Introduction to the Structured Writing Task

Welcome! This chapter focuses on the Structured Writing Task. If you are taking the Foundation Tier, this is your final and most challenging question (Question 4). If you are taking the Higher Tier, this is your starting point (Question 1). Because this task is common to both tiers, it is the perfect place to show off what you know! You will be asked to write about 75 characters in Chinese to cover four specific points. It is worth 16 marks, which is a significant chunk of your overall grade.

What Does the Task Look Like?

In the exam, you will be given a choice of two questions. You only need to answer one. Each question will include:
  • A short introduction in English (e.g., "You are writing a letter to a Chinese friend about your school").
  • Four compulsory bullet points written in English. These tell you exactly what information you must include.
  • A requirement to write approximately 75 characters.
Note: For the 30-character task or the 125-character Higher task, please see the separate chapters in this section.

How are the 16 Marks Divided?

The marks are split into two categories:

1. Content (10 Marks)

This is all about what you say. To get high marks here, you must:
  • Address all four bullet points. If you miss one, your mark will drop!
  • Give lots of detail and clear opinions.
  • Make sure your response is relevant to the topic.

2. Quality of Language (6 Marks)

This is about how you say it. The examiners are looking for:
  • A variety of vocabulary.
  • Different grammatical structures (like comparisons or "if... then..." sentences).
  • Reference to different time planes (past, present, and future events).

Quick Tip: If you get \(0\) for Content, you automatically get \(0\) for Quality of Language. Always make sure you answer the prompts first!

Step-by-Step Strategy for Success

Step 1: Choose your question wisely

Read both options carefully. Pick the one where you feel most confident with the vocabulary. Does one question ask about "Hobbies" while the other asks about "Global Warming"? Pick the one that feels easiest for you!

Step 2: Plan your bullets

You have four bullets and need about 75 characters. A great strategy is to aim for about 15–20 characters per bullet point.
  • Bullet 1: 15-20 characters
  • Bullet 2: 15-20 characters
  • Bullet 3: 15-20 characters
  • Bullet 4: 15-20 characters

Step 3: Use the "Time Plane" Trick

To get those 6 Quality marks, you must show you can talk about the past, present, and future. Usually, the bullet points are designed to help you do this.
  • Past: Use 了 (le) or 过 (guò) to talk about something you did.
  • Present: Use 喜欢 (xǐ huān - like) or 觉得 (jué de - think) to give current opinions.
  • Future: Use 想 (xiǎng - want to), 打算 (dǎ suàn - plan to), or 要去 (yào qù - will go) to talk about future plans.

Key Vocabulary & Structures to Boost Your Grade

Don't just use simple sentences like "I like apples." Try to use connectives to link your ideas:
  • Because... so...: 因为... 所以... (yīnwèi... suǒyǐ...)
  • Although... but...: 虽然... 但是... (suīrán... dànshì...)
  • Not only... but also...: 不但... 而且... (búdàn... érqiě...)
  • First... then...: 先... 然后... (xiān... ránhòu...)
Comparison Power: Using 比 (bǐ - compared to) is a fantastic way to show off your grammar. Example: "Maths is harder than English" -> 数学比英语难。 (Shùxué bǐ Yīngyǔ nán.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Writing in Pinyin: You must use Chinese characters. Pinyin does not count toward your character total and usually won't earn marks.
  • Missing a bullet point: Even if you write 100 characters, if you miss one of the four tasks, you cannot get full marks for Content.
  • The "Character Count" Panic: Don't worry if you are slightly over or under 75 characters. The examiner marks everything you write. The "75" is just a guide to help you manage your time.
  • Ignoring Opinions: Always try to say why you like or dislike something. Use 因为 (because) to add that extra layer of detail.

Did You Know?

In Chinese, punctuation marks like 。 (full stop) or ， (comma) actually occupy their own square/space in the writing grid, but when the exam says "75 characters," they are usually looking for 75 actual Hanzi (characters).

Section Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Task: 4 bullet points, ~75 characters, 16 marks total.
  • Choice: You get two options—pick the one with the easiest vocabulary for you.
  • Structure: Aim for 4 mini-paragraphs (one for each bullet).
  • Grammar: Use at least one past, one present, and one future structure.
  • Detail: Always include opinions and reasons (why?).

Don't forget: This task appears on both the Foundation and Higher papers. If you can master this, you are well on your way to a great grade!