ILEC Writing – Part 2

Task Description

What do candidates have to do?
Candidates read a question with four content points, and then write a memorandum in response. They may have to write to a client, a colleague/fellow lawyer or to a senior professional. All the content points must be addressed.

What skill is being assessed?
The focus is on successful communication. Candidates need to write in an appropriate style and register. The focus of assessment is on range of vocabulary and structure and grammatical accuracy. Candidates will be expected to develop law-related topics and discuss law-related issues in a non-technical way in their answers.

What are the main language functions candidates are expected to use?
Candidates may be required to present and develop arguments, evaluate ideas, express and support opinions, describe, summarise, explain, recommend etc.

Understanding the Task

To understand better how candidates need to approach this task, it may help you to do the task yourself and analyse what you had to do to produce a successful answer.

Look at this sample Part 2 task from the ILEC Handbook. Make a plan for your answer, thinking about the different factors which you need to consider.

Sample Part 2 task (PDF)

Now look at these questions about how you approached the planning task above and consider your answers.

Things to consider

  1. What is your role in this task?

  2. Who is the target reader?

  3. What area of law does this task deal with?

  4. What language functions will you need to discuss the main points in this task?

  5. What register will you use?