The key idea
I can identify every task point, choose useful details, and plan space for each point.
What is it for?
Learn to plan a text before writing. Find every task point, think about the reader, choose useful details, and plan the word count.
What you need to know
- Read the task slowly and mark every required point.
- Think about the reader and what they need to know.
- Separate required points from useful extras and unnecessary details.
- Decide how much space each point needs.
- Plan within the word limit and check the plan against the task.
1. Read the task and find every point
Read the task twice before you start writing.
Mark each thing the task asks you to include. Look for who, what, when, why, and how many.
- Circle the reader and the purpose.
- Underline every required point.
- Check numbers, dates, and word limits.
- Turn each required point into a short plan note.
Write to your friend about your new job. Explain why you moved and suggest a meeting.
This task has three main points: the job, the move, and the meeting.
Plan: new job; reason for moving; meeting suggestion.
Short notes help you remember every required point.
2. Think about your reader
Your reader affects what you include and how you explain it.
Ask what the reader already knows. Then decide what they still need to know.
- Name the reader.
- Decide what the reader already knows.
- Add details that help the reader understand.
- Give clear information when the reader needs to act.
Reader: my friend. They know I wanted a new job.
You do not need to explain that old story again.
I start work on Monday, so I moved closer to the office.
These details explain the move and give useful information.
3. Choose the right details
Some points are required. Others are useful but not necessary.
First, include every required point. Then add useful details if space allows.
- Must include: a point named in the task.
- Useful extra: a detail that helps the reader.
- Leave out: a detail that does not help.
- Do not replace a required point with an extra detail.
Must include: the name of the new job.
The task asks about the job, so this point is necessary.
Useful extra: the new flat is near the bus stop.
This helps explain why the new home is convenient.
Leave out: a long story about an old school trip.
This story does not help with the task.
4. Plan the space and word count
A word limit gives you a clear target. Divide the space between your main points.
Give more space to important points. Use fewer words for small details.
- For a 120-word text, you might plan four short sections.
- Give each section a word target.
- Do not repeat the same idea to reach the limit.
- Write your first draft before counting every word.
- Count at the end and cut extra words if needed.
Opening: 15 words; job: 25 words; move: 30 words; meeting and ending: 30 words.
This plan gives each point enough space. It also leaves room for small changes.
I got a new job. My new job starts next week.
These sentences repeat an idea. Keep the clearer sentence.
5. Check your plan before writing
A good plan follows the task. It also fits the reader and the word limit.
Check the task one last time before you write. Fix missing points now.
- Compare every task point with your plan.
- Check that the reader will get the needed information.
- Check that each detail has a clear purpose.
- Check the total planned length.
- Change the plan if a required point is missing.
Task: suggest a meeting. Plan: ask about Saturday afternoon.
The plan includes a clear meeting suggestion.
Task: suggest a meeting. Plan: describe the new flat only.
The plan misses a required point, so it needs a change.
How to do it, step by step
- Read the task twice and mark every required point.
- Identify the reader and the purpose of the text.
- List the required points and useful extra details.
- Give each point a place and a word target.
- Check the plan against the task before writing.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| The task asks me to + verb. | The task asks me to suggest a meeting. | The task asks me to explain my move. |
| My reader is + person. | My reader is my friend. | My reader is the new manager. |
| The reader already knows + detail. | The reader already knows about my old job. | The reader already knows my new address. |
| I must include + point. | I must include the date of the meeting. | I must include the reason for my move. |
| A useful extra is + detail. | A useful extra is the name of my new street. | A useful extra is the time I finish work. |
| I can leave out + detail. | I can leave out an old story. | I can leave out details about an unrelated trip. |
| I will use about + number + words for + point. | I will use about 25 words for my new job. | I will use about 30 words for my move. |
| My plan includes + point. | My plan includes a meeting suggestion. | My plan includes all three task points. |
| I need to add + missing point. | I need to add the reason for moving. | I need to add a suggested meeting time. |
UK / US: British and American English sometimes use different words. Follow the English used in your task. Keep your word choice consistent.
Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B1 upgrades page.
Model text
From Task to Final Message
1. Task
Write a message to your friend. Tell them about your new job and move. Suggest a time to meet. Write 100–120 words.
The task names the reader, three points, and the word limit.
2. Plan
Reader: friend. Opening: ask about life. Job: new office job, starts Monday. Move: new flat near work. Meeting: Saturday afternoon. Ending: ask about their plans. Target: 110 words.
The plan lists every required point. It also gives each point space.
