Pearson describes Write Essay as an argumentative essay of 200 to 300 words, written in response to a prompt of two or three sentences. A clear structure helps you plan quickly and helps the examiner follow your argument. The table shows a sensible word split for a 250-word essay; the ranges add up to roughly 215 to 285 words.
Common essay prompts fall into four types. Identify the type first, because it tells you what each body paragraph should do. The sentence frames are starting points; replace the blanks with ideas specific to the prompt.
Time is the main pressure in this task. The plan below leaves most of the time for writing, with a short check at the end for word count, spelling and copied phrases.
Model essays with answers (original prompts)
The 31 model essays below respond to original prompts from this page. Read them for structure, linking and tone, not to memorise sentences. Each one is labelled with its word count, which falls inside the 200 to 300 word range.
Model essay: Agree or disagree (226 words)
Prompt: Many people believe that governments should spend more money on public libraries than on new sports stadiums. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Agree or disagree. The writer takes a clear position, concedes the strongest opposing point and returns to the thesis.
The allocation of public funds often reflects competing priorities, and the choice between libraries and sports stadiums illustrates this clearly. While large stadiums attract attention and can boost local tourism, I largely agree that public libraries deserve greater investment, because they serve a wider range of people over a longer period.
The primary argument for libraries is their accessibility. A library is free to enter, offers books, digital resources and study space, and is used by children, job seekers, retirees and students alike. Unlike a stadium, which hosts a limited number of events and is often used by paying spectators, a library supports learning every day of the week. For families on low incomes, it may be the only place where they can reach the internet or borrow a book.
Stadiums do have genuine benefits, however. They can create jobs during construction, host national events and foster civic pride. Sporting facilities also encourage physical activity, which has clear public health value. Nevertheless, many of these benefits can be achieved through smaller community sports grounds, which cost far less than a flagship stadium and are more evenly spread across a city.
In conclusion, although stadiums offer visible and occasionally significant advantages, I believe libraries provide broader and more lasting value to society. Governments should therefore prioritise library funding while supporting modest sports facilities that serve local residents.
Model essay: Advantages and disadvantages (216 words)
Prompt: Online shopping has changed the way people buy goods across the world. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.
Advantages and disadvantages. Each body paragraph covers two points with an explanation, and the conclusion weighs them.
Online shopping has transformed the way people obtain goods, allowing consumers to compare prices and buy almost anything from home. The trend offers considerable benefits, yet it also creates problems for shoppers, small businesses and the environment.
The most obvious advantage is convenience. Customers can shop at any hour, avoid travelling to crowded stores and read reviews before they purchase. Online platforms also give access to products that may be unavailable locally, which is especially valuable for people living in rural areas. For small sellers, the internet offers a low-cost route to a national or even international market.
However, the trend has drawbacks. Local shops, which contribute to neighbourhood life and employ local staff, may struggle to compete with large online retailers. Frequent deliveries of small parcels also generate packaging waste and road traffic. In addition, shoppers can be tempted to spend impulsively, and the lack of physical inspection sometimes leads to disappointment with the product. Purchases from overseas sellers can also be slow and costly to return, leaving the buyer with few practical options.
On balance, online shopping offers substantial benefits in convenience and access, but its effects on communities and the environment are significant. The most sensible approach is for consumers to shop online thoughtfully, while policymakers support local retailers and encourage recyclable packaging.
Model essay: Problem and solution (233 words)
Prompt: Traffic congestion has become a serious problem in many large cities. Discuss the causes of this problem and suggest practical solutions.
Problem and solution. Causes come first, then solutions that explain how each one would work.
Heavy traffic is now a persistent difficulty in many big cities, wasting time, increasing fuel use and worsening air quality. Its causes are varied, but the most effective responses combine better public transport with changes in how road space is used.
Congestion arises mainly from the growing number of private cars and the lack of reliable alternatives. In many cities, buses run infrequently, rail networks do not reach outer districts and cycle routes feel unsafe. Rapid urban growth has also pushed homes and workplaces further apart, so commuters must travel longer distances, often by car. Shift workers and people with irregular hours depend heavily on private vehicles, because late-night public services are rare.
Several solutions could ease the problem. Investing in frequent and affordable public transport would give drivers a realistic alternative. Cities can also introduce charges for driving in the busiest zones, a measure used in London and Singapore, which discourages unnecessary trips. Dedicated bus lanes and protected cycle paths can make other ways of travelling faster and more attractive. Employers can also help by offering staggered start times, which spread the morning peak across a longer period.
In conclusion, congestion is driven by car dependence and urban sprawl, and it can be reduced only by making alternatives more attractive. A combination of reliable transit, road pricing and protected routes for walking and cycling offers the most practical path for city authorities.
Model essay: Agree or disagree (221 words)
Prompt: Some people argue that governments should ban fishing in large areas of the ocean so that marine life can recover. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Agree or disagree. The writer agrees with a limit (large protected areas, not a blanket ban) and answers the strongest objection.
