Writing / composition (英作文)
What the writing section asks
The 英作文 is a conditional composition: a question about your opinion or experience, a word limit (roughly 20–30 words in Fukuoka's format), and sometimes a requirement to use given words or give reasons. It is scored on task fulfilment, clarity, and correct basic grammar - not on sophistication.
Core rules
- Sentence 1 answers the question directly: "I like ~ better." or "I think ~."
- Sentence 2 gives the reason with because, or with First / For example.
- Use structures you can control: I think ~, because ~, so that ~, when ~, it is ~ for me to ~.
- Count words after writing. Add a detail (place, person, frequency) if you are short; cut adjectives if you are over.
- Keep one tense and one spelling style (American or British) throughout.
Worked example
Question: Which do you like better, reading books or watching movies? Write your opinion and a reason in 20–30 words. Draft: "I like watching movies better than reading books. I have two reasons. First, I can enjoy music and pictures with my family." Check: 22 words, answers the question, gives a reason, uses "First" as the signal. If the task requires "because", rewrite: "I like watching movies better because I can enjoy music and pictures with my family." Then add "at home" to reach the limit.
Traps
- Writing about both sides and never choosing.
- A reason that is not a reason: "I like it because it is good."
- Going under the word count; content below the minimum is not credited.
- Japanese-style word order: "I, with my friend, movie watched."
- Forgetting the final period or capital letter, which are easy points.