VSTEP3-5 READING & WRITING
Preparation course
Introduction to VSTEP 3-5 WRITING
Duration: The total duration for the VSTEP Writing section is 60 minutes.
Task 1: Allocate around 20 minutes.
Task 2: Allocate around 40 minutes.
Task 1: Writing a Letter or Report
Description: to write a letter (formal or informal) or a report based on given information or scenarios.
Length: approximately 120-150 words.
Purpose: to assess the ability to organize information logically and use appropriate language and tone for the
intended purpose and audience.
Task 2: Writing an Essay
Description: to write an essay on a given topic, which may involve presenting an argument, discussing an issue,
or explaining a concept.
Length: approximately 250-300 words.
Purpose: to evaluate the ability to develop ideas coherently, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and
structure the essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
VSTEP Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Rubric (B2-C1)
TASK FULFILMENT
Band
10 · covers all the requirements of the task effectively
· effectively fulfills all communicative purpose(s), with tone consistent and appropriate
· fully develops key points with all the details relevant
9 · covers all the requirements of the task effectively
· clearly fulfills all communicative purpose(s), with tone consistent and appropriate
· fully develops key points with all the details generally relevant
8 · covers all the requirements of the task
· presents generally clear communicative purpose(s), with one or two minor inconsistencies and
inappropriacies in tone
· develops key points with most of the details generally relevant; one/two of the points could be more
fully extended
7 · covers all the requirements of the task; the format may be inappropriate in places
· presents generally clear communicative purpose(s), with some inconsistencies and inappropriacies in
tone
· adequately presents key points, but one or two details may be inappropriate
VSTEP Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Rubric (B2-C1)
Band
ORGANIZATION
10 · organizes information and ideas logically
· uses a variety as well as a range of cohesive devices and organizational patterns flexibly
· uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately
9 · organizes information and ideas coherently
· uses a variety as well as a range of cohesive devices and organizational patterns effectively
· uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately
8 · organizes information and ideas coherently
· uses a range of linking words and cohesive devices appropriately, though there may be some
under/over use
7 · organizes information and ideas coherently
· uses a variety of linking words and a number of cohesive devices accurately within and across
sentences , but there may be occasional inappropriacies
VSTEP Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Rubric (B2-C1)
Band
ORGANIZATION
10 · organizes information and ideas logically
· uses a variety as well as a range of cohesive devices and organizational patterns flexibly
· uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately
9 · organizes information and ideas coherently
· uses a variety as well as a range of cohesive devices and organizational patterns effectively
· uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately
8 · organizes information and ideas coherently
· uses a range of linking words and cohesive devices appropriately, though there may be some
under/over use
7 · organizes information and ideas coherently
· uses a variety of linking words and a number of cohesive devices accurately within and across
sentences , but there may be occasional inappropriacies
VSTEP Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Rubric (B2-C1)
Band
VOCABULARY
10 · uses a wide range of vocabulary including less common lexis precisely and flexibly
· shows full control of style and collocation, but there may be occasional inappropriacies
· errors are very rare with just one or two minor slips
9 · uses a wide range of (5000 most popular words) vocabulary including less common lexis precisely
· shows good control (70-80%) of style and collocation, but there may be some inaccuracies
· errors, if present, are non-systematic and non-impeding
8 · uses a good range (4000 most popular words) of vocabulary including some less common lexis
appropriately
· shows some control of style and collocation
· errors, if present, are non-systematic and non-impeding
7 · uses a sufficient range of vocabulary
· attempts less common lexis with occasional inappropriacies
· errors do not impede communication
VSTEP Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Rubric (B2-C1)
Band
GRAMMAR
10 · uses a wide range of structures precisely and flexibly
· errors are very rare with just one or two minor slips
9 · uses a wide range of simple and complex structures precisely
· the vast majority (80-90%)of the sentences are error-free
· errors, if present, are non-systematic and non-impeding
8 · uses a variety of simple and complex structures with good control
· the majority of (70%) the sentences are error-free
· errors, if present, are non-systematic and non-impeding
7 · uses both simple and complex structures in a relatively effective way
· errors occur but they rarely lead to misunderstanding
VSTEP Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Rubric (B2-C1)
Band
GRAMMAR
10 · uses a wide range of structures precisely and flexibly
· errors are very rare with just one or two minor slips
9 · uses a wide range of simple and complex structures precisely
· the vast majority (80-90%)of the sentences are error-free
· errors, if present, are non-systematic and non-impeding
8 · uses a variety of simple and complex structures with good control
· the majority of (70%) the sentences are error-free
· errors, if present, are non-systematic and non-impeding
7 · uses both simple and complex structures in a relatively effective way
· errors occur but they rarely lead to misunderstanding
Formal & Informal
Letters
Informal Letters
Task 1
Formal Letters
Formal Informal
Dear Sir/Madam,
Dear Manager,
I am writing to apply for the position of part time shop
Hi! I've decided to drop you a line about
assistant which was advertised in this week's edition of
the job you advertised in the Frankfurt
the Frankfurt English News.
English News.
