From B2 to C1: What Changes?
A B2 essay says: "I agree, for reasons A and B." A C1 essay says: "I largely agree, because of A and B — although this depends on C, and critics who argue D overlook E."
The difference is nuance:
- The position is qualified (it has limits).
- The other side is taken seriously and answered.
- Each claim is explained, not just stated.
In IELTS, this is what separates Band 6 from Band 7+ in Task Response: "presents a clear position throughout" and "extends and supports main ideas". In the TOEFL Academic Discussion task, it's what makes your contribution stand out from the other students' posts.
Step 1: A Nuanced Thesis
| Simple | Nuanced |
|---|---|
| I agree that governments should tax sugary drinks. | While a sugar tax alone will not solve obesity, I believe it is a justified and effective first step. |
| Remote work is better. | Remote work benefits most office employees, provided that companies invest in communication and training. |
| Tourism is bad for local communities. | Tourism brings real economic benefits, but without regulation, its costs tend to fall on local residents. |
Useful qualifiers:
- largely / to a large extent / broadly / on balance
- provided that / as long as / in most cases / in the short term
- While..., I believe... / Although..., it is clear that...
Step 2: The Concession–Refutation Move
This is the key C1 skill. You concede (accept part of the other view), then refute (explain why your position still stands).
Pattern: Concession + contrast signal + refutation + reason
- Admittedly, a sugar tax raises prices for low-income families. However, this argument overlooks the fact that these same families suffer most from diet-related illness, and the revenue can fund healthier school meals.
- It is true that remote workers can feel isolated. Yet this is a management problem rather than a flaw in remote work itself.
- Critics argue that... This view, however, fails to take into account...
Concession phrases
- Admittedly,... / Granted,... / Of course,... / To be fair,...
- It is true that... / There is some truth in the claim that...
- Opponents / Critics / Some would argue that...
- While it is undeniable that...
Refutation phrases
- However, this overlooks / ignores / underestimates...
- This argument is weakened by the fact that...
- Nevertheless, the evidence suggests...
- This is not to say that..., but rather that...
- Even so, / Despite this,...
Step 3: Developing, Not Listing
A C1 paragraph develops one idea deeply. Use a chain of reasoning:
Claim → Reason → Consequence → Example/evidence → Link
The strongest argument for a sugar tax is that it changes behaviour at the point of purchase. When the price of a soft drink rises, consumers are more likely to choose a cheaper, healthier alternative, and manufacturers have an incentive to reduce sugar content in order to avoid the tax. Several countries that introduced such taxes saw manufacturers reformulate popular drinks within a few years. In other words, the tax works not only on consumers but on the whole industry.
Notice: no list of five ideas — one idea, fully explained.
Where to Put the Counterargument
| Option | Structure | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A | Intro → Your argument 1 → Your argument 2 → Counterargument + refutation → Conclusion | "To what extent do you agree?" |
| B | Intro → Other view (fairly presented) → Your view (stronger) → Conclusion | "Discuss both views and give your opinion" |
| C | Concession + refutation inside each body paragraph | Short tasks (TOEFL, CELPIP) |
IELTS Writing Task 2 at Band 7+
- Answer the exact question. "To what extent" requires a degree (largely, partly), not just yes/no.
- Keep your position consistent from introduction to conclusion.
- Discuss both views means both views, plus your opinion — don't forget the last part.
- Around 260–300 words, 4–5 paragraphs, 40 minutes.
The TOEFL Academic Discussion Task
In this task, you read a professor's question on an online class discussion board and short posts from two classmates. You then write your own contribution — at least 100 words is recommended — in about 10 minutes.
A strong response:
- States your position in the first sentence.
- Engages with a classmate — agree or disagree with a specific point they made.
- Adds a new idea or example, rather than repeating theirs.
Model:
Professor: Should universities require all students to take at least one course in computer programming?
I think universities should encourage programming, but making it compulsory for everyone goes too far. Maya argues that coding is now a basic skill like writing. While I agree that digital literacy matters, I'd argue that what most students need is the ability to understand and question technology, not to write code. For example, a history student gains more from a course on data ethics or statistics than from learning Python syntax she may never use again. A better policy would be a required "digital literacy" course with several options, including programming, so students can choose what is genuinely relevant to their field.
Notice: clear position, direct engagement with a classmate (Maya argues... While I agree...), a new idea and a concrete example.
Common Mistakes
- Straw man: presenting a weak, exaggerated version of the other view — "Some people think we should ban all cars forever." Present the strongest version.
- Conceding too much: after three sentences of the other side, the reader forgets your position.
- "On the other hand" without "on the one hand" thinking — use In contrast, However or Conversely when the balance isn't two-sided.
- Overgeneralizing: Everyone knows..., Always, Never → Many experts agree..., In most cases...
- Memorized templates that don't fit the topic.
Practice Tips
- Write the strongest counterargument to your own opinion on three topics — then write a two-sentence refutation for each.
- Upgrade your thesis statements: add a qualifier (largely, provided that, in the short term) to five simple opinions.
- Practise one TOEFL-style post in 10 minutes, making sure you respond to a specific classmate's point.