VSTEP WRITING REVIEW 1

VSTEP WRITING

VSTEP WRITING TASK 1

Multiple Choice

Task 1 requires test-takers to write an INFORMAL email or letter.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

In Task 1, at least how many words do test-takers have to write ?

• 100

• 120

• 150

• 250

Multiple Select

Choose the writing styles in Task 1

• informal

• semi-formal

• formal

Multiple Choice

Identify the styles of letter you are being asked to write

•A person that you have never met, and you do not know their name.

• informal

• semi-formal

• formal

Multiple Choice

Identify the styles of letter you are being asked to write

•A person that you may or may not know so well.

or might have met once.

• informal

• semi-formal

• formal

Multiple Choice

Identify the styles of letter you are being asked to write

•A person that you know very well.

• informal

• semi-formal

• formal

• 60 minutes
• TWO tasks
• Examine interactive &

productive writing skills

FORMAT

• Letter/email writing
• 20 minutes
• 120 words
• 1/3 of the test score

TASK 1

• Essay writing
• 250 words
• 40 minutes
• 2/3 of the test score

TASK 2

Overview

VSTEP WRITING TEST

3. Letter/ Email Style, Purposes, and Structures

• Identify the purpose of letter you are being asked to write.

STYLE

PURPOSE

Formal

• Requesting information from a company
• Applying for a job
• Complaining to a bank, store, airline about their product/service
• Making a recommendation/suggestion

Semi-formal

• Complaining to a landlord
• Explaining to a neighbor
• Asking a professor for permission

Informal

• Inviting someone you know well
• Thanking/ Apologizing a friend
• Providing information to a friend/family member/colleague
• Asking for advice



There are many different kinds of letters / emails, depending on
WHY you are writing and WHO you are writing to.



In general, a letter / email has this basic structure:

 the greeting;

 the introduction;

 the body;

 the closing (remarks)

 the ending / sign-off, and signature.

Task 1: Overview

Layout of Letters

Multiple Select

How to start an informal letter?

• Dear Sir/ Madam

• Dear Lan

• Dear Mr. Jones

• Hi Tom

Layout of Letters

Overview of writing styles and types

Writing Styles and Types

Overview of writing styles and types: Informal letters

Writing Styles and Types

Multiple Select

How to close a letter written to your best friend?

• Lots of love

• Yours sincerely

• Best Regards

• Best wishes

Overview of writing styles and types: Informal letters

Overview of writing styles and types: Informal letters

Overview of writing styles and types: Informal letters