In Writing Part 1, you must write an essay. This task is compulsory and is worth half of your Writing paper.

You will be given:

• a question introducing a topic
• two ideas that you must discuss
• one additional idea of your own

Your essay should:

• answer the question fully
• discuss all three points
• support your opinions with reasons and examples
• reach a clear conclusion.

Length: 220–260 words

Essay Structure

Introduction

• Introduce the topic.
• Briefly state what the essay will discuss.

Body Paragraph 1

• Discuss the first point.
• Explain why it is important.
• Give reasons or examples.

Body Paragraph 2

• Discuss the second point.
• Compare it with the first point if appropriate.
• Support your ideas.

Body Paragraph 3

• Discuss your own idea.
• Explain how it contributes to the topic.

Conclusion

• Summarise the main points.
• Give your final opinion.
• Answer the question directly.

Useful Language

Introducing the topic

• It is widely believed that…
• Nowadays,…
• There is considerable debate about…
• Many people believe that…

Adding ideas

• Furthermore,…
• In addition,…
• Moreover,…
• Another important factor is…

Contrasting

• However,…
• On the other hand,…
• Although…
• Nevertheless,…

Giving examples

• For example,…
• For instance,…
• An example of this is…

Expressing opinions

• In my opinion,…
• I believe that…
• It seems to me that…
• I would argue that…

Concluding

• To sum up,…
• In conclusion,…
• Overall,…
• Taking everything into account,…

Example Question

Your class has attended a panel discussion on how governments can encourage people to live healthier lives.

You have made the notes below:

Ways to encourage healthy lifestyles

• education
• sports facilities
• ? (your own idea)

Write an essay discussing two of the points in your notes. You should explain which method would be more effective, giving reasons to support your opinion.

Top Tips

• Read the question carefully and answer exactly what it asks.
• Discuss both given points.
• Include one original idea of your own.
• Organise your essay into clear paragraphs.
• Use a formal or neutral style.
• Support your ideas with explanations and examples.
• Avoid contractions (don’t, can’t, it’s).
• Link your ideas with a variety of cohesive devices.
• Finish with a clear conclusion that answers the question.

Common Mistakes

❌ Writing fewer than 220 words or more than 260 words.

❌ Discussing only one or all three of the given points.

❌ Using an informal style or conversational language.

❌ Listing ideas without explaining or developing them.

❌ Repeating the same linking words throughout the essay.

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Assessment Criteria

Your essay is marked in four areas:

• Content – Have you answered the question completely?
• Communicative Achievement – Is your style appropriate for an essay?
• Organisation – Are your ideas logically organised with effective linking?
• Language – Have you used a wide range of vocabulary and grammar accurately?

Remember: A successful C1 essay is not about using the most difficult vocabulary. It is about presenting well-developed ideas in a clear, logical, and appropriately formal way.