Hints

[PLANNING]
- Use the task input to help you plan but try to avoid copying phrases from the input in Part 1.
Use your own words.
[INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION]
- Effective introductory and concluding paragraphs - In the introduction, state the topic clearly,
give a brief outline of the issue, saying why it is important or why people have different
opinions about it.
- DO NOT express you opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop you essay in such a
way that it guides the reader to the conclusion you draw).
- DO give your opinion in the final paragraph.
[SECOND and THIRD PARAGRAPHS]
- Structure your argument. - Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in a topic
sentence.
- Include relevant details to support the main idea: these might include examples, rhetorical
questions (do no overdo it), controversial or surprising statements... If you include a drawback,
give a possible solution, too.
[GENERAL]
- DO use a relatively formal register and an objective tone. Do not be too emotional.
- Remember to use linking adverbials to organise your ideas and to make it easy for the reader
to follow your argument.
- In the exam, allow yourself time to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation
thoroughly.
Linking words and phrases
Present your ideas clearly. Use connectors to link your ideas
Make sure you know how to use connectors appropriately (register, punctuation...). If you have
any doubts, you should use a good dictionary to check.
To express personal opinions: In my opinion, I believe (that) / I feel (that) / it seems to me / in
my view /as I see it / I think / personally
To show purpose: to / in order to / so as to / so that
To list ideas: Firstly / secondly / finally / In the first place / Lastly
To contrast ideas: However / although / in contrast / whereas / but / nevertheless / in spite of /
despite
To describe a cause: Because / since / as / due to
To show a sequence: First of all / then / after that / eventually / in the end / finally
To add information: In addition / moreover / what is more / besides / too / furthermore / and
To describe a consequence: Consequently / as a result / therefore / so / thus / for this reason /
that is why
To conclude the topic: In conclusion / to sum up / in short / all in all
Model questions and answers
Essay 1 - Model question
TASK
In your English class, you have been talking about the subject of cultural heritage. Now your
English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Is is a good thing that countries spend a lot of money on their heritage?
Notes
Write about:
1. preserving the past
2. investing in the future
3. ________ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 1 - Model answer

Most countries spend large sums of money protecting their national heritage. However, there
is strong argument that we should look forwards and not backwards, spending less money on
preserving the past and more on securing our future.
On the one hand, it is important that we remember our heritage. Once it is lost, it is lost
forever. Caring for important monuments helps with this. It also attracts tourists, which has an
economic benefit for everyone.
On the other hand, governments spend a lot of money on museums and keeping historic sites
in good condition when poor people need houses to live in and businesses need better roads
for transporting their goods.
Another argument is that by making heritage sites attractive for tourists -for example, by
putting on entertainment - we give a very untrue picture of the past and sometimes damage
the local environment.
To conclude, while there are strong arguments for not spending too much on preserving the
past, I believe it is important to protect the most famous sites for the future generations but it
is not realistic to try and save everything. We need to invest in the future too.
(+/- 190 words)
Essay 2 - Model question
TASK
In your English class, you have recently had a discussion about science and young people.
Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Science is very important in the 21st century. How do you think it could be made more
appealing to young people?
Notes
Write about:
1. television programmes
2. interactive museums
3. ________ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 2 - Model answer
Although young people love gadgets and technology, some see science as uninteresting and
'uncool'. Over time, the number of young people, particularly girls, pursuing science and
technology studies and careers has dropped.
One way in which science could be made more attractive would be to have lively television
programmes presented by celebrities, with subjects which were relevant to the experience of
the young. We live in a celebrity culture and children identify with well-known young people.
Another idea would be to set up interactive science museums in every town, where parents
could take their children. It is much better to teach children the principles of science through
hands-on experiments than to lecture them in a classroom.
Of course, there would be more incentives if the average scientit were better paid and young
people were made aware of the range of jobs available. A lot of people are put off a scientific
career because they think it means working in a badly paid job in a boring laboratory.
Whichever way we choose, it is vital that more young people are attracted to science, since
society's prosperity depends largely on continuous scientific progress.
(+/- 190 words)
Essay 3 - Model question
TASK
In your English class, you have recently had a discussion about relationships. Now your
teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Is it better to live alone or with someone else?
Notes

