English Composition: Guided Free Writing (条件英作文)
The composition is a short conditional task (条件英作文): you give an opinion or a short report in a set number of words, usually 20 or more, while satisfying printed conditions such as beginning with a given phrase or using "because". It is marked on task fulfilment, clarity and basic accuracy rather than on sophistication.
Read every condition and tick them off
Typical conditions: a minimum word count, a required opening ("I think that…", "I like … better"), a required connector ("because"), and a required content point from two options in the prompt. Write them as a checklist in the margin.
Three-sentence shape
- Answer directly: "I think that…" / "I like … better."
- Give the reason with "because".
- Add a detail or a second reason ("Also, …").
Worked example
Prompt: "Which do you like better, reading books or watching movies? Write 20 words or more, begin with 'I like … better', and use 'because'." Answer: "I like reading books better because I can enjoy a story at my own pace. Also, I can learn new words while I read." Reasoning: 26 words (condition met), opens with the required phrase, contains "because" with a real reason, and adds a supporting detail. One idea per sentence keeps the grammar safe.
Traps that cost marks
- Finishing under the word count; count before you stop writing.
- Reproducing a memorised sentence that does not answer this question.
- Omitting the required opening or "because".
- Using "because" and "so" in the same clause.
- Misspellings in frequent words (favourite/favorite, interesting, enjoy) and a missing final period.
- Writing katakana English words or Japanese in the English answer space.