Mistakes in Chinese composition can make children want to rip their hair out. But, unfortunately, it is considerably more challenging to guarantee that nothing is done incorrectly to prevent getting hit with a surprise point penalty.
In writing compositions for secondary school Chinese, unlike the essays of primary school Chinese, there are three types to be aware of: narrative, descriptive, and argumentative.
We’ll focus on narrative compositions because they are popular among pupils. However, descriptive composition writing, which often requires a more extensive vocabulary and argumentative/expository essays, may be difficult for students who are unskilled in the language.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most prevalent writing errors and what can be done to avoid them.
1. Failure to strategically include dialogues
It is entirely acceptable to include conversations in your essays or even to begin with one.
However, we do not advocate inserting conversations in the middle of an essay, especially if the writer is not a wordsmith.
The goal is not to limit innovation. However, without specific writing talents, the essay may veer off the subject. This makes it difficult for readers to understand, which is a severe flaw.
2. Lack of creativity
What happens when hundreds of students write on the same topic?
Predictability. Assume the student is required to write a narrative essay on a surprise party. Here’s the conventional form of a Chinese composition: a friend’s birthday is approaching, a group of pals prepares a surprise birthday celebration, the surprise is revealed, and everyone is delighted.
It may appear to be a perfect strategy for producing an essay. But, even if they are safe, it is still quite cliche. Readers enjoy a crisis. They want to be worried about what’s going to happen next. If a reader reads something predictable, the experience is no longer enjoyable.
Aside from the typical problem/conflict/resolution, adding a twist to the tale would be nice.
3. Failure to take the 5Ws+1H seriously
Chinese writing, as beautiful as it might be, has a framework. Almost every writer employs the 5Ws+1H technique. In either English or Chinese, the 5Ws+1H is a valuable component for a combined story that requires steady attention. By adhering to this approach, the tale plot will have fewer breaks and a more natural flow.
4. Overuse of clichés
We’ve already discussed employing cliché phrases while writing a tale. They are not prohibited, but they should be avoided as much as possible.
One or two is OK, but too many make it difficult for markers to read. Contrary to popular belief, the abusive use of clichés is deemed lazy. Because writing is meant to be a creative process, recycling tired words are hardly innovative.
5. Inadequate emotional expression
Readers enjoy stories that take them on a wild roller coaster trip. Going deeper into character development is the surest approach to do this. Your words are like the cords of a lifeless puppet. Every phrase you use brings the character to life.
Write about their imperfections, their anguish, and the desires that shape them. Readers can better connect with the protagonist and the plot when the character is powerful.
