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In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?

Two-part question. Part 1 = reasons; Part 2 = methods (archives, neighbours, registries). Be concrete.

Task 2·40 min·≥ 250 words

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🧠 5-step plan

How to crack it

Open if you want a structure to follow

  1. 1

    Read the question twice.

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

  2. 2

    Plan for 5 minutes.

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

  3. 3

    Write your intro last in your head.

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

  4. 4

    Aim for 270–290 words.

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

  5. 5

    Leave 3 minutes to proofread.

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

⚠️ Examiner watch-outs

What loses you the band

The four traps this question sets

  • ⚠️

    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".

  • ⚠️

    "Furthermore. Moreover."

    Pick one. Both = robotic.

Model answer