Fish stocks in many parts of the ocean have fallen under heavy fishing, and protected zones are one proposed remedy. I largely agree that governments should close substantial areas to fishing, provided the closures are well planned and fairly enforced.
The main argument for protection is that it gives populations time to recover. When fishing stops in an area, fish can grow larger and live longer, and larger fish usually produce far more eggs. Young fish and eggs can then drift into neighbouring waters, so nearby fishing grounds may also benefit. Protected areas also shelter habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are often damaged by nets dragged along the seabed.
Opponents reasonably point out that fishing supports food supplies and the incomes of coastal families. A sudden ban could cause hardship and may simply push boats into the remaining open waters, increasing pressure there. Enforcement is another difficulty, because the ocean is vast and illegal fishing is hard to detect. These problems are real, but they argue for careful design rather than inaction, for example through temporary closures, support payments for fishing communities and satellite monitoring of vessels.
In conclusion, large no-fishing zones can restore marine life and, in the long run, strengthen fisheries. Governments should adopt them, while working with local communities to reduce the short-term cost.
Model essay: Advantages and disadvantages (202 words)
Prompt: Many cities are building taller apartment blocks in their centres instead of spreading outwards. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
Advantages and disadvantages. Two points per side, each explained, then a weighed conclusion.
As populations grow, many cities are choosing to build upwards rather than outwards. Tall, dense housing in central districts has clear benefits, but it also raises concerns about quality of life.
The main advantage is efficient use of land. When more people live close to workplaces, shops and stations, they can walk, cycle or use public transport instead of driving long distances. This reduces traffic and saves farmland and natural areas on the city edge from being built over. Dense districts also support more frequent bus and train services, because a large number of passengers live within walking distance of each stop.
However, there are drawbacks. Tall buildings can cast long shadows, block views and create strong winds at street level, making public spaces less pleasant. Crowded blocks may also lack play areas and gardens, which can affect residents' wellbeing, especially families with young children. In addition, construction of high-rise buildings is expensive, and the new flats are not always affordable for people on average incomes.
On balance, I believe the benefits of compact development outweigh its costs, provided planners require green spaces, good design and a share of affordable homes. Without those safeguards, density alone will not create a pleasant city.
Model essay: Agree or disagree (210 words)
Prompt: Secondary schools should start later in the morning so that teenagers can get more sleep. Do you agree or disagree?
Agree or disagree. A clear position, one supporting reason, one practical objection and a firm conclusion.
Teenagers often seem tired in early lessons, which has led some to suggest later school start times. I agree with this proposal, because it would help students to learn better and to stay healthier, although it would require some practical adjustments.
The strongest argument is biological. During adolescence, many young people naturally fall asleep later at night and find it hard to wake early. A school day that begins very early therefore cuts into their sleep. Tired students find it harder to concentrate, remember new material and manage their emotions. Some schools that have moved their start time by about an hour have reported better attendance and fewer students arriving late, which suggests that the change can make a real difference.
Critics respond that later starts create difficulties for families. Parents may need to leave for work before their children go to school, and buses, sports and after-school jobs would all have to be rescheduled. These concerns are valid, but they can be managed. Schools could offer supervised breakfast clubs, and sports fixtures can be moved to weekends or shortened.
In conclusion, the benefits of more sleep for teenagers' learning and wellbeing outweigh the inconvenience of changing timetables. Education authorities should therefore support later starts, while helping families to adapt.
Model essay: Advantages and disadvantages (210 words)
Prompt: More households are installing solar panels on their roofs. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this development for families and for society.
Advantages and disadvantages. Benefits for households first, then costs and wider effects, then a balanced conclusion.
Rooftop solar panels have become a familiar sight in many neighbourhoods. This trend offers real benefits to households and to society, but it also has limitations that buyers and governments should consider.
For households, the most obvious advantage is lower electricity bills, because a family can use the power it generates itself and, in some places, sell any surplus to the grid. Panels also protect owners against future rises in energy prices. For society, widespread solar power reduces the need to burn coal and gas, which cuts greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. Because the electricity is produced where it is used, less energy is lost in transmission.
On the other hand, the upfront cost can be high, and families with low incomes or rented homes may be unable to take part, which could widen inequality. Solar output also varies with weather and daylight, so households still depend on the grid at night and in winter unless they buy expensive batteries. Finally, manufacturing panels requires energy and materials, and old panels must be recycled properly to avoid waste.
Overall, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Governments should help with installation costs, especially for lower-income families, and invest in storage and recycling so that the benefits are shared widely.
Model essay: Problem and solution (220 words)
Prompt: Many office workers sit for most of the day and take little exercise. What problems does this cause, and what could employers and governments do to help?
Problem and solution. Health and productivity problems are named, then solutions are split between employers and governments.
Modern office work keeps millions of people seated for hours each day. This sedentary routine is a growing concern, because it affects health and can also reduce the quality of work.
