in Taiwan
I have found that a lot of students can't understand why they are getting low scores for their writing.
The answer usually lies in three main areas.
1. You don't answer and address the question.
This is most basic. You definitely have to understand what they are in fact asking and deal with it directly. Don't beat around the bush They want to see that you have understood what you were asked and then they want to see how you tackle the question. The question matters.
They don't want to see how much you can write on a given topic.
They want to see you answer the question.
I see a lot of people talking about irrelevancies in their answers: things that have nothing to do with the question
2. Logic
This is also a big problem. Most of these essays should be pretty simple arguments. But you have to make that argument in a logical way. Begin at the beginning and step through your points. Usually make a general point before making a specific one. Don't jump in with a specific example before making the general point of what exactly it is an example of. The points must follow each other in a logical way and they must connect to each other.
3. Wordiness
This is also a huge problem. Part of the problem lies with these templates that are so popular. The examiners are not stupid and they can distinguish between what is part of the template and what is actually your own thought. Many people waste half of the word count on writing things like "As far as I can tell . . . " and so on.
Of course you need to structure the essay with markers but not at the expense of your own points.
Example: The introduction.
I see people trying to rewrite the question in their introduction, which is good (you have to do this), but make it short and sweet. Don't waste a lot words simply rewriting the question. And then get to the question itself.
If you want me to look at your writing, as of May 1st 2009, its even cheaper for you!