Writing (쓰기): level consistency, paragraph structure, spacing
Writing (쓰기) moves from controlled items (문장 완성, 문장 순서) to a short composition on a set topic with a stated length. Here form costs as many points as content: a good answer with mixed speech levels or broken spacing loses marks.
Rules that decide the score
- One speech level throughout. 합니다체 for letters, emails and most prompts; -다 style (한다) for report-style answers. Never let 해요체 slip into a 합니다체 paragraph.
- Paragraph structure. 서론 (restate the topic + state your position), 본론 (two reasons, each with an example), 결론 (restate + suggest). One idea per paragraph, topic sentence first.
- Cohesion. 첫째, 또한, 따라서, 반면에, 예를 들어. Replace repeated nouns with 이것 or 이러한 점.
- Sentence completion must match the given connective. -면서 requires the same subject and simultaneous action; -(으)ㄴ/는 반면에 requires a contrast; -기 마련이다 requires a general truth.
- Spacing. Space independent nouns and dependent nouns (한국 사람, 할 수 있다, 먹을 만큼); attach particles to the word before them.
- Length. Count in the unit the prompt states and stop inside the limit; text past the limit can be cut off and unscored.
Worked example
Prompt: 한국어를 배우면서 ______. Model answer: 한국 문화에 관심이 생겼습니다. Reasoning: -면서 forces the same subject as the first clause (the writer), so a switch to a friend's action is wrong. The main clause takes past tense because the interest arose as a result, and the answer stays in 합니다체, matching the prompt. Repeating 한국어를 배웁니다 adds no information and scores nothing.
Traps that cost marks
Mixing 합니다체 and 해요체 in one paragraph. Copying the prompt instead of extending it. Using spoken forms (-거든요, -는데요, -잖아요) in formal writing. Writing one solid block with no paragraph breaks. Answering an opinion prompt with description only and never stating a view.