Guided written production: composition
Domain 4 - Guided written production: composition. In the PAU you write a composition of 120–150 words on a prompt connected to the reading text. The prompt names the genre and the task: an opinion essay, a for-and-against essay, a narrative, an informal email, an article or a description. Markers reward task response, organisation, range and accuracy, and they penalise memorised material that does not answer the prompt.
Planning
- underline the topic and every task point; missing one costs marks
- decide your position or angle in one sentence
- choose two main ideas, each with a reason or example
- set the register: opinion essay neutral/formal; email informal; article lively but clear
- sketch three paragraphs, not one block
Structure
- introduction: paraphrase the prompt and state your thesis
- body: one idea per paragraph; topic sentence, then support or example
- conclusion: restate the position, no new argument
- linkers: however, whereas, moreover, consequently, for instance, in conclusion
- keep sentences varied but controlled; accuracy beats ambitious structures
Worked example
Prompt: 'Some students take a gap year before university. Write an opinion essay (120–150 words).' Plan: thesis - a gap year is beneficial if planned. Idea 1 - work or volunteering builds maturity and money management. Idea 2 - travel or work clarifies career goals. Concession - it can be expensive, but paid work can offset costs. Conclusion - recommend a structured gap year. Sample sentences: 'A planned gap year can give students maturity that a classroom cannot.' 'Although it may be expensive, paid work abroad can offset part of the cost.' Word budget: introduction about 25 words, two body paragraphs about 45 words each, conclusion about 25 words - roughly 140 words. Do not copy sentences from the reading text; use your own examples.
Traps
- writing 90 words or 180 words
- ignoring one task point
- using a memorised essay that only loosely fits
- no paragraph breaks
- contractions and slang in a formal opinion essay
- lifting phrases from the text instead of paraphrasing