About the exam:
Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes for planning, 30 minutes for writing)
In Writing Part 1, you write an essay (220-260 words) using information that you are given and develop and support an argument on a particular topic The style should be appropriately formal.
Strategy:
Read the input information carefully and ensure that you include everything that is required. You will need to discuss two of the three points given, reach a conclusion and give reasons for your opinions. Make sure you plan your essay well and balance your arguments by trying to give pros and cons to different suggestions or options. Also, ensure that you use a good range of vocabulary and structures in your answer.
Example
Planning stage (Up to 15 minutes)
Plan:
Introduction
P1 – Catering facilities (1-2 advantages, 1 disadvantage)
P2 – Library (1-2 advantages, 1 disadvantage)
Conclusion (Choose one from the two and give a reason/reasons in support of your decision)
Vocabulary and constructions that can be included (from 6 to 8 items):
1)Indirect question
So the question is if schoolchildren were already grown-ups, which facility they would be most grateful for.
2)Passive
…inasmuch as they are designed to communicate profound ideas directly to people’s hearts.
3)1st conditionals, 2nd conditional
So the question is if schoolchildren were already grown-ups, which facility they would be most grateful for.
If a person eats unhealthy, he or she will be vulnerable to viruses.
4)Inversion
…and, most importantly, not only would it make a huge impact on learners’ performance at school, but also urge them to revalue their attitude to life, realise they must have made some terrible mistakes, turn to books and start changing for the best.
5)Modals, speculation
I suppose catering facilities might be a reasonable option of contributing money to
…realise they must have made some fatal mistakes
6)Phrasal verbs
Turn to
7)Linking words and phrasesAdditionally
AdditionallyAs/since/inasmuch as
As/since/inasmuch as
Or worse still
Most importantly
8)Advanced vocabulary
Contribute, relevant, priority, vulnerable, fund, profound ideas, cognitive skills, impact
Writing the essay (30 minutes)
Obviously, there are certain facilities which most need to be contributed funds to, but whatever it is, it should be relevant to learners so as to prove useful in their future lives. Thus, the question is if schoolchildren were already grown-ups, which facility they would be most grateful for.
I suppose catering facilities might be a reasonable option of contributing money to since health should be a number one priority in everyone’s life. If a person eats unhealthy, he or she will be vulnerable to viruses. Additionally, healthy food positively affects your performance. On the other hand, learners might skip school meals, which is a drawback.
Another option could be to fund the library, because, firstly, it is somewhat the book that gives people a sense of direction in life. Secondly, some books can be highly eye-opening and life-changing inasmuch as they are designed to communicate profound ideas directly to people’s hearts. The only disadvantage, however, is that not many people read books, or worse still, commit to reading them until the very end with no exceptions or excuses.
Taking everything into account, I strongly believe that catering facilities would be the best one to be provided with money, as it is scientifically proven that the healthier one eats, the better his or her mood and cognitive skills are and, most importantly, not only would it make a huge impact on learners’ performance at school, but also urge them to revalue their attitude to life, realise they must have made some fatal mistakes, turn to books and start changing for the best.
Note:
1)This plan is a little bit exaggerated just to give you a general idea. You do not need to write your plan in detail. Just put down the things which seem most important to you and keep the subsidiary ones in mind
2)You do not have to write what you really think about a topic. No one cares if what you write is true or not
3)Although you are expected to use advanced vocabulary, do not go over the top. Balance your writing by using some less complex words, but remember that it should be an advanced essay for the most part.