REMEMBER !!!

FIRST, Plan what you want to say:

1. how many paragraphs
2. what supporting evidence/ideas to
include
3. what order to put them in

THEN, focus on HOW to say it

LAST, as you write think about: grammar,

vocabulary, spelling, punctuation

DON’T TRY TO DO BOTH AT ONCE!!!

• A good answer is more important
than a fast one, so don’t worry about
time at first.
• It is more important to plan carefully
and write a good answer.
• The more you practice, the faster
and more proficient you will become.
Prepare a written argument at least 250 words
for the following topic:

“People today move to new cities or new

countries more than ever before. What
challenges do they experience? What
strategies are there to meet these challenges?”

You should use your own ideas, knowledge, and

experience and support your arguments with
examples and relevant evidence.
What are the challenges?

new job/study accommodation

PRACTICAL

finding your challenges

way

SOCIAL
no family/friends
new loneliness
language
 travel guide get advice
street directory PRACTICAL

strategies

join clubs
overseas students sharehouse SOCIAL
association or homestay
I. Introduction
→ Make a general statement about ‘moving’
Ask a question: ‘Why people move?’ Then, answer it.

II. Body: Challenges and Solutions

A. Practical Problems
1. Challenges
2. Solution

B. Social Problems
1. Challenges
2. Solution

III. Conclusion: Summarize and restate opinion

People today are clearly more mobile than
in the past. This is largely due to modern
technology which makes travelling and
communicating easier and quicker. Why do
people move? Often people re-locate to
large cities for employment; some people
study in English-speaking countries.
Whatever the reason, moving away
from home may create challenges, both
practical and social.
People today are clearly more mobile than in
the past. This is largely due to modern
technology which makes travelling and
communicating easier and quicker. Why do
people move? Often people re-locate to
large cities for employment; some people
study in English-speaking countries. In this
essay I will elaborate the problems
caused by moving away from home and
the actions people can take in order to
alleviate these challenges.
Firstly, there are practical problems such as finding
accommodation, managing finances, and shopping.
These might present challenges to someone who has not
lived independently before. In addition, adapting to a new
city environment includes understanding the pu bl i c
transport system, possibly in another language, while trying
not to get lost! The best strategy for minimizing such
anxious moments is to prepare in advance as much as
possible. Thus it might be helpful to get advice from
someone familiar with the area. There are also publications
such as travel guides to overseas countries which give tips
and useful information. A city street directory is also very
handy. Ideally, sharing accommodation with someone who
is familiar with the city, or staying in a ‘homestay’ on arrival
in a new country, may overcome many of these problems.
Homestay families or ‘sharemates’ will provide company
and be able to explain aspects of the new city or culture
that many seem strange at first.
There are also social and emotional
issues to deal with, like loneliness or
problems with the language. Moreover,
starting a new job or course may be
stressful at first. Generally, however, there
are organizations such as overseas
students’ associations in an educational
institution, or other sports or hobby clubs
where it is possible to meet people and
make friends.
In conclusion, although there are many
challenges when leaving home for a new city
or country, planning in advance can transform
an ordeal into an adventure.