Get ready for writing

This week, we continue with the CET column giving readers tips on how to deal with CET-4 and CET-6, with writing and reading as the focus.

In the writing part, we'll look at samples and ranger-finders used in the marking of compositions of the two CET tests in June and September of this year. The comments are meant to give some help to readers who are preparing for the CET test in December.

When preparing for CET writing, some people, even teachers, try to guess the topic to be used in upcoming tests. Others try to memorize a few model papers. Still others rely on the techniques or test-taking strategies detailed in coaching books. But a look at the topics in recent tests and the way papers are marked tells a different story. To counter test-testing strategies, CET test compilers have chosen composition topics that are impossible to be guessed at or prepared in advance. In other words, you are required to write on very specific topics and outlines, rather than on some general themes. And the paper assessment method rewards language use rather than so-called writing techniques. For example, cliches like "as far as I'm concerned" and "last but not least", if not properly used, will detract from, instead of add to, the worth of the composition. What the test designers look for is command of the language and an ability to express oneself in words and expressions appropriate to the occasion.

In the June CET-6 test, students were asked to write an essay on "House ownership in a big city in China" based on the chart and outline seen here to the right. Below that, on the left is the original essay, which was given a full mark and the right the improved version.

Comment

By all appearances, this composition does not seem very promising. First, the author did not divide it into paragraphs as is usually done in accordance with the given outline. Second, there are spelling mistakes (eg prefference) or word usage and verb tense mistakes. So, why did the markers give it the full mark (15 points)?

Well, if we examine it closely, we'll find the composition is, on the whole, quite well written. The author first summarizes the changes in the ownership of houses as shown in the chart, then he analyzes the causes leading to these changes, and at the end, talks about their impact on both individuals and society. As far as content is concerned, he does not miss any important aspect of the topic.

What's more remarkable is the person's command of grammatical structure and skillful use of specific words and expressions. The complexity of sentences like "Many factors have contributed to these changes, of which the most important one is the improvement of people's life quality" is beyond the understanding of the common run of non-English majors. Yet these sentences seem to come from his pen effortlessly. Words like slice, skyrocket, soar, stunning, and thrive (as opposed to general words like portion, rise, surprising, and grow) also add colour and forcefulness to his expressions.

Of course this composition is not flawless. It would be better to separate it into three paragraphs to give it a clear-cut appearance. Also, at the beginning of the paper, the repetition of "changes ... take place" within three sentences is unnecessary and boring. "Comparably" does not mean "in contrast", but means "in a similar way or to a similar degree"; "40 per cent houses" should be changed to "40 per cent of houses"; before "1990s" the article "the" should be added; and "more choices to choose" is a bit silly because it's redundant.

Coming up: A 14-point range-finder on the same topic

By Xia Guozuo

The author is a professor at FudanUniversity and vice chairman of the National College English Testing Committee.

Original composition

Changes have been taking place in the ownership of houses in this city. At the beginning of 1990s, about three quarters of houses were privately owned. However, changes were beginning to take place since then. The proportion of houses owned by individuals has been increasing rapidly. By the end of 1995, 40 per cent houses have already been owned by individuals. Comparably, the percentage of State-owned houses declined to 60 per cent. That's not the end of the story, by the year 2000, the proportion of private houses skyrocketed to a stunning 80 per cent. Only a small slice was left to State-owned houses. Many factors have contributed to these changes, of which the most important one is the improvement of people's life quality. As the nation's GDP keeps soaring, people are getting richer and richer and their desire of owning their own houses are getting stronger, because owning a house has become completely affordable. People are having more choices to choose and decorate their own houses instead of accepting what's been arranged for them by their employers. The thriving of house industry suggests houses are built more and more individual-oriented to meet customers' specific requirements and prefference. I'm convinced that the nation's law will also be adjusted to focus on the protection of private possessions.

Revised composition