Writing Task Overview
The writing section of English Test II for Postgraduate Entrance Examination consists of two parts:
Part A: Small Writing (小作文)
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Word Count: 100 words
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Time Allocation: 15 minutes
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Task Type: Practical writing
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Common Forms:
- Memo
- Notice
- Letter (invitation, thank-you, complaint, etc.)
- Advertisement
Writing Format
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Header/Title
- Date (if required)
- Subject/Title
- To/From (for emails/letters)
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Main Content
- Clear purpose statement
- Key information
- Specific details
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Closing
- Signature (if required)
- Contact information (if needed)
- Polite closing (for letters/emails)
Part B: Large Writing (大作文)
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Word Count: 150 words
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Time Allocation: 25 minutes
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Task Types:
- Picture-based Writing
- Chart-based Writing
- Outline-based Writing
General Paragraph Structure (150 words distribution)
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First Paragraph (40-45 words, 3-4 sentences)
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Opening hook sentence (10-12 words)
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Background information (15 words)
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Thesis statement (15 words) Example template:
[Topic introduction] + [Current situation/Background] + [Your main argument/stance]
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Second Paragraph (50-55 words, 3-4 sentences)
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Topic sentence
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Supporting point 1 with example
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Supporting point 2 with example Example template:
[Main point] + [Specific example/evidence] + [Further explanation/impact]
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Third Paragraph (35-40 words, 2-3 sentences)
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Restate main idea
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Future implication or suggestion Example template:
[Summary of main points] + [Recommendation/Solution/Future outlook]
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Sentence Distribution Tips
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Introduction (3-4 sentences):
- Hook sentence
- Background/Context
- Thesis statement
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Body (3-4 sentences):
- Topic sentence
- Supporting detail + example
- Additional support/explanation
- (Optional) Transition sentence
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Conclusion (2-3 sentences):
- Summary statement
- Final thought/suggestion
1. Picture-based Writing
Task Description
- A picture/cartoon with written prompts
- Social or cultural phenomena interpretation
- Personal opinion required
Writing Structure
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Introduction
- Picture description
- Main theme identification
- Thesis statement
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Body
- Phenomenon analysis
- Social implications
- Supporting examples
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Conclusion
- Summary
- Suggestions/Solutions
2. Chart-based Writing
Task Description
- Statistical data in graphs
- Data interpretation required
- Trend analysis and implications
Writing Structure
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Introduction
- Overview of data
- Main trends
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Body
- Detailed data description
- Cause analysis
- Impact discussion
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Conclusion
- Summary of trends
- Predictions/Implications
3. Outline-based Writing
Task Description
- Given writing prompts/keywords
- Theme development required
- Logical organization essential
Writing Structure
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Introduction
- Topic introduction
- Main argument
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Body
- Point development
- Supporting evidence
- Examples
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Conclusion
- Main points summary
- Final thoughts
- State your understanding of the message
- Present your main viewpoint
Common Themes
- Social phenomena
- Moral values
- Life attitudes
- Technology impact
- Environmental issues
- Educational concerns
2. Chart-based Writing
Task Description
- Statistical data presented in graphs (bar charts, line graphs, pie charts)
- Word limit: Around 150 words
- Time allocation: 30-35 minutes
Writing Structure
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Introduction
- Overview of the data
- Main trend identification
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Body
- Detailed data description
- Analysis of trends
- Discussion of causes/effects
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Conclusion
- Summary of key findings
- Implications or predictions
Key Writing Points
- Use appropriate data description vocabulary
- Include specific numbers/percentages
- Analyze trends accurately
- Make reasonable predictions
3. Outline-based Writing
Task Description
- Writing prompts or keywords provided
- Word limit: Around 150 words
- Time allocation: 30-35 minutes
Writing Structure
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Introduction
- Topic introduction
- Main argument presentation
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Body
- Follow the given outline points
- Develop each point with examples
- Maintain logical connections
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Conclusion
- Summarize main points
- Reinforce central message
Writing Tips
- Stick closely to the provided outline
- Use clear topic sentences
- Ensure logical progression
- Include relevant examples
Essential Language Patterns
1. Picture Description
- The picture shows/depicts/illustrates…
- In this cartoon/illustration, we can see…
- This image portrays/represents…
- What strikes me most about this picture is…
2. Data Description
- The graph shows/indicates/reveals…
- According to the chart…
- There was a significant increase/decrease in…
- The figures demonstrate that…
- The data suggests/implies…
3. Opinion Expression
- In my opinion…
- From my perspective…
- It seems to me that…
- I firmly believe that…
- There is no doubt that…
4. Providing Examples
- For instance…
- To illustrate this point…
- A case in point is…
- This can be exemplified by…
5. Concluding Phrases
- In conclusion…
- To sum up…
- All things considered…
- Based on the above discussion…
Writing Examples
1. Picture-based Writing Example
Task: A picture shows students using smartphones in a classroom.
Sample Essay:
With the rapid development of technology, smartphones have become increasingly prevalent in classrooms, as depicted in the picture. While these devices offer unprecedented access to information, their excessive use during class time has raised serious concerns about learning efficiency and academic performance.
The widespread use of smartphones in educational settings has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, these devices enable students to quickly access online resources and educational apps, enhancing their learning experience. However, many students are distracted by social media and games, significantly reducing their attention span and classroom participation.
Given these considerations, it is essential to establish proper guidelines for smartphone use in educational settings. Schools should implement balanced policies that harness the educational benefits of smartphones while minimizing their potential negative impacts on learning.
2. Chart-based Writing Example
Task: A graph shows the percentage of people working from home from 2019 to 2023.
Sample Essay:
The graph illustrates a significant shift in work patterns over the past five years, with a dramatic increase in remote working. The percentage of people working from home rose sharply from 15% in 2019 to 65% in 2020, marking an unprecedented change in workplace dynamics.
This substantial transformation was primarily triggered by the global pandemic, which forced organizations to adopt remote work policies. The data shows that even after the initial crisis, the proportion of remote workers remained high, stabilizing at around 45% by 2023, suggesting a lasting change in work culture.
These statistics indicate that remote work has become a permanent feature of modern employment. This trend is likely to continue as companies and employees recognize the benefits of flexible working arrangements.
3. Outline-based Writing Example
Task: Write about the importance of environmental protection.
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Impact on future generations
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Current environmental challenges
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Possible solutions
Sample Essay:
Environmental protection has become a critical issue that will significantly impact the future of our planet. As we face increasingly severe environmental challenges, including climate change and pollution, immediate action is necessary to preserve our world for future generations.
The current environmental situation is particularly concerning. Rising global temperatures are causing extreme weather events, while plastic pollution is devastating marine ecosystems. Moreover, deforestation continues to threaten biodiversity and contribute to climate change, affecting communities worldwide.
To address these challenges, we must implement comprehensive environmental protection measures. This includes promoting renewable energy, reducing plastic consumption, and increasing public awareness about environmental conservation. Only through collective effort can we ensure a sustainable future.