Concede the case (Hong Kong, Singapore) before any rebuttal. Strong answers acknowledge constraints.
40 min·≥ 250 words
How to crack it
A 5-step plan for the essay
Read the question twice.
Underline every keyword. The instruction word ("agree", "discuss") decides your structure. Answer each instruction and keep your position clear.
Plan for 5 minutes.
Two body paragraphs. One main idea each. Pick examples BEFORE you write the intro.
Write your intro last in your head.
Once you know the conclusion, the intro writes itself. Paraphrase the question, don’t copy it.
Aim for 270–290 words.
Write at least 250 words. A 270–290-word target can help time management, but length alone does not determine your band.
Leave 3 minutes to proofread.
Hunt articles ("a/an/the"), subject-verb agreement, and "make/do" mix-ups. They’re your usual suspects.
What loses you the band
The four traps this question sets
Off-topic intro
Paraphrase the question. Don’t broaden it.
A new reason in the conclusion
Summarise your answer and reasons already developed in the body. Do not introduce an unsupported argument.
"Make a damage"
Collocation slip. Use "cause damage".
"Furthermore. Moreover."
Pick one. Both = robotic.
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