English Expression / Writing - Saga Public High School Entrance Examination
What the writing task asks
The writing section tests controlled composition: a short message, email, diary entry, description, or opinion. Examiners look for task completion, clear organization, accurate basic sentences, and appropriate tone. A simple correct answer usually scores better than an ambitious answer full of errors.
Core rules
- Read the prompt for three things: audience, purpose, and required points. Underline every required point.
- Plan two or three short parts: greeting or opening, main content, closing or request for a reply.
- Use sentences you can control. One idea per sentence is safer than a long sentence with unclear grammar.
- Link ideas with 'because', 'so', 'but', 'also', and 'then'.
- Keep tense consistent unless the prompt requires a time change.
Worked example
Prompt: Write a short email inviting a friend to your school festival. Include the date and one activity. Draft: 'Hi Ken, Our school festival is on Sunday, October 12. Please come with me. We can try the food stalls and watch the music club. Let me know if you can come. Yuki.' Reasoning: the greeting fits a friend; the date and activity are both included; 'Please come' performs the invitation; the final sentence asks for a reply. The sentences are short but complete.
Traps
- Missing one required point, such as the date or activity.
- Copying the prompt instead of writing a message.
- Japanese-influenced order that leaves out the subject: 'Sunday, festival, go.'
- Sudden tense shifts from present to past.
- Memorized phrases that do not answer the exact task.
Exam habit
After writing, tick each required point and check every sentence for a subject and verb.