Writing and Expression
Writing and Expression tests whether you can produce a coherent short text in an appropriate register: a timed essay, a formal email, or a description of data. Markers reward task completion, paragraph logic, and accurate です・ます style as much as sophisticated vocabulary.
Core rules
- 原稿用紙 conventions: indent the first line of each paragraph by one space; punctuation marks occupy one space; do not begin a line with 、。 or a small っ unless the format permits it; write digits consistently.
- Essay structure: 導入 (state your position) → 理由1 → 具体例 → 理由2 → 結論. One paragraph, one function.
- Register: formal writing uses です・ます or である consistently. Avoid spoken forms such as すごい, ちょっと, やっぱり, and 〜じゃない.
- Cohesion: use まず, 次に, たとえば, その結果, 一方, したがって. Do not chain every sentence with そして.
- Answer the exact prompt: underline the task words (経験/理由/提案) and check that each is covered.
Worked example
Prompt: 「地域のイベントに参加して学んだことを書きなさい。」 Draft thesis: 「地域のイベントに参加して、私は準備の大切さを学んだ。」 Reasoning: This states a clear lesson, not just a description. Add one concrete example, such as a festival stall where advance 分担 prevented confusion, and a conclusion that returns to the lesson. Replace すごく大変だった with 非常に大変だった to keep the formal register.
Traps
- Mixing です・ます with だ・である in one text.
- Writing a narrative with no stated lesson.
- Using そして at the start of every sentence.
- Ignoring the word limit or paragraph indent.
- Introducing a new idea in the conclusion.