Password Writing: Overview
Watch the following video to find out about the Writing paper.
Password Writing: Overview
Look at the Password Writing screen below and put the words in the correct spaces.
Titles Word Count Finish Section Writing Field
Password Writing: Overview
Look at the five writing question types below and match them to their explanations.
Vocabulary | It is not just enough to share your opinions, you must also be able to support what you say. | |
Grammar | For what you are writing to be clear you must use language, such as tenses, in the right way. | |
Organisation | It is important that you demonstrate a range of words and that you use them correctly. | |
Evidence | Take some time to think about what you will say and organise your ideas before you start. | |
Planning | For the reader to be able to follow your ideas you need well-formed paragraphs and sentences. |
Password Writing: Planning

In the exam you will be asked to choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE. Write a composition on the title below.
- "People are becoming more selfish and care less about other people’s suffering than they used to."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Planning
Now here is a model plan and composition written by the teacher.
People are becoming more selfish and care less about other people’s suffering than they used to.
Introduction
agree that the statement needs investigating
Reasons - why we are selfish
competitive society, success, wealth, individuality, social media, information overload, less sensitive to others, lack emotional connection, hide behind online identity
Evidence of kindness
charities, generosity of strangers, role of education, emotional intelligence
Conclusion
people appear more selfish, still kindness, we must encourage it
When you make a plan in the exam, you don't have time to write everything down. However, it is a good idea to write down some vocabulary that you will use. If you practice before the exam by writing a plan, then by the time you take the exam, you will be able to plan in your head. In the exam, the first part of the task is choosing one of the two titles. It is really important that you choose a title that you have the English vocabulary to write about. So, take a few minutes to think before you decide.
Now look at the model composition that came from the plan.
People are becoming more selfish and care less about other people’s suffering than they used to.
The belief that people are becoming more selfish and less empathetic towards others' suffering is a growing concern in today's society.
We live in a society that is based on competition, where success is measured in wealth and possessions. In a society like this, I think it is inevitable that people will care more about themselves than helping others. The rise of technology, including 24 hour news channels and social media, has, I would argue, also had a negative effect. Leading to information overload, which can cause emotional desensitisation and make it harder for individuals to connect emotionally with the suffering of others, and this seems to make people behave more cruelly online.
Having said this, many do continue to support those in need, which shows that kindness is still present in society, and I believe that education plays a vital role in cultivating emotional intelligence, understanding diverse perspectives, and promoting empathy from a young age.
In conclusion, while the perception of increasing selfishness is a concern, I believe that many people still show kindness, which is evident from the amount given to charities each year. However, we must continue to promote such ideas in education and hopefully build an even more compassionate and caring society.
Words: 206
Password Writing: Planning
Now listen to the class discussing how to plan a composition,
and answer the questions below.

Teacher: There is an expression, 'fail to plan and you plan to fail'. Put simply, it means 'think before you do'. So, how do you plan when you are going to write a composition?
Desmond: I believe that some people make their first mistake when they choose the wrong title. It is easy to choose a title that you know most about, but do you know the vocabulary you need in English? That is the question they forget to ask themselves. Then you have to think about paragraphing.
Maria: I think paragraphing is actually quite easy. We all need an introduction and a conclusion. They don't need to be very long, maybe a couple of sentences each. It's the topic paragraphs that you really need to think about. It's important to organise them so that they are easy to read, and your arguements are clear. In the composition about 'people becoming less caring', you could write it like the example, with one paragraph giving evidence for the statement being true, and the other saying why it is not. I think that is the easiest way to write the composition.
Desmond: We could also organise them in a different way, but I think for this kind of composition, 'giving opinion', there are usually two sides, so two topic paragraphs makes the most sense.
Ying: I think writing a composition is like going on a journey. You need to know where you are going and how to get there, and that is what a composition plan is. It's like a map. It also means that you don't get lost and start talking about something that isn't relevant to the title, so I think is is essential.
Teacher: You are all correct, writing a composition becomes much easier if you do those simple things: choose a title that suits your English, think about the vocabulary you will need, and plan your paragraph structure. If you do that, you won't get lost on the way and writing compositions will seem easier.
Choose FIVE of the things that the students suggest.
Password Writing: Planning
Here is a list of things you should know to improve your planning.

