A2Exam Structure
Inburgering A2 Writing Exam Guide: Structure, Time, and Tasks
Understand the A2 writing exam format, 40-minute duration, task types, handwriting requirement, and preparation strategy.
Reviewed against official sources - Updated 2026-05-10
The A2 writing exam is different from the other A2 language parts because DUO says you take it with pen and paper.
Questions this guide answers
- How long is the A2 writing exam?
- What are the four writing assignments likely to test?
- Why should I practice handwriting, not only typing?
- How do I check if my answer is complete enough?
Official structure
- Skill
- Writing / Schrijven
- Level
- A2
- Format
- Pen-and-paper exam.
- Tasks
- 4 writing assignments.
- Duration
- 40 minutes.
What to practice
| Task type | Practice focus |
|---|---|
| Form | Personal information, date, reason, short answer |
| Short note | Who, what, when, why |
| Email or message | Greeting, answer, request, closing |
| Short letter | Problem, request, polite ending |
Writing checklist
- Write clearly enough for someone else to read.
- Answer every bullet or instruction.
- Use simple sentences you know well.
- Include dates, times, names, or reasons when asked.
- Leave a minute to check spelling and word order.
Scoring and result
DUO sends the official result after the exam. In practice, focus on task completion, clarity, readable writing, and simple correct sentences.
Practice under paper conditions
Because this part is written by hand, practice with a pen at least sometimes. Time yourself, leave space between answers, and make names, dates, and numbers easy to read.
Common writing mistakes to avoid
- Answering only one part when the task asks for two details.
- Forgetting a greeting or closing in an email task.
- Writing long sentences that create avoidable word-order mistakes.
- Leaving out the requested date, time, reason, or contact information.
