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EIKEN Grade 3 study materials
EIKEN Grade 3 study resources

EIKEN Grade 3: Writing: the 25–35 word English composition on EIKEN Grade 3

EIKEN Grade 3 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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Writing: the 25–35 word English composition on EIKEN Grade 3

The final item of the Grade 3 written paper is a short free composition in English. You are given a question - often a preference or opinion question such as "Which do you like better, summer or winter?" or "Do you like studying English?" - plus a few short hints in English to help you generate content. You must answer the question and give at least one reason, in 25 to 35 words. It is the only part of the paper where you produce language rather than select it, and it is marked on three things: whether the content answers the question with a clear reason, the range and accuracy of vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. Staying outside the word limit loses marks even if the English is perfect.

How to build the answer in three moves

  1. Answer directly in the first sentence, using the wording of the question: "I like summer better." Do not repeat the whole question.
  2. Add a reason with a connector: because, so, for example.
  3. Close with one supporting detail about your own life - a habit, a place, a person. This is what makes 25 words easy to reach without padding.

Worked example

Question: Do you like studying English? Write your answer and one reason in 25–35 words.

Draft: "I like studying English very much. I can talk with people from other countries, and English will help me in my future job. That is why I study it every day."

Count: 31 words - inside the limit. Check the marks: the first sentence answers the question; "I can talk with people from other countries" is the reason; "That is why I study it every day" is the supporting detail. Grammar is present tense with one modal (can) and one future (will help) - safe structures used correctly.

Traps that cost marks

  • Word-count errors. Aim for about 30. Numbers and very short words count; leave a margin rather than landing on 24 or 36.
  • A reason that is not a reason. "I like English because it is English" earns nothing.
  • Copying the hints as a list instead of writing sentences.
  • Reaching for grammar you cannot control. A correct simple sentence scores higher than a broken conditional.
  • Japanese words, romaji or a blank answer - write something on-topic in English even if it is plain.

Before you finish, reread for third-person -s, plurals and capital letters; these small slips are what separate a strong script from an average one.