Text Production: Structure and Useful Phrases

In the EPD Textproduktion section, structure is literally a scoring criterion. Examiners read hundreds of essays and immediately see whether a text has architecture. A well-structured argument with limited vocabulary consistently outscores a vocabulary-rich text without a plan. This means: before you write your first sentence, the outline should already be fixed.

Text Structure

1. Introduction (2–3 sentences)

The introduction leads into the topic, and nothing more. Two to three sentences is enough. Don't retell the stimulus word for word; summarise and hint at your position. A long introduction wastes words you need in the main body.

• Introduce the topic
• Sketch the relevance or context
• Indicate your own position

2. Main Body (3–4 paragraphs)

This is where the score is determined. Each paragraph has one job: one argument with reasoning and an example. Follow the 3B rule: Claim → Reasoning → Example. Use logical transitions between paragraphs, such as Darüber hinaus, Im Gegensatz dazu, Außerdem.

• Present pro and contra arguments
• For graphic prompts: describe and interpret the data
• Support every argument with reasoning and an example

3. Conclusion (2–3 sentences)

The conclusion summarises and states your final position. No new argument, no new example: adding either signals an unfinished text. Keep it short and precise.

• Summarise the key points
• Your opinion / outlook
• Closing phrase (Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen …)

Word Count

The target is typically 230-250 words. Going slightly under (220) is less risky than going significantly over (300+), which signals poor planning and inability to express ideas concisely. Examiners notice both extremes: a text under 200 words likely lacks sufficient argumentation, while a text over 280 words suggests the writer could not prioritise. Count your words after writing and cut or expand as needed during proofreading.

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Handling Opposing Views

Strong argumentative texts do not ignore the other side; they address it. Briefly acknowledge the counterargument, then refute it. This shows argumentative depth and is valued by examiners because it demonstrates that you can engage critically with a position rather than simply asserting your own.

A useful pattern: concede a point with Zwar ... aber ... or Natürlich muss man einräumen, dass ..., then immediately counter it with your reasoning. For example: "Natürlich muss man einräumen, dass Flugreisen schnell und bequem sind. Dennoch überwiegen die ökologischen Nachteile, da ein einziger Langstreckenflug mehr CO₂ verursacht als ein Jahr Autofahren." One well-handled counterargument per essay is enough; you do not need to refute every possible objection.

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Useful Phrases: Introduction

• Das Thema ... ist heutzutage von großer Bedeutung.
• In den letzten Jahren wird immer häufiger über ... diskutiert.
• Die Frage, ob ..., wird kontrovers diskutiert.
• Im Folgenden möchte ich mich mit dem Thema ... auseinandersetzen.

Useful Phrases: Arguments

Your opinion (vary the opening):

• Meiner Meinung nach ...
• Ich bin der Ansicht, dass ...
• Aus meiner Sicht ...
• Meines Erachtens ...

Pro arguments:

• Ein wichtiges Argument dafür ist, dass ...
• Dafür spricht, dass ...
• Ein Vorteil ist ...
• Hinzu kommt, dass ...

Contra arguments:

• Dagegen spricht jedoch, dass ...
• Ein Nachteil ist ...
• Kritiker argumentieren, dass ...
• Allerdings muss man bedenken, dass ...

Examples:

• Das zeigt sich zum Beispiel daran, dass ...
• Ein konkretes Beispiel dafür ist ...
• In meinem Heimatland beispielsweise ...

Useful Phrases: Transitions

Transitions link paragraphs and make the logic visible. Choose the type that matches the relationship between paragraphs:

• Darüber hinaus ... (addition)
• Außerdem ist zu beachten, dass ... (addition)
• Im Gegensatz dazu ... (contrast)
• Einerseits ... andererseits ... (weighing up)
• Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass ... (conclusion)

Useful Phrases: Describing Graphics

• Die Grafik zeigt ...
• Aus der Grafik geht hervor, dass ...
• Laut der Statistik ...
• Der Anteil von ... liegt bei ... Prozent.
• Im Vergleich zu ... ist ... gestiegen / gesunken.
• Auffällig ist, dass ...

