Composition / Free Writing
Composition (英作文) asks you to write a short connected English text under conditions. The task typically gives a topic, a minimum length of about 25 words, a minimum of two sentences, and sometimes a required word or structure.
Before writing
Underline every condition: word count, sentence count, required words, and topic. Plan two sentences: an answer or opinion, then a reason or detail. Use grammar you control.
Worked example
Prompt: Write about what you do on weekends. Use 25 words or more and at least two sentences. Use the word because. Model: 「I usually play tennis with my friends at the park on Sundays because I want to stay healthy. After that, I enjoy reading books at home with my family.」 Check: 29 words; two sentences; because is used correctly. The first sentence gives the activity and reason; the second adds a related detail.
Language control
Keep subjects and verbs close together. Use frames such as 「I think ...,」 「I like ... because ...,」 and 「When I ..., I ....」 Avoid translating long Japanese sentences word for word. If you cannot spell a word, choose a simpler one you can spell.
Traps that cost marks
- Writing one long sentence and missing the sentence-count condition.
- Miscounting words; contractions and numbers usually count as one word, so check the instruction.
- Forgetting the required word or placing it incorrectly.
- Drifting off the topic with irrelevant content.
- Basic errors such as 「I like play tennis」 that cost more than ambitious vocabulary gains.