English Composition / Free Writing
What this domain tests
The Miyagi entrance English composition task asks for a short, connected text, often an opinion, a message, or a description of an experience. Conditions usually specify content points and a word count. The test rewards clear communication and accurate basic sentences, not sophisticated vocabulary.
Core rules
- Underline every condition: topic, required content, word count, and form (email, paragraph, speech).
- Plan two or three sentences before writing: a topic sentence, one reason or example, and a closing sentence.
- Answer all content points explicitly. If the prompt asks for an activity and a feeling, include both.
- Use simple, complete sentences. One clear idea per sentence reduces errors.
- Link ideas with because, so, but, for example, first, then.
- Leave time to check tense, subject–verb agreement, spelling, and the word count.
Worked example
Prompt: “Write 15–20 words about what you did last weekend. Include one activity and one feeling.” Draft: “I played tennis with my sister last Sunday. I felt very happy because I won.” Reasoning: The activity is played tennis; the feeling is happy; the reason is because I won. Both verbs are past tense (played, felt), which matches last weekend. The text is 17 words, inside the limit. A weaker answer would be “I play tennis. It is happy.” - present tense and an incorrect adjective.
Traps that cost marks
- Writing a beautiful sentence that ignores one required content point.
- Shifting tense in the middle: Last weekend I go ...
- Using I am happy for a past event instead of I was happy.
- Writing one long sentence with and ... and ... and losing control of grammar.
- Going far over or under the word limit; both can cost marks.