This paper presents an analysis of the written work of newly admitted undergraduate students in a context of examination. The aim of the paper is to provide a detailed description of the linguistic-discursive nature of these productions, and identify some problems associated with the composition of such texts. This analysis is made through a quantitative study that consider four levels: structure, rhetorical approach, linguistic level and use of information. The challenges that emerge from such written work provide valuable ideas for the development of pedagogical proposals aimed at improving the teaching of this competency.