Are you planning to take the Michigan English Test (MET) and feeling nervous about the writing section? Don’t fret! We put together ten tips to use during your writing practice to help you show your best work on test day.
- Review Sample Essays and Task Types: Familiarize yourself with the different task types in the writing section. Knowing what each task entails will help you prepare effectively. Sample essays are the best way to understand how to respond to the tasks and how they are evaluated and are available to review on our website, along with other writing preparation resources.
- Plan your Response: Before you start writing any practice essays, take a few minutes to outline your ideas. Jot down key points and organize them. Planning will save you time and ensure that your essay has a good flow. You can use a notepad during the exam to plan your outline.
- Stick to the Topic: It’s best to address the prompt directly and stay on topic throughout your essay. Avoid including information that would cause you to go off topic. Paraphrasing the topic of the essay in the introduction is a helpful strategy to make sure you demonstrate that you understand what is being asked. The question will present a topic, narrow the focus, then ask a specific question that needs to be answered. Focus on that specific question rather than writing generally about the topic.
- Expand your Vocabulary: Demonstrate your English skills by using a wide range of vocabulary. Avoid repeating the same words and phrases, and use synonyms and advanced vocabulary where appropriate. Use resources such as vocabulary flashcards with synonyms to train yourself to think creatively and quickly.
- Review Grammar and Syntax: Pay close attention to your grammar and sentence structure. Make sure your sentences are clear, appropriate, and free of errors. Proofread your work carefully to catch any mistakes.
- Explain yourself and Express your Opinion: The writing section will ask you about your opinion or experiences, so be prepared to explain why you think the way you do and express your opinion. Just remember to back up your statements with relevant examples or evidence to strengthen your writing.
- Become Familiar with Transition Words: Transition words and phrases help connect ideas and improve the flow of your writing. Use words like “however,” “therefore,” and “in addition” to move between paragraphs or sections.
- Practice Time Management: During the exam, keep an eye on the clock and allocate your time wisely. Successful test takers usually spend their time divided between planning, writing, and revising. Remember that the 45 minutes is for both tasks, so make sure to plan accordingly and give yourself enough time to fully answer both tasks.
- Be Strategic: While it’s important to provide details, avoid unnecessary repetition and filler words. Raters will evaluate your ability to clearly, accurately, and appropriately express your ideas. As a reference, higher-level responses for task 2 will have at least 250 words.
- Revise and Edit: Once you’ve finished writing, review your work for grammatical errors, repetition, and overall flow (including sentence variety and transitions). Make any necessary changes, then re-read your essay a final time with all the changes you made. Don’t be discouraged if you have to revise your essay more than once. It’s better that you notice any issues prior to submitting your work.
By reading these tips and practicing your writing ahead of test day, you’re already one step closer to your desired MET score! Remember to trust in your abilities, get a good night’s sleep, and stay calm and focused during the exam for the best results possible.