3. Final text
Hi Sam, How are you? I have some news. I got a new job at a small office. I start on Monday, and I feel excited about it. My new home is closer to work, so I moved last weekend. The flat is small, but it has a nice kitchen and a bright living room. I am still unpacking my boxes, so everything is a little messy. I would love to see you soon. Are you free on Saturday afternoon? We could have lunch at the café near my new home. Please tell me if that time works for you. I hope we can catch up soon. Write back when you can. Best wishes, Alex
The message covers the job, move, and meeting. Each detail helps the friend understand the news.
Common mistakes
✗ Plan: new job; new flat; old school trip.
✓ Plan: new job; reason for moving; meeting suggestion.
The first plan misses two required points.
✗ I will write about every detail of my new home.
✓ I will describe only the useful details of my new home.
Too many small details can hide the main points.
✗ Plan: job 20 words; move 20 words. Task: 100–120 words.
✓ Plan: opening 15 words; job 25; move 30; meeting and ending 40.
The first plan does not leave enough space for the full text.
✗ I got a new job. I have a new job now.
✓ I got a new job.
The two sentences repeat the same idea.
✗ Task asks for a meeting. Plan: describe the new job.
✓ Task asks for a meeting. Plan: suggest Saturday afternoon.
The plan must include every point in the task.
✗ I count every word before I write my first sentence.
✓ I write my first draft, then count the words.
Counting at the end helps you write more freely.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Read the task twice. Mark every required point.
- Write the reader and purpose at the top.
- List the main points and useful extra details.
- Give each point space and set a word target.
Check
- Does my plan include every required point?
- Will my reader understand the important details?
- Have I left out details that do not help?
- Does my planned length fit the word limit?
- Have I checked my plan against the task?
Practice
Choose a complete plan
Read each task. Choose the best plan or first decision.
1.Task: Tell a friend about your new job and suggest a meeting. Which plan covers both points?
The first plan includes both required points and a suitable ending.
2.Task: Explain why you moved and describe your new home. Which plan is best?
The second plan includes both points named in the task.
3.What should you decide first when a task names a reader?
The reader helps you choose the right details and tone.
4.Task: Write 100–120 words about a new job. Which plan is best?
A word plan helps you cover the task within the limit.
5.Task: Invite a friend to lunch. Which detail is most useful?
The friend needs the day, time, and place.
6.Your plan has all task points but many unrelated details. What should you do?
Unneeded details take space away from important information.
Match task points and plan notes
Match each task point with the correct plan note.
1.Tell the reader about a new job.
2.Explain the move.
3.Suggest a meeting.
4.Write to a friend.
5.Write 100–120 words.
Check your planning skills
Read each statement. Choose true or false.
1.You should mark every required point before writing.
Marking the points helps you remember the full task.
2.A useful extra detail is always more important than a required point.
Required points must come first.
3.The reader helps you decide which details to include.
Different readers need different information.
4.A plan should give every point the same amount of space.
Important points may need more space than small details.
5.You can cut repeated ideas when your text is too long.
Removing repeated ideas saves words without losing new information.
6.You do not need to compare your plan with the task.
A final check can show missing points.
Complete the planning notes
Write one word or phrase in each gap. Use the given verb when shown.
1.First, I read the task and mark every .
Each required point needs a place in your plan.
2.My reader is my friend, so I will use a tone.
The tone should suit the person who reads the message.
3.I must include every point named in the .
The task tells you what your text must contain.
4.I will use about 30 words to (describe) my new home.
A word target helps you plan space for each point.
5.A detail that helps the reader is a useful .
A useful extra can add helpful information after required points.
6.I will count the words after I finish my first .
Counting after the first draft helps you focus on writing.
Now write
Your task
Write a message to your friend. You have a new job, you are moving, and you want to meet. Use the task and details below. First, write a short plan. List the reader, all three required points, and your word target. Then write a message of 100–120 words. Your fictional details: You got a job at a local office. You start next Monday. You moved to a small flat near work last weekend. You want to meet your friend for lunch on Saturday. You can suggest a café near your new home. Your message must tell your friend about the job, explain the move, and suggest the meeting. Add only details that help your friend. Use a friendly tone. Check the task points and word count when you finish.
Word bank
I have some newsI got a new jobI start next Mondaynear my workplaceI moved last weekendmy new flatcloser to workI would love to meetAre you freeSaturday afternoonhave lunch togethernear my new homePlease let me knowI hope to see you soon
Sentence starters
- Hi ..., how are you?
- I have some news about ...
- I got a new job at ...
- I moved because ...
- Would you like to meet ...?
- Please let me know if ...