The problems are mainly physical and mental. Long periods of sitting are linked with weight gain, back and neck pain and a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Workers who barely move often feel tired and find it harder to concentrate in the afternoon. Over time, this can mean more sick leave for employers and higher medical costs for health systems. The causes are easy to see: jobs centre on computers, commuting is often by car, and many people feel too tired to exercise after work.
Employers can respond in simple ways. They can encourage walking meetings, provide height-adjustable desks and remind staff to take short breaks. Offering subsidised gym membership or lunchtime exercise classes would also help. Governments have a role too. They can build safe cycling routes and walking paths, so that active commuting becomes realistic, and they can run public campaigns that explain how little exercise is needed to make a difference.
In conclusion, inactivity at work harms both individuals and the wider economy. A combination of workplace changes and public investment in active travel offers the most practical way to address it.
Model essay: Discuss both views (214 words)
Prompt: Some people believe that minority languages should be taught in schools to keep them alive. Others think schools should concentrate on widely spoken languages that offer more opportunities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss both views. Each side gets its best argument and an example of what it means in practice, then a clear personal opinion.
Of the several thousand languages spoken today, many have only a small number of speakers. Some people believe schools should teach these languages to keep them alive, while others prefer to focus on widely spoken ones. Both positions have merit.
Supporters of teaching minority languages argue that a language carries a community's stories, humour, place names and ways of understanding the world. When the last fluent speakers die, that knowledge is lost. If children learn the language in school, they can speak with older relatives and take pride in their heritage. Research on bilingual education also suggests that learning two languages does not harm children's progress in the main language of instruction.
On the other side, schools have limited time and money. Widely spoken languages such as English, Mandarin or Spanish can open doors to higher education, trade and travel, so some parents worry that time spent on a minority language reduces those opportunities. It may also be difficult to find trained teachers and suitable textbooks for languages with few speakers.
In my opinion, the two aims are not in conflict. Schools can teach a minority language alongside a major one, perhaps for a few lessons each week, and use community volunteers to help. This approach protects cultural heritage without limiting students' future options.
Model essay: Problem and solution (217 words)
Prompt: Many city residents have little access to parks or other green spaces. Explain the reasons for this and suggest ways that planners could improve the situation.
Problem and solution. Causes are land-related and financial; solutions are specific planning tools.
Parks and gardens make cities healthier and more pleasant, yet many residents live far from any green space. This problem is widespread in crowded districts, and planners have several practical ways to address it.
The main cause is the high value of land. In growing cities, a vacant plot is usually sold for housing or offices, because developers can earn more from buildings than the city can earn from a park. Older neighbourhoods were also often laid out before anyone planned for open space, leaving no room to add it later. Finally, local budgets are tight, so even existing parks may be poorly maintained and used by few people.
Planners could respond in several ways. They can require developers to include public gardens or squares in large projects, and they can protect land that is still undeveloped by designating it as parkland. Where space is scarce, small solutions help: pocket parks on unused corners, planted roofs, tree-lined streets and the conversion of disused railway lines or car parks into walkways. Involving residents in the design and care of these spaces would make them safer and better used.
In conclusion, the shortage of green space results from land prices and past planning decisions, and it can be reduced through firm planning rules and imaginative use of small sites.
Model essay: Discuss both views (216 words)
Prompt: Some people think that competition between businesses always benefits consumers. Others argue that governments must regulate prices of essential goods. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss both views. The writer gives a fair account of competition and regulation, then takes a middle position with a reason.
Economists have long debated how far markets can be left alone. Some people believe competition among businesses always helps consumers, while others think that essential goods need government price controls. In my view, both positions contain some truth.
Those who favour competition argue that businesses must offer good quality and low prices to attract customers. When many shops or companies sell similar products, any that charges too much loses sales. Competition also encourages innovation, because firms try to find cheaper methods or better designs. In markets such as mobile phones and online services, rivalry has made products more affordable and more capable over time.
However, competition does not always work smoothly. For some essential goods, such as water supply or medicines, there may be only one or two sellers, and customers cannot easily go without. In such cases a seller can raise prices sharply, and regulation may be needed to prevent unfair charges. Price controls can have costs as well: if the limit is set too low, suppliers may produce less or leave the market, creating shortages.
On balance, I believe competition should be the starting point, because it usually delivers choice and lower prices. Governments should intervene only where competition is weak and the product is truly essential, and they should review any controls regularly.
Model essay: Agree or disagree (223 words)
Prompt: Objects found at ancient sites should stay in the country where they were discovered rather than be displayed in museums abroad. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Agree or disagree. The writer agrees with a qualification (loans and shared study) and answers the practical objection about safety.
Ancient objects carry the history of the places where they were made, so it is natural to ask where they belong. I largely agree that they should remain in their country of origin, although I believe that loans and shared research can still allow other nations to benefit.
The strongest argument is that an object is most meaningful in context. A pot, a tool or a carved stone tells us far more when it is displayed near the site where it was found and alongside the landscape, buildings and traditions that produced it. Local communities also have a clear interest in their own heritage, and its presence can inspire pride, support education and attract visitors who bring income to nearby towns.