Password Tips
Before you start writing it is important to do the following:
- read both titles carefully and decide which one is best for you;
- be sure to answer ONLY ONE of the two questions;
- think about how you will organise your ideas; make a plan;
- write down vocabulary or phrases that you think will be useful;
- do not feel that you will get extra marks for writing a lot more than 200 words; quality is more important than quantity;
- give yourself a couple of minutes at the end to check your grammar and spelling.
Take a few minutes to plan before you begin and it will be time well spent!
Password Writing: Planning

Choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE.
- "The Internet is full of fake news and abuse, it is time for stronger laws and regulations."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. - "The voting age should be reduced to 16 because young people understand more than they used to."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Vocabulary

In the exam you will be asked to choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE. Write a composition on the title below.
- "Teaching foreign languages in schools is a waste of time, because students are not interested."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Vocabulary
Now here is a model answer written by the teacher.
Look at the questions below, read the composition and write down your answers.
How many different ways has the writer referred to languages?
What words has the writer used instead of repeating 'students'?
What words can you find that mean: 'a waste of time', 'not interested' or the opposite?
Teaching foreign languages in schools is a waste of time, because students are not interested.
The statement that teaching foreign languages in schools is simply wasting time due to students' lack of interest oversimplifies the importance and benefits of language education. While it is true that some may initially lack enthusiasm, this does not mean that learning languages has lost its relevance.
Even if children are not interested in a subject at first, in my experience, feelings can change over time. I believe that exposure to a different language and culture can spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of languages. Furthermore, it has been shown that learning a second language has many mental and academic benefits, such as improving critical thinking skills, memory, and problem-solving abilities. I firmly believe it can also open up a wide range of future academic and career opportunities.
On the other hand, it is true that our opportunities to use another language may be limited, and that most of the people we communicate with every day will speak our mother tongue. Moreover, it usually takes many years to be able to speak a language well, and this requires opportunities to practise, preferably with native speakers. Although, like all subjects, it is often the teaching and not the subject that cause students to lack interest in it.
In my opinion, dismissing foreign language education as a waste of time, based solely on students' disinterest, ignores the mental, academic, cultural, and economic benefits it can offer. However, it is important for teachers to acknowledge how their pupils feel and make their lessons as relevant and interesting as possible.
Words: 273
When you've finished, check your answers on the next page.
Password Writing: Vocabulary
Listen to the teacher and the class talking about the vocabulary.
Did you find all the answers?

Teacher: So you can see the answers to the questions highlighted in the text. Did you notice anything else about the vocabulary?
Desmond: The writer has used phrases that show it is their belief, like 'in my experience', 'I firmly believe' and then starts the last paragraph with, 'in my opinion'.
Teacher: Good, that is very important in this type of composition.
Maria: Their writing uses quite a lot of adjectives to describe things, and I think that makes it more interesting.
Ying: I think the details are important, like collocations. Things like: 'benefits of', 'interested in' and 'exposure to'.
Teacher: That's a very good point. It's important to use these correctly.
Desmond: So it's not just the words you need to know but how they are used and what other words they work well with.
Maria: I still can't believe how many different ways they talked about languages. I'll try to think of other ways of saying things next time I write a composition.
Teacher: Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get a chance soon.
Teaching foreign languages in schools is a waste of time, because students are not interested.
The statement that teaching foreign languages in schools is simply wasting time due to students' lack of interest oversimplifies the importance and benefits of language education. While it is true that some may initially lack enthusiasm, this does not mean that learning languages has lost its relevance.
Even if children are not interested in a subject at first, in my experience, feelings can change over time. I believe that exposure to a different language and culture can spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of languages. Furthermore, it has been shown that learning a second language has many mental and academic benefits, such as improving critical thinking skills, memory, and problem-solving abilities. I firmly believe it can also open up a wide range of future academic and career opportunities.
On the other hand, it is true that our opportunities to use another language may be limited, and that most of the people we communicate with every day will speak our mother tongue. Moreover, it usually takes many years to be able to speak a language well, and this requires opportunities to practise, preferably with native speakers. Although, like all subjects, it is often the teaching and not the subject that cause students to lose interest in it.
In my opinion, dismissing foreign language education as a waste of time, based solely on students' disinterest, ignores the mental, academic, cultural, and economic benefits it can offer. However, it is important for teachers to acknowledge how their pupils feel and make their lessons as relevant and interesting as possible.
Words: 273
Password Writing: Vocabulary
Here is a list of things you should know to get a good score for your vocabulary.

