Essay: useful language
Phrases to introduce the topic, give your opinion, add and contrast ideas, and conclude.
The B2 essay is always about a question with two sides, and the examiner wants to see that you can organise an argument. You don't need rare words – you need clear, neutral phrases that guide the reader from one idea to the next. Avoid contractions (don't, can't) and very informal words like 'stuff' or 'kids'.
Introducing the topic
Giving your opinion
Adding and contrasting ideas
Concluding
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: I think this is good and bad.Better: There are clear advantages and disadvantages to this idea.More precise and more formal.
- Basic: Also, it is cheap.Better: In addition, it is relatively inexpensive.'Also' at the start of a sentence sounds informal; 'relatively inexpensive' is more precise.
- Basic: But some people don't agree.Better: However, not everyone agrees.Don't start formal sentences with 'But', and avoid contractions.
- Basic: So, in the end, I think…Better: To sum up, I believe that…A clear signal that you are concluding.
Plan four paragraphs: introduction, the first point, the second point (or the other side), and your conclusion with a clear opinion. Use one linking phrase at the start of each paragraph – the examiner notices good organisation straight away.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
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