Supporters of overseas display argue that large museums offer expert care and reach a worldwide audience. This point has some force, particularly where a country lacks funds or stable conditions for storage. However, this problem can be solved by international funding, training and technical support, rather than by moving the objects. Temporary exhibitions abroad can introduce foreign visitors to a culture without removing its treasures permanently.
In conclusion, finds from ancient sites are best kept where they were discovered, with generous loans and cooperation to share knowledge. This approach respects local heritage while still allowing people everywhere to learn from the past.
Model essay: Advantages and disadvantages (236 words)
Prompt: More people are choosing fruit and vegetables grown close to home instead of imported produce. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.
Advantages and disadvantages. Two advantages, two disadvantages, then a weighed conclusion.
Shoppers in many countries now look for fruit and vegetables grown nearby, from farmers' markets to supermarket shelves labelled with the region of origin. This trend has clear benefits, but it also has limits that are worth considering.
One important advantage is freshness. Produce that travels a short distance can be picked closer to ripeness and reaches the customer within a day or two, which often improves taste. A second benefit is economic, because money spent on local produce stays in the community and supports farming families. Shorter journeys can also reduce the fuel used in transport, although the size of this saving depends on how the food is grown and moved.
On the other hand, local food is not always the best choice. Many crops can only be grown in certain climates, so shoppers who insist on local produce may find their choices reduced, especially in winter. Prices can also be higher, because small farms usually cannot match the efficiency of very large producers, and this may be difficult for low-income households. Finally, countries that export fruit and vegetables rely on those sales, so a sudden fall in imports could harm their farmers.
On balance, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, provided that people continue to buy a wide variety of foods. Choosing local produce when it is in season is a sensible habit, but it should not replace a varied and affordable diet.
Model essay: Problem and solution (220 words)
Prompt: Floods, heatwaves and storms are affecting a growing number of communities. What problems does this create, and what could governments do to reduce the harm?
Problem and solution. Problems are grouped (safety, economy), then each solution explains how it would work.
Severe weather events such as floods, heatwaves and storms appear to be affecting more communities, and their consequences can last for years. Governments have an important role in limiting the damage, both before and after these events.
The problems are serious and wide-ranging. Floods destroy homes, roads and farmland, forcing families to leave and costing large sums to repair. Heatwaves are especially dangerous for older people, young children and outdoor workers, and they put pressure on hospitals and power networks. Storms can cut electricity and water supplies for days. Poorer communities usually suffer most, because they have fewer savings and often live in more exposed areas.
Governments can respond in several practical ways. First, they can improve warning systems so that people receive clear alerts by phone and radio in time to act. Second, they can invest in protection, such as flood barriers, drainage, tree planting for shade and buildings that stay cooler without constant air conditioning. Third, planning rules can stop new homes being built on land that regularly floods. Finally, emergency funds and insurance schemes can help families to rebuild quickly, which prevents a single disaster from becoming a long-term hardship.
In conclusion, extreme weather creates danger and financial strain, particularly for vulnerable groups. With early warnings, protective construction and careful planning, governments can greatly reduce the harm.
Model essay: Discuss both views (228 words)
Prompt: Some people think school students should wear a uniform. Others believe students should be free to choose their own clothes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss both views. Each view is given fair space before the writer states a balanced opinion.
School uniforms are a familiar feature of education in many countries, yet opinion remains divided on whether they should be required. Both positions have merit, but I believe a uniform is the better choice for most schools.
Supporters of uniforms point first to equality. When everyone dresses the same way, differences in family income are less visible, and students feel less pressure to own expensive brands. Uniforms can also save time in the morning, simplify parents' shopping and give pupils a sense of belonging to their school. Some teachers add that a smart appearance helps to create a more serious atmosphere for learning.
Opponents answer that clothing is a form of self-expression. Young people are developing their identities, and being allowed to choose what they wear can build confidence and independence. A uniform may also be uncomfortable or unsuitable for some students, and it can be costly if the style is specific to one shop. Critics doubt that clothing has a real effect on results, since good teaching matters far more.
In my opinion, a uniform is preferable provided it is affordable, comfortable and flexible, for example by allowing a choice of items. This protects the equality that matters most while leaving some room for personal style. Ultimately, schools should consult students and parents when they decide, because a policy that people understand is more likely to succeed.
Model essay: Agree or disagree (234 words)
Prompt: Employers should give staff paid time during the working day to take exercise. Do you agree or disagree?
Agree or disagree. A clear position with one benefit for staff, one for employers, and an honest limit.
Many adults spend most of their waking hours at work and have little energy left for exercise afterwards. For this reason, I agree that firms ought to let employees use some paid time in the working day to be active, although the scheme needs to be sensible and flexible.
The first reason is health. Regular exercise lowers the risk of heart disease and helps to manage stress, and people who sit at a desk all day need it more than most. When the time is paid, employees do not have to choose between exercise and family responsibilities. A short walk or a gym class at lunchtime can also improve mood, so workers return to their tasks refreshed.
