Part 1: Compulsory task

Part 1: Compulsory task

Key task information

• Candidates have to write an essay of between 140 and 190 words giving their opinion along with justifications, using a neutral or formal register. • There is no choice of tasks in this part. • Two ideas are provided and candidates should add a third idea of their own in addition to responding to the two ideas provided.

• Students lose marks if they fail to respond to one of the ideas or if they go off topic, so advise them to read the question carefully, underline key instructions and tick off each idea as they write about it. • Brainstorming ideas for different topics in pairs and groups and setting tasks to research the arguments for and against a particular issue will give students valuable experience in writing this type of essay. • Use model answers and other texts to point out how varying the length of sentences, using direct and indirect questions and a variety of structures and vocabulary can all help to communicate ideas more effectively. • Practise and develop techniques for organising writing: using paragraphs to guide the reader, using linking words and phrases (e.g., but, so, however, on the other hand, etc.) as well as cohesive devices (e.g., using pronouns for referencing). • Familiarise students with a range of phrases and structures for comparing, contrasting, agreeing, disagreeing, explaining, informing and giving opinions with reasons or examples. Exam preparation coursebooks are a useful resource as they often include lists of functional phrases at the right level.