English Essay Writing Guide
16 pts120-170 words · 16 points · B1 level
Task 7 is the essay writing section of the English exam. You will be given a topic and must write a short opinion essay of 120-170 words, presenting your view with supporting arguments. This task tests your ability to organize ideas clearly, use appropriate linking words, and write in grammatically correct English at a B1 level.
Introduce the topic in your own words and clearly state your opinion. Do not copy the prompt word for word. The reader should immediately know what you think.
Present your first and strongest argument supporting your opinion. Include a specific example or reason that makes your point convincing.
Give a second argument or address the opposite view and explain why you still hold your opinion. This shows the examiner you can think about the topic from more than one side.
Briefly restate your opinion using different words from the introduction. Do not add any new arguments here. End with a clear final thought.
- •Read the prompt twice. Underline the key question and make sure every paragraph relates to it. Off-topic writing scores very low on Content.
- •Spend 2-3 minutes planning before you write. Jot down your opinion and two supporting reasons. A quick plan prevents disorganized essays.
- •Count your words when you finish. Cross out and rewrite if you are under 110 words. Being in the 130-160 range is the safest zone.
- •Use at least 3-4 different linking words throughout the essay. Variety in connectors (furthermore, however, for example, in conclusion) directly improves your score.
- •Leave 2-3 minutes at the end to reread your essay. Check for subject-verb agreement, missing articles (a, the), and verb tense consistency, as these are the most common grammar errors.
- •If you cannot think of a strong opinion, just pick one side and argue it well. A clearly argued position you do not fully believe scores higher than a confused essay that tries to cover both sides equally.
- !Writing too few words: if your essay is under 60 words, the maximum content score is 2. If under 110 words, the maximum is 4. Always aim for at least 120 words.
- !Copying the essay prompt word for word in your introduction instead of rephrasing it in your own words.
- !Writing one long paragraph instead of four separate paragraphs (introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion).
- !Listing many arguments briefly instead of developing two arguments with examples and explanation.
- !Forgetting to use linking words (however, furthermore, for example) to connect ideas between and within paragraphs.
- !Spending too much time on the essay and running out of time for other exam sections. Aim to finish in 20-25 minutes.