What raters reward
Raters reward a clear, unwavering position, two well developed points, and contrast language that handles the other option. Addressing both sides shows the versatility that lifts a top level; recycling the prompt's words, listing examples, or drifting between sides holds you back.
Your time plan
How to structure it
Fill the [slots] with your own ideas, then adapt the frames; don't recite them.
Commit immediately and never waver. Paraphrase the prompt rather than copying it.
Grammar Stance verb + paraphrase
- The question of [subject] has become a topic of debate.
- In my opinion, [Option A] is the better choice, mainly because of [reason 1] and [reason 2].
- After weighing both, [Option A] is clearly the wiser choice.
Open each with a complex sentence, then add a benefit or example. This depth is what separates a top level from a middling one.
Grammar Complex sentence (since) + semicolon
- To begin with, since [point 1], [the benefit it brings].
- Furthermore, [point 2]; for example, [a concrete detail].
Handling the rejected option is what shows versatility. Concede a small merit, then explain why your side still wins.
Grammar Concession (Nevertheless) + semicolon
- Nevertheless, [Option B] may serve a valuable purpose, due to [a fair point].
- Another important point is that [your stronger counter-point, explained].
Do not add new reasons. Reinforce the thesis and finish cleanly.
Grammar Summary
- For these reasons, I still believe [Option A] is the wiser choice, given [summary of your reasons].
A simpler alternative
If handling both sides is hard, argue only your side with two points. It is easier to write, but it shows less versatility and a narrower range of vocabulary, so it tends to cap around a level 11 rather than 12. Prefer Template 1 above whenever you can. Keep the same opinion introduction and conclusion; only the two body paragraphs change.
Grammar Complex sentence (since)
- To begin with, since [point], [the benefit].
- Further to this, [expand the same point with a result or example].
Grammar Adverb opener + semicolon
- Interestingly enough, [a second, distinct point].
- Due to [the reason]; [an added detail or example].
Idea angles by theme
Stuck for points? Pick one or two themes and build a body paragraph from each line.
- This option saves money in the long run by [reducing X].
- It avoids the recurring expense of [Y].
- It is far more convenient, since [reason].
- It would save most individuals hours otherwise spent on [task].
- It fosters [social cohesion / safety], due to [how].
- It improves quality of life for [group] through [benefit].
- It reduces the [carbon footprint / waste] created by [activity].
- It is the more sustainable option, given that [reason].
Grammar & punctuation toolkit
The move that lifts a response to level 9 and up: think the plain sentence in your head, then upgrade it with a stronger word, one complex structure, and advanced punctuation. Aim for about two complex sentences per task, not every sentence.
A complex sentence joins two ideas with a comma. Use these openers to build about two per task. Note: never add 'but' after 'not only'.
A semicolon needs a complete sentence on both sides, and both must be about the same idea. Never follow a semicolon with a 'which …' clause.
- Conclude a point: 'I finished the course; from now on I will apply what it taught me.'
- Best of all, pair it with a connector for top marks: 'Home prices keep climbing; moreover, groceries now cost more.'
- Add a closely related idea: 'I am nervous about flying; I would rather drive to nearby cities.'
Commas show you can layer information cleanly.
- Wrap removable detail in a pair of commas: 'The manager, who started last month, has already improved things.'
- A connector in the middle of a sentence takes a comma on each side: '…, however, …'.
- Open with a connector, then a comma: 'Furthermore, the cost keeps rising.'
Range is scored. Work in two or three vivid words per task, plus a phrasal verb or two.
- Adverbs are the most under-used part of speech: promptly, repeatedly, considerably, efficiently, evidently.
- Precise adjectives beat bland ones: unacceptable (not 'bad'), malfunctioning (not 'broken'), considerable (not 'big').
- Phrasal verbs signal natural range: catch up, run into, come across, put off, sort out.
Useful vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions, so weave a few in (don't force all of them). Bookmark the ones you want to use — they show up in your saved library.
- In my opinionIn my opinion, working from home benefits both employees and employers.
- Without a doubtWithout a doubt, early education shapes a child's future success.
- There is a strong case forThere is a strong case for choosing the first option.
- It is my firm belief thatIt is my firm belief that public libraries deserve greater funding.
- I am convinced thatI am convinced that regular exercise should be a daily priority.
- ClearlyClearly, the advantages of the proposed policy outweigh its drawbacks.
- has become a topic of debateThe topic of remote work has become a topic of debate.
- It is often argued thatIt is often argued that money cannot buy genuine happiness.
- There is no denying thatThere is no denying that access to clean water is a basic right.
- A growing number of people believe thatA growing number of people believe that cities should limit private cars.
- NeverthelessNevertheless, the long-term gains justify the initial investment.
- NonethelessThe plan has flaws; nonetheless, it remains the wiser choice.
- AdmittedlyAdmittedly, the opposing view carries some weight.
- While it is true thatWhile it is true that travel is costly, its educational value is immense.
- Despite thisDespite this concern, the benefits to the community are undeniable.
- FurthermoreFurthermore, affordable transit reduces traffic and pollution alike.
- MoreoverMoreover, such a policy would foster a stronger sense of community.
- ConsequentlyConsequently, students perform better when they feel supported.
- Another key point is thatAnother key point is that reading widens one's vocabulary.
- fosterVolunteering helps foster empathy and civic responsibility in young people.
- For the reasons aboveFor the reasons above, the first approach is clearly superior.
- I still believeFor all these reasons, I still believe this is the right choice.
- To sum upTo sum up, investing in education is both worthwhile and feasible.
- All things consideredAll things considered, remaining in the city is the more suited option.
- It is reasonable to conclude thatIt is reasonable to conclude that this measure would ensure lasting progress.
From the lesson
The full phrase bank from Task 2: Templates & Models. Bookmark whatever you'd actually use — everything you save shows up in your library.
Opening the debate
3The question of whether ___ has become a genuine point of discussion.
Opinion is divided on whether ___.
Communities across the country face this decision regularly.
Stating your position
3I would firmly support…
Of the two proposals, ___ is clearly the more sensible.
Having considered both, I come down decisively on the side of…
Introducing arguments
4The most compelling argument in its favor is…
The first and most important consideration is…
Furthermore… · In addition… · Beyond that…
A further advantage is that…
Developing a point
4…which would mean that…
The practical effect would be…
For many residents, this alone would justify…
Over time, this would…
The concession move (high value, use once)
4While it is true that ___, …
Admittedly, ___. Even so, …
The alternative does offer ___; the difficulty is that…
I can see the appeal of ___, but…
Dismantling the alternative
4The alternative is considerably less convincing.
This addresses the symptom rather than the cause.
It would benefit comparatively few people.
The likely result would be…
Concluding
4For these reasons, I remain convinced that…
Having weighed both options, …
On balance, ___ is the wiser investment.
…particularly given ___.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sitting on the fence or quietly switching sides halfway through.
- Two points that are really the same point in different words.
- Listing things ('films, games, shows, etc.') instead of explaining one point in depth; raters read this as the easy way out.
- Using memorized statistics ('a 1996 survey showed') or idioms instead of your own reasoning.
- Addressing the reader as 'you', or using colons and bullet lists; keep it academic and in paragraphs.
- Going under 150 or over 200 words.
Quick tips
- Pick the easier-to-argue side, even if it is not your personal view.
- Prefer Template 1: addressing the other option shows the versatility raters reward.
- Explain one point in depth; never list examples.
- Use nevertheless or nonetheless for contrast in this academic task, not however.
