Task 1

• Never give your opinion. Only describe what is given in the figures.
• No prediction, no backstory, no first/second person perspective, only facts. Assume that you don’t know anything about the topic from
before, you’re just explaining it from the picture with whatever is provided.
• Don’t worry about what topics you may encounter. It’s a language test, not a skill test. So, they won’t give you any exclusive topic that
you can’t answer. It’s the same for everyone.
• Divide the report into major (overall), minor (category-wise), and minute (numbers) details.
• 160 – 180 words is the optimal length, 150 words is the minimum. You will get about 15-20 minutes to write it. Brainstorm well in the
first 2-3 minutes.
• Never write a conclusion. The structure follows: Introduction – Overview – Body 1 – Body 2.
• You always have to logically categorize the information into 2 even divisions and then write body paragraphs on them separately.
You’ll have to mention the logic behind your division in the form of topic sentences in the body paragraphs.
• Give special attention to cohesion and correlation. If you miss something, don’t write it later at a different place, skip it. Similarly,
don’t write anything irrelevant. Both will cost you marks. Construct every sentence in the head before writing them down, don’t just
start writing out of habit or panic. You need to ensure that you’ve used at least 4-5 types of sentences.
• Use transitions and synonyms, avoid repeating words. But don’t overdo them. Use words that you 100% know how to apply only. Pay
special focus to the relevant tense.
Describe the following pattern

In 1991, the number of arrests for illegal drug use stood at 55. However, over the following two years, there was a sharp fall in
the arrest to 20 per year. The number then rose significantly from 1995 to 1996 to 50 per year. 1996 to 1999 saw a fluctuation in
the arrest rate, which was followed by a sudden increase at the end of this period, with the rate reaching a peak of 80 in 2000.
Next, the number of arrests plunged to a low of 15 in 2001. It remained stable for the following year, but then increased
gradually to 20, leveling off at this rate for the remainder of the period.
 Connectors
For Introduction
The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram gives/provides information about/on, shows / illustrates/ describes.

For Trends

Rise, increase, peak, surge, grow, rocket, soar, leap; fall, decrease, reduce, decline, dip, dive, plunge, plummet; fluctuation,
variation, vary; sharp (ly), sudden, fast, dramatic, rapid, abrupt, perplexing, steep, significant, sizeable, considerable,
substantial, spectacular, notable, noticeable, remarkable, noteworthy; slight, gentle, gradual, steady, moderate, slow,
marginal, modest, consistent; constant, identical, flatten out, level off.

For Amount

a small fraction, a small number, a small minority, a large portion, a significant majority, nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region
of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter, around two thirds, more or less three quarters, approximately a third.

For direction

East, west, north, south, southeast, northeast, southwest, northwest, at the outskirt, innermost, surrounding, around, edge
Introduction: Paraphrase the questions, describe the axes, type of figure. 1-2 sentences. If units are given in the
figure, write them down in words. If you’re given data on countries, for instance, write down all the country names
individually, don’t just state ‘the data is given for 4 countries’.

Overview: General summary or the broad picture of the essay. 1-3 sentences. Don’t use any number. Some of the
common overview transitions include: Overall, It is noticeable that, The main facts that stand out are that, For the
most part, It is evident that, etc.

Body 1 & 2: Only look for significant details such as peak, trough, slope from one range to another, start and finish,
overall trend, major milestones, stability, sudden changes, patterns, similarities, differences, anomalies. Don’t try to
write everything there is on the figure, only the most notable ones and then back them by using the numbers. You
are allowed to use brackets for including numbers where you can’t put them naturally in a sentence.
 Line Graphs

You can group the data by country, timeline, or similar trends (increasing or decreasing) and write separate paragraphs on them.
 Line Graphs

The line graph illustrates the regional household recycling rates in the UK, France, and Germany from 2005 to
2015. The horizontal axis exhibits the particular timeline while the vertical axis accounts for the recycling rates in
percentage.

The recycling rates of the UK and Germany showed a steady but significant rise over the period, while the
percentage in recycled waste in France experienced a downward trend.

In 2005, the recycling rates of the UK and Germany were nearly 35% and 20% respectively. Germany’s rate
increased sharply throughout the period exceeding France’s rate in 2009 and reaching almost 60% at the end of
the period. In the meantime, the percentage of recycled waste in the UK grew to 40% in 2007 and then remained
steady until 2009. During 2009-2011, it experienced a rapid surge to more than 50% and continued with a gradual
increase to 60% in 2015.

