Writing / guided composition
Guided composition asks for a short text, often 30-50 words, based on prompts, pictures, or conditions. You may need to use given words, include specific information, and write a message, email, or opinion.
Core rules
- Read the task twice and list every required content point.
- Plan three parts: opening, body, closing.
- Use short, correct sentences rather than long, risky ones.
- Include all conditions: word count, given words, tense, and audience.
- Link with basic connectors: first, then, because, however, so.
- Check subject-verb agreement, tense, spelling, and punctuation at the end.
Worked example
Prompt: 'Write an email to your friend inviting him or her to a movie this Saturday. Include the time and place. Use 25-35 words.' Model: 'Hi Ken, Would you like to see a movie this Saturday? It starts at 2 p.m. at the Central Cinema. Let me know if you can come. Yuki' Reasoning: the text performs the invitation function, gives the time (2 p.m.) and place (Central Cinema), and closes in a friendly way. Word count: Hi(1) Ken(2) Would(3) you(4) like(5) to(6) see(7) a(8) movie(9) this(10) Saturday(11) It(12) starts(13) at(14) 2(15) p.m.(16) at(17) the(18) Central(19) Cinema(20) Let(21) me(22) know(23) if(24) you(25) can(26) come(27) Yuki(28) = 28 words, within the limit.
Traps
- Writing far over or under the word limit.
- Forgetting one required point, such as the place.
- Translating word-for-word from Japanese and producing unnatural English.
- Mixing past and present tense without reason.
Exam habit
Before writing, number the required points in the prompt; after writing, tick each one and count the words.