TestDaF TDN 4 Writing – Describe a Graphic and Argue
In the writing task you describe a graphic and then take an argumentative stance on a question. Here’s how to build the text.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You describe a graphic and then take an argumentative stance on a question on the topic.
- Select the essentials for the graphic and argue in a balanced way.
What this part tests
In Written Expression you produce a connected text in two steps. First you describe a graphic or statistics: you give the most important data, developments and comparisons – not every number, but the essentials.
Then you take an argumentative stance on a question on the topic of the graphic: you name arguments for and against, justify them with examples, weigh up and formulate your own position. Both parts belong to one structured text.
The most common losses of marks: being too detailed or too brief on the graphic, staying superficial in the argument or not weighing up, or not structuring the text clearly. Whoever combines both in a balanced and structured way writes convincingly.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the task and look at the graphic carefully.
- 2
Plan your text: introduction, graphic description, argument, conclusion.
- 3
Describe the most important data and developments of the graphic.
- 4
Name arguments for and against and justify them with examples.
- 5
Formulate your own position and a short conclusion.
- 6
Check structure, grammar and vocabulary at the end.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: the task and a shortened model extract.
Die Grafik zeigt die Entwicklung des Anteils internationaler Studierender an deutschen Hochschulen von 2010 bis 2023. Beschreiben Sie die Grafik und nehmen Sie dann Stellung zu der Frage: Sollten Hochschulen noch mehr internationale Studierende aufnehmen?
Model extract (shortened):
Why? The extract leads into the topic, describes the graphic with concrete figures and the development, then weighs up arguments (einerseits/andererseits) and formulates a justified position – exactly what Written Expression expects.
Practice: test yourself
Die Grafik zeigt: Der Anteil der Studierenden, die ein Auslandssemester machen, ist von 15 % (2010) auf 30 % (2023) gestiegen.
Which sentence describes the development appropriately?
Common mistakes
Select the essentials. Not every single number of the graphic is important.
Don’t just state your opinion. Weigh up arguments and justify them.
Without introduction, body and conclusion the text feels disordered. Structure clearly.
Both parts belong together: graphic description and argument. Don’t leave one out.
Tips
- Plan the structure briefly before writing.
- Use phrases for graphic (steigen, sinken) and argument (einerseits, andererseits).
- Split your time between graphic and argument.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do in the writing task?
First describe a graphic (the most important data) and then take an argumentative stance on a question on the topic – in a connected text.
How long should the text be?
There is no fixed word count, but the text should be detailed and well structured and treat both parts appropriately.
Do I have to give my opinion?
Yes. In the argumentative part you should weigh up arguments and formulate your own position at the end.
How do I get feedback on my text?
The official answer key does not grade writing. At Prepliq a mock exam grades your text automatically against the official criteria.
Useful resources
Learn 800+ of the most important TestDaF TDN 4 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official TestDaF TDN 4 practice test – with answers and study material.