I am a I6-year-old student. In December I passed the
I'm a 16-year-old student, and my English
examination for the First Certificate in English with grade
isn't bad. I got an A in the First Certificate
A. It is my ambition to become a teacher of English.
exam! I want to be an English teacher, so
Therefore, employment in an English language bookshop
it would be lots of fun to sell English
particularly appeals to me.
books.
Despite my lack of formal work experience, I feel that I
I haven't worked before, but I'm sure I'd
would be well-suited for the position. For the past two
be good at the job. I've helped out in our
years I have been a volunteer helper in our school library.
school library for ages, and the librarian
In my school report I was described by the librarians
says you can count on me to work hard.
enthusiastic, dedicated and reliable.
I won't be doing anything in July and
Since the school holidays include the months of July and
August. We've got our school holidays
August, I will have no other commitments and would be
then, so I can work any hours you like (but
available to work at any time, excluding Saturdays, for as
not Saturdays).
many hours as needed.
You can get in touch with me at the above
I may be contacted at the above address, or by telephone
address, or give me a ring on 435 1708.
on 435 1708. I look forward to receive a reply in due
Let me know soon!
course.
All the best,
Your faithfully,
Steffi
Steffi Braun
Steffi Braun
Steffi Braun
USEFUL LANGUAGES
5 parts of a Letter
Greeting: Dear NAME/TITLE
Introduction: Opening remarks + Reason for writing
Body: 2-3 paragraphs (1 topic for each)
Conclusion: Closing remarks
Ending
Opening remarks:
Formal
• "I trust this correspondence finds you in good health and high spirits."
• "Allow me to express my gratitude for your recent correspondence.Your updates were most
appreciated."
• "Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in my response. Circumstances have kept me
occupied."
• "I am writing to convey some important information regarding our upcoming project."
• I am writing to express my interest in the [position/job title] advertised on [where you found the
job listing].
• I am writing to extend my sincerest apologies for [briefly describe the situation for which you are
apologizing].
• I am writing to bring to your attention the issue of [briefly describe the problem or situation that
prompted the complaint].
• I am writing to inquire about [briefly describe the subject of your inquiry, e.g., a product, service,
or information].
Opening remarks:
Informal
• "I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits."
• "Thank you so much for your lovely letter. It was wonderful to hear about all your news."
• "I apologize for not writing sooner. I've been quite busy lately."
• "I'm writing to share some exciting news with you."
• "How have you been? It's been too long since we last caught up."
• "Your last letter brought a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing your news."
• "I'm sorry for the delay in writing back. Life has been hectic lately."
• "I wanted to drop you a line to tell you about my recent trip to the mountains."
Closing remarks:
Formal
• "Regrettably, I must bring this letter to a close as I have pressing matters to attend to."
• "Please extend my regards to your esteemed family members, and may they remain in good
health."
• "I assure you of my intention to maintain regular correspondence and eagerly anticipate our
future exchanges."
• "I eagerly await your prompt response and value your input on the matters discussed. Until then,
please accept my best wishes."
• Thank you for considering my application. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further discuss
my qualifications in an interview.
• Once again, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and assure you of our
commitment to resolving this matter promptly.
• I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will take the necessary steps to
address the issues raised.
• Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving your response
at your earliest convenience.
Closing remarks:
Informal
• "Unfortunately, I have to wrap up this letter as I have a meeting to attend."
• "Say hello to your family for me, and I hope they're all doing well."
• "I'll be eagerly awaiting your reply and hope we can plan that trip we've been talking about."
• "Please let me know your thoughts soon. I can't wait to hear from you!"
• "I must end this letter here as I have to catch a train soon."
• "Please send my regards to your family and give my love to your little ones."
• "I promise to write again soon and catch up properly."
• "I look forward to hearing from you soon. Take care and stay in touch!"
WRITING TASKS
TASK 1 - CODE 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received the following email from your English-speaking friend, Jo,
who invited you to visit her family. Read part of Jo’s letter.
Write an email responding to Jo. You should write at least 120 words. You are
not allowed to include your name.
Greeting: Dear Jo,
Introduction: Opening remarks + Reason for writing
Express gratitude for Jo's invitation and excitement about visiting her and her family.
Briefly acknowledge the options Jo proposed for activities during the visit.
Body:
Paragraph 1: Afternoon plans
Express preference for the harbour trip with Jo's family.
Explain reasons for the preference or express interest in the activity.
Paragraph 2: Evening plans
Agree with Jo's suggestion to stay at her home in the evenings.
Suggest ideas for activities during the evenings, such as a movie night or board games.
Paragraph 3 (optional): Additional questions or requests
State that you don't have any specific questions at the moment but will reach out if needed.
Conclusion: Closing remarks
Thank Jo for her hospitality and for planning the itinerary.
Express excitement about the upcoming visit.
Ending: Warm regards,
TASK 1 - CODE 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received the following letter from your English-speaking friend, Sam, asking you
about how to get to your apartment from the airport. Read part of Sam’s email below.
Write a letter responding to Sam.You should write at least 120 words.You are not allowed
to include your name.
HW
Viết bài Task 1 - CODE 1 và CODE 2
Gửi lên link (đặt tên theo thứ tự trong danh sách):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/177suwX0hB92gcyvIp7ck_G
SZxy61hYk0?usp=sharing
Hạn: 10h thứ 4 ngày 10/9
