LanguageCert Writing Practice: Format, Question Types, and How to Prepare

The LanguageCert Academic Writing section gives you 50 minutes to complete two tasks. Unlike PTE where AI scores your responses against specific patterns, LanguageCert uses human examiners who value clear, well-organised writing over memorised templates. For many candidates, this makes LanguageCert Writing feel more natural and less mechanical.

I worked with a student who had attempted PTE twice but struggled with the AI scoring. Her essays were well-structured but did not match the expected template patterns. When she switched to LanguageCert, she scored Proficient on her first attempt. The human examiner could appreciate her clear arguments even though her style was not formulaic.

This guide covers exactly what each writing task requires, how the scoring works, and why many test-takers find LanguageCert Writing more approachable than IELTS or PTE.

Overview of the LanguageCert Academic Writing Section

Before examining individual tasks, here is the structure you will encounter:

The Writing section starts after Listening and Reading. Once you begin Writing, you cannot return to earlier sections. A 15 minute warning appears before time runs out.

The flexible time allocation is a significant advantage. You can spend more time on the task you find challenging rather than being locked into fixed intervals. Most candidates allocate roughly 20 minutes for Part 1 and 30 minutes for Part 2, but adjust based on your strengths.

Key Advantage: Human examiners assess your actual communication ability, not how well you match a template. Write naturally and focus on clarity.

Writing Part 1: Report or Article Based on Visual Information

Part 1 asks you to write a report or article based on an infographic or chart. Your task is to summarise the main findings and comment on what might be the underlying reasons, expressing stance and justification as appropriate.

What This Task Involves

You will see an infographic on an academic topic. This might show statistics, trends, or comparisons. Your response should explain the main points from the visual in clear, organised prose.

Unlike IELTS Task 1 which often requires analysing complex line graphs or bar charts with multiple data points, LanguageCert infographics typically present information in a more accessible format. The visual is designed to be interpreted rather than just described numerically.

Why This Task Is Considered Manageable

Many candidates find Part 1 easier than IELTS Task 1 for several reasons:

• Clear visual prompts: The infographic highlights the key information you need to discuss
• No hidden complexity: You summarise what you see rather than identify subtle trends
• Practical context: Topics relate to real academic or professional situations
• Shorter length: 150-200 words is achievable in 20 minutes without rushing

Scoring Focus for Part 1

Examiners assess:

• Task fulfilment: Did you address all key elements from the infographic?
• Organisation: Is your response structured logically with clear paragraphs?
• Accuracy: Are your statements about the visual correct?
• Language: Is your grammar and vocabulary appropriate for academic writing?

How Part 1 Compares to Other Tests

LanguageCert wins for candidates who struggle with numerical data interpretation. If you find describing graphs stressful, the infographic format offers a more accessible alternative.

Writing Part 2: Discursive Essay

Part 2 requires you to write a discursive essay on an academic or general interest topic. You present your position on a question and support it with reasoning.

What This Task Involves

You receive a statement or question on a topic. Your task is to present a clear position and develop your argument with relevant examples and reasoning. Topics are drawn from general academic areas, not specialist knowledge.

Common question types include:

• Opinion: Do you agree or disagree with a statement?
• Discussion: What are the advantages and disadvantages of something?
• Problem-solution: What causes a problem and how can it be addressed?

Why This Task Feels Manageable

Part 2 is shorter than IELTS Task 2 (which requires 250 words minimum, with most successful responses closer to 280-300). LanguageCert rewards quality over quantity:

• Straightforward prompts: Questions are clear without hidden complexity
• Shorter length: 250 words is achievable with a focused argument
• No advanced vocabulary requirement: Clear expression matters more than sophisticated words
• Flexibility: You can use simple sentence structures if they are accurate

Scoring Focus for Part 2

Examiners look for:

• Task response: Did you answer the question with a clear position?
• Coherence: Does your essay flow logically from introduction to conclusion?
• Paragraphing: Are ideas grouped appropriately?
• Grammar and vocabulary: Accuracy is valued over complexity

How Part 2 Compares to Other Tests

LanguageCert and IELTS both use human examiners, but LanguageCert is shorter and more forgiving of simple language. PTE uses AI scoring, which rewards specific structural patterns that many test-takers find unnatural.

Overall Scoring System for LanguageCert Writing

LanguageCert Writing is assessed by trained human examiners using CEFR-aligned criteria. Your score reflects your ability to communicate effectively in written English.

What Examiners Assess

No Over-Penalisation for Minor Errors

A significant advantage of LanguageCert is that minor grammatical errors do not devastate your score if your meaning is clear. Examiners focus on your overall communicative competence rather than counting mistakes.

This contrasts with AI scoring systems where a single error in a key sentence can significantly impact your score. Human examiners understand that non-native speakers may make occasional slips while still demonstrating strong English ability.

Why LanguageCert Writing Is Often Easier

For many candidates, LanguageCert Writing offers genuine advantages over IELTS and PTE:

Who Benefits Most

LanguageCert Writing particularly suits:

• Candidates who write clearly but struggle with PTE templates
• Those who find IELTS data description challenging
• Test-takers who prefer natural expression over formulaic structures
• Anyone who wants human assessment of their actual ability

How It All Connects

How Marvel Edu Helps with Writing Practice

Struggling to know if your writing meets exam standards? Marvel Edu provides targeted preparation for both LanguageCert Writing tasks.

Our practice materials match the actual exam format. You will work with realistic infographics and essay prompts, building familiarity with what examiners expect. The model answers show you how to structure responses without relying on rigid templates.

Practical Writing Preparation Tips

Managing Time Under Pressure

With 50 minutes for two tasks, time management matters. Follow this approach:

1. Read both prompts first (2 minutes): Understand what each task requires
2. Plan Part 1 (3 minutes): Identify key points from the infographic
3. Write Part 1 (15 minutes): Draft and review your response
4. Plan Part 2 (3 minutes): Outline your argument structure
5. Write Part 2 (22 minutes): Develop your essay
6. Review both (5 minutes): Check for obvious errors

Word Count Without Stress

Do not obsess over exact word counts. Focus on fully addressing the task:

• Part 1: If you have covered all key information in 160 words, that is fine
• Part 2: A focused 240 word essay beats a padded 270 word one

Examiners assess content quality, not word count precision.

Simple Structures That Score Well

For Part 1:

• Opening sentence introducing the topic
• 2-3 body paragraphs covering main information
• Brief concluding observation

For Part 2:

• Clear position stated in the introduction
• 2 body paragraphs with supporting points
• Conclusion restating your view

You do not need complex rhetorical devices. Clear, logical organisation demonstrates competence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copying words from the prompt: Paraphrase in your own words
• Ignoring part of the task: Address all bullet points or sub-questions
• Over-using templates: Examiners recognise formulaic phrases
• Rushing the end: Leave time to write a proper conclusion

Quick Checklist Before the Exam

Before test day, confirm you can answer yes to these questions:

• Can you summarise an infographic in 150-200 words within 20 minutes?
• Can you write a clear essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion?
• Do you know how to allocate your 50 minutes between tasks?
• Have you practised with timed conditions?
• Can you paraphrase prompts rather than copying them?

Score Requirements for Australian PR

If you are taking LanguageCert for Australian immigration, here are the Writing scores you need:

Competent level meets the minimum English requirement but does not add points. Proficient adds 10 points, and Superior adds 20 points to your Expression of Interest.

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