The second reason is that employers benefit too. Healthier staff tend to take fewer days off through illness, and a company that cares for its workforce becomes a more attractive place to work. Any hours spent exercising may be partly recovered through better concentration and energy in the afternoon.
Some people may argue that the cost is too high, particularly for small businesses, or that workers might misuse the time. These concerns are reasonable, but they can be addressed by setting a modest limit, such as thirty minutes a few times a week, and by letting staff choose activities that suit them. In conclusion, paid exercise time is a practical investment that benefits both employees and employers.
Model essay: Advantages and disadvantages (213 words)
Prompt: Many cities are expanding their bus and tram networks instead of building new roads. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
Advantages and disadvantages. Benefits for people and the city first, then costs and limits, then a verdict.
Traffic is a constant concern in large cities, and some local governments are now choosing to improve buses and trams rather than build new roads. This approach offers real benefits, but it also faces difficulties.
The main advantage is capacity. A single tram or bus can carry many more passengers than the same space filled with cars, so public transport uses scarce city land more efficiently. Fewer cars on the road also means less noise and less air pollution, which improves health. In addition, a reliable network gives people without a car, such as students and older residents, an affordable way to reach work, shops and hospitals.
However, there are drawbacks. Building tram lines is expensive and can disrupt streets for years, while bus services need continuing subsidies to keep fares low. Public transport is also less flexible than a private car, and passengers in suburbs or rural fringes may still find stops far from their homes. If services are crowded or irregular, people will simply continue to drive, and the investment will fail to reduce congestion.
Overall, I believe the advantages are greater, as long as the services are frequent, clean and well connected. Cities that combine them with safe cycling routes and walkable neighbourhoods will gain the most from this approach.
Model essay: Problem and solution (226 words)
Prompt: Farmland is being lost in many regions as towns expand and soils become less fertile. What are the main causes, and what could be done to protect food production?
Problem and solution. Causes are separated into land loss and soil decline, and each solution is linked to a cause.
Feeding a growing population depends on healthy farmland, yet in many regions the land available for crops is shrinking or becoming less productive. Understanding why this happens is the first step towards protecting it.
Two main causes can be identified. The first is urban growth. Towns usually develop on flat, fertile land close to rivers, so new houses, roads and factories often replace the best fields. The second is the decline of soil quality. Repeated planting of one crop, heavy ploughing and too much irrigation can strip nutrients, increase salt in the ground and leave the soil open to erosion by wind and rain. Over time, yields fall and farmers may abandon their land.
Several measures could help. Planning authorities can protect high-quality farmland by directing new buildings to land that is less suitable for crops, or to unused urban sites. For soil, farmers can rotate crops, plant cover crops between seasons and reduce unnecessary ploughing, which keeps nutrients in the ground and holds the soil together. Governments can support these methods through training and financial help, since changing practice carries risk for farmers. Research into drought-tolerant crops could also help to produce more food on poorer land.
In conclusion, expanding cities and tired soils both threaten food production. Careful planning, better farming methods and public support can protect the land on which future harvests depend.
Model essay: Discuss both views (224 words)
Prompt: Some people argue that governments should spend public money on space exploration. Others believe that money should be used to solve problems on Earth. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss both views. The writer weighs benefits of exploration against urgent needs and argues for a balanced budget.
Space programmes require large budgets, and people disagree about whether such spending is justified when many problems remain on Earth. I can see merit in both positions, but I believe that moderate investment in space is worthwhile.
Those who oppose spending argue that basic needs should come first. Money for rockets and telescopes could instead pay for hospitals, clean water, schools or action on poverty, and these benefits are immediate and easy to measure. From this perspective, exploring other worlds seems like a luxury while people on this planet still lack essentials.
Supporters of space exploration reply that it has produced practical benefits. Satellites are used for weather forecasting, navigation, communication and monitoring the environment, and the technology developed for space missions has found uses in other fields. Exploration also increases scientific knowledge, and it can inspire young people to study science and engineering. Furthermore, space budgets are small compared with total government spending in most countries, so reducing them would release only limited funds for other causes.
In my view, the choice does not have to be absolute. Governments should give priority to urgent social needs, but they should also keep a measured level of funding for space research, particularly for projects that help us to understand our own planet. This balanced policy protects present welfare while maintaining the long-term benefits of discovery.
Model essay: Agree or disagree (216 words)
Prompt: Old buildings should be preserved even when replacing them with modern ones would provide more housing or office space. To what extent do you agree?
Agree or disagree. The writer partly agrees: preserve buildings of real value, but allow change elsewhere.
Cities must constantly balance their past against their future needs. While I accept that growing populations require more homes and workplaces, I largely agree that historic buildings ought to be protected, with sensible exceptions.
The main reason for preservation is cultural value. Historic buildings show how people lived and worked, and they give a district its character. Once demolished, they cannot be replaced, and a replica is never the same. Old streets also attract visitors, so preservation can support local shops, hotels and restaurants. In addition, reusing an existing building avoids the materials and energy needed to construct a new one, which is an environmental advantage that is often overlooked.