Write about:
1. independence
2. money
3. ________ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 3 - Model answer
Nowadays more people are deciding to live by themselves. Some people claim this is more
enjoyable and in young people it develops a sense of responsibility, whereas others disagree.
The main advantage of living alone is that there is nobody to tell you what to do, so you can
live your life in your own way. What is more, you can organise or decorate your house as you
want. There is no one else to disagree with.
On the other hand, it can be quite lonely for some people. By nature, we are social animals.
Secondly, it is more expensive because you have to pay all the rent and bills yourself, so you
have less money to enjoy yourself. Last but not least, it can be quite hard to find a nice flat for
one person, so you might not be able to live in the best area.
To sum up, there are strong arguments on both sides. In conclusion, I believe that living alone
is better for older people who have more money and like privacy but not for young people who
need to share the costs.
(+/- 180 words)
Essay 4 - Model question
TASK
In your English class you have been talking about happiness. Now your English teacher has
asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Whether you are happy or not depends on the personality you are born with. Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
1. money
2. health
3. ________ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 4 - Model answer
Some people claim they are naturally cheerful. However, in my view, how we lead our lives is
the main reason we are either happy or unhappy.
Take money, for example. Money doesn't automatically make us happy. In fact, it makes some
people very unhappy because they are frightened of losing what they've got. On the other
hand, if we're not greedy and don't spend it foolishly, it can reduce stress and give us security.
Then consider health. If we eat badly, get too little sleep and don't exercise, our health will
decline and make us miserable. Eating well and going for lovely long walks in the countryside
can make us feel better generally.
The third thing I think is important is to have a positive outlook on life. We should all enluy
things like music and being with our friends. At the same time, it's important to spend time
alone and live as simply as possible, which is not easy in the 21st century!
All these make a big difference to our happiness, no matter what our natural temperament.
Example question
In class you have been discussing technology. Now, your English teacher has asked you to
write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Nowadays, technology is everywhere. Has technology made peoples lives better or worse?
Notes
Write about:
medical science
the internet
your own idea

Example Answer
Modern technology has radically changed the way we live and even how long we live for.
However, some might argue that these changes have created new problems that we have yet
to solve.
The internet, for example, has become such an integral part of peoples lives that it feels as
though it has existed forever. It is a fantastic means of communication as well as source of
information and knowledge. Likewise, mobile phones allow us to stay in touch with each other
as well as access the world wide web when were on the bus, in a bar, or even walking down a
busy street. The danger is that people become addicted to their devices. It is not uncommon
nowadays to see couples sitting together staring at their phones instead of speaking to each
other.
Medical science is another area in which great advances have been made. Consequently,
people are living longer than ever. However, unless we change the age of retirement, our
governments risk running out of money.
In conclusion, I am convinced technology has improved our lives but we still need to take
some difficult decisions about how to make it best work for us.
Part 1 of the writing is compulsory. You must write an essay and the focus is on agreeing or
disagreeing with a statement, giving information, giving opinion, giving reasons, comparing
and contrasting ideas and opinions, drawing a conclusion. There is only one question in part 1
and you must do it. You should write between 140 and 190 words.
Heres an example of a part 1 question:
In your English class, you have been talking about work and your teacher has asked you to
write an essay.
Write an essay on the subject of work and use ALL the following notes. Give reasons for your
point of view.
Is it better to earn a lot of money or enjoy your job? (this is the title of your essay)
Notes:
Write about
1. How much time is spent at work
2. the type of work which is done
3. ..(your own idea)
1. How much time is spent at work (the more you enjoy your job, the quicker time passes /
many people only work so that they can earn money to enjoy themselves in their free time, or
support their family)
2. the type of work which is done (Some jobs are more enjoyable than others. Should we
choose a job for the salary or for job satisfaction?
3. ..(your own idea) Does money bring happiness? If we enjoy what we do, will the money
come anyway? If you have a family to support, can you really look for enjoyment? If were not
happy should we change jobs?
.
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer
sheet.
You have recently had a class project on animal welfare and vegetarianism. Now your teacher has asked you to
write a composition, giving your opinions on the following statement:

Some people believe that humans should not eat meat. Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
- meat as a main ingredient of our diet
- vegetarians
- (your own idea)

Sample answer:

Most people think that since animals eat other animals, it is natural for humans to eat meat.
However, some religions disagree, and a growing number of people are choosing to become
vegetarians for nonreligious reasons.
You start with Paragraph 1- Introduction
Here you include:
A general statement/rhetorical question (its already given on the topic, your task is to paraphrase it- use
different words or grammar structures). In the sample answer weve used most instead of some, believe was
changed to think etc.
Qualify the argument
Explain further and maybe try to show several sides of the issue, consider it from different angles, thinking, This
part is right if This is true, except when This might work if The reason this happens is because The
underlying issues are
First, I would like to put the argument in favour of eating meat. Humans have always hunted and eaten animals. We use their
fur and skin for clothes and shoes. Besides, when people stop eating meat they are avoiding the main food that gives them
energy.
Paragraph 2:
Introduction
Advantage 1 Reason Advantage 1 - Specific example 1
Advantage 2 Reason Advantage 2 - Specific example 2
One of these advantages should have the point mentioned in the task included. In our sample answer we have the
point about meat being the main source of energy included
Make sure you use the following phrases when writing paragraph 2:
Introducing the topic
First of all I would like to say that
The first point I would like to make is
I would like to begin by
Many people think that
Some people say/claim
Why do some people believe ?
However, if that is the case, then why ?
Advantages
In the first place
The main advantage is that you are free to
There is no one else to
Then there is
Whats more
Another advantage is that
On the other hand, many vegetarians believe that eating meat is not only unnecessary but it is also unhealthy. We can easily
grow plants that give us all we need in our diet, and meat may cause serious diseases. Also, the way we farm animals is cruel
and we are destroying rainforests to provide land for animals.
Paragraph 3:
Introduction
Disadvantage 1 Reason Disadvantage 1 - Specific example 1
Disadvantage 2 Reason Disadvantage 2 - Specific example 2
Make sure you include the other point mentioned in the topic and add your own idea + the following phrases when
writing paragraph 3:

Disadvantages
On the other hand
Secondly,
Another disadvantage is
Last but not least, . .
In my view, there are strong health reasons for not eating meat. However, if we become vegetarians for moral reasons, I
think we should also not wear fur or leather.
Paragraph 4- Conclusion
Summarise your view using different words from the introduction. You might want to add some further comment.
Summarising phrases you have to use:
In conclusion (I believe that)
To sum up, there are arguments
However, in my view .
Now, its your turn. Heres the topic:
You recently had a class discussion about television. Now your teacher has asked you to write a composition.

Young children watch too much television. Do you agree?

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer
sheet.

Notes
Write about:
- busy parents
- sports
- (your own idea)
Once you have written the essay do check if you have the following:
1. I have answered the question.
2. The sentences and organisation are clear and logical.
3. Arguments are followed by reasons and examples.
4. Both sides of the argument are given equal treatment.
5. It is clear what I think by the end.
6. The style is consistent and neutral.
7. I have checked: length, grammar, spelling, punctuation and linking expressions.
Now, its your turn. Heres another topic:
You recently had a class discussion about women rights . Now your teacher has asked you to write a composition.

Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government
encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for
women?

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer
sheet.

Notes

Write about:
- education
- equal rights
- (your own idea)