In early 2005, the recycling rate of France (50%) was the highest among these three countries. However, it
dramatically declined to 30% in 2013. Then, there was a growth of 10% in 2015, but France’s recycling rate was
the lowest at the end of the period.
Brainstorming Task
 Bar Graphs

You can divide it into which country spends more on consumer goods and which country does less and then describe one’s
expenditures in one para and another’s in the next. Or, you can find which goods UK spends more and which goods France spends
more on and write separate paragraphs on them (differences). Or, you can write about the goods both countries spend more on in
one para and about the goods the countries spend less on in another para (similarities). Whichever way you can write more
logically is the right way.
 Bar Graphs
The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on five consumer goods (cars, computers, books, perfume and
cameras) in France and the UK in 2010. Units are measured in pounds sterling.

Overall, the UK spent more money on consumer goods than France in the period given. Both the British and the
French spent most of their money on cars whereas the least amount of money was spent on perfume in the UK
compared to cameras in France. Furthermore, the most significant difference in expenditure between the two
countries was on cameras.

In terms of cars, people in the UK spent about £450,000 on this as opposed to the French at £400,000. Similarly, the
British expenditure was higher on books than the French (around £400,000 and £300,000 respectively). In the UK,
expenditure on cameras (just over £350,000) was over double that of France, which was only £150,000.

On the other hand, the amount of money paid out on the remaining goods was higher in France. Above £350,000 was
spent by the French on computers which was slightly more than the British who spent exactly £350,000. Neither of
the countries spent much on perfume which accounted for £200,000 of expenditure in France but under £150,000 in
the UK.
Brainstorming Task
 Pie Chart
The pie graphs below show the result of a survey of children's activities. The first graph shows the cultural and leisure
activities that boys participate in, whereas the second graph shows the activities in which the girls participate. Write a report
describing the information shown in the two pie graphs.

Since there is no timeline involved, you can either describe each chart separately in separate paragraphs, or you can
compare the elements for each pie chart and make the similarities and difference in two paragraphs, or you can compare the
major activities in one para and the minor ones in the other one.
 Pie Chart
The two pie charts draw the conclusion of a survey of boys' and girls' cultural and leisure activities.

Overall, equal quantities of both sexes enjoyed listening to music, but a dramatically larger number of girls liked
reading. There were also many differences in terms of the children's preferred sports.

Turning to the first chart, we can observe that boys prefer playing computer games (34% participation rate) than
taking other activities. Playing basketball comes as the second most popular leisure, practiced by almost a quarter of
male children. Basketball is followed by soccer, which is exercised by 17%. Skateboarding and listening to music are
less preferable activities, chosen by 11% and 10% of boys respectively. Reading, the least popular cultural activity
among boys, represents only two percent.

Taking a closer look at the second chart, we can see that girls' most preferred activity is dancing, being 27% of the
total. In contrast to the boys' preferences, reading is chosen by more than a fifth of all girls. Although percentage of
female children who play computer games is roughly half of that of boys (16%), this activity is the third most
popular on the girls' chart. With a slight difference between computer games and netball, the latter is practiced at 15%
rate. Similarly to skateboarding popularity among boys, 11% of girls go in for gymnastics. Listening to music,
interestingly, comes as a less popular leisure for both sexes, with a proportion of 10%.
Brainstorming Task
 Tables
Tables are just like any bar graph, line graph, or pie chart where the same data is organized in a table. So, the approaches are
same as describing those graphs.

Compare the amount of water used for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes in the given countries in 2000. Write a
minimum of 150 words.

You can divide the bodies by country or by use.

 Tables
The table shows how six different countries in the Middle East – Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi
Arab used water in 2000. The usages are for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use and the data are given in
percentage.

Overall, it is evident that while Bahrain and Kuwait made use of water predominantly for domestic purposes, the
other four countries used it mainly for agriculture.

Turning first to Kuwait and Bahrain, Kuwait had the highest use of water for domestic purposes, at 63%, whereas
its use for agriculture was only a third of this. Accounting for a slightly lower amount of use for domestic
purposes was Bahrain, but it used two times more water than Kuwait for agriculture.

In contrast to this, the remaining four countries used much more water for agriculture. The highest were Saudi
Arabia (85%) and Oman (83%). Interestingly though, these countries had particularly low levels of domestic
water use. Next, Qatar and UAE used 62% and 65% respectively for agriculture and about half this amount for
domestic purposes. Moreover, all six countries used very low amounts for industrial purposes, all at under 8%,
the only exception being Kuwait at just under 20%.
Brainstorming Task
 Process Diagram
The diagram illustrates how steel rods are manufactured in the furniture industry.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

In diagram essays, the only way to go about it is to divide the process into two even chronological parts and
describe each one in separate bodies.
 Process Diagram

The diagram shows the process of metal rods production for the furniture industry.

