Writing and Sentence Construction (英作文・語順整序)
The writing section combines 語順整序 (word ordering) with 条件英作文 (conditional composition). You are given a topic and explicit conditions: a minimum word count, a required word such as because or if, and sometimes a requirement to include two reasons or a question. Markers reward clear, correct sentences that satisfy every condition, not long, complicated ones. Short and accurate beats long and broken.
Method
- Underline each condition and tick it off at the end: word count, required word, number of reasons.
- Plan two or three short sentences with a clear subject–verb–object core.
- Use reliable patterns: I think ~ because ~. Also ~. For example, ~.
- Keep the tense consistent with the prompt.
- Check capital letters, periods, plurals, articles and spelling.
Worked example
Prompt: Do you think junior high school students should do volunteer work? Write 25 words or more, using because. Model: I think junior high school students should do volunteer work because they can learn about their town and meet many people. It also helps people who need help. Reasoning: the first sentence states the opinion and gives a because-reason; the second adds a supporting point. The count is 27 words, over the minimum. Articles (their town) and plural forms (students, people) are correct, and there is no Japanese-style word order.
Traps that cost marks
- Writing a sentence with no verb, such as Because important for us.
- Starting a sentence with Because and leaving it unfinished.
- Counting characters instead of words and falling under the minimum.
- Japanese word order: I to the park went with my friend.
- Repeating very instead of giving a real reason.
- Forgetting the required word entirely.