In a writing exam, your score depends on how well you answer the prompt, organize your ideas, choose words, and control grammar. Understanding these areas can help you see what a stronger essay does differently.
Examiners assess four areas:
- Task response
- Coherence and cohesion
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
Task Response
You need to answer every part of the prompt. If a question asks you to describe problems and suggest solutions, cover both. Discussing causes instead of problems misses part of the task.
Some prompts ask you to compare two views and give your own opinion. In that case, address both views and state your position.
Once you have covered the prompt, develop your ideas with explanations and examples. The difference between a basic answer and a stronger one often comes down to how clearly each point is supported.
A basic point:
Too many cars cause traffic jams. There are more cars now.
This gives a relevant idea, but it does not explain how traffic volume leads to congestion.
A more developed point:
Too many cars cause traffic jams. When the number of vehicles exceeds what a city’s roads can handle, traffic slows down. For example, a growing suburb may have more commuters than its main roads can carry during rush hour.
The second version explains the connection and gives a specific example.
To strengthen your task response:
- Answer each part of the question.
- Choose ideas that relate directly to the prompt.
- Explain why each idea matters.
- Support your points with clear examples.
Coherence and Cohesion
Coherence means your essay is easy to follow. A reader should understand the point of each paragraph and how its sentences fit together.
Give each body paragraph one main idea. Explain that idea and support it with an example. A useful pattern is:
- State the main point.
- Explain it.
- Give an example.
For instance:
Public health could improve if governments ran campaigns about exercise and nutrition. Many people do not know how regular activity and a balanced diet affect their health. A public information campaign could share practical advice through schools, clinics, and local media.
At the essay level, use an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Keep the ideas in a logical order, and make sure the body of the essay supports the position you set out in the introduction.
Linking words can help readers follow your reasoning, but they need to fit the sentence. Repeating the same phrase too often can make an essay awkward. Use a range of transitions where they clarify the relationship between ideas.
To improve organization:
- Put one main idea in each paragraph.
- Arrange sentences in a logical order.
- Explain and support your main points.
- Use linking words where they help the reader.
- Include an introduction and conclusion.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary means the words and phrases you use to express your ideas. Repeating the wording of the prompt can make your writing vague, especially when more precise terms are available.
For example, if a prompt asks about young people who cannot find work, terms such as youth unemployment or economic downturn may help you explain the issue more clearly, if they fit your point.
Choose words for accuracy, not because they sound complicated. A rare word used incorrectly can weaken a sentence. Strong writing uses precise vocabulary, suitable word combinations, and enough variety to avoid unnecessary repetition.
Check spelling and word forms as well. Small errors can distract readers, especially when they change the meaning.
To improve vocabulary:
- Use precise words that fit the topic.
- Vary repeated words when a suitable alternative exists.
- Check spelling and word forms.
- Use unfamiliar vocabulary only when you know what it means and how it works in a sentence.
Grammar
A strong essay uses both simple and more complex sentence structures. Complex sentences do not need to be long. They can connect an idea to a reason, condition, or result.
For example:
Traffic increases when more people drive than the roads can accommodate.
The sentence is short, but it connects a condition with its result.
Use structures you can control. Trying to make every sentence complex can lead to errors that obscure your point. Vary your sentence patterns, then check that each sentence is clear and grammatically sound.
To improve grammar:
- Mix simple and complex sentence structures.
- Choose structures you can use accurately.
- Review your work for errors that affect meaning.
- Notice recurring mistakes and practice correcting them.
Put the advice into practice.
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