Written production (guided composition)
Written production is the guided composition. The paper gives you a choice of two tasks; you write one composition of the length stated in the prompt (typically around 120–150 words). Each prompt sets a situation, an audience and a purpose - an email to the school magazine, an opinion piece, a review, a narrative - and usually lists two or three content points you must cover. Marks come from three places: covering the task, organising it, and controlling the language.
Read the prompt as a checklist
- Genre and register: a friendly email (contractions, informal linkers) versus a letter to a newspaper or an opinion essay (no contractions, formal linkers).
- Content points: every bullet in the prompt must appear explicitly.
- Length: the figure given in the prompt is part of the task, not a suggestion.
Shape of a 130-word answer
Paragraph 1: purpose and position. Paragraphs 2–3: one idea each, with a reason and a concrete example. Final paragraph: conclusion or recommendation.
Worked example
Prompt: 'Your school is considering banning mobile phones during break time. Write an email to the school magazine (about 130 words) giving your opinion.' Checklist: email frame (greeting and sign-off), a stated position, two reasons with examples, a recommendation, about 130 words. Model opening: 'I am writing in response to the proposal to ban mobile phones during break time. In my view a total ban would be a mistake, although some limits are reasonable.' Reasoning: in two sentences this names the topic, states a position and signals a concession - exactly what the examiner looks for first. The although clause also shows grammatical range without risk.
Traps
- Reproducing a memorised essay that only half-fits: task achievement collapses.
- Ignoring the format - no greeting, no sign-off, no paragraphs.
- Writing 60 words: not enough text to demonstrate range.
- Writing 250 words: padding produces errors and eats checking time.
- Reaching for structures you cannot control ('Not only it is… but also…').
- Choosing a word whose spelling you are unsure of when a simpler one would do.