Avoiding template phrases — sound natural at band 8

Tại sao tránh templates

Examiners train recognize template phrases — they signal memorization rather than fluency. Templates work for band 6.5-7. Above 7, they actively HURT score.

12 phrases to avoid + alternatives

1. "In modern society / In today's world"

Why bad: Vague, overused as filler. Every essay starts this way. Better:

• Specific: "In Vietnam's rapidly developing economy..."
• Specific: "In urban centres across Asia..."
• Or skip intro filler entirely

2. "It is a controversial issue"

Why bad: Lazy, doesn't specify nature of controversy. Better: "This issue has divided experts, with X arguing... while Y counters..."

3. "Every coin has two sides"

Why bad: Cliché idiom, sounds memorized. Better: "There are compelling arguments on both sides of this debate."

4. "Last but not least"

Why bad: Cliché, informal. Better: "Finally / Lastly" or just lead with the point.

5. "In a nutshell"

Why bad: Informal idiom — wrong register for Task 2. Better: "In summary / To summarize / In conclusion"

6. "From my point of view, I personally think that"

Why bad: Triple-hedge, redundant. Better: "I contend that" / "In my view" (one is enough)

7. "With the development of technology"

Why bad: Vague, overused intro. Better: Be specific — "The rise of social media" / "Recent advances in AI" / "The proliferation of mobile devices"

8. "As far as I am concerned"

Why bad: Wordy phrase that says nothing extra. Better: "I believe" or just state the view.

9. "It goes without saying that"