Write a sophisticated, well-argued essay at C2 level.
45 minutes 280–320 words
What the examiner wants
Present a sophisticated, nuanced argument with precise vocabulary and a confident personal voice.
Structure, paragraph by paragraph
1
Introduction
Reframe the statement in your own elegant wording, acknowledge its complexity, and hint at your line of argument. Avoid a mechanical "I agree/disagree" opener.
2
Body paragraphs (2-3)
Build the argument progressively: concede the strongest opposing point, then dismantle or outweigh it. Use precise, low-frequency vocabulary naturally, not decoratively.
3
Conclusion
Deliver a firm, memorable verdict that follows from the body. A short final sentence often lands best.
Paraphrasing the question
Compress the claim into a sharper formulation: "cannot coexist" becomes "are fundamentally incompatible".
Attribute the view before challenging it: "Proponents of this view contend that...".
Use nominalisation for an academic tone: "people pursue fame" becomes "the pursuit of fame".
Swap words for synonyms: "people think" becomes "many argue", "children" becomes "young learners".
Change the word form: "the growth of online shopping" becomes "online shopping has grown".
Change the sentence structure: switch active to passive, or start from a different part of the idea.
Never copy the prompt word for word. Examiners ignore copied language when counting your words and it lowers your vocabulary score.
Keep the meaning identical. A paraphrase that changes the meaning answers the wrong question.
The question says
Economic growth and environmental protection cannot coexist. Respond to this claim.
You write
The notion that prosperity and ecological stewardship are fundamentally incompatible is a seductive one, yet it rests on assumptions that deserve closer scrutiny.
Useful phrases
Proponents of this view contend that...
Yet this argument overlooks...
Far from being..., it is arguably...
There is undoubtedly some merit in...
Ultimately, however, ...
The evidence points firmly towards...
Sample questions
1.A website for professionals is asking for contributions to their series 'The Future of Work'. Write an essay discussing how artificial intelligence will change the nature of work in the next 20 years, and whether these changes will be positive or negative overall. Write 280-320 words.
2.An international current-affairs magazine has invited essays on the statement: 'Economic growth and environmental protection cannot coexist.' Write an essay responding to this claim with reasoned arguments. Write 280-320 words.
3.A cultural journal is publishing a series on the role of the arts in modern society. Write an essay arguing whether public funding for the arts is justified at a time of competing social priorities. Write 280-320 words.