Password Tips
Knowing a word includes:
- features of its meaning (multiple definitions, synonyms and antonyms);
- spelling, pronunciation, and other parts of speech in the word family;
- situations in which it is used (appropriacy, formality);
- associations with other words (collocations/word partners);
- how it behaves when it is used in a sentence.
Password Writing: Vocabulary

Choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE.
- "Given the dangers facing our planet, everyone should adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. - "Private cars should be banned in all cities."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Grammar

In the exam you will be asked to choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE. Write a composition on the title below.
- "Every worker should have a minimum of three months' paid holiday every year."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Grammar
Now here is a model answer written by the teacher. Can you choose the right words to complete it?
Every worker should have a minimum of three months' paid holiday every year.
The statement that every worker should have a minimum of three months' paid holiday every year some important considerations. While it may seem appealing to have such a long vacation period, bringing in this policy everywhere might not work.
In my opinion, such a policy makes very little sense. I’m not sure that everyone what to do with three months’ holiday, and I believe they may prioritise other things, such as flexible working hours, better earnings, or professional development opportunities. Likewise, some industries, requiring people to spend long periods away from home, such as oil rig workers or deep sea fishermen, already their workers longer breaks. While other workers may be encouraged to do overtime or not wish to take the holidays they already have, preferring to work.
Instead, it might be more reasonable to promoting work-life balance and ensuring that employees take a healthy number of paid vacation days annually, according to industry standards and individual circumstances. that this approach would flexibility while still acknowledging the importance of rest and recreation.
In conclusion, while the idea of three months' paid holiday for every worker may sound great, it is important to consider a more balanced approach, individual needs and industry demands. In my opinion, this is likely to be more realistic and beneficial for both employees and employers imposing a uniform policy.
Words: 237
Password Writing: Grammar
Can you correct the students' mistakes? After you have corrected them, listen to the class.

Teacher: Grammar is very important. If you get it wrong then it can make it difficult for the reader to understand your ideas. Here are some of the mistakes you made, can you correct them?
Maria: The first one is mine, I can't believe I did that. It should say 'Three months is a long time' because it is talking about one period of time.
Ying: The second one is mine but I don't know what's wrong.
Maria: We say 'enthusiastic about' something.
Teacher: Good.
Desmond: The next one is mine. I know it's wrong, 'nobody' is singular, so should it be 'is wanting'?
Ying: I think 'want' is one of those verbs that is usually used in the simple, not continuous, so I think it should be 'wants'.
Teacher: Yes, that's right.
Maria: The next is 'interested in' something. It's another dependent preposition.
Ying: I think the next one the problem is that we have the word 'much' which is uncountable, so the verb should be singular. Is the correct answer "is"?
Teacher: Well spotted, yes that's correct.
Desmond: For the next one you could say 'do you wish', but we have 'wished', so it must be 'have you wished'.
Teacher: The next one is a little difficult, so I'll give you a clue. Are we talking about something real or is it hypothetical? Which means, it is just a possibility not reality.
Ying: So do we need to use 'would' because it isn't real?
Teacher: Yes, that's it.
Maria: And the last one is easy, 'I would like' is followed by 'to do something', so simple tense not continuous.
Every worker should have a minimum of three months' paid holiday every year.
Three months a long time.
Some people are certain to be enthusiastic the idea.
Nobody to work all the time.
Other people aren't interested taking long holidays, they just want to work hard and be promoted.
In my opinion, there so much more we can do with our spare time than go on holiday.
How often you wished you had longer holidays?
Some people might get another job in the holidays, which them a good work life balance.
Finally, I would like it's a nice idea but it wouldn't work.
Password Writing: Grammar
Here is a list of things you should know to get a good score for your grammar.

