In simple terms
A friendly intro before the formal notes — no formulas yet.
From Planet to Pen: Mastering 'Sharing the Planet' in Writing
The 'Sharing the Planet' theme is not just about listing environmental problems. It's about exploring our complex relationship with the planet and each other, covering the environment, globalisation, human rights, and ethics. For Paper 2, your task is to articulate a clear, well-supported viewpoint on these issues in a specific format.
Think of writing a Paper 2 response like building a house. The theme ('Sharing the Planet') is your plot of land. The specific vocabulary and ideas are your bricks, wood, and windows. The text type conventions (e.g., blog, article, letter) are the architectural blueprint. A top-scoring response is a well-designed, solidly constructed house, not just a pile of high-quality materials.
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Deconstruct the Prompt (Déconstruire la question): Identify the text type (e.g., article, blog), the target audience (e.g., peers, general public), the purpose (e.g., to persuade, to inform), and the key issue you must address.
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Brainstorm Ideas & Vocabulary (Brainstormer les idées): Quickly map out 3-4 key points. For each point, list specific examples and advanced vocabulary (e.g., instead of 'pollution', think 'les gaz à effet de serre', 'la contamination des nappes phréatiques').
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Structure the Response (Structurer la réponse): Plan your introduction (hook the reader), body paragraphs (one main idea per paragraph, supported by an example), and conclusion (summarise and offer a final thought or call to action). Use logical connectors.
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Enrich the Language (Enrichir le langage): As you write, consciously integrate complex structures (e.g., subjunctive, conditional), idiomatic expressions, and varied, precise vocabulary to demonstrate linguistic flair, which is essential for Criterion A.
Explore the concept
Use the live diagram and synced steps — play it or tap a step card to walk through.
Full topic notes
Formal explanation with the rigour you need for the exam.
Sub-Theme 1: L'environnement – Beyond the Basics
This is the most obvious facet of the theme. To score highly, you must go beyond simply stating 'la pollution est mauvaise'. You should be able to discuss specific problems and solutions with accurate terminology. Consider the causes and effects of climate change, the importance of biodiversity, and the debate between individual responsibility and government-level action.
Problèmes: Le changement climatique, les gaz à effet de serre (GES), la déforestation, la fonte des glaces, la montée des eaux, la perte de biodiversité, la pollution plastique, la contamination de l'air et de l'eau.
Solutions (individuelles): Le tri sélectif, le covoiturage, la réduction de la consommation d'eau et d'énergie, acheter local, réduire sa consommation de viande.
Solutions (collectives): La transition énergétique, les accords internationaux (comme l'Accord de Paris), les taxes carbone, la protection des écosystèmes, investir dans les technologies vertes.
Useful Verbs: Protéger, préserver, conserver, réduire, menacer, nuire à, détruire, sensibiliser, agir.
Sub-Theme 2: La mondialisation, l'éthique et les inégalités
This sub-theme invites you to think about how our globalised world creates ethical dilemmas. Consider the impact of our consumption habits in developed countries on workers and environments in developing nations. Topics like fast fashion, fair trade, migration (including climate refugees), and access to resources like clean water are all relevant here. A strong response will connect personal choices to global consequences.
Concepts: La mondialisation (globalisation), le commerce équitable (fair trade), la consommation de masse (mass consumption), la surconsommation (overconsumption).
Problèmes éthiques: Les conditions de travail, l'exploitation des ressources, les inégalités Nord-Sud, les réfugiés climatiques, l'accès à l'eau potable.
Vocabulaire clé: Les droits de l'homme, l'éthique, la responsabilité sociale des entreprises (RSE), la chaîne d'approvisionnement, un mode de vie durable.
Structuring Your Argument for Paper 2
A clear structure is non-negotiable for a high score in Criterion B (Message). Your ideas may be brilliant, but if they are presented in a chaotic manner, your message will be lost. Always plan your response before you start writing.
Introduction: Start with a hook (a surprising statistic, a rhetorical question) to grab the reader's attention. Briefly introduce the topic and state the main purpose or argument of your text.
Body Paragraphs (2-3): Dedicate each paragraph to a single, distinct idea. Start with a clear topic sentence. Then, develop the idea with explanations, details, and specific examples. Use linking words to connect your paragraphs smoothly.
Conclusion: Summarise your main points without simply repeating them. End with a powerful concluding thought, a recommendation, or a call to action that is appropriate for the text type.
Connecteurs Logiques: Master these to guide your reader. Examples: Tout d'abord (Firstly), De plus / En outre (Furthermore), Cependant / Néanmoins (However), En revanche (On the other hand), Par conséquent / Donc (Therefore), En conclusion / Pour conclure (In conclusion).
Meeting Top-Band Criteria: Language and Conceptual Understanding
To move into the top markbands, you need to focus on Criterion A (Language) and Criterion C (Conceptual Understanding). Criterion A is not just about avoiding grammatical errors; it's about demonstrating linguistic flair. Use a rich and varied vocabulary, attempt complex sentence structures (e.g., with 'si' clauses, the subjunctive, relative pronouns like 'dont' and 'lequel'), and include some idiomatic language. Criterion C requires you to be a chameleon: your writing must perfectly adopt the conventions of the required text type. An article needs a title and a formal tone; a blog post needs a more personal, engaging voice; a formal letter requires specific opening and closing formulas.
Worked examples
See the formulas applied — reveal one step at a time, like the exam.
Vous tenez un blog destiné aux jeunes de votre âge. Dans un article, vous expliquez pourquoi il est crucial d'adopter un mode de consommation plus responsable. Rédigez cet article. (250-400 mots)
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Titre du blog : Le Monde en Mieux
Le journal de votre lycée organise un concours d'écriture sur le thème : « Pour sauver la planète, les actions individuelles sont-elles plus importantes que les décisions politiques ? ». Rédigez un article pour présenter votre point de vue argumenté. (250-400 mots)
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Titre : Sauver la planète : Geste individuel ou volonté politique ?
How it all connects
The big idea sits in the middle — tap a linked idea to explore the link.
Tap a linked idea to see how it connects back to the main topic — that connection is what examiners reward.
Glossary
Try to recall each definition before you reveal it.
Quick check
Answer in your head first — then tap to check. No pressure.
Revision flashcards
Flip the card. Test yourself before the exam.
Le développement durable
Sustainable development. The concept of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.
Key takeaways
Review these before you close the topic — retrieval beats re-reading.
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Problèmes: Le changement climatique, les gaz à effet de serre (GES), la déforestation, la fonte des glaces, la montée des eaux, la perte de biodiversité, la pollution plastique, la contamination de l'air et de l'eau.
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Solutions (individuelles): Le tri sélectif, le covoiturage, la réduction de la consommation d'eau et d'énergie, acheter local, réduire sa consommation de viande.
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Solutions (collectives): La transition énergétique, les accords internationaux (comme l'Accord de Paris), les taxes carbone, la protection des écosystèmes, investir dans les technologies vertes.
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Useful Verbs: Protéger, préserver, conserver, réduire, menacer, nuire à, détruire, sensibiliser, agir.
Practice — then mark it
The whole point: a real Cambridge question, marked mark-by-mark.
Test Your Skills
Test Your Skills
Extra simulations & links
PhET, GeoGebra and other curated tools — open in a new tab.
Frequently asked
Checkpoint
One marked question is worth ten re-reads — close the loop before you move on.
Reading it isn’t knowing it — prove it.
Before you move on: do Test Your Skills on paper, snap a photo, and get examiner-style feedback on exactly where you win and lose marks.