Overall, the process consists of eleven stages, beginning with the raw material and ending with the product’s
inspection.

First of all, iron ore, yellow ore, and carbon are collected to serve as raw material for steel rods manufacturing. After
that, the raw material is melted in a melting slit, where it is heated to a temperature in the range of 1300-1500 °C.
The melted mass is then transferred to a smelting cabin to undergo refinement. Next, the candescent metal is put in a
pouring machine and poured into ingots.

In the next stage, the ingots are connected to a cooling reservoir, where the temperature falls to 60-100 °C. Metal
goes through special nozzles and cools down, forming strands. Following this, the metal strands proceed to rollers
that change their shape. Next, the products are put into a heating machine, where they undergo heat treatment.
Subsequently, a measuring automaton completes a surface check of the products. After that, the metal rods are sized
by special cutters and get ID stamping. Finally, the products undergo inspection and are ready for use.
 Brainstorming Task

The diagram shows the process of

manufacturing bricks. Summarize
the information by selecting and
reporting the main features.
Write at least 150 words.
 Maps
The maps below show the changes that have taken place in the seaside resort of Templeton between 1990 and 2005.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant

You can divide this by position (East side of the town and West side of the town in both the years), or by feature (transport
in one para, construction in another para).
*** If there is no directions given in the map, mark North (up), South (down), East (right), West (left) and use these terms
to describe changes in the map.
 Maps

The map illustrates the changes that have occurred in Templeton, a seaside resort, over a 15 year period beginning in
1990 and ending in 2005.

The most noticeable change is the replacement of many green areas with several major infrastructure projects.

To begin, there were several major changes to transport in the town. An airport has been built beside the river on the
outskirts of the town. In addition to this, a ferry port was constructed on the far east coastline, with a new railway
extension line passing by the ferry port, continuing along the coast and crossing over a new bridge so it connects to
the west side of the town.

There have also been changes to the business sector in Templeton. A factory can be seen in the south east region of
the town behind the new railway line, and a supermarket has been built over the river in the west side of Templeton,
running alongside a new road. The residential landscape has also altered, particularly on the west side of the town,
where large apartment blocks now stand in place of the houses.
Brainstorming Task
 Multiple Graphs
Scenario 1: If the ingredients are common but there is no timeline comparison, divide the ingredients into 2 similar parts
according to the amount. The correlation needs to be established between the ingredients.
The three pie charts give information on the proportion of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar in the typical
meals of the UK adults. Excessive consumption of any of those nutrients is considered to negatively affect one’s
health.

Overall, the first two meals of the day eaten by adults in the UK are relatively balanced and healthy, whereas
dinner contains the most sodium and saturated fat. Most of the added sugar is in snack foods.

The first two meals of the day, breakfast and lunch, appear to be quite healthy with a relatively even distribution
of nutrients. A typical breakfast is the lightest meal of the day, which contains between 13 and 16 per cent of each
nutrient. For lunch, people consume between 20 and 28 per cent of the nutrients, with added sugar being the
lowest and sodium the highest.

On the other hand, dinner and snacks appear to be less balanced. Out of all the meals, dinner contains the largest
proportions of sodium and saturated fat (42 and 39 per cent of daily intake, respectively). However, when
snacking, people eat the most added sugar (45 per cent), as well as slightly more sodium and saturated fat than
for breakfast.
Brainstorming Task
 Multiple Graphs
Scenario 2: If the ingredients are common and there is timeline comparison, divide the ingredients into 2 parts according to the
trend. The correlation needs to be established between the timelines. You can divide the 2 paragraphs in such a way that the first
paragraph describes variables that increased overtime and the second one describes variables that decreased or remained same
with the passage of time.

The two pie charts below show the percentages of industry sectors' contribution to the economy of Turkey in 2000
and 2016. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where
relevant.
The two pie charts illustrate how different industry sectors contributed to the economy of Turkey
percentagewise in the years 2000 and 2016.

Overall, at the beginning of the period, construction contributed the least to the economy of Turkey and
agriculture was the most significant economic sector. In comparison, at the end of the period, healthcare and
education became the largest economic segment and the lowest contribution was made by financial, business
and other services.

