At an advanced level of English, being able to write accurately is not enough—you also need to express complex ideas with clarity, structure, and a polished academic tone. Whether you're writing an essay, a report, or a formal proposal, your work must follow conventions that demonstrate logical organisation, balanced argumentation, and precise language. This unit focuses on helping you master the key elements of formal and academic writing so you can write with confidence, clarity, and credibility.
Throughout the unit, you’ll learn how to plan and structure essays, write compelling introductions with clear thesis statements, and develop coherent paragraphs supported by well-connected ideas. You’ll also explore how to use advanced cohesive devices, refute counterarguments, summarise and synthesise sources, and adopt a formal writing style. Finally, you’ll learn how to edit your own writing effectively to produce polished and professional work. This is your final step toward writing like a true academic communicator.

25.1 ESSAY WRITING: PLANNING AND STRUCTURE
Objective:
To master the process of planning and structuring formal essays, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion—essential for academic and exam writing at C1 level.

🧠 WHY PLAN AN ESSAY?
Planning helps to:
•    Clarify your argument and viewpoint
•    Organize ideas logically
•    Avoid repetition or off-topic content
•    Stay within word limits and time constraints
A strong essay has:
•    A clear thesis
•    Well-developed paragraphs
•    Cohesive transitions and a consistent tone

🧱 BASIC ESSAY STRUCTURE (THREE-PART MODEL)
1. INTRODUCTION (10–15%)

•    Brief context or background
•    Paraphrase the question (if relevant)
•    State your thesis (main opinion or purpose)
•    Outline the main points you'll discuss

In recent years, the debate over online education has intensified. While some believe it compromises quality, others argue it increases accessibility. This essay will examine both perspectives before concluding that digital learning is a vital tool in modern education.

2. BODY PARAGRAPHS (70–80%)

Each paragraph should follow the PEEL structure:

Step    What it means    Example
P    Point (main idea)    One major advantage of online education is flexibility.
E    Explain    Students can study at their own pace and fit learning around other commitments.
E    Evidence/Example    For instance, many working adults enroll in evening webinars or asynchronous courses.
L    Link    This flexibility makes education more accessible for non-traditional learners.

Use connectors to link ideas:
Moreover, In contrast, On the other hand, As a result, For instance…
✅ Aim for 2–3 strong paragraphs, each focusing on one idea.

3. CONCLUSION (10–15%)

•    Restate the main idea (paraphrase your thesis)
•    Summarize key arguments
•    Optional: final thought, recommendation, or implication

In conclusion, although online learning presents certain challenges, its ability to adapt to different lifestyles and provide global access to education makes it a valuable modern alternative to traditional classrooms.

🧰 ESSAY TYPES AT C1 LEVEL
Type    Goal    Example
Opinion    Express and justify your view    Do you agree that public transport should be free?
For and Against    Present both sides before concluding    Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of remote work.
Problem–Solution    Identify an issue and suggest solutions    What can be done to reduce urban pollution?
Discussion    Explore various viewpoints    What are the effects of tourism on local communities?

⚠ COMMON PLANNING MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction
No thesis statement    Always state your main opinion clearly
Ideas not grouped logically    Use one paragraph per topic
Lack of linking devices    Add connectors to improve cohesion
Weak or vague conclusion    Restate your opinion with confidence

🛠 PRACTICE TASK: ESSAY PLAN
Topic: Should mobile phones be allowed in the classroom?
Plan:
•    Introduction → Paraphrase + thesis
•    Paragraph 1 → Educational benefits
•    Paragraph 2 → Potential distractions
•    Conclusion → Balanced view, final position

25.2 INTRODUCTION AND THESIS DEVELOPMENT
Objective:
To write effective introductions for academic essays, with clear background, a focused topic, and a strong thesis statement that guides the rest of the argument.