Password Tips
Good use of grammar includes:
- capitalisation, punctuation, and use of articles (a, an & the)
- correct use of active 'She teaches me' and passive 'I am taught by her'
- choosing the correct form of a word (noun, verb, adjective or adverb)
- agreement between subject and verb (e.g. he is, you are)
- use of conjunctions (e.g. but, because, although) to join ideas together
It is the first thing to check when you finish your writing.
Password Writing: Grammar

Choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE.
- "Given the terrible environmental problems which the world is facing, people should be encouraged not to have children."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. - "Teaching subjects like Geography and History in schools is a waste of time as we can Google anything these days."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Organisation

In the exam you will be asked to choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE. Write a composition on the title below.
- "Learning online in your own time is better than attending classes in a school or college."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Organisation
Now here is a model answer written by the teacher.
Title - you must pay close attention to the title, and keep asking yourself, 'am I answering the question?'
Learning online in your own time is better than attending classes in a school or college.
Introduction - you should start with a short paragraph that outlines the subject and how you will deal with it.
The debate over whether learning online in one's own time is superior to attending classes in a school or college depends on many things. Each approach has distinct advantages and drawbacks, and its effectiveness largely depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
Topic Paragraphs - the main body of the composition is in the next paragraphs and should each cover a different aspect of the question. You may want to write two or three paragraphs. In this case the writer has decided that the first paragraph should be about the advantages and disadvantages of attending class, the second is about online learning. However, it could have been organised differently, with each paragraph comparing a different part of the question, such as 'flexibility', 'specialist subjects requiring equipment' and 'the social aspects of learning'. You have to decide what approach to take.
Traditional in-person learning, on one hand, provides a structured environment where face-to-face interactions with instructors provide immediate feedback and personalised support. There is also the opportunity to form closer bonds with fellow students when you are in the same physical space. In my experience, classroom settings can improve collaborative learning and group discussions, enriching the educational experience. Furthermore, many subjects require students to use expensive equipment or conduct experiments, which they are not able to do online in the same way.
Topic sentences - each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, which lets the reader know what you will discuss in that paragraph. You should also link paragraphs using expressions like 'on one hand' and 'on the other hand'.
Online learning on the other hand, provides flexibility, granting students the freedom to access course materials and lectures at their convenience. I can understand why this approach works for individuals who also have work or family commitments. However, it does rely on the student's self-discipline and motivation, so may not work for everyone. Additionally, online courses often present a wide array of subjects, including specialised fields which may not be available in local institutions, along with global access to a vast pool of resources and expertise.
Conclusion - the final paragraph should not include any new information. It should make clear what your opinion on the subject is based on the information you have already given.
In conclusion, I believe the answer to this depends very much on the individual who is wishing to learn. If they are able to motivate themselves or if they have a busy life, then online learning may be the best answer. However, if they feel the need for someone to lead their learning and support them through it, then maybe live classes would be better.
Words: 270
Password Writing: Organisation
Look at the examples below. How could these examples be improved?
Once you have decided, listen to the class and see if they agree.

Teacher: OK, so now we've looked at how to organise a composition, let's look at some extracts from yours.
Ying: Is the first one the conclusion? First of all, the sentences are very short and should be joined together. Also, they say 'They are a waste of time', but we are talking about 'teaching languages', not the languages themselves, so it doesn't make sense. The last thing is that we are meant to talk about students not being interested and I don't think that is clear here. They could have said, 'I agree that teaching languages in schools is a waste of time because these days you can Google anything, so students aren't interested.'
Teacher: Very nicely done. You've joined the sentences and made it relevant to the question.
Desmond: I think there are a few examples where people haven't read the title properly and have talked about something else. For example, they aren't being asked to choose if they want to be 'vegan or vegetarian'. The question is really about stopping eating meat. Then in the title about 'not having children', the writer has ignored this and just talked about the environment generally. You need to answer the question and they haven't.
Teacher: Yes, you are right, it is easy to go off topic if you don't keep checking the question.
Maria: The next ones about 'private cars' and 'three months' holiday' both have the same problem. The sentences need to be joined together to show the connection between them. In the first one about cars, you could join the sentences with 'because', in the one about 'holidays', you could put, 'on the one hand' at the beginning of the second sentence, and, 'but on the other' could be used to join it to the third sentence.
Teacher: It's much easier to see the mistakes when you look at it afterwards but you only have thirty minutes to write your composition, so we need some more practice in organisation.
Teaching foreign languages in schools is a waste of time, because students are not interested.
I agree. They are a waste of time. You can translate anything on Google.
Given the dangers facing our planet, everyone should adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet.
If I had to choose between a vegan and vegetarian diet, I would choose vegetarian.
Private cars should be banned in all cities.
Driving your own car gives you freedom. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Every worker should have a minimum of three months' paid holiday every year.
It is important to have a balance between work and life. Work gives us money to live. Life with family and friends makes it worthwhile.
Given the terrible environmental problems which the world is facing, people should be encouraged not to have children.
The biggest environmental problems are from cars and trucks. Children don't drive cars.
Teaching subjects like Geography and History in schools is a waste of time as we can Google anything these days.
I never liked Geography and History because the teachers were very boring, so for me it was a waste of time.
Password Writing: Organisation
Here is a list of things you should know to get a good score for your organisation.

