“In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people. To what extent do the advantages of having an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?”

Read the question twice.

Underline every keyword. The instruction word ("agree", "discuss") decides your structure. Get this wrong and you cap at 5.

Plan for 5 minutes.

Two body paragraphs. One main idea each. Pick examples BEFORE you write the intro.

Write your intro last in your head.

Once you know the conclusion, the intro writes itself. Paraphrase the question, don’t copy it.

Aim for 270–290 words.

Less = task incomplete. More = grammar errors. Stay in the pocket.

Leave 3 minutes to proofread.

Hunt articles ("a/an/the"), subject-verb agreement, and "make/do" mix-ups. They’re your usual suspects.

Off-topic intro

Paraphrase the question. Don’t broaden it.

Conclusion that just repeats

Add one new reason. Or a recommendation.

"Make a damage"

Collocation slip. Use "cause damage".