🧠 WHY THE INTRODUCTION MATTERS
The introduction is your first impression. A strong one:
•    Engages the reader
•    Presents the topic and context
•    Clearly states your position or purpose
•    Previews the main points (optional but helpful)

🔹 STRUCTURE OF AN ACADEMIC INTRODUCTION
1.    Hook (optional): A general idea, fact, or question to introduce the topic
2.    Context or background: Explain why the topic matters
3.    Paraphrased question: Reformulate the prompt if needed
4.    Thesis statement: Your main point or argument
5.    Essay outline (optional): A roadmap of your body paragraphs

🧾 EXAMPLE BREAKDOWN
Essay topic: Should schools ban mobile phones?
In today’s digital age, mobile phones are more common than textbooks in the classroom. While some argue they distract students, others see them as learning tools. This essay argues that mobile phones should be allowed in schools because they enhance learning opportunities and support communication.
Part    Function
In today’s digital age…    Hook + context
While some argue…    Shows debate
This essay argues that…    Thesis statement

🎯 WRITING A STRONG THESIS
A thesis statement is:
•    One sentence
•    Clear and direct
•    Expresses your main point or opinion
•    Matches the type of essay (opinion, discussion, etc.)

GOOD THESIS EXAMPLES

Essay Type    Thesis Statement
Opinion    Online learning is more effective than traditional classrooms.
For/Against    While remote work increases flexibility, it may reduce team productivity.
Problem–Solution    Urban pollution requires stronger public policies and greener infrastructure.

✅ Avoid vague, neutral, or too broad thesis statements:
•    ❌ I will talk about education today.
•    ✅ Education systems must adapt to digital transformation to remain relevant.

🛠️ PRACTICE TASK
Topic: Is social media good for teenagers?
Write an introduction including:
•    A short context
•    A balanced opening (if needed)
•    A clear thesis (e.g., THIS ESSAY ARGUES THAT…)
•    Optional: brief mention of your main supporting points

💬 EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION
Social media has become an integral part of teenagers’ lives, influencing how they communicate, learn, and spend their free time. While critics point to its harmful effects on mental health and attention span, supporters argue it fosters creativity and connection. This essay argues that, when used responsibly, social media can be a powerful tool for teenage development and self-expression.

25.3 PARAGRAPHING AND LOGICAL PROGRESSION
Objective:
To write clear, coherent paragraphs that each develop a single idea, and to sequence those paragraphs logically to support the essay’s overall argument.

🧠 WHY PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE MATTERS
Each paragraph should:
•    Focus on one clear point
•    Include supporting details (explanations, evidence, examples)
•    Connect smoothly to the next paragraph
Good paragraphing improves:
•    Clarity of ideas
•    Flow of reasoning
•    Reader engagement and comprehension

🔹 THE PEEL STRUCTURE (FOR BODY PARAGRAPHS)
Step    What It Does    Example
P – Point    States the main idea    One major benefit of online classes is flexibility.
E – Explain    Expands the idea    Students can study at their own pace and location.
E – Evidence    Adds data or examples    For example, many adults now take evening courses while working full-time.
L – Link    Connects to thesis or next idea    This flexibility makes education accessible to a wider audience.

🔄 LOGICAL PROGRESSION BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS
Use clear transitions to guide the reader:

Function    Transition Examples
Adding a point    Furthermore, In addition, Moreover
Contrasting    However, On the other hand, In contrast
Giving examples    For instance, To illustrate
Showing cause/effect    As a result, Therefore, Because of this
Summarizing or concluding    In summary, To conclude
✅ Begin each new paragraph with a topic sentence that signals what it’s about.

🔄 PARAGRAPH ORDER: BUILDING AN ARGUMENT
Pattern    Example
Strongest to weakest    Start with your best point
Chronological    Useful for narratives or processes
Problem–Cause–Solution    Ideal for social/issue essays
Balanced    Present both sides before your opinion

⚠ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction
Too many ideas in one paragraph    Break into separate paragraphs
No topic sentence    Begin with a clear statement of the paragraph’s focus
No transitions    Use linking expressions to guide flow
Abrupt ending    End with a sentence that wraps up or leads into the next idea

🛠 PRACTICE TASK
Write a body paragraph using PEEL for the topic:
“Mobile phones can support learning in schools.”
Include:
•    One main point
•    Explanation
•    Example
•    Linking sentence to the next idea (e.g. HOWEVER, SOME EDUCATORS RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT DISTRACTIONS.)

