Purpose of the Communication Task

The task assesses how you communicate as a professional engineer.

It is not just about describing information. It is about how you:

• explain decisions

• structure an argument

• adapt your language to the audience

• present a clear and logical response

The format and expectations depend on the level of review.

Incorporated Professional Review (IPR)
You will typically produce a factual, technical note or memo. The focus is on clarity and accuracy, with limited emphasis on personal opinion.
Time allowed: 60 minutes.

Chartered Professional Review (CPR / CPRP)
You are expected to interpret information and present a structured response, often including professional opinion. This may take the form of a blog, article, or briefing note.
Time allowed: 90 minutes.

At Chartered level, there is greater emphasis on judgement and the ability to form and communicate a reasoned position.

Typical formats

You may be asked to write in a range of formats, for example:

• blog post

• briefing note

• letter

• news-style article

Each format has a different tone and structure. The key is showing that you can adjust how you write depending on the audience.

Typical scenarios

The subject matter is usually broad and industry-relevant, such as:

• climate change and resilience

• infrastructure performance and failure

• environmental impact

• future trends in engineering

You are normally given a choice of scenarios and a specified format.

There is no single correct answer. What matters is how clearly you structure and justify your response.

What good looks like

Strong candidates demonstrate:

• clear structure and logical flow

• concise, controlled writing

• appropriate tone for the audience

• ability to explain ideas without unnecessary jargon

• evidence of professional judgement

A common mistake is writing as if speaking to other engineers. In many cases, the task is aimed at a broader audience.

Planning your response

Spending time planning is essential.

A simple structure is:

• What is being asked

• What points need to be covered

• How you will structure your answer

A clear plan helps avoid repetition and keeps your response focused.

Writing the response

Keep it simple and structured.

Introduction
Set out what you are addressing and how you will approach it.

Main body
Present your key points in a logical order. Each paragraph should focus on one idea.

Conclusion
Summarise your position clearly. Do not introduce new points at this stage.

Adjust your style depending on the format. For example, a blog or article may lead with a key message rather than a formal introduction.

Time management

You need to control your time.

• Planning: 10 to 15 minutes

• Writing: majority of the time

• Review: 5 to 10 minutes

Always allow time to check clarity, grammar, and flow.

Common pitfalls

• writing without a clear structure

• overusing technical language

• not adapting to the audience

• running out of time

• trying to include too much detail

Improving your performance

The most effective way to improve is through practice and feedback.

• practise writing under time pressure

• review different formats and styles

• get feedback on clarity and structure

Many candidates improve quickly once they see how their writing is interpreted.

Preparing for the Communication Task

If you are preparing for your review, the key question is not just whether you can write, but whether you can do it clearly and under pressure.

If you are:

• unsure how your writing will be assessed

• unfamiliar with the formats

• or have not practised under timed conditions

it is worth testing this before your review.

Next step

If you want to practise the Communication Task in a realistic way and get structured feedback on your writing:

Book Communication Task preparation

You will:

• complete a realistic timed exercise

• receive clear feedback on structure, tone, and clarity

• understand what needs to improve before your review