Writing / Composition
Writing and composition gives a prompt in Japanese and asks for a short English response. You may need to introduce your school, give an opinion with a reason, or write an email. The exam checks whether you can follow the conditions, organize two or three connected sentences, and use simple English accurately.
Decode the Japanese prompt
Underline the topic, the reader, and every condition: number of sentences or words, information that must be included, and whether you need an opinion or a description. Plan before writing: choose two points you can say in correct English. Do not try to translate a long Japanese sentence word for word.
Control the sentence
Use one idea per sentence. Keep the subject and verb close. Use familiar patterns: “There is/are …,” “I think … because …,” “You can …,” “Please ….” Connect with “also,” “but,” “so,” and “for example.” Check tense, plurals, articles, and spelling before finishing.
Worked example
Japanese prompt: 「本校に来る留学生に、昼休みの過ごし方を紹介する英文を書きなさい。条件：①昼休みの時間を入れる ②生徒がすることを一つ入れる ③2文以上で書く。」 Draft: “Our lunch break is from 12:30 to 1:10. Many students play volleyball in the gym. You can also read in the library.” Reasoning: it gives the time, one activity, and an extra option; it uses present tense for a routine and addresses the exchange student as “you.”
Traps
Missing one condition; writing one long sentence with several verbs; copying Japanese word order; switching from present to past tense; using “play” with a non-game activity; forgetting the reader.