Writing (Composition, Letter, Essay)
What the writing paper expects
The writing domain covers short compositions, letters and short essays. Examiners look for task fulfilment, clear paragraphing, correct format and control of prescribed structures. A short piece with accurate language scores better than a long piece with broken sentences.
Formats and structure
- Informal letter: greeting (亲爱的…), opening, body paragraphs, closing (祝你…), signature. Formal letter: 尊敬的…, purpose, polite close.
- Composition: one clear main idea, three short paragraphs (introduction, development, conclusion), and connecting words (首先, 然后, 但是, 因此).
- Essay: state a position, give two reasons or examples, and close with a summary. Stay within the word limit.
Worked example
Task: Write a short letter to a Chinese friend inviting them to a school festival. Opening: 亲爱的安娜：你好！ Body: 我们学校下个月要举办文化节。这里有音乐、舞蹈和中国书法展示。我想请你一起来参加。 Closing: 希望你能来。祝好！小明 Reasoning: The greeting uses a colon, the body gives what, when and why, and the closing is brief and polite. Each sentence has a clear subject and a time expression (下个月). The letter does not mix in formal vocabulary such as 此致敬礼, which belongs to formal letters.
Traps that cost marks
- Using 此致敬礼 in a friendly letter.
- Writing one long paragraph with no connectives.
- Reproducing memorised sentences that do not answer the prompt.
- Ignoring the required number of words or the specified format.