Written expression: satisfying every condition in the prompt
What is tested
The guided composition task gives a situation, such as an email to an ALT or a self-introduction for a visiting student, and lists conditions: answer this question, give one reason, write three sentences or more. Marks come from content fit, length, grammar and vocabulary, and how smoothly the sentences connect.
Core rules
- Turn each condition in the prompt into one sentence of your plan. Count the conditions before you write, and tick each one after.
- Use structures you can control: subject plus verb plus object, with because, when, if or so to link ideas.
- Aim a few words above the minimum length, then count again at the end.
- Add one connector or adverb (also, then, so, but) so the text reads as a text and not as a list.
- Check five things after writing: subject present, verb present, tense, singular or plural, spelling.
Worked example
Prompt: Your ALT, Ms. Green, asks what you did last weekend and what you want to do with her in Oita. Write at least three sentences. Answer: Last Saturday, I played tennis with my sister at the park. We practiced for two hours. I want to go to Beppu with you because I want to show you the hot springs. Reasoning: sentence 1 answers the first question in the past tense; sentence 2 adds supporting detail; sentence 3 answers the second question with because plus a reason. The total is over the minimum, and every condition is covered.
Traps that cost marks
- Writing fewer sentences than required, or answering only half of a two-part question.
- Literal translation from Japanese that damages the verb pattern.
- Sentences with no verb, or with a verb in the wrong tense for a past-weekend question.
- Adding interesting content that was never asked for while a required point is missing.