Construction sector accounted for 3% of Turkey's economy in 2000 and experienced a more than threefold
increase to 10% in 2016. Economic income from trade, utilities and transportation was 14% in 2000 and
experienced a slight growth of 2% in 2016. At the beginning of the period, manufacturing and finance, business
and other services made up 8% and 5% of Turkey's economy, respectively, and these figures rose to 12% and
8% in 2016.

Agriculture, which comprised almost a quarter of Turkey's economy in 2000 fell to 14% in 2016. In 2000,
economic outputs from government and leisure and hospitality sectors were at 12% and 17%, respectively, and
both decreased by 3% after 16-year period. In contrast, contribution from healthcare and education sector
remained constant in both years at 17%.
Brainstorming Task
 Multiple Graphs
Scenario 3: If the ingredients are not directly comparable and there is no timeline comparison, you can describe the two figures
separately. No correlation required.

The charts give information

about levels of education in
Glasgow in 2010.
The bar chart and the pie charts illustrate the percentage of people in Glasgow having three levels of education
(university, school and those with no qualifications) in 2010. Information is divided into five age groups in the
bar chart and by gender in the pie charts.

Overall, the majority of people with university education were in younger age groups, while in the oldest age
group, most people did not have any qualifications. The proportions of men and women were similar and showed
little difference between the levels of education.

The percentage of people with university education was up to 76% in the younger three age groups compared to
only 50% in those aged 50 to 75 and just 25% in those over 75. This trend was reversed in those with no
qualifications (9% in younger people rising to 72% in the oldest age group). The figure for those with school
education was relatively constant at around 20% but was as low as 3% in the over 75’s class.

The proportion of men and women in each level of education was around one third with only a slight difference
of 3% in university graduates as well as those who didn’t have educational qualifications.
Brainstorming Task
Task 2
 This is an English test, not an intelligence test. Any logical answer is acceptable.
 Blunt answers that achieve the task will bring more scores than interesting ones.
 250 words is the lower limit. 260-280 is the optimal limit.
 4 Paragraphs. Introduction - Body 1 – Body 2 – Conclusion.
 Use variety of sentences including simple, compound, complex, passive, conditional, Introductory It/There, Relative clauses.
 Use only Assertive and Interrogative (optional) statements. Imperative or Exclamatory sentences are not allowed.
 Never use second person standpoint.
 Write the easiest support which you can clarify, describe, and back with example.
 Don’t start an essay until you’ve got your ideas together. Spend at least 3-5 minutes on brainstorming.
 Coherence and cohesiveness is mandatory.

There are 6 types of essays in task 2

 Opinion essay
 Discussion essay
 Advantage-Disadvantage essay
 Problem-Solution essay
 Double Question essay
 Mixed Question essay
 Introduction The best way to improve health is to do regular exercise. To what extent do
you agree?
o Paraphrase the question
o State your stance The most effective method for developing and improving health is considered
o Give supporting reasons. to be daily exercise. While exercise is crucial to maintaining good health, I
think diet is much more important because it ensures the physical fitness in
the long run and grows the right mindset in an individual.
Body Paragraph

o State the reason you agree/disagree in 1 sentence (Topic sentence). Cats are better than dogs
o Explain your reason in 2-4 sentences.
o Give an example (factual, general, personal) in 1-2 sentences.  Factual: Statistics show that cats are less
o Summarize the idea in 1 sentence. expensive to take care of than dogs.

 General: Cats keep themselves cleaner

Conclusion naturally compared to dogs.

o Rephrase your key points/opinions/summary  Personal: I had a cat and a dog and the
o Don’t repeat words from introduction or the body paragraphs. dog always asked for attention whereas
o Try to finish it within 1-2 sentences. the cat mostly kept to itself not disrupting
o Don’t introduce new ideas my day to day schedule.
o Use ‘In conclusion’ or ‘To summarize’ instead of ‘Finally’ or ‘Lastly’.
 Opinion Essay
Identity
• Also called agree/disagree or argumentative essay.
• Typical wording include: what’s your opinion, do you agree or disagree, to what extent do you agree or disagree, do you think
it’s a positive or negative development.
• Usually consists the word ‘or’. It basically asks for an argumentative opinion of yours.

