Only one question is visible at a time (except in the final extract task).
You can flag questions to revisit later.
You cannot scroll to preview all questions like in paper exams.
The text is on the left, and questions appear one-by-one on the right.
Timing and strategy are more important than ever.
How CBT Differs from Paper-Based Testing
Feature
Paper-Based Test
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Questions visible at once
All questions viewable at once
Only one question at a time (mostly)
Skipping between questions
Easy to flip through pages
Use “flag” and navigation menu
Highlighting text
Can underline or annotate
No physical highlighting
Changing answers
Use pencil eraser or mark new choice
Click to change instantly
Time awareness
Visual overview of all progress
Need to manage time per screen carefully
General CBT Tips
Start with the highest-weighted section – “Choose the Extract”
Use the flag function to mark difficult questions
Don’t leave questions blank (except for Gaped Text — see note below)
Click to change answers easily
Time is not equally split – poems and dual fiction need more time
Stay calm – work with the interface, not against it
Reading Test Structure Overview
The Reading test includes 4 parts (in any order):
Part 1: Comprehension or Comparison Task
(8 Questions)
You’ll either get: A single fiction passage with comprehension questions OR two short fiction extracts to compare
Question Types:
-Implied meaning -Word meaning in context -Stylistic/language features (e.g. imagery, metaphor) -Text structure & organisation -Opinions, tone, and perspective -Author’s purpose -Comparison of texts and techniques
Strategy
-Read both extracts carefully first -Focus on: Main ideas in each Style (formal/informal) Perspective (first/third person) Mood/tone -Predict your own answer before checking options -Eliminate wrong options with evidence
Time Tip
~10 minutes
Part 2 Poem Interpretation
(6 Questions)
A single poem with 6 MCQs
Question Focus
-Imagery and metaphor -Implicit meaning -Structure and rhythm -Poet’s intent
Strategy
-Read slowly and purposefully — this section is not for skimming -Identify: Mood -Symbols or figurative language -How the form supports the message -Think deeply — like a gold miner digging beneath the surface
Time Tip
~11 minutes
Part 3 Gaped Text or Summary Match (6 Questions)
You’ll get either: Gap Match: Drag the correct phrase into each gap (1 extra option), or Summary Match: Match 6 summary phrases to 6 factual paragraphs (1 extra phrase)
Question Focus
-Understanding structure and logical flow -Main idea of each paragraph -Logical transitions and coherence
Strategy
-Read entire text first -Identify intro, body, and conclusion -Start with easier gaps (often intro or conclusion) -Predict what belongs before checking options -Only guess if time is running out — incorrect guesses can affect other gaps
Time Tip
~9 minutes Analogy: Like solving a puzzle — place the corner pieces first
Part 4 Choose the Extract
(10 Questions)
4 short extracts with different styles and purposes but shared theme.
E.g. a blog, news article, review, and personal narrative about “water” or “dreams”
Question Focus
-Implied meaning -Author’s opinion or tone -Purpose, structure, and style -Matching specific ideas to the correct source
Strategy
-Skim all 4 extracts FIRST -Identify the key idea of each (mentally summarise) -Then go through the questions from top to bottom -Match the most obvious details directly -Avoid overthinking
Time Tip
~10 minutes Analogy: Like choosing from a fast-food menu — quick, instinctive choices
Final Strategy Recap
Section
Questions
Time (approx.)
Key Skill
Choose the Extract
10
10 minutes
Fast scanning, matching
Gaped Text
6
9 minutes
Structure, logic
Poem
6
11 minutes
Inference, metaphor, tone
Dual Short Stories
8
10 minutes
Comparison, perspective
Each examiner’s score adds up to 25 (15 + 10). Since there are two examiners, the total comes to 50.
Final Reminders for CBT Success
Be strategic: work smarter, not just harder
Predict answers BEFORE looking at options
Don’t panic if the interface feels different — practice builds confidence
Make the most of flag and review functions
Aim for consistent practice under timed conditions
A deliberate style/voice and well-chosen range of vocabulary.
Appropriate formality (depending on audience).
