SAMPLE ESSAYS AND HINTS

Hints

• [PLANNING]
  - Use the task input to help you plan but try to avoid copying phrases from the input . 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.