Exam Tips for Writing

Writing is allocated 18% of the total subject mark. Candidates have to write about 500 words on one of the 4 topics within 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Marking scheme

The "Double Impression Marking" method is used to mark the exam papers. Two markers will read candidates' articles. Based on the content and grammar of the articles, markers will give an impression mark (the highest is grade 9 and the lowest is grade 1). The average marks of the two markers will be the final grade for the candidate. Grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary and organization play an important part, and candidates' English standard can be identified easily from these categories. It is hard to improve these areas overnight, but the following skills and preparation may help you a bit.

Exam techniques

1. Each topic may include 2-3 parts. Read the topic carefully to make sure that you understand all the requirements. You have to answer every part of the topic so as to get high marks.
2. Different types of articles have different formats and styles. Don't write in the format of minutes of a meeting if the topic requires you to write a letter. Remember to give a title if it is required.
3. Write your 500-word article in at least 5 paragraphs (6-7 will be better). If the number of words is more than 500, then increase the number of paragraphs in proportion. The ideas and content in each paragraph should be supported by sufficient and sound arguments.
4. Do not write less than 500 words or use idioms or stock phrases.
5. Illegible writing will give a poor impression to markers.
6. Remember to write down the question number. Write on every line. Do not use real name, address or school name. It is a pity if you lose marks for breaking these basic rules.

Preparation

1. Set aside 1 hour and 15 minutes to practise on one past exam topic. Within the 75 minutes, study the topic, decide on the structure of your article, and organize the content, without using the dictionary and messing around. Try to complete what you need to do in a real exam. If you practise a few times in this way, you can minimize your exam pressure.
2. Analyse past exam topics, format and content requirements.

Formats

The following are the major formats of English writing. Learn their characteristics so as to minimize making mistakes.

1. Essay
2. Newspaper or Magazine Article
3. Letter to the Editor
4. Formal Letter
5. Informal Letter
6. Circular Letter
7. Proposal

Requirements of content

The topics are diversified, but candidates are expected to communicate the following. If you can master four or five of these, you can handle most topics.

Major Communicative Functions

1. Expressing writer's opinions
2. Discussing other people's opinions
3. Describing/discussing trends, phenomena and problems
4. Giving recommendations/suggestions/advice
5. Outlining and discussing reasons/causes
6. Outlining and discussing effects (especially benefits and drawbacks)
7. Persuading
8. Arguing for/against an issue
9. Stating priorities