Writing Production: Task, Text Type, Cohesion
What is assessed
Writing is marked on task achievement, organisation, range and accuracy. Task achievement means covering every element of the prompt - usually several bullet points - for a specified reader. Organisation means clear paragraphs, each with one controlling idea, linked by a range of connectors. Range means varied structures and vocabulary; accuracy means control of tense, agreement and spelling.
Concepts to master
Genre conventions: an email of enquiry, a letter of complaint, a short article, a report, an opinion essay each have expected openings, closings and tone. Register: contractions, phrasal verbs and direct address for informal readers; full forms, passive voice and nominalisation for formal ones. Cohesion devices - pronoun reference, synonyms, sequencing words - keep the text from repeating itself. Topic sentences carry the paragraph's point; supporting sentences justify it.
Traps
Copying the prompt word for word instead of paraphrasing. Ignoring one bullet point and losing marks you could have secured. Over-long sentences that collapse halfway through. Sudden register shifts, such as Dear Sir or Madam followed by Cheers. Memorised chunks inserted where they do not fit. Filling the page without answering the question.
Rule of thumb
Plan for three or four minutes: note one line per bullet point, decide the register and the closing. Write one paragraph per bullet, starting each with a topic sentence. Keep the final three minutes for checking verb endings, articles, plurals and word count.
Worked example: A formal enquiry should open I am writing to enquire whether the summer course is still available rather than Hi, just wondering if you've got spaces left? - same content, register matched to the reader.