Writing and Expression
What the writing task asks
The writing section usually has a short controlled task with given information and a longer task asking for an opinion, experience, or plan with a reason. Marks depend on answering every part of the prompt, organizing ideas, and using correct basic English-not on difficult vocabulary.
Core rules
- Underline the task words: what, why, how long, how many reasons.
- Plan two or three sentences before writing: topic sentence, reason, example or detail.
- Use a linking word in each longer answer: because, so, for example, also, however.
- Keep to the tense the prompt sets. A plan for next summer uses will or going to.
- Prefer simple, correct sentences to long, broken ones.
- Count words if a range is given; being far under or over can lose marks.
Worked example
Prompt: "Write 20–25 words about what you want to do this summer and why." Sample: "I want to visit my grandmother in Osaka. I will help her garden and learn how to cook her special curry." (21 words) Reasoning: The answer names an action (visit) and adds two details (garden, cook), but the reason is only implied. To make it explicit within the limit, replace "and learn" with "because I want to learn." The sample avoids a memorized sentence and fits the count.
Traps
- Writing a beautiful sentence that does not answer "why."
- Switching tense halfway through.
- Using "I think that..." in every sentence, wasting words.
- Ignoring the given notes or the situation.
- Misspelling common words under pressure.
- Forgetting to check the word count at the end.