Brainstorming Example
• Space exploration is very expensive and the money should be spent on more important things. What is your opinion?
• Happiness is a choice. To what extent do you agree?
• Advances in technology has reduced the need for human labor. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Tips
• Choose only one side of the argument and keep that same opinion throughout the essay. Don’t mention or refute the
opposite stance. Take your stance completely (for how much you agree/disagree questions).
• State the side you choose clearly in the introduction and conclusion.
• Give 2 reasons why you took this side. State the 2 reasons in the introduction and discuss these 2 reasons in 2 separate
bodies. List all subpoints regarding the issue and try to include as many as you can relating to these 2 main points. If a point
doesn’t relate to these 2 main points, skip them, don’t force them into your writing.
 Opinion Essay
Sample Essay: The growing number of overweight people is putting a strain on the health care system in an effort to deal with the health
issues involved. Some people think that the best way to deal with this problem is to introduce more physical education lessons in the school
curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Owing to the problems which a growing population of overweight people cause for the health care system, some people think
that the key to solving these issues is to have more sport and exercise in schools. I completely agree that this is the best way to
tackle the issue of deteriorating public health in relation to weight.

Firstly, dealing with the issues surrounding obesity and weight problems is best solved by taking a long term approach and
introducing more sport and exercise in schools. This method will ensure that the next generation will be healthier and will not
have such health hazards. At the moment, the average child in the west practices sport possibly twice a week, which is not
enough to counteract their otherwise sedentary lifestyle. However, by incorporating more sports classes into the curriculum as
well as encouraging extracurricular sports activities, they will undoubtedly become fitter and more active.

Another point to consider is that having more sports lessons for children in schools will probably result in children developing
an interest in exercise which might filter through to other members of their family and have a longer lasting effect. In other
words, parents with sporty children are more likely to get involved in sport as a way of encouraging their children. By both
parents and children being involved, it will ensure that children grow up to incorporate sport into their daily lives. This is
certainly a natural and lasting way to improve public health.

In conclusion, to deal with an increasing population of unfit, overweight people, changing the lifestyle of the coming generation
by introducing sport in schools, in my opinion, is the easiest and most effective method to use.
 Discussion Essay
Identity
• Asks to discuss both views and then pick a side (opinion).
• Usually consists the word ‘and’. It’s a mixture of truth and opinion.

Brainstorming Example
• Some believe that govt should provide free education at university level. However, some believe that individuals should pay
for their graduate studies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Many people believe that philosophy has no impact on society. Analyze both sides of the argument and give your opinion.
• Many govts think that economic progress is the most important goal while some people argue that other types of progresses
are equally important for a country. What do you think of the views?

Tips
• Develop both sides of the argument equally and properly.
• Talk about the view you don’t agree with first.
• State/Restate your refutation in the introduction and the conclusion only.
 Discussion Essay
Sample Essay: Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting
wild animals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people argue that zoos help to preserve wild creatures, while others say that they are inhumane and should be abolished.
While the development of breeding programmes contributes to the preservation of endangered species, I believe that the poor
conditions that many animals are held in captivity are kept in make the existence of zoos unacceptable.

On one hand, there are many projects in existence in zoological parks around the world where species facing extinction have
been successfully bred in captivity and their numbers increased substantially. This is important for ensuring the survival of
animals under threat from poaching and the destruction of their natural environments. A good example of this is the golden lion
tamarin from Brazil which nearly died out because of logging and mining activities which is destroying its habitat. Today, a third
of wild golden lion tamarins are raised in captivity.

On the other hand, a significant percentage of zoos house their animals in cramped cages with very little space to move around
or behave naturally. This can lead to them becoming distressed and depressed as well as suffering physically through lack of
exercise. A friend of mine recently visited a wildlife park while on holiday abroad and was very upset to see the lions pacing up
and down in a narrow cage in enclosures so small that they were unable to move.

In conclusion, although zoos do help to safeguard dwindling populations of particular species, the suffering experienced by
many captive creatures due to unsuitable living conditions amounts to cruelty and they should not be allowed to exist.
 Advantage-Disadvantage Essay
Identity
• Usually consists the word ‘and’ where it only asks for evidential arguments. Very rarely, it also asks for opinion.
• Typical wording include: what are the advantages and disadvantages of, do you think the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages, discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion, what are the benefits and drawbacks of this.

Brainstorming Example
• City decoration costs taxpayers a lot of money. What are the advantages and disadvantages of spending money on this?
• Small businesses are disappearing and being replaced by large multinational companies . Do the advantages of this outweigh
the disadvantages?
• Most career choices demand vocational skills or specialist knowledge. However, despite this, most schools still teach academic
subjects such as history or social studies. What are the positive and negative sides of this trend?