On the other hand, there is a real argument for change. Cities with a housing shortage may need to build more homes, and some old structures are unsafe, expensive to heat or unsuitable for modern use. Protecting every building regardless of its condition would make development almost impossible and might push prices higher.
A fair solution is to protect buildings with genuine historical or architectural importance, and to encourage the adaptation of others, for example by converting old factories into flats or offices. In conclusion, preservation should be the starting point, but it should be applied selectively so that cities can remain both beautiful and practical.
Model essay: Advantages and disadvantages (229 words)
Prompt: Apps and games that claim to train the brain are increasingly popular. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of relying on such tools to improve memory and concentration.
Advantages and disadvantages. The writer is careful about evidence and separates convenience from proven benefit.
Brain-training apps promise sharper memory and better focus in a few minutes a day. They are widely used, so it is worth considering what they can and cannot offer.
Their first advantage is convenience. Short, game-like exercises are easy to fit into a busy day, and many users find them enjoyable. Regular practice may also build healthy habits, because people who set aside time to challenge their minds are often more motivated to keep learning. For people who want a simple routine, an app can be a pleasant starting point, and improvement within the game itself is usually easy to see.
However, there are important limitations. Research has produced mixed evidence on whether skills practised in a game transfer to everyday life, so a person who becomes better at a puzzle may not remember names or concentrate at work any more easily. Some products make strong claims that are not supported by sound evidence, and subscription fees can be costly. There is a further risk that people spend time on the app instead of activities with stronger support, such as exercise, sleep, social contact and learning a new skill.
In conclusion, brain-training tools can be an enjoyable pastime, but I would not rely on them to improve memory or concentration. Users should be sceptical of bold promises and treat the apps as one small part of a healthy lifestyle.
Model essay: Problem and solution (228 words)
Prompt: Home deliveries have greatly increased the number of vans on city streets. What problems does this cause, and how could cities and companies reduce them?
Problem and solution. Problems are traffic, safety and emissions; solutions are split between city and company action.
Online shopping has made home delivery a normal part of urban life. Convenient as it is for customers, the large number of delivery vans in city streets creates problems that both authorities and businesses need to address.
The first problem is congestion. Vans often stop in narrow streets or in bus and cycle lanes while drivers deliver parcels, which slows other traffic. Second, many vans burn petrol or diesel, so they add to air pollution and noise in residential areas. Third, safety is a concern, since heavy vehicles and frequent stopping increase risks for pedestrians and cyclists. Finally, many deliveries fail because nobody is at home, and the van must return, doubling the journey.
There are several ways to improve the situation. Cities could create loading zones and encourage deliveries at quieter hours, reducing blockages. They could also set low-emission zones that reward cleaner vehicles. Companies, for their part, can switch to electric vans or cargo bikes for short distances, and plan routes more carefully so that each trip carries more parcels. Collection points, such as lockers in stations or shops, allow many customers to pick up their parcels in a single location, which avoids missed deliveries and reduces journeys.
In conclusion, home delivery brings convenience but also congestion, pollution and risk. With cooperation between city planners and companies, its impact can be reduced without losing its benefits.
Model essay: Discuss both views (224 words)
Prompt: Some people believe traditional festivals should be kept exactly as they have always been. Others think festivals should change as society changes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss both views. The writer finds a middle position: keep the core meaning, allow the form to evolve.
Festivals connect communities with their history, so it is understandable that many people want to protect them. Others argue that a festival must evolve if it is to stay alive. I believe the most convincing position lies between these two views.
Those who prefer to keep festivals unchanged value continuity. A ceremony that follows the same pattern for generations links today's participants with their ancestors and gives a strong sense of identity. Changes can feel like a loss, especially when a festival is altered mainly to attract tourists or sponsors. There is also a fear that, once the original meaning is diluted, it may never be recovered.
Supporters of change make a different case. Societies change, and a festival that ignores this may seem irrelevant to young people, who then stop attending. Adding new music, food or activities can bring in new participants and make the event more welcoming to people from other backgrounds. Some customs may also need updating for reasons of safety, cost or fairness, and communities are entitled to make these decisions for themselves.
In my opinion, the core meaning and key rituals of a festival should be respected, while other aspects may be adapted. The best decisions are made by the people who celebrate it, rather than by outsiders. In this way, traditions remain living practices instead of museum pieces.
Model essay: Agree or disagree (226 words)
Prompt: Managing money, including budgeting and saving, should be a compulsory subject in secondary schools. Do you agree or disagree?
Agree or disagree. Clear agreement with reasons about adult life, plus a practical note on how to teach it.
Most young people leave school with strong knowledge of subjects such as history or science but little training in handling their own finances. I strongly agree that personal finance ought to be a required subject for older pupils.
The main reason is that financial decisions begin early in adult life. Within a few years of leaving school, many people must rent a home, use credit, repay a student loan or choose a pension scheme. Without guidance, it is easy to make costly mistakes, such as borrowing at a high interest rate or spending more than one earns. A lesson in budgeting and saving gives students tools that they will use almost every day for the rest of their lives.
