Winter Break Writing Challenge: The 30-Minute Exam Sprint
Instructions: Welcome to your winter break writing check-in! To keep your skills sharp for upcoming international exams, you will complete a timed writing sprint on your own.
This activity forces you to practice the #1 skill tested on international exams: structuring an advanced argument under a tight time limit.
Follow the step-by-step pipeline below, select one prompt from the options, and type your final response directly into the submission box. Do not use external translation tools or dictionaries—treat this like the real exam!
The Sprint Pipeline
Follow these strict time limits using a stopwatch or phone timer:
Minutes 0–3 (The Plan): Select your prompt below. On a piece of scrap paper, write down your core stance and your 2 main supporting points.
Minutes 3–25 (The Blitz): Start typing. Write an introduction, 2 body paragraphs using the PEEL structure (Point, Evidence/Explanation, Example, Link), and a brief conclusion. Do not stop to look up words or fix typos yet.
Minutes 25–30 (The Target Edit): Stop writing. Scan your draft specifically looking to fix three things: subject-verb agreement, repetitive words (replace basic words with advanced synonyms), and transition words.
Choose ONE Prompt to Answer:
Option A (General Interest / Education):
Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone, regardless of their financial background. Others argue that students should pay for their own higher education as it benefits them individually. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Target: 250+ words)
Option B (Technology / Society):
With the rapid rise of remote work and online communication, physical workplaces are becoming less necessary. To what extent do you agree or disagree that face-to-face interaction in professional environments will eventually disappear entirely? (Target: 250+ words)
Option C (Modern Campus - Short Academic Format):
Your professor poses the following question on a class discussion board: "Should governments tax sugary drinks and junk food to encourage healthier eating habits, or is this an unfair restriction on personal freedom?" Express your view and briefly comment on why a classmate might disagree. (Target: 100–150 words)
