Essay: useful language
Sophisticated ways to present an argument, weigh up two ideas, hedge your claims and reach a conclusion.
In the C1 essay you discuss two of the three points in the notes and decide which is more important. The examiner is looking for a well-organised argument in a consistently formal style, with language that is precise rather than just 'correct'. Avoid simple phrases like 'I think' in every paragraph – vary the way you present ideas, and use cautious language so that your claims sound reasonable.
Introducing the issue
Presenting and weighing up ideas
Hedging – sounding careful
Strong claims are easy to attack. Cautious language makes your argument more convincing.
Concluding
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: Many people think this is a big problem.Better: It is widely acknowledged that this is a serious issue.More formal and more precise.
- Basic: Taxes are the best solution.Better: Taxes are arguably the most effective solution.Hedging makes the claim harder to argue against.
- Basic: But there is another side.Better: That said, there is another side to the argument.A sophisticated linker instead of 'But' at the start.
- Basic: In conclusion, I think education is better.Better: Having weighed up both approaches, I would conclude that education is the more effective option.The conclusion clearly compares the two points.
The task asks which of your two points is more important – make sure your conclusion answers that directly and gives a reason. A clear, justified final decision is one of the easiest ways to show 'communicative achievement'.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Phrasal verbs para el C1 Advanced: lista con ejemplos →