Writing and Composition
Writing and Composition
Writing and Composition tests whether you can produce a short, organized text-an opinion paragraph, email, or description-that fulfills the task, addresses the reader, and uses accurate, varied English. The prompt usually specifies topic, audience, purpose, and length, and all four matter.
Core rules
- Decode the prompt first: underline the topic, the audience, the purpose, and the required length.
- Plan three parts: a clear opening that answers the task, one or two supported reasons, and a brief closing.
- Support each reason with a concrete detail or example; do not merely repeat the prompt in different words.
- Use cohesive devices accurately: because for cause, however for contrast, for example for illustration.
- Match register: emails to teachers need polite formulas; opinion paragraphs need direct claims.
Worked example
Prompt: “Write about a place you enjoy visiting.” Reasoning: A strong response names one place, gives two specific reasons, and closes with a relevant comment. A topic sentence such as “The small library near my house is my favorite place to visit because it is quiet and familiar” answers the task immediately. A weak response lists five places without support, so it loses marks for development even if the grammar is correct.
Traps that cost marks
Writing off-topic because you reused a memorized template; producing one long unparagraphed block; overusing very and good instead of precise adjectives; shifting tense without reason; ignoring the word limit; and copying the prompt as the opening sentence.