Contribute a post to a class discussion under tight time pressure.
10 minutes 100–220 words
What the examiner wants
Add a NEW angle to the class discussion in about 10 minutes. Do not just repeat a classmate.
Structure, paragraph by paragraph
1
Position (1 sentence)
Answer the professor directly in your first sentence. No slow build-up; the timer is short.
2
Engage a classmate (1-2 sentences)
Briefly agree or push back on one student by name: "While Kelly makes a fair point about air quality, ...". This shows discussion skills.
3
Your own reason + example (3-4 sentences)
Give one reason neither classmate mentioned, with a quick concrete example. One well-developed idea beats three thin ones.
Paraphrasing the question
Echo the professor's question in your answer without copying it: "banning cars from city centres" becomes "making downtown areas car-free".
Reference classmates by name but reword their point in a few words.
Skip a conclusion; a final clinching sentence on your reason is enough.
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
What is the most important factor a city should weigh before banning cars from its centre?
You write
Before making downtown car-free, I think the deciding factor should be whether reliable alternatives already exist.
Useful phrases
In my view, the key factor is...
While Kelly makes a fair point about..., ...
I would add that...
Take my city, for example: ...
That is why I believe...
Sample questions
1.Your professor is teaching a class on economics. Professor: 'Some cities are considering banning cars from their centres entirely. What do you think is the most important factor a city should weigh before making this decision?' Kelly: 'Air quality should come first. Fewer cars means healthier residents.' Andrew: 'I worry about small businesses. Deliveries and customers both depend on road access.' Write a post responding to the professor's question, contributing your own view to the discussion. Write at least 100 words.
2.Your professor is teaching a class on education. Professor: 'More universities are recording lectures so students can watch them any time. Does attending class in person still matter?' Maria: 'Yes, discussion and questions happen live. Recordings are passive.' James: 'Honestly, recordings let me study when I focus best. That freedom improves my grades.' Write a post responding with your own view. Write at least 100 words.
3.Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Professor: 'Social media platforms now shape how young people see the world. Overall, do they do more good or more harm to teenagers?' Lena: 'More harm. Constant comparison damages confidence.' Tom: 'More good. It connects people with shared interests they would never meet otherwise.' Write a post contributing your view to the discussion. Write at least 100 words.