Writing Task 2

Getting started

1. 1

   Analysing and paraphrasing the question

   A four-step plan, finding key words, recognising the seven question types, and paraphrasing.

   ✓ Completed
   40–50 min
2. 2

   Stating your position: the language of extent

   Adverbs, adjectives and phrases that show exactly how strongly you agree or disagree.

   ✓ Completed
   40–50 min

Agree or disagree essays

1. 3

   Agree or disagree essays

   Model answer: a clear position with an extent, two strong ideas, and a consistent conclusion.

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min
2. 4

   Essay structure and writing an introduction

   Understand the question, plan the structure and write a clear introduction (distance learning).

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min
3. 5

   Developing arguments

   Generate ideas and organise a balanced argument (nuclear energy).

   ✓ Completed
   45–90 min

Outweigh essays

1. 6

   Outweigh essays

   Model answer: weigh both sides and make a clear judgement.

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min

Two-question essays (standard)

1. 7

   Two-question essays (standard)

   Model answer: answer both parts fully, with no opinion unless it is asked for.

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min

Problem and solution essays

1. 8

   Problem and solution essays

   Causes and solutions: cause-and-effect and purpose language (overfishing, childhood obesity).

   ✓ Completed
   40–55 min

Two-question essays (opinion)

1. 9

   Two-question essays (opinion)

   Model answer: explain the reasons, then give and support your opinion.

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min
2. 10

   Developing paragraphs

   Topic sentences, developing sentences, complex sentences and paragraph order.

   ✓ Completed
   60–70 min

Advantage, disadvantage and opinion essays

1. 11

   Advantages, disadvantages and opinion essays

   Model answer: discuss benefits and drawbacks, then say which side is stronger.

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min

Both sides and opinion essays

1. 12

   Both sides and opinion essays

   Model answer: present two opposing views fairly and give your own.

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min

Academic language

1. 13

   Paraphrasing in Speaking and Writing

   Say the same thing in new words, using Part 1 questions and our Writing model answers.

   ✓ Completed
   50–60 min
2. 14

   Qualified language and academic style

   Make careful claims and use a formal, respectful, academic style.

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min
3. 15

   Formal, objective and supported writing

   Formal and impersonal language, the active and the passive, and supporting your ideas.

   ✓ Completed
   60–75 min
4. 16

   Accuracy: punctuation, spelling and common errors

   Punctuation, spelling, word formation, common grammar errors and proofreading.

   ✓ Completed
   60–75 min
5. 17

   Cohesion: reference, substitution and linking

   Reference, substitution and using linking words without overusing them.

   ✓ Completed
   50–60 min
6. 18

   Collocation: words that go together

   The natural word combinations that examiners look for at Bands 7 and 8.

   ✓ Completed
   45–60 min