25.4 COHESIVE DEVICES AND DISCOURSE MARKERS (C1 LEVEL)
Objective:
To use a range of cohesive devices and discourse markers to connect ideas, guide the reader, and achieve clarity and fluency in formal writing.

🧠 WHAT ARE COHESIVE DEVICES?
Cohesive devices are words and phrases that:
•    Link ideas between sentences and paragraphs
•    Show logical relationships (addition, contrast, cause, sequence, etc.)
•    Help create a clear flow of thought in essays and academic texts
They include:
•    Transition signals (e.g. however, moreover)
•    Reference words (e.g. this, that, such)
•    Synonyms and reformulations
•    Repetition or lexical chains

🔹 ADVANCED DISCOURSE MARKERS BY FUNCTION
🧩 ADDITION
•    Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, What is more, Not only that

🔄 CONTRAST
•    However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, By contrast, Even so

👉 EMPHASIS
•    Indeed, In fact, It is worth noting that, Significantly, Undoubtedly

🕒 SEQUENCE / LISTING
•    Firstly, Secondly, Then, Subsequently, Finally, To begin with

🎯 CAUSE AND EFFECT
•    Therefore, Thus, As a result, Consequently, For this reason

🔁 REFORMULATION
•    In other words, That is to say, To put it another way

🧠 CLARIFICATION
•    Namely, Specifically, More precisely, Such as

🧵 REFERENCE AND COHESION
•    This, That, These, Those, Such a case, The former / the latter

🔄 SAMPLE PARAGRAPH USING ADVANCED MARKERS
Many students benefit from studying in groups. Firstly, it encourages collaboration and critical thinking. Moreover, it helps clarify doubts by sharing knowledge. However, some learners may find it distracting. That said, the benefits of group study often outweigh the drawbacks. In conclusion, group learning can be a valuable strategy when managed well.

⚠ COMMON PITFALLS
Issue    Tip
Overusing the same markers    Vary your linking phrases to improve style
Using informal connectors in formal texts    Avoid WELL, SO, LIKE in academic writing
Misusing “however”    Remember it doesn’t join clauses directly—use a semicolon or full stop before it

25.5 ARGUMENTATION: BALANCE, COUNTERARGUMENTS, REFUTATIONS
Objective:
To present balanced arguments by including counterarguments and offering clear refutations, strengthening your position in academic writing and persuasive essays.

🧠 WHY INCLUDE COUNTERARGUMENTS?
Including opposing views:
•    Shows you’ve considered multiple perspectives
•    Makes your argument more credible and nuanced
•    Allows you to preempt objections and respond with stronger reasoning
At C1 level, this skill demonstrates mature, well-structured thinking.

🔹 STRUCTURE OF A BALANCED ARGUMENT
Element    Function    Example
Claim    Your main point    Mobile phones are beneficial in class.
Counterargument    Opposing view    Some argue they distract students.
Refutation    Response to the opposing view    However, when properly regulated, phones can enhance learning.
✅ Use one counterargument per essay or paragraph (depending on length), and clearly refute it.

🔸 USEFUL LANGUAGE FOR COUNTERARGUMENTS AND REFUTATIONS
INTRODUCING A COUNTERARGUMENT:
•    It could be argued that…
•    Some people claim that…
•    A common objection is that…
•    Opponents might say…
REFUTING:
•    However, this view overlooks…
•    Nevertheless, this argument fails to consider…
•    While this may be true in some cases, it is generally not supported by evidence.
•    This position does not account for…
•    Such concerns are valid, but they can be addressed by…

🧩 EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH
Many educators support using mobile phones in class due to their educational potential. However, some argue that phones create distraction and reduce attention spans. While this is a valid concern, it fails to consider the role of proper classroom management and clear guidelines. In fact, when used for research or interactive learning, phones can increase engagement and autonomy.

