EIKEN Writing: A Clear Opinion with Developed Reasons
EIKEN Writing is a single production task. The required length rises by grade: about 25-35 words at Grade 3, 50-60 at Pre-2, 80-100 at Grade 2, 120-150 at Pre-1, and 200-240 at Grade 1. From Grade 2 upward you are given a topic and usually two or three points to use. Examiners score Content, Structure, Vocabulary, and Grammar, each on a 0-4 scale, so a clear, relevant answer beats a difficult but confused one.
The shape of a scoring answer
- Sentence 1: answer the question directly: 'I agree that...' or 'I do not think...'.
- Body: one paragraph per reason. State the reason, then explain or give an example.
- Use the given points; do not invent extra reasons if the task supplies two.
- Finish with a short restatement, not a new argument.
- Use linking words: First, Second, For example, As a result.
Worked example
Topic: Should schools require uniforms? Points: cost, individuality. Model:
I do not think uniforms should be required. First, uniforms can be expensive for families because they must buy special clothes. For example, a school uniform may cost more than ordinary clothes that students already own. Second, uniforms limit individuality. Students cannot choose colors or styles that express their personality. For these reasons, I believe schools should let students wear their own clothes. Reasoning: The first sentence gives a clear position. Each body reason names a point, then explains it with 'because' or 'for example'. The conclusion repeats the position without adding a new idea. At Grade 2 this is about 85 words, which fits the 80-100 range.
Traps that cost marks
- Writing a list of reasons with no explanation; Content and Structure scores fall.
- Ignoring one of the given points.
- Going far under or over the word limit; both weaken Structure.
- Using memorized phrases that do not fit the topic; irrelevant content lowers Content.
- Complex sentences with broken grammar; accurate simple sentences score better.