Level C2 (approx. band 8.5-9) · Academic and General Training At band 7, most candidates can state an opinion and give a reason. Bands 8 and 9 need depth: the question is explored and the other side is taken seriously. Many strong candidates write one-sided lists, "Firstly... In this episode: • Claims and evidence • Counterarguments and steel-manning • Concession: giving ground without losing your position • Rebuttal: turning back to your argument • Model • Language bridge • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key points: • A claim is only as strong as the chain of reasoning that supports it. • Answer the strongest version of the other side, never the weakest. • Concede the detail, keep the position. • A rebuttal shows why the concession does not defeat your claim. IELTS Complete Course: a self-study podcast from A1 to C2 for Academic and General Training. Listen, pause and answer, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair. Independent course, not affiliated with the IELTS test owners.