What does the 'Write About the Photo' task ask for?

At least one sentence describing an image, written in about a minute — as much accurate, relevant English as you can.

Why does the Writing Sample matter beyond the score?

It's a longer response shared with the institutions you apply to, so admissions readers see your organised writing directly.

What structure suits the Writing Sample?

A clear main idea or position, one or two supporting points, and a short conclusion.

What does DET writing reward more than ambitious vocabulary?

Clear, grammatically correct, on-topic writing using vocabulary you control.

Why keep writing until time is up (if it stays on-topic)?

Both tasks reward producing enough relevant, correct text — developed answers give more to score than short ones.

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DET Writing: Write About the Photo & the Writing Sample

The two DET writing tasks — a quick photo description and a longer sample universities read — and how to write clearly under time.

The big picture

DET writing tasks
- Write About the Photo — Describe an image in 1+ sentences (~1 min)
- Writing Sample — Longer response shared with universities
- Clarity + grammar — Correct, on-topic sentences score
- Keep writing — More relevant, correct text = more marks

Write About the Photo — fast and specific

You see an image and write at least one sentence describing it, in about a minute. Write as much accurate, relevant English as you can in the time — name what's there, the action, and a detail. Quantity helps only if it's correct and on-topic.

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Real example: Photo of a market? Write: 'A busy outdoor market where vendors sell fresh fruit and vegetables while shoppers browse the stalls in the afternoon sun.' One rich, correct sentence beats three vague ones.

🧠 Memory hook: Name it, the action, a detail — in correct English. Specific and accurate, fast.

The Writing Sample — the one universities read

You write a longer response to a prompt (a few minutes), and this Writing Sample is shared with the institutions you apply to. Give it a clear structure — a position or main idea, one or two supporting points, a short close — so an admissions reader sees organised thinking.

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Real example: Prompt about whether students should work part-time? State your view, give a reason with an example, add a brief counter-point, and conclude — a mini-essay an admissions officer will actually read.

🧠 Memory hook: The Writing Sample is read by humans. Give it a clear position + support + close.

Correctness beats big words

The DET rewards clear, grammatically correct, on-topic writing over ambitious sentences full of errors. Use vocabulary you control, keep sentences complete, and leave a few seconds to reread for typos and agreement.

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Real example: 'The students who works part time' has an error a reader notices instantly; 'Students who work part-time' is simple and correct. Choose correct-and-simple over fancy-and-flawed.

🧠 Memory hook: Correct beats clever. Use words you control, then reread for slips.

Keep going — don't leave it short

Both tasks reward producing enough relevant text within the time. Don't stop early: as long as it stays on-topic and correct, more developed writing gives the scoring engine (and universities) more to reward.

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Real example: Finished your main point with time left in the Writing Sample? Add a concrete example or a sentence addressing the other side — developed writing scores better than a short, thin answer.

🧠 Memory hook: Use the whole time. On-topic, correct, and developed beats short and safe.

Frequently asked questions

What does the 'Write About the Photo' task ask for?: At least one sentence describing an image, written in about a minute — as much accurate, relevant English as you can.
Why does the Writing Sample matter beyond the score?: It's a longer response shared with the institutions you apply to, so admissions readers see your organised writing directly.
What structure suits the Writing Sample?: A clear main idea or position, one or two supporting points, and a short conclusion.
What does DET writing reward more than ambitious vocabulary?: Clear, grammatically correct, on-topic writing using vocabulary you control.
Why keep writing until time is up (if it stays on-topic)?: Both tasks reward producing enough relevant, correct text — developed answers give more to score than short ones.

Keep going — free practice

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