Written Production (Composition)
The Written Production task in the Basque PAU English exam asks you to write a composition of about 100–120 words (check the current model for the exact limit) on a prompt such as an opinion, a for-and-against essay, a narrative, or a letter/email. It is assessed on task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical range, and grammatical accuracy.
Core rules
- Plan for 2–3 minutes: decide your position, two main ideas, and a conclusion. A quick outline prevents wandering.
- Answer the prompt exactly: if it asks for your opinion, state it clearly in the introduction and support it. If it asks for advantages and disadvantages, give both.
- Use three paragraphs: introduction (topic + thesis), body (one or two ideas with examples), conclusion (restate or summarise).
- Link ideas with connectors: 'firstly', 'moreover', 'however', 'on the other hand', 'therefore', 'in conclusion'.
- Vary grammar: mix simple, compound, and complex sentences; use relative clauses, conditionals, and passive voice where natural.
- Stay within the word limit: going far over or under can lose marks. Aim for the middle of the range.
Worked example
Prompt: 'Some schools require students to wear uniforms. What is your opinion?' Model opening and body: 'In my view, school uniforms should be compulsory because they reduce peer pressure and save time in the morning. Firstly, when everyone wears the same clothes, students from different backgrounds feel less judged. Secondly, families do not have to buy expensive branded items. However, uniforms must be affordable and comfortable. In conclusion, I believe uniforms create a more equal school environment.' Reasoning: The thesis is clear ('should be compulsory'). Two reasons are given with a contrast ('However'). The conclusion restates the position. Vocabulary is varied ('compulsory', 'peer pressure', 'branded'). No memorised phrases.
Traps that cost marks
- Off-topic writing: memorised essays score zero if they do not answer the prompt.
- No paragraphing: a single block of text is hard to read and loses coherence marks.
- Repetitive vocabulary ('good', 'bad', 'very') instead of precise words.
- Basic errors: articles ('I am student'), subject-verb agreement, prepositions.
- Exceeding the word limit by writing too much and making more errors.
- Writing too short (under 80 words) and not developing ideas.