Composition: Structuring and Editing Written Texts
What this domain tests
Composition requires you to produce a coherent text with a clear thesis or controlling idea, logical paragraph structure (topic sentence, development, evidence, link), appropriate register, varied sentence structure, accurate grammar and punctuation, and a conclusion that resolves rather than repeats. You must also show lexical range - precise word choice rather than vague general words - and control of cohesion across paragraphs.
Concepts to master
Know the difference between a topic sentence (states the paragraph's claim) and a supporting sentence (evidences it). Understand nominalisation (the decision was made from they decided) as a tool for formal density, and subordination (although, whereas, provided that) for showing relationships between ideas. Understand paragraph unity - one controlling idea per paragraph - and cohesive chains using synonyms, pronouns and connectives. Understand the editing cycle: plan, draft, check for global issues (structure, relevance), then local issues (agreement, articles, prepositions, spelling).
Traps
- Writing a narrative or list of points where an argument is required.
- Topic sentences that announce the topic ("Now I will discuss pollution") instead of making a claim.
- Overlong sentences with comma splices, or strings of short sentences with no links.
- Shifting register mid-text, e.g. a formal essay containing a lot of and things.
- Leaving a conclusion that merely restates the introduction.
Rule of thumb
Apply one idea, one paragraph, one claim: each paragraph opens with a claim, supports it, and links forward. Then read your draft aloud - errors in agreement and articles surface when spoken.
Worked example: Weak: "Now I will talk about recycling. Recycling is good. Many people do not recycle." Revised: "Mandatory kerbside recycling would cut landfill waste because it removes the effort that currently discourages households." The revision makes a claim, signals causation with because, and replaces vague praise with a specific mechanism.