--- title: "TestDaF TDN 3 Writing: Graphic & Argument (Example)" description: "Written Expression in the TestDaF (TDN 3): describe a graphic and argue. Structure, useful phrases, an example and grading." canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/writing" url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/writing.md" locale: "en" provider: "TestDaF" level: "TDN 3" alternates: de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/testdaf-deutsch-tdn3/schreiben.md" en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/writing.md" fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/testdaf-allemand-tdn3/expression-ecrite.md" it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/testdaf-tedesco-tdn3/scrittura.md" es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/testdaf-aleman-tdn3/escritura.md" --- # TestDaF TDN 3 – Written Expression (Schreiben) > Written Expression in the TestDaF (TDN 3): describe a graphic and argue. Structure, useful phrases, an example and grading. ## Key takeaways - Written Expression has 1 task in two steps: describe a graphic and argue. - You write a well-structured, connected text. - You have 60 minutes for Written Expression. Written Expression is the module of the TestDaF exam where you produce a text yourself. There is one task that consists of two steps: first you describe a graphic or statistics (data, developments, comparisons), then you take an argumentative stance on a related question. You have 60 minutes for it. In the first step you give the most important information of the graphic – not every number, but the central statements, developments and striking points. In the second step you discuss a question on the topic: you weigh up arguments, justify them with examples and formulate your own position. You’re graded on overall impression, structure (clear organization, transitions) and language (vocabulary, structures, accuracy). What matters is a connected, well-structured text in language appropriate to an academic context. - Parts: 1 - Tasks: 1 - Points: 20 - Time: 60 min - Difficulty: hard (4/5) ## The parts at a glance - [Task – Graphic & Argument](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/writing/part-1) — Graphic + Argument · Describing & arguing · 1 Tasks · 20 Points. In the writing task you describe a graphic and then take an argumentative stance on a question. Here’s how to build the text. ## Tips & strategy - **Plan both steps:** Plan time for both parts: graphic description and argument. Don’t spend all the time on the graphic. - **Choose the essentials for the graphic:** Don’t describe every number, but the most important statements, developments and striking points. - **Weigh up arguments:** In the second part you should argue: name arguments for and against, justify them and formulate your opinion. - **Structure clearly:** Structure your text into introduction, graphic description, argument and conclusion. Use transitions. - **Use useful phrases:** Learn fixed phrases for graphic description (steigen, sinken, im Vergleich zu) and argument (einerseits, andererseits). - **Check at the end:** Leave time to check: structure complete? Grammar and vocabulary correct? Fix obvious errors. ## What TDN 3 means in Writing A TDN 3 text describes the data and gives an opinion in clear but simpler language, with noticeable errors that don’t block understanding. - **CEFR level** — B2 - **To reach TDN 3** — To reach TDN 3, focus on reliably grasping the main ideas and producing clear, connected language; the jump to TDN 4 means handling demanding scientific texts and arguing in a structured way. ## Useful phrases Learn a fixed set of phrases for both parts: - **Introducing the graphic** — Die Grafik zeigt … / Dargestellt ist … / Die Daten stammen aus dem Jahr … - **Developments** — steigt / sinkt / bleibt konstant / im Vergleich zu … / am höchsten ist … - **Argument** — Einerseits … andererseits … / Ein Argument dafür ist … / Dem ist entgegenzuhalten, … - **Opinion & conclusion** — Meiner Meinung nach … / Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, … ## Typical structure A proven structure for the text: - **Introduction** — name the topic and lead into the graphic - **Graphic description** — give the most important data and developments - **Argument** — weigh up and justify arguments for and against - **Conclusion** — own position and short summary ## Free practice exercises - [Statistisches Bundesamt](https://www.destatis.de/) — Real statistics and graphics for practicing graphic description. - [Deutschlandfunk](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/) — Demanding topics and arguments as a model for the argument. ## 1-week study plan - Day 1 – **Learn the format:** Read this guide and look at the official Modelltest: what do the graphic and the task look like? - Day 2 – **Learn useful phrases:** Learn phrases for graphic description and argument. - Day 3 – **Practice describing graphics:** Practice describing various graphics – select the essentials. - Day 4 – **Practice arguing:** Practice weighing up arguments and formulating your opinion. - Day 5 – **Consolidate the structure:** Practice the whole structure: introduction, graphic, argument, conclusion. - Day 6 – **Full text under time:** Write a complete text in 60 minutes and check structure, grammar and vocabulary. - Day 7 – **Get feedback:** Have your writing graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores your text automatically. ## Are you ready? - I describe a graphic and select the most important data. - I name arguments for and against and justify them. - I formulate my own position clearly. - I structure my text into introduction, body and conclusion. - I use phrases for graphic and argument. - I write a connected text in 60 minutes. ## Frequently asked questions ### What do I need to reach TDN 3 in writing? A TDN 3 text describes the data and gives an opinion in clear but simpler language, with noticeable errors that don’t block understanding. To reach TDN 3, focus on reliably grasping the main ideas and producing clear, connected language; the jump to TDN 4 means handling demanding scientific texts and arguing in a structured way. ### How is Written Expression in the TestDaF structured? There is one task in two steps: first you describe a graphic or statistics, then you take an argumentative stance on a question on the topic. You write a connected text. ### How much time do I have for Written Expression? Written Expression lasts 60 minutes. Plan time for both parts and for checking. ### Do I have to describe every number of the graphic? No. Select the most important statements, developments and striking points – not every single number. ### How is Written Expression scored in TDN 3? You’re graded on overall impression, structure and language. Like all TestDaF modules it is graded in TDN levels. Depending on your performance you reach TDN 3, 4 or 5. TDN 3 corresponds roughly to level B2. For most degree programs TDN 3 alone is not enough; some universities of applied sciences or the Studienkolleg may accept it as a partial proof. ### Does my grammar have to be perfect? No, but a high degree of accuracy and good academic vocabulary help you reach a higher TDN level. More important than being error-free is a clearly structured, connected text. ### What’s the best way to practice Written Expression? Practice graphic descriptions and argumentative texts and have them graded. At Prepliq a mock exam scores your text automatically – because the PDF answer key does not cover writing. ## Ready for the exam? [Practice this part on Prepliq](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3?action=start§ionId=Written%20Expression) ## Other exam parts - [Lesen](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/reading) - [Hören](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/listening) - [Sprechen](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/speaking) [TestDaF TDN 3 – Written Expression (Schreiben)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn3/writing)