25.6 WRITING PROPOSALS AND REPORTS
Objective:
To write clear, formal proposals and reports, using appropriate structure, language, and tone for academic or professional purposes.

🧠 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Type    Purpose    Style
Proposal    Suggest improvements or actions    Persuasive, forward-looking
Report    Present results, findings, or analysis    Objective, factual

Both require:
•    Clear headings and structure
•    Formal and concise language
•    Logical organisation of content

🧱 COMMON STRUCTURE OF A PROPOSAL
1.    Title
2.    Introduction / Purpose – Reason for writing
3.    Background / Current Situation – Brief context
4.    Recommendations / Suggestions – Detailed and specific
5.    Benefits / Justification – Why your ideas work
6.    Conclusion – Summary + action to be taken

🧱 COMMON STRUCTURE OF A REPORT
1.    Title
2.    Introduction – Purpose and scope
3.    Methodology – How information was gathered (optional in informal reports)
4.    Findings / Analysis – Facts, evidence, data
5.    Conclusion – Summary of key findings
6.    Recommendations – (if required) steps to improve

🧩 FORMAL LANGUAGE FOR BOTH
Function    Example Phrases
Purpose    The aim of this proposal is to… / This report outlines…
Suggesting    It is recommended that… / One possible solution would be to…
Justifying    This would allow… / This approach ensures…
Presenting results    The data suggests that… / A survey conducted revealed…
Concluding    In conclusion, it is clear that…
✅ Avoid contractions and personal language (I THINK, WE SHOULD) unless asked to include personal opinion.

⚠ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
We want better facilities.    It is recommended that student facilities be improved.    Avoid informal tone
There’s a problem with…    An issue has been identified regarding…    Use objective language
We did a survey.    A survey was conducted among 100 participants.    Passive voice is preferred

🛠 PRACTICE TASK: PROPOSAL WRITING PROMPT
Context: You’ve been asked to write a proposal suggesting how your language school could improve its online learning platform.
Write:
•    A brief introduction
•    Two suggestions (e.g., live chat support, interactive content)
•    A conclusion with a call to action

25.7 SUMMARY AND SYNTHESIS SKILLS
Objective:
To develop the ability to summarise main ideas clearly and synthesise information from multiple sources, especially in academic and professional writing.

🧠 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Concept    Definition
Summary    Condensing the main ideas of one source, keeping the core message
Synthesis    Combining ideas from two or more sources to form a new, coherent understanding or argument
✅ At C1 level, you’re expected to do both effectively—especially in essays, reviews, and research tasks.

🔹 SUMMARY WRITING: KEY FEATURES
1.    Identify the main idea
2.    Remove examples, statistics, or repetition
3.    Use your own words (paraphrasing)
4.    Keep it concise and objective
Example Source:
“The internet has transformed the way people access information, offering both immediate convenience and the risk of misinformation.”
Summary:
The internet has changed how information is accessed, offering speed but also spreading false content.
✅ Avoid copying long phrases verbatim.

🔸 SYNTHESIS WRITING: KEY FEATURES
When to use:
•    In essays comparing viewpoints
•    In literature reviews
•    When combining results from studies or articles
How to do it:
•    Identify shared themes or contrasts
•    Combine them into a single argument or perspective
•    Use linking phrases to clarify relationships

🧱 SYNTHESIS SENTENCE FRAMES
Function    Example
Agreement    Both Smith (2019) and Taylor (2021) argue that online learning increases engagement.
Contrast    While Brown (2018) supports strict regulations, Jones (2020) warns of their drawbacks.
Integration    These findings suggest that flexibility and control are key factors in user satisfaction.
Evaluation    Although opinions differ, there is general consensus on the need for reform.

