Writing / Guided Composition
The writing item gives a question plus conditions: answer the question, give a reason, and stay within a stated number of sentences or words. Some years add a required word or a starting phrase. Marks come from answering the question clearly in correct, simple English, not from difficult vocabulary.
A reliable three-step plan
- Sentence one answers the question directly - the choice, the opinion, the action.
- Sentence two gives a concrete reason with because, for example, or when.
- Sentence three adds a detail, example, or result, often with also or so.
Worked example
Prompt: "Which do you like better, studying alone or with friends? Write your answer and a reason." Model: "I like studying with friends better. When I don't understand a question, I can ask them right away. We also teach each other, so we remember more." Reasoning: sentence one answers the choice with a comparative. Sentence two gives a real situation rather than "because it is fun". Sentence three adds a second effect using so. Every sentence is short and correct, which scores higher than a long sentence with a broken verb.
Traps
- Giving only reasons and never stating which one you chose.
- Copying the question; copied wording earns nothing.
- Japanese word order, such as "I with friends study" - keep subject before verb.
- Going over the word limit, which can cancel the whole item.
- Forgetting capitals, periods, or the required given word.