English guide
The Academic Discussion Writing Task, launched Jan 21 2026, replaces the Independent essay. Write 250‑300 words in 20 minutes, integrating two short sources. Score 1‑6 CEFR; 5‑6 equals C1‑C2 proficiency. Get step‑by‑step strategies, sample prompts, and a scoring cheat sheet.
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The Academic Discussion Writing Task, launched Jan 21 2026, replaces the Independent essay. Write 250‑300 words in 20 minutes, integrating two short sources. Score 1‑6 CEFR; 5‑6 equals C1‑C2 proficiency. Get step‑by‑step strategies, sample prompts, and a scoring cheat sheet.
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| Element | Details | |---|---| | Prompt type | Argument, comparison, or solution‑oriented question that asks you to discuss a topic using two short source excerpts (≈80 words each). | | Source excerpts | Usually a student email and a campus announcement, or a research‑assistant notice and a bulletin‑board post. | | Word count | 250‑300 words (no penalty for a few extra words, but stay within the range for optimal scoring). | | Time | 20 minutes (includes reading the prompt, planning, writing, and quick proofread). | | Scoring criteria | Content relevance, integration of sources, organization, language range, and accuracy. |
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| CEFR Level | Score | Typical characteristics | |---|---|---| | C2 | 6 | Sophisticated argument, seamless source integration, virtually error‑free language. | | C1 | 5 | Clear stance, well‑structured, minor lexical/grammatical slips. | | B2 | 4 | Adequate development, some source use, noticeable errors that don’t hinder meaning. | | B1 | 3 | Basic ideas, limited source reference, frequent errors. | | A2 | 2 | Minimal development, poor source use, many errors. | | A1 | 1 | Very limited response, fails to address prompt. |
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Prompt: University housing is running low on single rooms. The student email says the administration will prioritize seniors, while the campus bulletin announces a new “micro‑apartment” pilot. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each solution and state which you think is better.
Model (280 words): > The university’s decision to give single rooms to seniors addresses the immediate concern that upper‑classmen, who have invested four years, deserve priority. As the email from the housing office explains, seniors often have families visiting and need quiet study spaces, which makes the allocation logical. However, this policy leaves freshmen and sophomores in shared dorms, potentially increasing stress and lowering academic performance. > > The bulletin’s micro‑apartment pilot offers a different benefit: it creates a new housing model that could alleviate overall room shortages. By converting underused storage areas into compact, self‑contained units, the university can increase capacity without major construction costs. Yet, the pilot’s limited number of units means only a small fraction of students will benefit, and the reduced living space may affect comfort. > > Weighing both options, the senior‑priority system provides a clear, equitable short‑term solution, while the micro‑apartment initiative promises long‑term flexibility. I believe the university should implement the pilot alongside the senior priority, ensuring that the immediate needs of seniors are met while testing a sustainable model for future cohorts.
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| Pitfall | Fix | |---|---| | Ignoring one source | Explicitly reference each excerpt with a phrase like "According to the email…". | | Over‑generalizing | Provide at least one concrete example from each source. | | Exceeding 300 words | Practice timed writing; aim for 260‑280 words to leave buffer for editing. | | Weak conclusion | Restate your stance and link back to the prompt’s main question. |
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| Component | Time | Word Count | Score Range | |---|---|---|---| | Integrated Writing | 20 min | 150‑200 | 1‑6 | | Academic Discussion | 20 min | 250‑300 | 1‑6 | | Total Writing | 40 min | — | — |
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Start by timing yourself on three official prompts, then upload your drafts to English AIdol’s AI‑scorer. Aim for a score of 5 or higher before your test date.
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