🛠 SUMMARY AND SYNTHESIS PRACTICE
Instructions:
Read the two texts below and write:
1.    A one-sentence summary for each
2.    A two-sentence synthesis combining them
Text A:
“Online classes offer convenience, allowing students to study at their own pace.”
Text B:
“Some critics argue that the lack of face-to-face interaction in online learning can harm motivation and focus.”
Summary A:
Online classes provide flexible learning at the learner’s pace.
Summary B:
Online learning may reduce motivation due to limited social interaction.
Synthesis:
While online education offers convenience and flexibility, some believe it may negatively affect motivation due to reduced personal contact.

⚠ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
Copy-pasting full sentences    Paraphrase in your own words    Avoid plagiarism
Listing sources without combining them    Integrate ideas    Synthesis requires connection
Adding personal opinion in summary    Stay objective    Summary ≠ commentary
        
25.8 ACADEMIC STYLE: AVOIDING REDUNDANCY AND INFORMALITY
Objective:
To write in a clear, concise, and formal academic style by avoiding redundant language, colloquialisms, and informal expressions.

🧠 WHAT IS ACADEMIC STYLE?
Academic writing is:
•    Objective – avoids personal language unless required
•    Formal – no slang, contractions, or casual tone
•    Precise – uses accurate vocabulary
•    Concise – avoids unnecessary repetition or wordiness

🔹 COMMON REDUNDANCIES TO ELIMINATE
Redundant phrases repeat meaning unnecessarily. They make writing longer without adding value.
Redundant    Improved
Each and every    Each
In my personal opinion    In my opinion
Absolutely essential    Essential
Future plans    Plans
Basic fundamentals    Fundamentals
Due to the fact that    Because
✅ Tip: If removing a word doesn’t change the meaning, it’s probably redundant.

🔸 INFORMAL LANGUAGE TO AVOID
Informal    Formal
a lot of    many / a significant number of
stuff / things    items / elements / factors
gonna / wanna    going to / want to
kids    children
big deal    important issue
get / got    receive / obtain / become
I think    It appears that / It can be argued that
❌ Avoid contractions like DON’T, IT’S, CAN’T
✅ Use DO NOT, IT IS, CANNOT

🔁 PHRASES TO REPLACE FOR CONCISENESS
Wordy    Concise
At this point in time    Currently / Now
In order to    To
There is a need for    Must / Should
It is important to note that    Notably

🧩 SENTENCE REVISION PRACTICE
Original:
In my personal opinion, it’s a really big issue that needs to be dealt with in the near future.
Improved (Academic Style):
In my opinion, it is a significant issue that should be addressed soon.

⚠ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
Lots of people got involved.    Many individuals participated.    Avoid slang and vague terms
The basic fundamentals of the theory…    The fundamentals of the theory…    Redundant adjective
This stuff is useful.    These elements are valuable.    Use precise academic vocabulary

25.9 EDITING AND SELF-CORRECTION TECHNIQUES
Objective:
To develop effective editing and self-correction strategies that improve clarity, accuracy, and overall quality in academic and professional writing.

🧠 WHY EDIT YOUR WRITING?
Even advanced learners make mistakes during drafting.
Editing helps:
•    Identify and fix grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors
•    Improve structure, flow, and cohesion
•    Ensure your tone is consistent and appropriate
•    Eliminate repetition, vagueness, and off-topic ideas
✅ Good writers always revise—often more than once.

🔹 STEP-BY-STEP EDITING PROCESS
1. TAKE A BREAK BEFORE EDITING
Let your mind reset so you can read your work with “fresh eyes.”

2. EDIT FOR CONTENT AND STRUCTURE FIRST
•    Does the thesis match the content?
•    Are paragraphs well organised and clearly linked?
•    Are examples relevant and varied?

