The CIPLE Writing Test: What to Write and How to Score Well

Writing (Produção Escrita) is where candidates lose the most avoidable marks, not because their Portuguese is bad, but because they don't answer the task or run out of words. The good news: A2 writing is formulaic, and a small amount of structure goes a long way.

What you have to write

The writing section has two short tasks:

• A short reply to a message, for example replying to a friend's invitation or a message from a colleague.
• A short email or note for an everyday situation: booking something, apologizing, asking for information, describing a routine.

You're not expected to write essays. You're expected to communicate a simple message clearly and appropriately, with control of basic grammar.

What examiners actually reward

Writing is marked against a rubric covering a few dimensions. In plain terms, you score well when you:

1. Answer every part of the task. If the prompt asks you to apologize and suggest a new time, do both. Missing a required point is the most common reason for lost marks.
2. Hit the word count. Each task gives a target range. Too short looks incomplete; padding adds errors. Aim for the middle of the range.
3. Use the right register. Match formal vs informal to the situation (tu with a friend, você/formal with a stranger or institution).
4. Keep grammar simple and correct. Short, correct sentences beat ambitious, broken ones.
5. Organize it. A greeting, the message, and a sign-off is enough structure.

A template that reliably scores

For almost any A2 writing task, this skeleton works:

• Greeting: Olá, [name]! or Bom dia,
• Reason for writing: one sentence saying why you're writing.
• The required points: one short sentence for each thing the task asks for.
• A closing line: Até já / Cumprimentos / Obrigado/a.
• Sign-off: your name.

Fill that in, check you covered every bullet in the prompt, and count your words. That alone puts you ahead of most candidates.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting a required point. Re-read the prompt and tick each instruction.
• Wrong register. Using tu in a formal email or você with a close friend.
• No greeting or sign-off. These are easy marks; never skip them.
• Translating from English word-for-word. Write simple Portuguese you're sure of.
• Going way over or under the word count. Stay inside the range.

How to practice effectively

You improve at writing by writing and getting feedback. Otherwise you repeat the same mistakes. After each attempt, you want to see: did I cover the task, was my register right, and what specific corrections would a marker make?

A2 CIPLE Prep focuses on the reading part of the exam: unlimited exam-style reading practice graded instantly, with corrections and a readiness score calibrated to the 55% pass mark. Reading and writing decide most results, so pair the writing tips above with steady reading practice (see our reading test guide). When you're ready, create your account and start with reading.