1
Spot the Problems
Read the exam question and the student's introduction below. Click on any phrases you think are clichés (tired, overused expressions), then answer the questions.
Exam Question
Some people think that having the Internet at home brings only benefits, while others believe it has serious drawbacks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Communication is a blessing to humanity! Nowadays, with the rapid development of technology, more and more people, including my friends and relatives, have become connected to the Internet: a digital system in which computers communicate with each other via satellites. Currently, many work places, schools, universities, and libraries have the Internet. In addition, significant numbers of people access it in their houses, apartments, and holiday homes. Many mobile phones also have Internet applications. Surely, since so many individuals use this invention, it must be advantageous. However, every coin has two sides, especially the hot-button issue of the Internet at home.
1. Is the topic clearly defined?
2. Is the writer's view clear?
3. Are there any clichés?
2
The Bare Minimum
Here is a much shorter answer to the same question. Complete the missing words — the first letters are given as a clue.
Same Exam Question
Some people think that having the Internet at home brings only benefits, while others believe it has serious drawbacks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
In this e, I shall di having the Internet at home. In my o, its be far outw its drawbacks.
3
The Ideal Introduction
First, just read the introduction below — it answers a different question, but notice how natural and complete it feels compared to Sections 1 and 2.
A Different Exam Question
Some people think that creative subjects such as art, music, and drama should have a bigger place in the school curriculum. To what extent do you agree?
Education is a life-long process. The foundations begin with primary school, at the age of five, and continue at secondary, which ends at 18. During this time, students mainly learn academic and social skills, but they also play sport, enjoy extra-curricular activities, and develop a knowledge of their own and other people's cultures. I believe that art, craft, and music play a small but important role in school education.
Now look more closely. Match each part below to its function.
"Education is a life-long process."
✅ Common ground. A broad, uncontroversial truth that any reader — whatever their opinion — would accept. It creates a starting point shared with the examiner.
"The foundations begin with primary school, at the age of five, and continue at secondary, which ends at 18. During this time, students mainly learn academic and social skills, but they also play sport, enjoy extra-curricular activities, and develop a knowledge of their own and other people's cultures."
✅ Context. The general idea is narrowed down to the specific situation the essay will actually discuss — what happens during school years, and what subjects compete for space.
"I believe that art, craft, and music play a small but important role in school education."
✅ Thesis & position. A direct, unambiguous answer to the question — the reader knows exactly where the writer stands before reading another word.