Lesson 14, Task 2: Templates & Models
Assumes Lesson 13: the CASE structure, choosing the arguable option, and the coherence loop.
Template A, both sides (ceiling ~12)
Memorize the skeleton; fill the brackets. The intro and conclusion together are roughly 60 words, a third of the task, pre-planned.
[Claim] The question of whether [the debate] has become a genuine point of discussion in many communities. Having considered both proposals, I would firmly support [your option], primarily because of [your headline reason].
[Argue] The most compelling argument in its favor is that [point 1]. [One sentence developing it, a consequence or example.] Furthermore, [point 2], which would [benefit]. Taken together, these make a strong practical case.
[Switch] The alternative is considerably less convincing. While [acknowledge its one genuine appeal], [counter it]. In addition, [second criticism]; [consequence of that].
[End] For these reasons, I remain convinced that [your option] is the wiser choice, particularly given [reason drawn from Body 2].
Why each move earns marks
| Move | What it demonstrates |
|---|---|
| Naming the debate in sentence one | Content/Coherence, establishes context |
| Stating your position immediately | Content/Coherence, no hedging |
| ”Furthermore… which would…” | Vocabulary + Readability, connectors and complex structures |
| ”While [appeal], [counter]“ | The concession move, the single highest-value sentence in the task |
| Semicolon in Body 2 | Readability, advanced punctuation |
| Conclusion drawing on Body 2 | Content/Coherence, closes the loop |
Template B, one side only (ceiling ~11)
Use this when you genuinely can’t argue about the other option. It is a strategic fallback, not a failure.
[Claim] The question of whether [the debate] is one that divides opinion. In my view, [your option] is clearly the better choice, largely because of [headline reason].
[Argue 1] The first and most important consideration is [point 1]. [Development sentence.] For many people, this alone would justify the decision.
[Argue 2] A further advantage is [point 2]. [Development sentence.] Over time, this would [longer-term benefit].
[End] Having weighed the options, I remain firmly of the view that [your option] is the more sensible course, particularly in light of [reason drawn from your second body].
A clean Template B beats a Template A with a vague or inaccurate Body 2. If you’re stuck after 60 seconds of planning, switch without hesitation.
Model answer
Question: Your local council is deciding how to use a vacant lot in your neighborhood. Option A: build a small public park. Option B: build a parking area. Choose the option you prefer and explain your reasons. Choice: the park (A).
The question of how best to use vacant land has become a genuine point of discussion in many neighbourhoods. Having considered both proposals carefully, I would firmly support the creation of a small public park, primarily because of the long-term value it would offer residents.
The most compelling argument in its favor is that a park serves everyone. Children, older residents and families would all use the space daily, and areas of this kind consistently become the places where neighbors actually meet one another. Furthermore, green space brings measurable benefits to air quality and to residents’ wellbeing, which matters considerably in a densely built area.
The parking proposal is far less convincing. While it is true that parking in the area is limited, adding spaces tends to attract additional traffic rather than relieve congestion; the problem simply reappears within a year or two. In addition, a parking area would serve only those residents who own cars, excluding a substantial proportion of the neighborhood.
For these reasons, I remain convinced that the park is the wiser investment, particularly given how few people the alternative would genuinely benefit.
196 words.
Why it scores well
- Position stated in sentence two and restated in the conclusion.
- Four developed points: two supporting, two against, each with a consequence, not just a claim.
- The concession move (“While it is true that parking is limited…”) acknowledges the other side before countering it. This is what demonstrates comparison.
- The coherence loop closes: the intro promises long-term value to residents, Body 1 delivers it, Body 2 argues serves few people, and the conclusion picks up exactly that.
- Range: a semicolon, several complex sentences, and precise vocabulary (measurable, densely built, substantial proportion, wiser investment).
- No invented statistics, “consistently become,” “measurable benefits” give weight without fabricating numbers.
The same response at Level 6, and how to fix it
“I think the park is better. A park is good because people can walk there and children can play. It is nice to have green space. Parking is also good because people need to park their car. But I think park is better. Many people like parks. Also parking is very expensive to build. In conclusion, I think the park is better than parking because it is good for people.”
Rater’s diagnosis
| Issue | Dimension | Why it costs you |
|---|---|---|
| ~75 words | Task Fulfillment | Less than half the minimum, the heaviest penalty available |
| ”Parking is also good because…” | Content/Coherence | Argues for the option being rejected, undermines the position |
| Points stated, never developed | Content/Coherence | ”Many people like parks” is a claim, not an argument |
| ”good,” “good,” “nice,” “better” ×4 | Vocabulary | Flat and repetitive |
| No connectors beyond “also” and “but” | Readability | No complex sentences at all |
| ”I think” ×4 | Vocabulary | Weak, repetitive stance-marking |
| ”park is better” (missing article) | Readability | Article error |
Estimated level: 5.
The upgrade path
| Level 6 | Level 11 |
|---|---|
| ”I think the park is better." | "Having considered both proposals carefully, I would firmly support the creation of a small public park, primarily because of the long-term value it would offer residents." |
| "A park is good because people can walk there and children can play." | "A park serves everyone. Children, older residents and families would all use the space daily, and areas of this kind consistently become the places where neighbors actually meet one another." |
| "Parking is also good because people need to park their car." | "While it is true that parking in the area is limited, adding spaces tends to attract additional traffic rather than relieve congestion." |
| "Also parking is very expensive to build." | "In addition, a parking area would serve only those residents who own cars, excluding a substantial proportion of the neighborhood." |
| "In conclusion, I think the park is better because it is good for people." | "For these reasons, I remain convinced that the park is the wiser investment, particularly given how few people the alternative would genuinely benefit.” |
The pattern: never argue for the option you rejected, concede it instead, then counter. Attach a consequence to every claim. Replace “I think” with committed stance verbs.
Grammar watch-list for Task 2
| Watch for | ✗ | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Articles with general nouns | ”park is better than parking area" | "a park is better than a parking area” |
| Plurals for general statements | ”a child needs green space" | "children need green space” |
| Would for hypotheticals | ”if they build a park, it is better" | "if they built a park, it would be better" |
| "The number of” agreement | ”the number of residents are rising" | "…is rising” |
| Comparative structures | ”more better,” “less convincing than parking is" | "better,” “less convincing than the alternative” |
| Semicolon joins two clauses | ”adding spaces attracts traffic; which is bad" | "adding spaces attracts traffic; the problem reappears within a year” |
| Never start with “which" | "…congestion. Which is a problem." | "…congestion, which is a problem.” |
Grade your own Task 2 response
- Position stated in the first two sentences and restated at the end
- Four developed points (or four supporting, if using Template B)
- Every point has a consequence or example, not a bare claim
- One concession move (“While it is true that…”)
- I never argued for the option I rejected
- The coherence loop closes, conclusion picks up Body 2
- At least two complex sentences
- One semicolon, used correctly
- Three or more “-ly” adverbs
- No invented statistics
- 175–195 words
9+ ticks = Level 9 territory. All 11 = you’re competing for 11–12.
Your practice
Open one set on Celpora and put today’s lesson to work.
Survey template. Structure, phrases, and worked model for the survey response
