历年作文考试虽然形式变化，内容各异，但许多经验是一致的，值得借鉴。对往年真题进行分析研究，可以熟悉实战中的谋篇布局与主题展开，利于提高应试能力。下面我们以两次考题为例, 谈一谈内容安排的问题。

    写作考试审题不仔细、不全面，容易使人陷入“写完前段，后一段无话可说”的尴尬处境。

    先看1994年试题：
    Directions:
    A. Title: ON MAKING FRIENDS  
    B. Time limit: 40 minutes
    C. Word limit: 120 — 150 words (not including the given opening sentence)
    D. Your composition should be based on the OUTLINE below and should start with the given Opening sentence: “As a human being, one can hardly do without a friend.”
    OUTLINE:
    1. The need for friends
    2. True friendship
    3. My principle in making friends  (15 points)
 
    本篇作文是就大家熟悉的话题“交友”进行评论，首段论述朋友的必要，第二段说明什么是真正的友谊，末段解释自己交友的原则。似乎顺风顺水，容易写成。但动起笔来却发现并不那么顺利。第一段写朋友的必要性时，我们容易想到“相互作伴，倾诉交谈”，“欢乐共享，忧伤分担”；可是写到第二段真诚友谊时，我们又会想到“患难见真情”、“有福应同享”，这岂不是重复第一段了吗？更麻烦的是毫不容易把第二段构成真诚友谊的因素列全，到了第三段发现自己已无路可走：本人交友的原则已经包含在前文真诚友谊因素之中！第三段成多余的了。

    要避免这种尴尬，事先一定不能因题目表面简单而掉以轻心，要仔细审题，认真布局。首段尽量避开对真诚友谊的解释，多写生活中朋友的必要。下一段写真诚友谊时，要为末段阐述自己的交友原则留有余地，不可穷尽。

    参考作文：

    In life we can hardly do without a friend. There are many difficulties and problems we can’t overcome with our own efforts. Moreover, we need friend to share our joy and sorrow; otherwise we will suffer from loneliness. Thus, friends are an indispensable part of our life.

   However, not all friends can help us when we are in great need. So what is true friendship? As a popular saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” True friends are those who never desert you when you are in need. On the contrary, they will offer you sincere help even at the cost of their own interests. Moreover, they will encourage you to stick to what is right and to avoid what is wrong or illegal. In conclusion, true friendship consists in sincerity and self-sacrifice.

    My principle in making friends is that they should not only be sincere and helpful, but also be tolerant and open-minded. When people spend more time together, scratches and misunderstanding may arise; furthermore, they will find each other’s shortcomings. At this moment, tolerance is the most helpful quality that will enable friendship to survive the difficult times and become even more permanent.

    再看1996年试题：
    Directions: 
    A. Title: GOOD HEALTH 
    B. Time limit: 40 minutes
    C. Word limit: 120 — 150 words (not including the given opening sentence)
    D. Your composition should be based on the OUTLINE below and should start with the given opening sentence: “The desire for good health is universal.”

    OUTLINE:
    1. Importance of good health。
    2. Ways to keep fit
    3. My own practices  (15 points)
 
    这是个老生常谈的话题，一讲到健康人们往往就想到锻炼。这样去写未免过于俗套，而且，细想一想，锻炼也不是唯一健康之道。合理的饮食、正常的生活规律，适当的放松、娱乐应是更基本的健康之路，然后再因人而异进行适度锻炼，增强体质。这样文章思想内容会更加合理、丰富。

    第一段Importance of good health要谈到健康是正常工作、学习和享受生活的前提。

    接下来的两段会出现94年考题一样的问题，即内容重复。为了避免与第二段Ways to keep fit内容撞车，第三段My own practices可以写的具体一些，比如说自己饮食有一日三餐的好习惯，没有现代许多人养成的吃brunch (早中餐合在一起)的毛病，不吸烟，爱打球等等。

    参考作文：

    As a popular saying goes, “Health is better than wealth,” health is very important in our life. With good health we can do our work with full confidence and high efficiency and progress in work, in turn, will contribute to our health and happiness. Besides, if we want to enjoy life by going out for a trip, taking part in sports games, or even having a nice meal, good health is a necessity.

    In my opinion, there are three ways to keep healthy. Firstly, regular meals are essential for good health. Nowadays many people are used to having “brunch” instead of breakfast and lunch, which disorders their normal meals. Secondly, proper relaxation and entertainment are necessary for us to get rid of the pressure from work. We must be careful not to push ourselves too much. Finally, regular exercises may add to our vigor and health.

   Personally, I always eat properly and do exercises regularly. Unlike many people with the habit of drinking or smoking, I prefer drinking green tea. My life is quite busy but regular.