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Lesson 4 of 5
Designing Better Cities
Core 60 min
Pathway
Lesson 7.4 builds the Task 2 opinion essay with strong cohesion devices that lift scripts from Band 6 to Band 7.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan a 4-paragraph opinion essay
- Use 6 cohesion devices accurately
- Defend an opinion with relevant examples
Writing Task
Today's Task 2 prompt
Example · Prompt
Some people believe that city planners should focus on building more housing. Others argue that priority should be given to improving public transport. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Writing Task
Plan · 4 paragraphs
Discuss both views + opinion
Intro
Paraphrase + state your own opinion clearly.
Body 1
View A (housing) — explain + give one example.
Body 2
View B (transport) + your opinion with reasoning.
Conclusion
Restate your view in one developed sentence.
Focus
Cohesion · Band 7 devices
Admittedly, …
concede a point
Nevertheless, …
concede then push back
By the same token, …
add a parallel point
What is more, …
add a stronger point
In essence, …
summarise
this means that …
interpret your evidence
Cohesion in a body paragraph
Band 6 · Competent
- 'Building houses is important. Also, transport is important. So, the government should do both.'
Band 7 · Good
- 'Admittedly, building more homes addresses an immediate need. Nevertheless, without parallel investment in transport, those new residents quickly add to congestion — which is why a coordinated approach makes more sense.'
Focus
Pathway focus · Academic register check
Replace 'a lot of' with 'considerable', 'big problem' with 'significant challenge', and 'good' with 'beneficial'.
Exam Strategy
Exam Strategy
- Exam Tip
Put your opinion in the intro AND the conclusion — never wait until the end.
Independent Practice
Independent Practice
Timed essay
Write the full 250 words in 40 minutes.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Remember
- Cohesion = how ideas connect, not just linking words.
- Discuss-both-views requires BOTH sides + your view.
When you're done, mark this lesson complete.