Writing and Expression（作文・表現）
What this domain tests
条件作文 (課題作文): a short essay, usually around 200字, written to explicit conditions - state a position, give reasons, include an experience, use a given word, respect the 字数, and match the 文体. Marks come from satisfying every condition while keeping a visible argument.
Rules
- Number the conditions in the margin and tick each one off before you stop writing.
- Structure: 主張 (私は～と考える) → 理由① → 理由② or 体験 → まとめ (だから～したい／べきだ).
- 字数: 句読点 count as one character. 段落の書き出し is indented one space, and a 句読点 never starts a line.
- 文体: follow the prompt's style and never mix 「～だ」 with 「です・ます」.
- Keep sentences under roughly 40字; long sentences hide 主述のねじれ.
Worked example
Prompt: 「学校のきまりは必要か。あなたの立場と理由を、体験を交えて二百字以内で書きなさい。」 Plan the space: 立場 about 20字, 理由① about 50字, 理由② about 50字, 体験 about 50字, まとめ about 20字. Opening draft: 「私は学校のきまりは必要だと考える。理由は二つある。第一に、きまりは…」 Reasoning: the first sentence states the 立場 with 「と考える」, the second announces the two 理由 so the reader can follow, and the 体験 comes afterwards so it supports the argument instead of replacing it. The final sentence returns to the 主張 and closes the loop.
Traps that cost marks
- Telling a story with no stated opinion anywhere.
- Reading 「二百字以内」 as a minimum and overshooting.
- Giving only one reason when the prompt demands 「二つ」.
- 話し言葉 (「すごく」「じゃないか」) and dropped particles.
- One solid block of text with no 段落 and no まとめ.
- Forgetting the 指定語句 the prompt requires you to use.