Writing / Written Production
What this section tests
Written production items check whether you can build clear, correct sentences and short paragraphs. Formats include sentence correction, sentence combining, ordering sentences into a coherent paragraph, and short guided writing. Scorers reward accuracy, organization, and range.
Concepts to master
- Sentence boundaries: avoid fragments and run-ons; join clauses with correct punctuation or connectors.
- Cohesion: use linking words (however, therefore, in addition) to show logical relationships.
- Paragraph structure: topic sentence, supporting sentences, concluding sentence.
- Variety and register: mix simple, compound, and complex sentences; keep an appropriate, consistent tone.
- Editing: check agreement, tense consistency, articles, and spelling.
Traps to expect
Comma splices that look acceptable. Connectors with the wrong logical meaning (although used where because is needed). Overly long sentences that lose the subject. Answers that are grammatically fine but do not address the prompt.
Rule of thumb
Plan two or three points before writing, then draft one idea per sentence. Leave time to reread for verb tense and subject-verb agreement, the two most common slips.
Worked example
Combine: "The report was late. The manager approved it anyway." Weak: "The report was late, the manager approved it anyway." (comma splice) Strong: "Although the report was late, the manager approved it anyway." The subordinator shows the contrast and fixes the boundary.