Tips
• If opinion isn’t asked, which these essays usually don’t, don’t give one. Write objectively throughout the whole essay.
• Refrain from using the first person perspective completely.
• Give 1 or 2 principal advantage (Body 1) and 1 or 2 principal disadvantage (Body 2) and build them with subpoints.
• Your reasons should be relevant. Accuracy isn’t the concern, but irrelevant reasonings will result in mark deductions.
• You can still use personal examples if necessary.
• State/Restate your refutation in the introduction and the conclusion only
 Advantage-Disadvantage Essay
Sample Essay: The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the world. Some people think
this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally. What are the advantages and disadvantages to having one language
in the world?

It is thought by some people that English, which is now the most widely spoken language in the world, may one day
predominate over all other languages and result in their eventual disappearance. Having one language would certainly aid
understanding and economic growth but there will also be some drawbacks.

One evident benefit to having one global language is that it would enable greater understanding between countries. In other
words, if everyone spoke one language, there would be complete understanding between not only countries but all people
throughout the world which would promote learning, the flow of information and ideas. Another reason that one language would
be advantageous is that it would help economic growth. With all people speaking the same language, there would be fewer
barriers and therefore trade would flourish between countries, resulting in a healthier world economy.

On the other hand, there are obvious disadvantages to having only one global language. Firstly, it would mean that all other
languages would eventually disappear and, along with them, their cultures. The diversity of cultures is one of the joys this world
has to offer. Each culture is unique with its own way of life and own perspectives of the world which would all be lost if there
were only one language. Secondly, it would result in the collapse of tourism because there would be no reason to travel for
pleasure and interest if all countries had the same language and similar cultures. This would devastate many countries
economically that rely on tourism as a source of income.

In conclusion, while there are plus points to having one global language, too much would be lost as a result. Maintaining local
languages and cultures should be prioritized to ensure a rich world heritage for future generations.
 Problem-Solution Essay
Identity
• Asks for a possible cause/effect and a possible solution.
• Typical wording include: What issues does this cause and how can they be addressed, what are some resulting social problems
and how we can deal with them, what problems arise from this and how they can be tackled, what are the reasons for this
and how the situation can be improved, why is this happening and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem.
• Usually doesn’t ask for opinion. Very objective.

Brainstorming Example
• One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion. What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you
suggest?
• Since the beginning of the 20th century, the number of endangered species has increased significantly. State the reason
behind this and provide possible solutions.
• Nowadays a large number of children play computer games more than outdoor sports. What are the negative impacts of this
and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?

Tips
• This is usually an objective essay, so stay objective throughout the writing.
• First body passage for the cause/effect, second one for the solution. Try to come up with the main cause/effect and most likely
logical solution and expand them with subpoints. Don’t list many causes and solutions, one or two main ones.
• If you mention 2 causes and their corresponding solutions, you must link them sufficiently.
 Problem-Solution Essay
Sample Essay: Many offenders commit more crimes after serving their first punishment. Why is this happening, and what measures can be
taken to tackle this problem?

A large number of criminals who serve their first prison sentence, leave prison only to reoffend. This is mainly because of the
lack of rehabilitation and difficulty finding regular employment once released. There are a number of solutions which should be
implemented to deal with criminals who reoffend.

Firstly, the reason for most first-time offenders committing crimes again once they have been released from prison is due to the
lack of rehabilitation whilst in prison. In other words, offenders are not given a chance to retrain and learn new skills for their
future or develop a deeper understanding of correct moral behavior and instead mix with other criminals, which only strengthens
their criminal intentions. Secondly, reoffending also owe to the difficulty in finding employment after being released. As a
result, many of them struggle financially which leads them back to crime, regardless of the consequences.

There are two effective solutions to the problem of repeat offenders. One way to tackle this is to ensure that all criminals
entering prison are given the chance to retrain with useful skills which will hopefully ensure them a job after they have served
their sentence. By doing this, it will help them reintegrate back into society and give them some means of supporting themselves
financially. Another method of dealing with criminals who reoffend is to have more supervision and checks in place when they
are back in society. This solution would hopefully prevent them from taking any chances and deter them from reoffending
because they are being so closely watched.

In conclusion, having training in prison and also close observation when first time offenders are released are effective in dealing
with the issue. If governments implemented these solutions, crime figures would soon drop.
 Double Question Essay
Identity
• Also known as direct question or two question essays.
• Includes a statement and asks 2 questions related to it. The questions may or may not be linked.
• It’s totally an objective essay. Usually doesn’t ask for opinion.

