相关考研专家结合历年考研英语作文试题分析，从写作内容及形式上看，均为控制性写作，题材类型分为几类：标题作文、提纲作文、图表作文、规定情景式作文及综合型作文等。例如：
一、主题句作文
主句作文也称为段首句作文，要求考生在每段所给主题句基础上加以扩展，完成段落，再由段落组成文章。主题句作文是目前较常用的一种出题方式，它不像一般正规文章那样要求具有开头段和结尾段，一般只给出三句主题句，所以属于一种简单的三段式作文。
Example 1
Title: Dictionary……
(1) The dictionary is a living teacher
(2) Skills will develop with your constant use of various dictionaries. ……
(3) But you should have one thing in mind……
Dictionary
The dictionary is living teacher. Whenever you come across a new word, just consult it and you will get a clear definition. Every student, whether attending school or self-taught, should always have a dictionary at hand. As a study aid, it is convenient, inexpensive and all-knowing.
Skills will develop with your constant use of various dictionaries The more you use them, the more familiar you will become with them. Sooner or later, you will be quite skilled in finding the page, scanning the entries and locating the exact meaning of the new words.
But you should have one thing mind. As a language student, you should never depend too much on dictionaries. Basic language skill do not come from dictionaries, but from your practice. Learn the language by listening, speaking, reading and writing more, and that is the only way to the mastery of a language.
Example2
Title: The Computer
(1) The computer is a wonderful machine
(2) Computers play an important role in our life
(3) However, many scientists don’s think that computers will replace us completely.
The Computer
The computer is a wonderful machine. It is the most important invention in many years.
Today it is used a great deal in various fields. Especially, it is useful in automatic control and data processing. And now it is finding its way into the home.
Computers play an important role in our life. They can do most of things people can do They can give you information on buying and selling things. Provide you with suggestion of how to deal with certain illness and how to solve the problems you are faced with. There is no doubt that people can live much easier with the help of the computers.
However, many scientists don’t think that computers will replace us completely. No matter how clever they may become, computers are no more that an extension for human brain.
二、提纲式作文
提纲式作文为考生提供了题目与一个简单的写作提纲，将考生的写作控制在一定范畴。
它要求考生紧扣题目主题，并根据提纲提示的思路和要点展开段落。由于提供的写作提纲一般也为三段，所以考生也可以按照三段式作文将简单的提纲展为主题句，再按照主题句作文的写作方法将文章写成。