A second reason is fairness. Children from families that discuss money openly often learn these habits at home, but others do not. Making the subject compulsory ensures that every student, whatever their background, receives the same basic understanding.
Critics may argue that the timetable is already crowded, or that parents should teach their children about money. These points are fair, but the subject can be built into mathematics or social studies lessons, using practical tasks such as planning a monthly budget. Schools can also work with parents rather than replace them. In conclusion, financial education is a practical life skill, and every secondary school should teach it.
Model essay: Advantages and disadvantages (214 words)
Prompt: Many companies now rely on freelancers and short-term contracts instead of permanent staff. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for workers and for employers.
Advantages and disadvantages. Both sides are covered from the worker and the employer perspective.
Short-term contracts and freelance work have become common in many industries. This shift affects both people who work and those who hire them, and it has benefits as well as risks.
From the employer's perspective, the main advantage is flexibility. A company can hire specialists for a particular project without paying for them all year, and it can adjust its workforce quickly when demand rises or falls. Workers may benefit as well. Freelancers often choose their own hours and clients, and the variety of projects helps them to build a wide range of skills. For some people, such as parents or students, this independence is more important than a permanent post.
The disadvantages are equally real. Workers on short contracts may have an uncertain income, which makes it harder to plan, rent a home or obtain a loan. They may also receive fewer benefits, such as paid leave or a pension. Employers face problems too, because temporary staff often have less loyalty and knowledge of the organisation, and constant turnover makes training expensive and weakens teamwork.
Overall, I believe this model suits particular roles and individuals, but it should not replace stable employment for core positions. Clear contracts and fair protection can help ensure that flexibility does not come at the expense of security.
Model essay: Problem and solution (229 words)
Prompt: Many older people live alone and have little contact with others. What are the main causes of this situation, and what could communities do to help?
Problem and solution. Causes are social and practical; solutions involve community action and use of technology as a supplement.
In many countries a growing number of older people now live on their own, and some rarely speak to anyone for days. This situation can harm both their happiness and their health, so communities should understand its causes and take action.
Several factors contribute. Families are often spread across different cities or countries, as young adults move for work or study, so relatives cannot visit regularly. People also live longer, which means that many outlive their partners and friends. Reduced mobility, poor health or a lack of public transport can make it difficult to leave the house, and retirement removes the daily contact that work once provided. Some older people also feel uncomfortable with new technology, which is now a common way of staying in touch.
Communities can help in practical ways. Local councils and charities can organise regular visits, volunteer schemes and shared meals, giving residents a reason to leave home and meet others. Community transport or volunteer drivers can solve the mobility problem. Schools and clubs can arrange activities that bring young and old people together, and classes can teach older residents to use video calls and messaging. Neighbours, too, can simply check in on those who live alone.
In conclusion, loneliness among older people has social and practical causes. Through organised activities, transport and simple human attention, communities can help them to remain connected and valued.
Model essay: Discuss both views (225 words)
Prompt: Some people believe the first few years of childhood are by far the most important for a person's intellectual development. Others argue that people keep learning and changing throughout their lives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss both views. The writer grants the importance of early years, then argues that later learning matters too.
Debates about intellectual development often focus on the question of when it matters most. Some people emphasise early childhood, while others point out that learning continues across the whole of life. I think both views contain truth, but the second is more encouraging and, in important respects, more accurate.
Those who stress early childhood have a strong case. In the first years, children learn language, form attachments and develop basic habits of attention at remarkable speed, and the brain is especially responsive to experience. A child who grows up with little conversation, poor nutrition or stress may find some skills harder to acquire later. This is why many experts support early education and good support for families.
However, the claim that these years outweigh every later period overlooks the brain's ability to change. Adolescents and adults continue to form new connections when they learn, and people who take up a new language, instrument or profession in later life often make real progress, even if it takes more effort. Education, work and relationships all shape thinking well beyond childhood, and many important abilities, such as judgement, mature slowly.
In my opinion, early childhood provides a foundation, but it does not fix a person's future. Societies should therefore invest in the early years while also offering good schools, training and learning opportunities to people of every age.
Model essay: Agree or disagree (232 words)
Prompt: Individuals can do very little to slow climate change, and only governments and large companies can make a real difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Agree or disagree. The writer disagrees with the absolute claim, conceding that scale matters most for institutions.
Climate change is a global problem, and it is easy to feel that one person's choices are too small to matter. I disagree with the view that ordinary people can achieve very little, although I accept that governments and large companies have an especially powerful role.
It is true that most emissions come from systems that individuals do not control directly, such as electricity generation, industry and transport networks. A household cannot build a wind farm or redesign a railway. Only governments can set rules, fund research and make low-carbon options available to everyone, and only large companies can change how goods are manufactured. If individuals are asked to carry the whole burden, progress will be slow and uneven.
