Writing: forms, connected messages and extended responses
Plan a complete response, then review content, register, characters and readability.
Section W2 · Writing · phrases and sentences on familiar topics
Exam scope and assessment notes
This is an original mapped starter, not the recommended full course of about 130 guided learning hours. All Japanese examples, translations, grammar explanations, kanji groupings, listening scripts and pronunciation aids require review by a qualified Japanese-language teacher before publication is described as complete. Browser speech is supplemental, not Cambridge audio. Speaking rehearsal and writing feedback are formative and do not reproduce a live examiner or award official marks. The linked vocabulary workbook has not been reconciled word by word.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which approach gives the most reliable Japanese response?
What you will learn
- Communicate facts and connected ideas in Japanese.
- Practise the form, directed-writing and email or article/blog tasks.
Plan against the prompt
Paper 4 is 1 hour 15 minutes and 45 marks. Question 1 is a 5-mark form; Question 2 is about 160–180 characters; Question 3 is about 250–300 characters, choosing an email or article/blog.
List every requested point before writing. Check content and language separately.
Use the writing format knowingly
Candidates should know the genkō yōshi grid for vertical writing in Questions 2 and 3, though horizontal writing is not penalised.
StudyForA practice is not officially marked. Japanese wording, conventions and character counts need specialist review.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
What should be checked before polishing grammar?
Worked example
A prompt asks for a school-trip message: where you went, what you did and what you plan next. What should the plan contain?
Show the worked solution
- Turn each prompt point into a checklist.
- Put the past event before the next plan.
- Check the approximate character range and Japanese.
Answer A complete plan includes destination, activity and future plan in a connected message. Target the character range and have a Japanese teacher verify language and counting.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Plan a form answer with a name, date, preferred activity and contact detail, matching each to its field.
Give me a hint
Keep each answer short and match it to the label.
Compare my reasoning
- Read each label.
- Choose the corresponding fact.
- Check name and date placement.
A complete form fills all fields with the requested information and no unrelated details. This is not a language mark.
Look for these in your work
- Fills every field
- Matches facts to labels
- Uses concise responses
Plan a 160–180-character message about a weekend activity, what you enjoyed and one difficulty.
Give me a hint
Make a three-point checklist, draft and count characters.
Compare my reasoning
- Name the activity.
- Give an opinion and reason.
- Describe a difficulty and check the range.
A good plan covers all three points, links them clearly and targets about 160–180 characters. Verify character counting and Japanese accuracy with a teacher.
Look for these in your work
- Covers every point
- Develops an opinion
- Checks characters
Choose an email or article/blog for a 250–300-character local-event prompt. Explain how audience changes the register.
Give me a hint
Consider reader and purpose before choosing phrases.
Compare my reasoning
- Identify the audience.
- Choose a suitable format.
- Plan an opening, event details, view and ending.
An email to a friend can use a personal greeting; an article/blog needs a clear topic for readers. Both should cover the prompt and target 250–300 characters. Confirm register with a Japanese teacher.
Look for these in your work
- Matches format to audience
- Plans coherently
- Checks length
Common mistakes
- Missing a required point
- Counting English words when the exam specifies characters
- Treating an automated self-check as an official mark
What can you explain now?
What should be checked before polishing grammar?
Compare with the explanation
Whether every requested content point is answered
A fluent response still misses the task if required information is absent.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Make it stick
Explain one idea from memory, answer the checkpoint, and name a Japanese form or reading that needs checking.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.