In a free English composition, scores depend not only on "what to write" but also on "how to allocate time and words." Learn techniques for avoiding shallow content while following the specified word count (often 60〜100 words or approximately 150〜200 words).
Basic Rules
Word count allocation by paragraph (example assuming 150 words):
- Introduction：15〜20% of the total (state the claim clearly in 1〜2 sentences)
- Body：60〜70% of the total (focus on reasons and specific examples)
- Conclusion：10〜15% of the total (restate the claim; do not include new information)
Time allocation during the actual exam (assuming 30 minutes):
1. Make an outline (3〜5 minutes): note the claim, reasons, and specific examples in Japanese or English words
2. Writing (15〜20 minutes)
3. Review (5 minutes): check grammar, tense, and spelling
Techniques for increasing the word count (without making the content shallow):
- Add information with relative clauses: "Smartphones, which are now used by most teenagers, ..."
- Explore the reason one level deeper by asking "why"
- Add only one sentence of supplementary explanation to a specific example
Techniques for reducing the word count (when over the limit):
- Delete sentences that repeat the same content
- Delete modifiers (very / really / so)
- Compress subordinate clauses into participial constructions
Too short (insufficient content): I think students should study abroad. It is good for them.
Example with an expanded word count: I believe students should study abroad at least once, because direct exposure to a different culture teaches lessons that no textbook can provide, such as how to communicate despite language barriers.
Points to Note
① Approximately ±10% of the specified word count is often allowed, but a significant excess or shortage is likely to result in a deduction. Always count the words during the review stage.
② "Meaningless repetition" to fill the word count is counterproductive. Examiners can see through shallow content. Increase the word count through "depth."
③ If you start writing without making an outline, your points may shift midway or you may run out of time. Investing 3〜5 minutes is essential.
④ Always reserve time for review: inconsistency in tense (mixing the past and present tenses), singular and plural errors, and missing articles are mistakes that are likely to be penalized.
- Paragraph allocation: Introduction 15-20%, Body 60-70%, Conclusion 10-15%
- Time allocation: Always reserve three stages—outline, writing, and review
- Increase the word count by exploring "why" one level deeper, not by repeating ideas
- During review, focus on tense, singular and plural forms, and articles
Practice
- Expand the following short sentence by exploring the reason one level deeper: "I like living in a big city."
- In a 30-minute exam, decide how many minutes to allocate to outlining, writing, and reviewing, and write your own allocation.
- Delete unnecessary modifiers from the following sentence and make it concise: "I think that this is a really very important issue for us."