Writing - EIKEN Grade 2
Grade 2 Writing is one task in the written paper: an opinion essay of 80-100 words, written in about 25 minutes. The prompt gives a yes/no statement and three hint points, and you must use two of them. It is scored on four criteria - content, structure, vocabulary and grammar - each on a four-band scale, so a clear, simple, well-organised answer outscores an ambitious one full of errors.
What the task actually requires
- Take a position. "I agree" or "I disagree" must appear in the first sentence or two; a neutral essay cannot score well on content.
- Use exactly two hints, and turn each into a body point with a reason and a concrete example. A hint left as a bare phrase ("Time management.") is a fragment and costs grammar marks.
- The expected shape is four to six sentences: position → first point + reason + example → second point + reason + example → conclusion.
- Stay in the 80-100 range. Under 80 usually means underdeveloped content; far over 100 multiplies the chance of grammar slips without adding marks.
Language that scores
Short, controlled sentences with one clause of subordination ("because", "so that", "which") read better than long sentences you cannot finish. Signpost clearly: First, Second, For example, As a result, For these reasons. Do not repeat one word three times; paraphrase the topic instead (part-time jobs → working while studying).
Worked example
Prompt: Some people say that high school students should have part-time jobs. Do you agree with this opinion? Hints: time management / learning responsibility / effect on studies.
Choosing "agree" with time management and responsibility:
I agree that high school students should have part-time jobs. First, working helps students learn time management. They have to balance homework, club activities and shifts, so they plan their week more carefully. Second, a job teaches responsibility. For example, students who work at a restaurant must arrive on time and speak politely to customers. These lessons are hard to learn in a classroom. For these reasons, part-time work is valuable for high school students.
Reasoning: each hint becomes a topic sentence, then a "why", then a "for example". The conclusion repeats the position without new content. The vocabulary is plain but accurate and every sentence is complete.
Traps that cost marks
- Answering "both sides" - you lose content marks for having no clear position.
- Using all three hints, so neither is developed.
- Memorised templates whose content does not fit the prompt.
- No example: reasons that stay abstract ("it is very important") read as undeveloped.
- Copying hint wording as a title line, or writing in note form.