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Writing answer templates

A paragraph plan for every common question type. Use them to organise your ideas, not as text to memorise. Examiners spot learned phrases that don't answer the question.

• Task 1

  Charts, graphs and tables

  Line graphs, bar charts, pie charts and tables. Aim for about 170 words in 20 minutes.

  1. 1

     Introduction

     The [chart type] shows/compares [what is measured] in [place] between [time] and [time].

  2. 2

     Overview

     Overall, [the biggest trend or change]. [The most striking difference or the highest/lowest item].

  3. 3

     Body 1

     [Main group]: rose/fell from [figure] in [year] to [figure] in [year]. By contrast, [second group] [trend], reaching [figure].

  4. 4

     Body 2

     [Remaining groups], with figures. [One comparison using 'whereas' or 'respectively'].

• Task 1

  Processes and maps

  Diagrams of how something is made, or maps of a place before and after changes.

  1. 1

     Introduction

     The diagram illustrates how [product] is [made/recycled], OR the maps show how [place] changed between [year] and [year].

  2. 2

     Overview

     Overall, the process has [number] stages, beginning with [first] and ending with [last]. OR Overall, [place] became more [developed/residential/green].

  3. 3

     Body 1

     First stages in the passive: 'At the first stage, [material] is collected and then transported to…'. OR Changes in one area of the map.

  4. 4

     Body 2

     Remaining stages: 'After that… Finally…'. OR Changes in the rest of the map, plus what stayed the same.

• Task 2

  Opinion (agree or disagree)

  "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" or "Do you agree?". Aim for 270–300 words in 40 minutes.

  1. 1

     Introduction

     Paraphrase the statement. Then give your position clearly: 'I largely agree / disagree that…, because [reason 1] and [reason 2].'

  2. 2

     Body 1

     Topic sentence with reason 1. Explain it in one or two sentences, then give a specific example.

  3. 3

     Body 2

     Topic sentence with reason 2. Explain and support it. Optionally: 'Admittedly, [opposing view]; however, [why your view is stronger].'

  4. 4

     Conclusion

     'In conclusion, …' Restate your position and the two reasons in new words. No new ideas.

• Task 2

  Discuss both views

  "Discuss both views and give your own opinion." You must cover both sides and say what you think.

  1. 1

     Introduction

     Paraphrase both views. Then: 'Although [view A] has some merit, I believe [your view] because…'

  2. 2

     Body 1

     'On the one hand, some people argue that [view A].' Give their reasons and an example, fairly.

  3. 3

     Body 2

     'On the other hand, [view B].' Explain it, and make clear this is the side you support, or why.

  4. 4

     Conclusion

     Summarise both views in one sentence and restate your opinion.

• Task 2

  Causes, problems and solutions

  "What are the causes…? What can be done?", "What problems…? How can they be solved?" and similar two-question essays.

  1. 1

     Introduction

     Paraphrase the situation. Then say what the essay will cover: 'This essay will argue that [main cause] and that [main solution].'

  2. 2

     Body 1

     Answer question 1 (causes or problems): two points, each explained with an example.

  3. 3

     Body 2

     Answer question 2 (solutions or effects): match each solution to a cause from Body 1 where you can.

  4. 4

     Conclusion

     Summarise the main cause and the most effective solution.

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