Unit 2. Nature & Pollution
Practice Test 2. The Problem of Too Many Cars.
This practice test is a problem / solution essay that is similar to the focus question. Using the focus question as guidance, complete an answer to the practice test, then get your writing corrected with feedback from the Essay Marking and Feedback Service.
Download the free PDF Practice Test (including answer sheet)
Please note. To send your essays to the marking and feedback service, only Microsoft Word and WPS Word documents can be accepted (or files that can be copied into word documents)
Suggested Outline for a Problem/Solution Essay.
Planning Your Answer.
Read the question carefully and work out what type of question it is and brainstorm some new vocabulary from the question.
See my free video for STEP 1 to see how I complete this important first step for the focus question.
Remember, NEVER just start writing without first planning your essay (you will write a better essay if you plan it first).
Before you write the introduction ...
- Identify the problem presented in the question.
- Brainstorm about 4 problems & 4 solutions for each body paragraph.
INTRODUCTION
- Paraphrase the essay title using synonymous vocabulary, AND …
- Write a clear sentence in the introduction stating that you will write about the
problems and solutions in the body paragraphs.
See the free video for the focus question about fossil fuels (STEP 2) to see how I do this.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
- Write about the problems and damage that are caused by having too many cars.
- Make sure you write a clear main idea.
- Try to write complex sentences and give examples to support your ideas.
- Write a summary sentence (optional)
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
- Write about the possible solutions individuals and governments could take to improve the situation.
- Make sure you write a clear main idea.
- Try to write complex sentences and give examples to support your ideas.
- Do NOT write a summary sentence (because you will write a summary next)
SUMMARY CONCLUSION.
- Write a conditional or contrasting complex (summary, not detailed) sentence that connects the problems and solutions. Do not introduce new ideas in this paragraph.
1) Make sure you use a transition signal.
- To sum up / Overall / On the whole / In conclusion
2) Make sure you express your opinion (if you are suggesting possible solutions, then you are expressing your opinion)
- in my opinion / in my view / I think
3) Write a conditional or contrasting complex (summary, not detailed) sentence that expresses your point of view as the strongest idea. Do not introduce new ideas in this paragraph.
Now read and check your work for any mistakes.
To see how I write a band 9 answer using this structure, refer to the video lessons
for the problem / solution focus question (Using Fossil Fuels).
You can also download the free e-book to see how I structure these steps in
more detail.
Links for Unit 2. Nature & Pollution.