Brainstorming Example
• Some varsity students believe that studying more doesn’t guarantee better grades. What are some of the more important
ways to improve grades? Is university CGPA a good measure of success for graduate students?
• Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want. Is this a good way
to raise children? What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older?
• The arts including painting, music and theatre are considered to be important in society. Do arts still have a place amongst our
modern lifestyles? Should the arts be included in the school curriculum?

Tips
• The essay normally doesn’t ask opinion based questions but if it does, you should include your judgments and use first person
perspective.
• Don’t write too many ideas. The target is to develop one or two ideas properly not list many of them.
• Answer both questions fully in separate bodies. Try to ensure that both the paragraphs are of almost the same size.
 Double Question Essay
Sample Essay: Fossil fuels are essential for producing electricity, powering industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we will reach
a point when all the world’s fossil fuels have been depleted. How can we conserve these resources? What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?

The world is currently reliant on oil, coal and natural gas for the majority of its energy requirements but there will come a time
when these run out. This essay will discuss how we can help to prevent our non-renewable resources from becoming depleted by
using our cars less frequently and it will name some natural forces that can be harnessed to generate power.

Conserving energy is a responsibility of every individual and an important way in which we can all do our bit is to use more
energy-efficient means of transport. The easiest way to do this is to leave the car at home and walk or cycle to our destination if
it isn’t too far away, or take public transport for longer journeys. Another way to reduce our fuel consumption is to carpool.
Whenever my friends and I get together for coffee, we agree to meet up at a café that we can each get to without having to drive
our cars there. We usually go on foot or ride our bikes. If everyone made such small decisions, it would make a real difference.

The most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel are the generation of power from natural forces such as the sun, wind, and
oceans. Solar and wind power are already widely used across the world but it is wave power and tidal energy that have the
greatest untapped potential to provide for our energy needs in the future. A report recently commissioned in the United Kingdom
estimates that tidal energy could meet as much as 20% of the UK’s current electricity demands once the technology being
developed is operational. Wave energy converters are expected to prove equally successful in the long-term.

In conclusion, our planet’s reserves of fossil fuel will not last forever and we need to be continually developing new
technologies to enable us to produce energy from renewable sources such as the sun, wind, and water. In the meantime, we can
help to slow the rate of depletion by leaving the car at home and using more energy-efficient forms of transport whenever
possible.
 Mixed Question Essay
Identity
• Combination of 2 types of essay partially.
• Includes a statement and asks 2 questions related to it.
• You can choose to use your opinion and the first person perspectives.

Brainstorming Example
• Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or
disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?
• Learning a second language is more essential than ever in the increasingly diversified modern world. Do you agree? What are
some other crucial skills people should consider learning in the present day?
• Nowadays, more people decide to have children later in their life. What are the reasons? Do the advantages of this outweigh
disadvantages?

Tips
• Don’t write more than 2 ideas in each body. Answer sequentially in terms of separate paragraphs as the questions asked.
• Answer both questions fully in separate bodies. Try to ensure that both the paragraphs are of almost the same size.
• You don’t need to establish relationship between the body paragraphs.
 Mixed Question Essay
Sample Essay: Nowadays, more people are choosing to socialize online rather than face-to-face. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or
negative development?

An increasing number of people are meeting and interacting with friends and family via social media sites rather than in person
these days. This essay will discuss the reason for this trend along with the explanation as to why this is a positive phenomenon.

The main explanation for this trend, in my estimation, is the changes in our lifestyle brought about by the increased demands of
the workplace. Research has shown that employees are working a lot more hours these days; however, keeping in touch with
their loved ones has never been easier because of the advances in the development of technology. A case in point is my flat
mate’s experience. Because of her comparatively high workload, scheduling time for in-person socializing is very challenging.
Rather than lose touch, however, she finds it convenient to use technology to maintain relationships.

Despite the risks of becoming a victim of criminal practice, such as fraud, I believe that communicating online has been a
positive enhancement to our daily lives primarily because of the convenience it affords to busy people. Before the development
of the internet and social media, the length of time between contacting others could be considerable and, in some cases, could
result in losing touch permanently. It is no longer necessary to invest time and effort in letter writing, for instance, that can be a
burden for those who lead a hectic life.

In conclusion, people have increasingly resorted to interacting through technology because of their busy lifestyle. As a result,
this practice has revolutionized the way we socialize and, in my view, has had a positive impact on society.
Common Resources
 Transitions (For both Tasks)
Addition: Further, furthermore, additionally, in addition, not only but also, also, moreover, and, as well as, plus, besides

List : Firstly, secondly, finally, lastly, last but not the least, next, after that

Example : For instance, for example, to illustrate, namely, such as, in other words

Emphasis : Especially, specifically, in particular, particularly, obviously, of course, clearly, notably

Consequence : As a result, therefore, thus, consequently, as a consequence, for this reason, so, hence

Cause : Due to, because, as, since

Comparison : Comparatively, in comparison, relatively, in relation, similarly, analogously, comparably, proportionally,

accordingly, in accordance.