Nevertheless, individuals are not powerless. Everyday decisions about travel, heating, food and consumption add up across millions of households, and they can reduce emissions directly. Moreover, individuals are voters, employees and customers. When they support policies, choose responsible companies or push their employers to change, they create the pressure that persuades institutions to act. Social habits also spread, so a neighbour who installs solar panels or cycles to work can influence others.
In conclusion, major decisions rest with governments and large companies, but this does not make individual action meaningless. The most effective approach combines personal responsibility with active participation in public life, so that people help to shape the systems around them.
Model essay: Advantages and disadvantages (243 words)
Prompt: Some architects now use computer software that generates and tests thousands of possible building layouts. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this method for designers and for the people who use the buildings.
Advantages and disadvantages. The writer separates benefits for designers from consequences for occupants and ends with a conditional verdict.
Computer software can now produce and evaluate a huge number of building layouts in a short time. This capacity raises interesting questions about how architecture will be practised and experienced in the future.
For designers, the benefits are considerable. Software can test options against measurable goals, such as daylight, energy use, structural efficiency or the distance people must walk between rooms. This lets architects discover solutions that they might never have imagined and reject weak ideas quickly, which saves time and reduces waste. Occupants can benefit too, because a building that is better ventilated, better lit and cheaper to run improves everyday comfort.
There are also drawbacks. A program can only optimise what it has been told to measure, and qualities such as beauty, local character or the feeling of a welcoming space are difficult to express in numbers. If designers rely too heavily on the software, buildings may become efficient but impersonal, or may look similar everywhere. Another concern is skill, since young architects who depend on automatic tools may lose the habit of thinking deeply about a site and the people who will use it. The final decision must still involve human judgement, and someone has to take responsibility for it.
In conclusion, generative software is a powerful assistant, and it can make buildings more efficient. Its benefits are greatest when architects treat it as a tool for exploring options, not as a substitute for creativity and consultation with the community.
Model essay: Problem and solution (245 words)
Prompt: Artificial lighting in cities makes the night sky difficult to see and may disturb wildlife and human sleep. Explain the causes of this problem and suggest realistic solutions.
Problem and solution. Causes cover lighting design and habits; solutions are targeted and realistic, with safety acknowledged.
In many cities the night sky is so bright that only a few stars can be seen. Beyond the loss of a beautiful view, excessive lighting may disturb wildlife and affect human sleep, so it deserves serious attention.
The causes are largely a matter of design and habit. Many streetlights, advertisements and building lights shine upwards or sideways instead of directing light to where it is needed, and light that escapes in this way brightens the sky. Lights are also often much stronger than necessary and stay on all night, even when streets are empty. Some modern lamps give off a great deal of blue light, which scatters more in the atmosphere. Because lighting is associated with safety and prosperity, there has been little pressure to reduce it.
Fortunately, practical solutions exist. Cities can require fully shielded fittings that point downwards, which reduces wasted light and often lowers electricity bills. Lights can be dimmed or controlled by sensors so that they brighten only when someone is nearby, and warmer colours can be chosen for residential areas. Businesses can switch off decorative and advertising lights after closing time. Importantly, these changes need not weaken safety, because well-aimed lighting can improve visibility by reducing glare. Public campaigns and dark-sky areas near cities could also help people to appreciate the night.
In conclusion, light pollution results from poorly aimed, excessive and constant lighting. Better design, smarter controls and responsible habits can restore darker skies while keeping streets safe.
Model essay: Discuss both views (242 words)
Prompt: Some people believe that digital copies and virtual tours can replace visits to historic sites. Others argue that nothing can replace seeing the real place. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss both views. The writer treats virtual visits as a complement for access and preparation, not a full replacement.
Digital technology can now show historic places in impressive detail, from three-dimensional models to guided online tours. Some people believe this makes physical visits unnecessary, while others disagree. I believe virtual tours are valuable but cannot fully replace the real experience.
Supporters of digital visits point to access. Many people cannot travel to distant sites because of cost, disability or distance, and a virtual tour allows them to explore at any time. Digital models can also reveal things that visitors cannot see in person, such as reconstructions of lost buildings or areas closed to the public. Moreover, fewer visitors can mean less wear on fragile sites, which helps conservation.
However, the case for real visits is also strong. Standing in a place gives a sense of scale, atmosphere and surroundings that a screen cannot reproduce. Visitors can feel the climate, walk the same paths as people in the past and understand how a site relates to its landscape. These experiences tend to be memorable and can inspire an interest in history. Visits also support the local economy, and the income they provide often pays for the site's upkeep.
In my view, digital and physical visits serve different purposes. Virtual tours are an excellent way to prepare, to learn and to include those who cannot travel. Even so, they work best as a complement to real visits, and historic sites should continue to welcome visitors in person, with sensible limits to protect them.
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Pearson also states that an off-topic response scores zero, that an unoriginal response gets no credit, and that an essay under 120 or over 380 words receives no score points on any factor.
Linking words show the examiner how your ideas connect. Use a few from each row rather than repeating one.
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