Essay Structure and Language Use

This section outlines the fundamental structure of an essay and provides essential language tools for effective writing at the B2 and C1 levels.

The guide presents a clear essay structure:

1. Introduction: Present and develop the essay question
2. First body paragraph: State the main argument with reasoning
3. Second body paragraph: Present the second argument with support
4. Optional third body paragraph: Introduce a third argument if necessary
5. Conclusion: Summarize and give your opinion

Highlight: The guide stresses the importance of avoiding contractions in formal writing, which is crucial for B2 and C1 level essays.

The page also offers an extensive list of linking words and their uses, such as:

• "Indeed" for expressing certainty
• "Nevertheless" for introducing contrasting ideas
• "Thus" and "Therefore" for showing consequences

Vocabulary: "Furthermore" is defined as a linking word used to add information, which is essential for creating cohesive B2 and C1 essays.

Synonyms for common transitional phrases are provided to enhance vocabulary variety:

• "So" can be replaced with "therefore," "thus," or "hence"
• "Also" alternatives include "moreover," "furthermore," and "additionally"

Example: The guide suggests using "In the first sentence" instead of "Firstly," demonstrating how to elevate language in B2 and C1 writing.

Advanced Linking Words and Paragraph Transitions

This section expands on the use of sophisticated linking words and provides strategies for smooth paragraph transitions, essential for writing B2 and C1 level essays.

The guide offers additional advanced linking words for various purposes:

• Expressing contrast: "Conversely," "However," "On the contrary"
• Providing examples: "To give an illustration of," "To exemplify," "As evidence"
• Concluding: "To summarise," "In the final analysis," "On close analysis"

Highlight: The use of these advanced linking words can significantly improve the quality and flow of B2 and C1 essays.

For paragraph transitions, the guide suggests phrases like:

• "On one hand"
• "Nevertheless"
• "In addition"
• "Regarding this"

Example: "Current research on [topic] shows" is suggested as a way to introduce evidence in B2 and C1 essay writing.

The page also provides useful sentences for different parts of the essay:

• For introductions: "The trend nowadays is towards..."
• For presenting consequences: "This suggests that..."
• For considering multiple aspects: "All things considered"

Vocabulary: "There is a growing body of evidence" is presented as a phrase to introduce supporting information in academic writing at B2 and C1 levels.

Describing Causes, Proposing Solutions, and Concluding Essays

This final section of the guide focuses on describing causes and consequences, proposing solutions, and effectively concluding B2 and C1 level essays.

For describing causes and consequences, the guide suggests phrases like:

• "One factor which has led to... is"
• "The problem often stems from"
• "The situation has been exacerbated by"

Example: "One consequence of... is" is provided as a way to introduce the effects of a situation in B2 and C1 essay writing.

For proposing solutions, the guide offers various approaches:

• "As regards the most appropriate response to this situation, one suggestion would be to"
• "To alleviate the situation, people should"
• "The burden of responsibility lies in the hands of"

Highlight: The guide emphasizes the importance of proposing concrete steps and measures in B2 and C1 essays, demonstrating critical thinking skills.

For concluding essays, the guide provides several effective phrases:

• "All in all, it seems to me that"
• "The obvious conclusion to be drawn is that"
• "On balance, I tend to believe that"

Vocabulary: "The prospects for the future will be bleak/grim unless" is presented as a way to emphasize the importance of addressing an issue in B2 and C1 level conclusions.

The page concludes with a list of synonyms for common words used in essays, such as:

• "advantage" = benefit, positive, upside
• "problem" = issue, challenge, difficulty, obstacle
• "important" = valuable, essential, beneficial

Example: Using "costly" or "extortionate" instead of "expensive" demonstrates the level of vocabulary expected in B2 and C1 writing.