In Question 1 of the English Language Paper, a student is expected to write a composition of around 350-400 words. This question is considered to be the most difficult part of the paper because it tests a student's linguistic ability, his/her power of expression, his/her ability to present his arguments coherently and to hold the reader's attention. Statistics reveal that majority of the candidates lose marks in this segment.

If the following points are kept in mind, one can become a master in the art of essay writing:

1.Choice of Topic : Before beginning a composition read carefully all the topics given and choose the one you feel is the best suited to you ability.

• The topic should be such that it reveals :

              (a) your interest and knowledge in and about the subject.

              (b) your ability to write a full length composition, and

              (c) the scope for including personal details and expressing originality of ideas

• In case a topic is divided into more that one part, deal with each part separately as marks are allotted for each part.
• Chalk a plan for the composition mentally so that you have a clear idea about the points you want to include in your essay. Utilise 15 minutes of reading time for the mental planning.

2.Concrete Planning : Once the writing time begins, use a page of your answer booklet for rough work. Jot down the points you want to include in your composition as they come into your mind. Do not reject any idea. Note it down. Quotes related to the topic may also be jotted down.

3.Organisation : A good composition demands proper organisation. Once your points are ready, arrange them in a logical and cohesive pattern. Discard the ideas that do not follow the pattern. Arrange the points in three parts: Introduction, body and conclusion. Now that your framework is ready, begin writing by elaborating on each point. Assign a paragraph to each point.

4.Style and Language : The style and language used in a composition is what makes it good, bad or average.

Do not use bombastic words or archaic language. Make use of simple but correct English in your writing.

Write short sentences. Sentences that are too long and complicated are often grammatically incorrect.

The style should be simple and lucid so that you ideas are easily conveyed to the reader. Flowery language and convoluted syntax create an impression of artificiality. Quotations may be used only if they are apt. Unnecessary use of quotations create a negative impression on the reader.

5.Length of the Composition : Do not make your essay too long. There is not penalty for crossing the word limit but too much time devoted to one question cuts into the time for others. Also, there is a chance of more errors. So be precise and to the point. However, remember that your essay should not be less than 200 words. A very short essay does not touch upon all the points and hence is unacceptable.

6.Handwriting and spellings : A good and legible handwriting wins half the battle as it creates a good impression on the examiners. A neat presentation with clearly formed letters and uniformly spaced words enables the examiner to judge your quality as a student.

Correct spellings are very important in gaining good marks.

American spellings such as 'color' instead of 'colour' should not be used.

Avoid use of abbreviations and non-English words.

Never use SMS language like 'u' and 'skul' as these only result in 'essay messes' and irritate the examiner.

Use of slang and vulgar expressions is absolutely forbidden.

7.Revision : Once the writing of the composition is over, go through it thoroughly to check that you have not made any errors in spellings or sentence construction. In case of a mistake strike out the wrong word neatly with a single stroke and write the correct word above it. Do not overwrite as it makes your work messy and untidy.

Types of Compositions

Question 1 of the Language Paper deals with five different kinds of composition :

1. Narrative : This is generally a first person narrate where the student is expected to narrate particular event within the circle of his/her experience from his/her point of view:

Give a detailed account of the event as it happened.

The event might be imaginary but should be presented as if the narrator had actually experienced it.

Details about the people present, the sequence of events, the atmosphere, the feelings of the narrator and the impact of the event on the narrator is necessary.

2. Descriptive : These topics test a student's ability to create a pen-picture. The main objective of a descriptive essay is to bring in front of the reader the picture of a place or a person as the writer visualises it.

Attention to minute details about physical features, clothing posture, speech, mannerisms, life history, the person's opinion about others and vice versa are important.
In case of a place a detailed description of location and atmosphere is necessary. Make use of the five senses - sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste to make the description more appealing.

3.Argumentative :  This generally a debatable topic where the student is expected to arrive at a conclusion through reasoning. The student is expected to express his opinions regarding a controversial subject so clear logical and coherent thinking is necessary. If the essay demands a 'for' or 'against' argument, state your opinion right at the beginning of the composition. Explain the statement and then state categorically whether you 'absolutely agree' or 'vehemently disagree or oppose' the statement.

Give arguments and examples to substantiate your opinion.

You might mention possible  objections to your views. Provide arguments and examples to nullify these objections.

In the conclusion give a concise summary of your arguments and express a firm opinion about your conviction.

4.Short Story : Writing a short story is different from writing composition. A good short story has certain basic components which must be kept in mind while attempting this question.

• Originality: Your story must be original and should not be based on material that you have come across in a magazine, a film or serial.
• Plot: A good short story must have a plot or story line which has a definite beginning and builds up to a moment to reach a climax and leads to conclusion. The plot must appear convincing to the reader. It is always advisable to base the plot on an experience you are familiar with.
• Characters: Characters are necessary for the plot to develop.The reader should be able to relate to these characters. The characters must be made to think, feel and act. Above all they must interact with each other. This interaction will give rise to conversation or dialogue.
• Dialogue: Dialogues must be woven into the plot. It should be an integral part of the short story. A clever use of direct and indirect speech and proper punctuation should be made to bring out the nature of the characters and the motive behind their actions.
• Setting and atmosphere: Judicious and good use of descriptive passages will enable you to create the atmosphere of the story. The story should be set against a background with which you are familiar. Avoid making use of exotic locales unless you are actually familiar with them as these may lead to factual errors.
• Beginning and end: If the opening or closing sentences are given, use them word for word. In case there is no such compulsion begin the story in such a way that it will arouse the readers' interest. You can begin with a conversation or an interesting event. End the story with a logical conclusion. You can also end with a twist in the tale which will amaze the reader and make him go on thinking even after the story has come to an end.

Once the story is finished give a suitable title.

5.Picture Composition : A picture composition has a very wide scope. It can be a short story, a narrative, descriptive  or argumentative essay or a basis for your feelings or thoughts. You can be one of the characters in the picture to give a personal touch to the composition. Whatever way you deal with this exercise, keep in mind that there must be a clear connection between the picture and the composition. A mere description of the picture is not acceptable.