2. Sentences, Punctuation, and Spelling
Maximum of 10 marks from each examiner.
Focus on:
Variety in sentence length and structure (simple, compound, complex).
Correct punctuation (capital letters, full stops, commas, quotation marks, etc.).
Accurate spelling (especially commonly used words, but also any advanced vocabulary you include).
Each examiner’s score adds up to 25 (15 + 10). Since there are two examiners, the total comes to 50.
4. Strategy for Success 📌
Step
Key Actions
Details
1. Interpret the Prompt Carefully
Identify the text type
e.g., diary entry, formal letter
Determine the purpose & audience
e.g., to advise, to inform, or to entertain
2. Plan Briefly (1–2 minutes)
Jot down main ideas or a quick outline
Decide key points, examples, or illustrations
Determine the order of presentation
Ensure logical flow of ideas
3. Organise Your Writing
Use paragraphs to separate main ideas
e.g., introduction, development, conclusion
Employ cohesive devices
e.g., “However,” “Furthermore,” “On the other hand…”
4. Pay Attention to Style & Vocabulary
Use a tone appropriate for the audience
Formal for reports, friendly for personal letters
Showcase varied vocabulary
Avoid repeating the same words too often
Select words carefully to fit the task
e.g., descriptive adjectives for a story, concise phrasing for a report
5. Sentence Structure & Technical Accuracy
Vary your sentence types
Short for emphasis, longer to develop complex ideas
Check punctuation
Can clarify meaning and demonstrate sophistication
Aim for correct spelling
Simple errors are easily avoidable with a quick proofread
6. Time for Proofreading
Save 1–2 minutes at the end
Reread your work
Look for typos, missing punctuation, or unclear sentences
Ensure clarity and accuracy
5. Putting It All Together ⌛
30 minutes is not very long, so efficiency is crucial.
Clarity + Creativity: Show that you can present interesting ideas while keeping your writing logically structured.
Accuracy: Demonstrate good grammar, punctuation, and spelling under time pressure.
Focusing on both content (engaging, well-structured ideas) and technical accuracy (grammar, spelling, punctuation) helps students address each section of the marking criteria effectively.
✅ Special Insights for Parents
We know this can be a tense time for you and your children. Here are a few bonus ideas to keep them motivated and engaged:
1. Make Writing Fun
Try micro-challenges—prompt your child to write a quick 3-minute story about something zany or exciting (like a pet kangaroo on the loose!). It keeps their imagination sharp under time pressure.
At dinner, pose a Table Topic: “What would you do if you discovered a secret portal at school?” Let them practise storytelling in a relaxed setting.
2. Motivate with Real-Life Rewards
Celebrate little wins: a favourite snack or a fun family activity after a writing practice.
Keep a progress tracker—each completed practice session or refined draft earns a sticker, building a sense of accomplishment.
3. Encourage Confidence and Positivity
Use a growth mindset approach: praise efforts and progress, not just final results.
Give feedback by highlighting one strong point first (great character idea, excellent vocabulary choice) before offering suggestions.
4. Balanced Brain Breaks
Short bursts of movement—a quick walk or stretch—can energise the brain between writing tasks.
Mindful minutes: a brief breathing exercise or relaxation app can calm nerves and boost focus.
5. Team Up with Your Child
Try role-reversal: let them “teach” you how to write a diary entry or a news article, reinforcing their own understanding.
Offer friendly feedback: read their paragraphs together, ask questions, and show genuine interest.
🚩 Final Tips
☑ Practise different text types—diary entries, letters, reports, advice sheets—to feel at ease with any format.
☑ Read widely to explore diverse vocabulary and sentence patterns.
☑ Write under timed conditions to build speed and confidence.
As test day approaches, remember: it’s about creating clear, original, and accurate writing that meets the prompt’s requirements. And above all, keep the experience positive—a supportive attitude can inspire your child to do their very best!
From all of us at Pre-Uni New College, best of luck to everyone gearing up for the Writing Test! If you have questions or would like further guidance, please reach out in the comments below. We’re here to help each student shine!
