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Jumped to Part 1 — Essay (140–190 words) — highlighted below.
Practise this taskPart 5 — reference words and writer's attitudePart 6 — gapped text cohesion cluesPart 7 — paraphrase huntingDistractor trainingExtra Practice
Reading & Use of English· 7 parts
Writing· 2 parts
What examiners assess
Content (all 3 points), Communicative Achievement (formal register), Organisation, Language range.
Step-by-step
- 1.Plan: introduction, point 1, point 2, YOUR point, conclusion.
- 2.Use formal linkers (moreover, however, on the other hand, in conclusion).
- 3.Do not use contractions.
- 4.Present both sides even if you take a position.
Common mistakes
- Missing the third point.
- Informal tone.
- Repeating the title in the intro.
Model
It is often argued that …. This essay will consider both sides.
Model answers
Essay· 182 words
Task: In your English class you have been talking about transport. Write an essay: 'Cities should ban cars from the centre. Do you agree?' Notes: 1 pollution, 2 shops and business, 3 (your own idea).
Traffic in city centres is increasing every year, and many people now believe that private cars should not be allowed there at all. In my view, this idea has clear advantages, although it also creates problems.
The strongest argument concerns pollution. Cars produce a large part of the dirty air we breathe, so removing them from busy streets would immediately improve public health and make walking or cycling far more pleasant.
On the other hand, shops and businesses may suffer. Customers who live outside the centre often drive in to do their shopping, and if they cannot park, they are likely to go to shopping centres instead. Small local shops could therefore lose income.
A third point, which is rarely mentioned, is public transport. A ban only works if buses and trains are frequent, cheap and reliable; otherwise people without cars are simply trapped.
In conclusion, I believe city centres should be closed to cars, but only once an efficient transport network exists. Without that investment, the policy would punish ordinary people rather than protect them.
Why it scores well
- Covers both given points plus a clear THIRD point of the writer's own.
- Formal register: no contractions, no slang, no direct questions.
- Linkers signal each stage: 'The strongest argument…', 'On the other hand…', 'In conclusion…'.
- Position stated in the introduction and confirmed (with a condition) in the conclusion.