Building a Strong Response: Step-by-Step Guide
Why this matters
- Paper 1 isn’t about “just writing something.” The examiner is checking if you can:
- Structure your writing clearly.
- Match tone to audience and purpose.
- Connect your response to one of the 5 prescribed themes.
- Use accurate, fluent, and varied language.
- Miss one of these and you lose easy marks, even if your English sounds polished.
Step 1: Plan your structure (Intro → Points → Conclusion)
Introduction
- Grab attention.
- State your purpose (why you’re writing).
- Link to the theme.
- Sentence stems for intros:
- “In today’s world, [theme] plays a vital role in…”
- “I am writing to express my concern about…”
- “This experience taught me that…”
- “Many people overlook how [theme] shapes our lives…”
Climate change is no longer a distant problem; it is something that shapes our daily lives. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, the planet is showing us that action is urgently needed. As young people, we have a responsibility to consider how our choices impact the future of our world.
Body (2–3 points)
- Each paragraph = one clear idea.
- Support with detail, examples, or reasoning.
- Use connectors to link ideas.
- Sentence stems for points:
- “One key reason is that…”
- “For example, when…”
- “This shows that…”
- “Furthermore, it highlights…”
- “Another important factor to consider is…”
Example
One key reason this issue cannot be ignored is its direct effect on communities. For example, in coastal towns, families are already being forced to relocate as flooding increases. This shows how environmental issues are not abstract but deeply connected to human survival. Furthermore, tackling climate change can bring people together, as schools, businesses, and governments collaborate on sustainable solutions.
Conclusion / Call to Action
- Summarize your stance.
- Suggest a next step, solution, or reflection.
- Make it memorable.
Tip
- Sentence stems for conclusions:
- “In conclusion, it is essential that we…”
- “This experience proves that…”
- “Therefore, I strongly encourage…”
- “Looking ahead, we must remember that…”
In conclusion, protecting our planet is not an optional task, it is a shared responsibility. While challenges remain, small actions by individuals combined with large-scale policy changes can create lasting impact. Looking ahead, we must remember that the choices we make today will determine the kind of world we leave behind for future generations.
Note- Keep intro and conclusion short.
- Spend most of your words on the 2–3 points.
