In Written Expression you write a connected text: you describe a graphic and take an argumentative stance on a question. Here’s the structure, useful phrases, an example and all the tips.
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Key takeaways
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.
You must combine graphic description and argument in 60 minutes. The most common hurdle: going into too much detail on the graphic or staying superficial in the argument.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task – Graphic & Argument | Graphic + Argument | Describing & arguing | 1 | 20 |
Plan time for both parts: graphic description and argument. Don’t spend all the time on the graphic.
Don’t describe every number, but the most important statements, developments and striking points.
In the second part you should argue: name arguments for and against, justify them and formulate your opinion.
Structure your text into introduction, graphic description, argument and conclusion. Use transitions.
Learn fixed phrases for graphic description (steigen, sinken, im Vergleich zu) and argument (einerseits, andererseits).
Leave time to check: structure complete? Grammar and vocabulary correct? Fix obvious errors.
Try this section in the real exam format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
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A TDN 5 text argues in a nuanced, well-structured way with a wide range and a high level of accuracy.
Learn a fixed set of phrases for both parts:
A proven structure for the text:
Read this guide and look at the official Modelltest: what do the graphic and the task look like?
Learn phrases for graphic description and argument.
Practice describing various graphics – select the essentials.
Practice weighing up arguments and formulating your opinion.
Practice the whole structure: introduction, graphic, argument, conclusion.
Write a complete text in 60 minutes and check structure, grammar and vocabulary.
Have your writing graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores your text automatically.
A TDN 5 text argues in a nuanced, well-structured way with a wide range and a high level of accuracy. To reach TDN 5, aim for near-complete comprehension, nuanced argumentation and a wide, accurate range of language under time pressure.
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.
Written Expression lasts 60 minutes. Plan time for both parts and for checking.
No. Select the most important statements, developments and striking points – not every single number.
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 5 is the highest level and corresponds roughly to C1. It is accepted for all degree programs, including linguistically very demanding subjects.
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.
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.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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