Back to module
Lesson 4 of 5
Personal Development & Final Essay Practice
Core 60 min
Pathway
Lesson 10.4 is a full Task 2 essay under 40-minute timing on personal development, followed by structured self-assessment against the four criteria.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan and write a 250-word essay in 40 minutes
- Self-assess against Task Response, Coherence, Lexis and Grammar
- Identify your top-two priorities for essay practice
Writing Task
Writing · 40-minute pacing plan
How the 40 minutes should feel
Min 0–5: Analyse prompt + plan. Never skip — costs 2–3 marks.
Min 5–13: Introduction + Body 1.
Min 13–25: Body 2.
Min 25–36: Conclusion + finish writing.
Min 36–40: Proofread — tense, article, singular/plural.
Writing Task
Full essay practice
Prompt (write in 40 minutes)
Some people believe that personal development at work is the responsibility of the individual employee, while others think it should be provided by employers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Self-assessment checklist (do this AFTER writing)
01
Task Response
Did you cover BOTH views AND give your own opinion? Is your position clear from the introduction?
02
Coherence & Cohesion
One clear idea per paragraph? Do your linkers actually signal the right relationship?
03
Lexical Resource
Did you use at least 3 Band 7-level phrases from Unit 9–10 vocab lists?
04
Grammar
Did you use at least one conditional AND one complex sentence with subordination — accurately?
Focus
Pathway focus · Academic register in personal development
Prefer 'professional development' over 'growing at work', 'a structured learning pathway' over 'a plan to learn stuff'.
Exam Strategy
Exam Strategy
- Exam Tip
Plan on paper before writing — always. 5 minutes here saves 10 minutes of rewriting.
Independent Practice
Independent Practice
Rewrite
Rewrite ONLY the weakest paragraph of your essay, targeting the checklist criterion you scored lowest on.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Remember
- Full-timing practice is how essay grammar actually improves.
- Self-assessment turns one essay into three learning moments.
When you're done, mark this lesson complete.