Password Tips
It is easier to read and understand a well organised piece of writing, so:
- an introduction should give a clear overview of what you are writing about;
- good use of paragraphing to separate ideas is necessary;
- a conclusion (with no new ideas), should make it clear what your opinion is;
- make sure you connect your ideas clearly with connectors (and, but, because, so, although, however, etc.);
- do not only use simple sentences.
Password Writing: Organisation

Choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE.
- "Technology doesn’t make our lives any easier, it just makes them more complicated."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. - "We should not worry about the environment, the changes we are seeing are just natural change."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Evidence

In the exam you will be asked to choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE. Write a composition on the title below.
- "Soon many jobs will be done by Artificial Intelligence and many people will be out of work."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Evidence
Listen to the teacher and class discussing different ways to give your opinion.

Ying: So, the words expressing weaker opinions come first, and then they get stronger and stronger?
Teacher: Yes, that's right. You'll also notice that in a couple of the sentence patterns there are some green words. These words can be used to show how certain you are about what you are saying. You don't have to use the green words but it gives the reader a clearer picture about how you feel. Like the blue words they go from least likely on the left and get more likely as you go to the right.
Desmond: So, I could say, 'I would argue that it is likely that AI will take over many people's jobs.' Is that right?
Teacher: Good.
Maria: But you could also say, 'I would argue that AI will take over many people's jobs,' or, 'My belief is that AI will take over many people's jobs.'
Ying: 'It goes without saying that AI will take over people's jobs.' I think that's the strongest opinion, it's like saying 'Everyone knows that AI will take over people's jobs.'
Teacher: That's right. So, study the list and practise the ones you like most. Next we need to add 'examples and details' to support what we are saying.
Everyday Language
I would [say/argue] that ... (it is [unlikely/possible/likely/probable] that) AI will take over many people’s jobs.I am [under the impression/of the opinion/sure/certain] that ... AI will take over many people’s jobs.
I [suppose/presume/assume/think/consider/find/feel/believe] that ...
I have [the feeling/no doubt] that ...
My [impression/view/opinion/belief/conviction] is that ...
More formal
In my [eyes/opinion], ... (it is [unlikely/possible/likely/probable] that) AI will take over many people’s jobs.To my mind, ...
As far as I am concerned, ...
From my point of view, ...
It [seems/appears] (to me) that ... AI will take over many people’s jobs.
It is my impression that ...
It [may/might/could] be that ...
It [could be argued/goes without saying] that ...
Password Writing: Evidence
Now here are some sentences from a model answer written by the teacher.
Can you complete them with the right word or phrase?
Soon many jobs will be done by Artificial Intelligence and many people will be out of work.
As AI technology advances, it goes that repetitive and routine tasks, such as building cars or doing the office accounts, are already being taken over.
Over time, I am we will see more and more jobs being affected, leaving many people without work.
However, my is that it will also bring new opportunities, creating new jobs for individuals with expertise in AI development, data analysis, and machine learning.
As technology evolves, I would that new industries and job sectors may emerge, leading to a shift in the job market.
To address the potential challenges posed by AI, I governments, businesses, and educational institutions should work together to reskill and upskill the workforce.
In , investment in education and training programmes that focus on developing skills that complement AI technologies is essential.
It may there needs to be a culture of lifelong learning to enable workers to adapt to these changing roles.
Password Writing: Evidence
Here is a list of things you should know to get a good score for your evidence.