Useful Phrases: Conclusion

• Zusammenfassend kann man sagen, dass ...
• Abschließend möchte ich betonen, dass ...
• Alles in allem ...
• Es bleibt abzuwarten, wie sich ... entwickeln wird.

Sample Essay: What a Good Text Looks Like

A complete example with annotations. The topic comes from a real EPD task.

Task: An expert proposes limiting each person to four flights in their entire lifetime to reduce CO₂ emissions. Summarize the content, take a position, and suggest further measures.

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In recent years, climate change has become one of the most pressing global problems. The transport sector in particular contributes significantly to global warming — especially international air travel. ← Introduction: Lead into the topic

A French expert is calling for swift action to halt global warming and proposes severely limiting air travel — to just four flights per person in their entire lifetime. ← Summarize the text excerpt

In my view, this is an exaggerated and practically unfeasible proposal. Many people depend on air travel — whether to visit relatives living abroad, to travel for work, or to pursue international study opportunities. Such a strict limitation would severely restrict personal freedom. Furthermore, it could deepen social inequality, as wealthier people would find ways to circumvent the rule, e.g. by purchasing flight rights. Moreover, many remote countries and regions are barely reachable by more climate-friendly means of transport. ← Personal opinion with reasoning and examples (3B rule)

Instead of a fixed flight limit, incentives for more sustainable travel should be created, such as expanding and subsidizing international rail, faster train connections, and better overnight train services. Information campaigns about the climate impact of flying could also raise awareness. Further sensible measures would include a flight tax where frequent flyers pay significantly more, as well as a Europe-wide CO₂ levy. ← Measures / Proposals

Climate protection is undoubtedly necessary — but the measures should be fair, feasible, and well thought-out. Only then can society be won over in the long term. ← Conclusion: State your final position

What makes this text good?

• Clear three-part structure: Introduction → Main body → Conclusion
• Complex sentence structures (subordinate clauses, infinitive constructions, passive voice)
• Useful phrases: Meines Erachtens, Zudem, Statt ... sollte man
• 3B rule: every argument has a claim, reasoning, and example
• Approx. 240 words (within the target range of 230–250)

Assessment Criteria

The table below shows how your text is scored. Linguistic accuracy carries the most weight at 8 points, so grammar errors cost the most.

Common Mistakes

❌ Mixing text types: Starting as an Erörterung (pro/contra), then switching to commentary style halfway through. The reader loses track, which costs marks in the structure category. Decide on one type before you write and stick to it.

❌ Burying your thesis: If the reader doesn't know your position until paragraph three, the argument loses direction. Your own opinion belongs in the first or second paragraph.

❌ No conclusion: Stopping after the last argument makes the text feel like it was cut off mid-sentence. Two sentences of conclusion are mandatory.

❌ Introduction too long: A three-paragraph introduction leaves too little room for arguments. 2–3 sentences is enough. Get to the point.

❌ Argument without reasoning: "Social media is harmful." That is a claim, not an argument. Always add: weil, denn, da, or a concrete example.

Proofreading Checklist

Before you hand in your text, run through this checklist. Reserve the last 5 minutes of the exam for this step, as it catches the errors that cost the most points in the linguistic accuracy category (worth 8 points).

• Grammar: Check cases (especially after prepositions), verb endings (subject-verb agreement), and adjective declension
• Spelling: Look for common mistakes: double consonants, capitalisation of nouns, ss vs. ß
• Structure: Confirm your text has all three parts: introduction, main body, and conclusion. If any part is missing, add it
• Vocabulary range: Verify you have used at least some B2/C1 phrases (Redemittel) rather than only simple constructions. One or two well-placed advanced phrases per paragraph is enough
• Word count: Count your words. Aim for 230-250. Cut filler if over, expand a thin argument if under

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EPD Tips

1. Write about 230–250 words. Not too short, not too long.
2. Plan your text. Make notes before writing.
3. Use varied sentence structures: subordinate clauses, passive, infinitive constructions.
4. Use useful phrases (Redemittel). They show advanced language proficiency.
5. Proofread your text. Fix grammar and spelling errors.