English Composition: Coherent Paragraphs and Clear Positions
What this domain tests
Free writing asks you to organize and express ideas in coherent paragraphs. A typical prompt requires a short opinion or experience essay. Scoring rewards task response, clear organization, controlled vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy.
Core rules
- Plan before writing: state one thesis with a position and reasons. Each body paragraph should develop one idea with a topic sentence, support, and an example.
- Unity and coherence: keep one topic per paragraph. Use pronouns and transitions (however, therefore, for instance) to link sentences, and do not introduce a new argument in the conclusion.
- Sentence variety: mix simple, compound, and complex sentences. Avoid run-ons; use passive voice only when it helps emphasis.
- Accuracy: keep tense consistent, check articles and agreement, and prefer words you can control over memorized advanced vocabulary.
Worked example
Prompt: Some students prefer studying alone; others prefer groups. Which do you prefer? Weak thesis: Studying is important. Strong thesis: I prefer studying alone because I can control my pace and avoid distractions. Reasoning: the strong thesis names a position and two reasons. Body paragraph one explains pace; body paragraph two explains distraction; the conclusion restates the position without adding a third reason.
Traps
Using a memorized template that does not answer the prompt; writing an overlong introduction with no position; giving no concrete example; switching tenses; using casual abbreviations in an academic essay.