Password Tips
Although this composition is about your opinion, you need to support it with evidence.
The first paragraph should introduce the topic and should not contain opinion.
Use a variety of expressions to give examples or details.
Don't make up statistics!
It is important to talk about both sides and support your opinion.
You should highlight and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each side.
Finally, based on what you have already written, express your conclusion.
Password Writing: Evidence

Choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE.
- "People who have a lot of children should have to pay extra tax to cover the cost to society."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. - "It is not individuals but governments who should be addressing the climate issues we face."
How much do you agree with this opinion and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your essay should:
- Clearly present your ideas about the topic and be well organised.
- Use appropriate examples or details to support your opinion.
- Make accurate use of a suitable range of grammar and vocabulary.
Write your answer in the box below. Do not click finish section until you have finished!
Words: 0
Password Writing: Summary Sheet

Password Writing
Time: 30 minutes
Sections: 1
Word count: 200+
You will be given a choice of two different composition titles. Choose topic (A) OR (B) and write an essay on ONE. If you write fewer than 200 words you will lose marks.
Planning
Take some time to think about what you will say and organise your ideas before you start.
Tips
- Before you start writing it is important to do the following:
- read both titles carefully and decide which one is best for you;
- be sure to answer ONLY ONE of the two questions;
- think about how you will organise your ideas; make a plan;
- write down vocabulary or phrases that you think will be useful;
- do not feel that you will get extra marks for writing a lot more than 200 words;
- quality is more important than quantity;
- give yourself a couple of minutes at the end to check your grammar and spelling.
- 'If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.' In the case of writing a composition, this is very true.
- Take a few minutes to plan before you begin and it will be time well spent!
Vocabulary
It is important that you demonstrate a range of words and that you use them correctly.
Tips
- Knowing a word includes:
- features of its meaning (multiple definitions, synonyms and antonyms);
- spelling, pronunciation, and other parts of speech in the word family;
- situations in which it is used (appropriacy, formality);
- associations with other words (collocations/word partners);
- how it behaves when it is used in a sentence.
- Try to use a range of vocabulary accurately, and do not repeat the same words too much.
Grammar
For what you are writing to be clear you must use language, such as tenses, in the right way.
Tips
- Good use of grammar includes:
- capitalisation, punctuation, and use of articles (a, an & the)
- correct use of active and passive tenses
- choosing the correct form of a word (noun, verb, adjective or adverb)
- agreement between subject and verb (e.g. he is, you are)
- use of conjunctions to join ideas together
- Grammar is the glue that holds the words together.
- It is the first thing to check when you finish your writing.
Organisation
For the reader to be able to follow your ideas you need well-formed paragraphs and sentences.
Tips
- In this section there is one recording and 5 questions.
- The questions are multiple choice (one answer) and multiple selection (more than one answer).
- The recording will stop more than once to allow you to answer questions.
- It is easier to read and understand a well organised piece of writing, so:
- an introduction should give a clear overview of what you are writing about;
- good use of paragraphing to separate ideas is necessary;
- a conclusion (with no new ideas), should make it clear what your opinion is;
- make sure you connect your ideas clearly with connectors (and, but, because, so, although, however, etc.);
- do not only use simple sentences.
- Finally, keep checking to make sure everything you write is relevant to the question.
Evidence
It is not just enough to share your opinions, you must also be able to support what you say.
Tips
- Although this composition is about your opinion, you need to support it with evidence.
- The first paragraph should introduce the topic and should not contain opinion.
- Use a variety of expressions to give examples or details.
- Don't make up statistics!
- It is important to talk about both sides and support you opinion.
- You should highlight and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each side.
- Finally, based on what you have already written, express your conclusion.
Writing suggestions
In the exam, you only have 30 minutes to write over two-hundred words. This is not a lot of time, so it is important that you get as much practice as you can. Use the notes above to help you focus on the important parts.