Writing: short functional texts and structured composition
The writing section usually has two tasks: a short functional text of about 50–80 words (a note, invitation, personal message, email or announcement) and a longer structured text of about 150–200 words - описание, повествование or рассуждение. Marks come from task achievement (all content points present), organisation, range of language and accuracy, in that order of weight.
Functional text: format rules
- Greeting and closing must match the addressee: Привет, Саша! / Здравствуйте, Ирина Петровна!
- Count the content points in the prompt and give each one a sentence. Missing a point costs more than a grammar slip.
- Keep the register consistent: to a friend - ты, пока; to an adult or official - Вы, С уважением.
- Fixed frames save time: Пишу, чтобы сообщить..., Приглашаю тебя на..., Не забудь..., Жду ответа, С наилучшими пожеланиями.
- Add the signature, and the date or place if the format requires it.
Structured composition
- Plan three parts: вступление (1–2 sentences), основная часть (2–3 paragraphs, one idea each), заключение (1–2 sentences returning to the question).
- Рассуждение follows тезис → аргумент + пример → вывод.
- Connectors carry the organisation marks: во-первых, кроме того, однако, поэтому, таким образом, в итоге.
- Keep tense consistent: past for narrative, present for description and opinion.
Sentences that score
Vary sentence length and use subordinate clauses with когда, потому что, хотя, если, который. Avoid starting every sentence with Я or Он.
Worked example
Prompt: write a note to a classmate (50–60 words) saying the literature lesson has been moved, what to bring, and what you will do together. Draft: «Привет, Максим! Пишу, чтобы сказать, что урок литературы перенесли на пятницу, кабинет 24. Не забудь принести сборник рассказов Чехова - мы будем работать в группах. После урока пойдём в библиотеку вместе? Жду ответа. Андрей.» Reasoning: all three content points are present (new day and room, the book, joint work); the register is informal with ты and an imperative; the closing question invites a reply. If the prompt had asked for an official announcement, this whole draft would be wrong - no greeting, no ты, and third-person wording would be required.
Traps that cost marks
- Ignoring the word limit: text beyond the stated maximum is not assessed.
- Leaving out one content point - the single biggest loss in the short task.
- Mixing ты and Вы in the same text.
- Copying the prompt's wording instead of composing your own sentences.
- Writing the longer task as one unbroken block with no paragraphs.