Contrast : Nevertheless, nonetheless, however, on the other hand, though, although, even though, despite, but, still, in spite
of, alternatively, in contrast, in converse, conversely, that said, at the same time.

Introduction : To start, to begin, to commence, to initiate, at the outset.

Conclusion : To sum up, to conclude, in conclusion, in short, in summary, to wrap up, all in all, in brief, in a nutshell

Opinion : I believe, in my opinion, I think, I agree, I reckon

 Variations in Expression

1. There was an increase in poverty in 2020 in Bangladesh. 2. She was sick, yet she attended the class.
> There was in increase in poverty (2020) in Bangladesh. > She was sick, still she attended the class.
> Poverty increased in 2020 in Bangladesh. > Though she was sick, she attended the class.
> 2020 saw an increase in poverty in Bangladesh. > Although she was sick, she attended the class.
> Bangladesh experienced an increase in poverty in 2020. > She attended the class even though she was sick.
> An increase in poverty was experienced in Bangladesh
in 2020. 4. If they don’t have a problem, I’ll join the office.
> I’ll join the office if they don’t have a problem.
3. They won due to their intelligence. > I’ll join the office unless they have a problem.
> Because they were intelligent, they won.
> They were intelligent and so they won.
 Vocab
Word Meaning Mnemonic Sentence
Abridge Shorten A bridge shortens distance The meeting was abridged
due to the emergency
Aback Shocked অবাক I was aback to see them there
Garrulous Talkative Girls usually gossip more than You have a pretty garrulous
guys supervisor!

Mnemonic Dictionary

Voca Power (App)

Advanced Writing Tips
 Use different variety of short & long sentences including simple, complex, compound, introductory words, relative
pronouns, modal sentences, active-passive voices, conditionals, rhetorical questions, prepositional phrases, etc.

 Replace the mentioned nouns with words such as system, approach, method, solution, problem, factor, way of, type of, kind
of, form of , method of, etc.: Many Colleges use formal exams to grade the students. The main benefit of formal exams (this
approach/this form of assignment) is cost effectiveness.

 Use appropriate synonyms: New type of transport => modern type of transport, new idea => fresh idea, new information
=> up-to-date information. Very important decision => Crucial decision, very big house => enormous house, very clear
solution => obvious solution.

 Use action verbs: Verbs that express action of the subjects with or without movements (Decorate, Follow, Jump, Listen,
etc.). Avoid non-action verbs: verbs that represent a state of being, need, opinion, sense, or preference (am, is, are, was,
were, have, has, had, prefer, like, belong, do, does, did, etc.): Doing hard work vs Working hard.

 Use strong verbs with meaning: He went around the world => He travelled around the world. Get an offer from them =>
Receive an offer from them.

 Avoid phrasal verbs: Give out free items => Offer free items, Make up a new video => Create a new video.

 Avoid ambiguous words such as ‘stuff’, ‘thing’, or ‘actually’.

 Avoid contractions and idioms: Don’t => Do not, Can’t => Cannot; Better late than never  No pain no gain 
 Use ‘Also’ at the beginning of the sentence or ‘as well’ in the middle or end of the sentence rather than using ‘too’ at the
end of the sentence.

 Use modals to alleviate stress: Metro rail will reduce traffic jam => Metro rain might reduce traffic jam.

 Use noun phrases: To solve the problem, you should start now => The solution to this problem lies in starting now.

 Use adverbs with the verb within the sentence rather than at the beginning: Often collected rainwater is filtered =>
Collected rainwater is often filtered.

 Rephrase & Paraphrase question words: A big advantage of public transport is that it is cheap => Public transport has a
definite/added benefit/strength of being cheap. The plan has big disadvantages => There are serious/distinct
drawbacks/limitations to the plan.

 Concluding sentence for each body paragraph: This evidence supports the view that there is too much violence in computer
games. I take the view that the authority should ban the violent video games.

 Use ‘in my opinion’ in the middle of the sentence before the main verb rather than at the beginning: In my opinion,
everyone should study basic science => Everyone should, in my opinion, study basic science.

 Replace ‘some people argue’ with ‘it is argued’: Some people argue that politics is misleading => It is argued that politics is
misleading.