3. EDIT FOR STYLE AND WORD CHOICE
•    Use formal and precise language
•    Avoid redundancies and informal words
•    Replace vague terms (THINGS, STUFF) with specifics

4. EDIT FOR GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION
•    Subject–verb agreement
•    Verb tense consistency
•    Proper use of commas, periods, and colons
•    Correct prepositions and articles
5. FINAL PROOFREADING
Check:
•    Spelling
•    Capitalisation
•    Typing or formatting errors
•    Word count

🔧 USEFUL TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
Method    How It Helps
Read aloud    Helps you spot awkward phrasing and rhythm issues
Reverse reading (sentence by sentence from the end)    Breaks flow and helps detect individual errors
Peer review    Another reader catches issues you might miss
Checklists    Focus on specific areas (e.g., transitions, verb forms)
Editing apps    Tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool help catch grammar and style issues

🛠 EDITING PRACTICE
Original Draft:
In my opinion, social media is kind of bad because it makes people like more disconnected. Also, there's lots of information, and some of it might be fake. So I think it’s important to be careful.
Edited Version:
Social media can negatively impact real-life communication by promoting disconnection among users. Additionally, it spreads large volumes of content, including misinformation. Therefore, it is essential to engage with online platforms critically.

⚠ COMMON SELF-EDITING MISTAKES
Mistake    Tip
Only checking grammar    Review content, structure, and logic too
Relying only on spell check    Tools miss missing words or wrong context
Not checking tone    Match register to your audience
Editing while writing    First draft = ideas; edit later for clarity

25.10 UNIT 25 REVIEW
🧠 UNIT SUMMARY
In this unit, you developed advanced academic writing skills to produce structured, formal, and persuasive texts. You learned how to plan, organise, and refine your writing with a high degree of accuracy and clarity.

🔄 KEY TAKEAWAYS BY SECTION
25.1 Essay Writing: Planning and Structure
•    Plan essays using the three-part model: introduction, body, conclusion
•    Each paragraph should support the thesis clearly and logically

25.2 Introduction and Thesis Development
•    Start with context, then present a clear, concise thesis
•    Avoid vague openings; use a focused, purposeful tone

25.3 Paragraphing and Logical Progression
•    Use PEEL (Point, Explain, Example, Link) for paragraph structure
•    Ensure ideas flow logically between and within paragraphs

25.4 Cohesive Devices and Discourse Markers
•    Use a variety of linking phrases: FURTHERMORE, HOWEVER, THUS, NOTABLY
•    Avoid overusing common transitions (AND, BUT, SO)

25.5 Argumentation: Balance, Counterarguments, Refutations
•    Present opposing views, then refute them logically
•    Use formal structures: IT COULD BE ARGUED THAT… HOWEVER…

25.6 Writing Proposals and Reports
•    Use formal, structured headings and passive voice
•    Focus on clarity, recommendations, and evidence

25.7 Summary and Synthesis Skills
•    Summarise concisely; paraphrase rather than copy
•    Synthesize by comparing and combining ideas from multiple sources

25.8 Academic Style: Avoiding Redundancy and Informality
•    Avoid informal language (A LOT OF, STUFF, KIDS)
•    Eliminate wordiness and use precise academic vocabulary

25.9 Editing and Self-Correction Techniques
•    Revise for structure, tone, and logic before checking grammar
•    Use tools like reading aloud, checklists, or peer feedback

✅ SELF-CHECK: CAN YOU…
•    ✔ Write an academic essay with a clear introduction and thesis?
•    ✔ Organise body paragraphs using PEEL structure and logical flow?
•    ✔ Use cohesive devices and discourse markers at a C1 level?
•    ✔ Include and respond to counterarguments appropriately?
•    ✔ Edit and refine your writing with clarity and confidence?

✍ FINAL WRITING TASK
Choose one of the following essay prompts (180–220 words):
•    “UNIVERSITY EDUCATION SHOULD BE FREE FOR ALL.”
Write an opinion essay with clear structure, argumentation, and academic style.
•    WRITE A PROPOSAL SUGGESTING TWO WAYS YOUR COLLEGE COULD IMPROVE STUDENT WELL-BEING.
Use headings and formal, objective tone.
•    COMPARE AND SYNTHESIZE IDEAS FROM TWO ARTICLES ABOUT ONLINE PRIVACY.
Present a balanced perspective using summary and synthesis.