Composition / Guided Free Writing
What this domain tests
You write a short English text (often 40-60 words) guided by a prompt that lists content points you must include. Marks come from covering every point, organizing the text, and writing accurate simple English, not from using difficult vocabulary.
Core rules and concepts
- Underline each required content point in the prompt and number them. Check them off after writing.
- Use a three-part shape: a topic sentence, one or two supporting sentences, and a closing sentence.
- Connect with because, so, for example, also, however. One clear reason beats three vague ones.
- Prefer grammar you control. A correct short sentence scores higher than a broken long one.
- Count words at the end; being under the minimum loses marks even if the English is good.
Worked example
Prompt: Write about a school event you enjoyed. Include (1) what you did, (2) one reason you enjoyed it, (3) one thing you learned. Write 40-60 words. Model: "Last year I joined the school festival committee. I helped make posters and sold tickets at the entrance. I enjoyed it because I worked with students from other classes. I learned that planning ahead makes a team much faster." Reasoning: Sentence 1 names the event. Sentence 2 covers point (1). Sentence 3 covers (2) with because. Sentence 4 covers (3) with learned that. Word count: 43, inside the range. Grammar stays in the past tense throughout.
Traps that cost marks
- Leaving out one required point, which usually costs more than a small grammar error.
- Copying the prompt words instead of writing your own sentences.
- Using a memorized essay that does not answer this prompt.
- Going far over or under the word limit.