a plan? [/b][b]No. Anything written in note form will not be read. Just continue in sentences. [b]Should I memorise answers to a variety of general topics? [/b][b]No. Anything that the examiner suspects is copied will not count towards the number of words, and you may also be penalised for copying. [b]Should I write on every other line? [/b][b]If you have very large writing it might be a good idea. However, for average sized writing it is not necessary because there is still room to make corrections. [b]I can’t write very quickly. What should I do? [/b][b]You don’t actually have to write a lot in the time allowed (400 words in one hour is less than 10 words a minute). However, you should practice writing to time as often as possible, to improve your speed.