---
title: "TestDaF TDN 5 Writing: Graphic & Argument (Example)"
description: "The writing task in the TestDaF (TDN 5): describe a graphic and take an argumentative stance on a question. Structure, useful phrases and a worked example with answer."
canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5/writing/part-1"
url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5/writing/part-1.md"
locale: "en"
provider: "TestDaF"
level: "TDN 5"
alternates:
  de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/testdaf-deutsch-tdn5/schreiben/teil-1.md"
  en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5/writing/part-1.md"
  fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/testdaf-allemand-tdn5/expression-ecrite/partie-1.md"
  it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/testdaf-tedesco-tdn5/scrittura/parte-1.md"
  es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/testdaf-aleman-tdn5/escritura/parte-1.md"
---

# TestDaF TDN 5 Writing – Describe a Graphic and Argue

> The writing task in the TestDaF (TDN 5): describe a graphic and take an argumentative stance on a question. Structure, useful phrases and a worked example with answer.

## 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.

- Task type: Graphic + Argument
- Focus: Describing & arguing

## 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.

**What you practice:** Describing a graphic, Arguing, Structuring a text

## 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.

**Aufgabe:** 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):
  - Answer: Die Grafik zeigt, wie sich der Anteil internationaler Studierender an deutschen Hochschulen zwischen 2010 und 2023 entwickelt hat. Während er 2010 noch bei etwa 12 % lag, ist er bis 2023 auf rund 20 % gestiegen – ein deutlicher Anstieg. Ob Hochschulen noch mehr internationale Studierende aufnehmen sollten, wird kontrovers diskutiert. Einerseits bereichern internationale Studierende den Campus und stärken den Ruf der Hochschule. Andererseits fehlt es oft an Wohnraum und Betreuung. Meiner Meinung nach sollten die Hochschulen mehr internationale Studierende aufnehmen, allerdings nur, wenn sie zugleich die Betreuung ausbauen. — 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?
  - a) Der Anteil der Studierenden mit Auslandssemester hat sich zwischen 2010 und 2023 von 15 % auf 30 % verdoppelt.
  - b) Auslandssemester sind sehr schön.
  - c) Die Grafik ist bunt.
  - Answer: a — Option a gives the development with concrete figures and the right term (verdoppelt = doubled). b and c don’t describe the data.

## Common mistakes

- **Describing every number:** Select the essentials. Not every single number of the graphic is important.
- **Arguing superficially:** Don’t just state your opinion. Weigh up arguments and justify them.
- **No clear structure:** Without introduction, body and conclusion the text feels disordered. Structure clearly.
- **Doing only one part:** 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.

## Ready for the exam?

[Practice this part on Prepliq](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5?action=start&sectionId=Written%20Expression)

[TestDaF TDN 5 Writing – Describe a Graphic and Argue](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/testdaf-german-tdn5/writing/part-1)