Paper 1 = the writing paper: Paper 1 is the writing exam. Here's the shape of it — and what it looks like on the page.
The shape of Paper 1
Task
Read all three tasks, then write just one.
Choose your task
Text type
Each task offers three types — pick one (blog, email, article, speech…).
Choose your form
Your answer
words at HL, on one of the five themes.
1 h 30 min · 30 marks (25%)
The instruction you'll see on the paper: At the top of the Italian Paper 1 you'll see an instruction like:
«Svolgi UN compito. Scegli un tipo di testo adatto. Scrivi tra le 450 e le 600 parole.» → Complete ONE task. Choose a suitable text type. Write between 250 and 400 words.
How a task looks on the paper: Here is an original example, laid out the way the real paper does it — a short task, then the three text types you choose between. The task text is in Italian (as on the paper); tap to reveal the English.
Example task (as on the paper): «La tua scuola chiude la biblioteca un'ora prima. Scrivi un testo per esprimere la tua opinione e proporre un'alternativa.»
| Choose ONE text type | (what it means) |
|---|---|
| Un'e-mail | an email |
| Un articolo per il blog della scuola | an article for the school blog |
| Una lettera al preside | a letter to the head teacher |
Read all three tasks first: Before you commit, read all three tasks. The best one isn't the first you understand — it's the one you have the most ideas and vocabulary for. A minute spent comparing them saves a stuck, half-finished answer later.
Free preview
Reading it is one thing — hearing it is another
You're reading the free notes. Aimnova Pro unlocks the full study experience — and you can try it with your first topic free to keep:
- Audio on every wordTap any vocabulary word or example to hear it read aloud in natural Italian.
- FlashcardsLock in vocabulary and key terms with spaced repetition.
- Practice questionsAnswer exam-style questions and get instant AI marking.
- Mock exams & past-paper vaultSit full mocks and see exactly how examiners award marks.
- Personalised study planA daily plan built around your exam date and weak areas.
Five moves, in order: Strong candidates all follow the same routine: read everything, choose well, decode the task, plan, then write and check. The first few minutes are about deciding — not rushing into prose you'll regret.
From the three tasks to a finished answer — 5 steps
Read all three tasks
Don't skim — read each of the three tasks properly so you know your real options before committing.
Choose your best fit
Pick the task where you have the most ideas and vocabulary, not just the first one you understand.
Identify text type, audience & register
Spot the tipo di testo the prompt names, who you're writing for, and whether the register is formal (Lei) or informal (tu/voi).
Plan your structure & key points
Jot a quick outline: the text-type sections plus the two or three points you'll develop. A minute here saves ten later.
Write 450–600 words, then check
Write in the right form and register, then leave time to re-read for verbs, agreements and word count.
Read → Choose → Identify → Plan → Write & check
| Aspect | Paper 1 (HL) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 h 30 min |
| Weight | 25% of the final grade |
| Marks | 30 |
| Tasks | choose 1 of 3 |
| Length | 450–600 words |
| Based on | one of the five themes |
| You write | a text in the type you choose (blog, email, article, speech…) |
Decide before you write: The candidates who run out of ideas are usually the ones who started writing on step 1. Spend the first few minutes on steps 1–4 — choosing and planning — and the writing comes far more easily.
Practice with exam-style questions
Answer exam-style questions and get AI feedback that shows you exactly what examiners want to see in a full-marks response.
The first five minutes, worked through: Here's the first half of the exam — choosing and decoding a task — on a real-style example. This is the thinking that happens before you write a single sentence of your answer. Tap Mostra traduzione to see the English explanation, or the audio button to hear the Italian.
Decoding a Paper 1 task
From the prompt to a plan
- Leggi la consegna: «Scrivi un testo per il blog della tua scuola su come lo sport migliori la vita dei giovani.»
- Tipo di testo = un articolo di blog.
- Destinatario = i compagni di scuola. Registro = amichevole ma corretto.
- Tema = Identità / Esperienze (lo sport e la vita dei giovani).
- Tre idee da sviluppare: (1) la salute fisica e mentale, (2) l'amicizia e il lavoro di squadra, (3) la disciplina e la routine quotidiana.
The first 5 minutes are decoding, not writing: Notice that not one word of the answer has been written yet — and that's correct. The first five minutes are for decoding the prompt and planning. Get the text type, audience, register and three points clear, and the essay almost writes itself.