How to prepare for BEC Vantage writing

BEC Vantage - WRITING

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Here you will find tips about the techniques you need to develop for this paper in the exam and also practice material

1) General - writing

1.1 Timing

This part of the exam lasts 45 minutes. There is no time limit for each task; some tasks may take longer than others and you should be aware of how long you need for different tasks. However, it's worth remembering that some tasks have more items and are, therefore, worth more marks. The answers must be put on the special answer sheet within these 60 minutes.

1.2 Marks

This part of the exam carries 25% of the marks for the whole exam.

1.3 Dos

• Read the question carefully and underline the important parts.
• Make a plan before you start writing.
• Write clearly, concisely and legibly
• use a range of business words and expressions.
• Structure your writing with good linkers such as 'firstly', 'also', 'however', 'moreover', 'nevertheless' and so on.
• Write in paragraphs.
• Check the question and your work again after you have finished writing.

1.3 Dont's

• copy too many words and phrases from the question paper – try to use your own words.
• repeat the same words and structures too often.
• waste time writing addresses for a letter: not required

2) What does the exam comprise

Part	Number of bullet points	Text type	Maximum Number of words	Marking	Answer sheet
1	3	WHAT ~ an internal company communication using given information. This could be: a note a message an e-mail a memo TO WHOM + REGISTER ~ a person or people inside your organisation ~ neutral/formal POSSIBLE TOPICS (= function) giving instructions explaining a development asking for comments requesting information agreeing to requests WHAT YOU NEED TO DO ~ read the instructions for the task ~ think about the scenario and your role, e.g are you a manager a trainer an assistant ~ ensure you know who you should write to ~ ensure you know the type of task ~ include all 3 bullet points in your answer	40-50	Both parts of the paper together = 25% of the total score for the BEC Preliminary 10 marks	~ complete your answer directly onto the given paper. ~ do not use correction fluid. ~ cross out mistakes with one line.
2	3	WHAT ~ a piece of business correspondence, or ~ a report ~ a proposal All of these will be based on extra given information. TO WHOM ~ a person or people outside your organisation POSSIBLE TOPICS (= function) ~ business correspondence, e.g explaining apologising reassuring complaining ~ reports, e.g. describing summarising ~ proposals, e.g. describing summarising recommending persuading WHAT YOU NEED TO READ ~ the instructions for the task + ~ visual or graphic mateiral which may have handwritten notes on it WHAT YOU NEED TO DO ~ think about the scenario and your role, e.g what type of company you work for and your job there ~ ensure you know who you should write to ~ check what information from the material and handwritten notes is essential ~ add relevant ideas and information of your own	120 - 140	20 marks	~ complete your answer directly onto the given paper. ~ do not use correction fluid. ~ cross out mistakes with one line.