Written Composition / Essay
Structure and argument
The written composition is assessed on relevance, structure, argument, use of evidence and language. Plan before writing: read the prompt, underline the key terms, and formulate a thesis that answers the question rather than restating it. A reliable structure is introduction (context + thesis), two or three body paragraphs (one claim each, supported by textual evidence and analysis), and conclusion (synthesis, not repetition). Use topic sentences, connectives and consistent register. In literature questions, quote briefly and analyse the quotation; do not retell the plot.
Traps
The commonest failures are off-topic generalisation, plot summary instead of argument, unsupported opinion, and a conclusion that introduces a new idea. Avoid colloquialisms and clichés in a formal essay. Keep to the word limit; a long but irrelevant answer scores lower than a concise, focused one.
Worked example
Prompt: "How does Charents present Armenia in Land of Nairi?" Weak opening: "Charents was born in 1897 and wrote many poems." Strong opening: "In Land of Nairi Charents presents Armenia as both a suffering land and a source of vitality, a tension visible in the poem's contrasting images." The strong version states a thesis and prepares the analysis.
Rule of thumb
One paragraph = one idea; every claim needs a reason or a quotation; the conclusion answers the question asked.