Gymnasium English

Bäumlihof 3rd year

Essay Structure

approximately
40 words

Essentials
 Hook
 Bridge: Background information
 (Outline): Most important Arguments
 Thesis statement ! (=topic+opinion+so what?)

approximately
100 words/
paragraph

Essentials
 PointEvidenceAnalysisLink
 2-4 supporting arguments (evidence) per paragraph
 Inclusion of different perspectives (counter arguments)
 Links within arguments, between paragraphs and to the thesis

approximately
40 words

Essentials
 No new arguments
 Summary of main points
 Link to the introduction

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Gymnasium English
Bäumlihof 3rd year

 In your essay, you won’t have the possibility to research information. However,
you can include information from the reading as your copies of the novel will be
available.
 More importantly you should include strong arguments of your own.
 Depending on your topic adding a reference (name dropping) may add a nice
touch.
e.g. “The problem of free online content on the internet has been widely
acknowledged by politicians and web activists such as Jaron Lanier.”

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Gymnasium English
Bäumlihof 3rd year
Linking words

Linking ideas between paragraphs

As an essay consists of more than one paragraph, you need to link each paragraph.
Paragraphs should not stand in isolation. Do not expect the reader to make the
connection between your ideas; make those connections explicit.

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Gymnasium English
Bäumlihof 3rd year
Conclusion

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Gymnasium English
Bäumlihof 3rd year
4 Steps
1. Choose a topic
Analyse the question, develop an essay plan
2. Write a draft essay
3. Proof-read and rewrite your essay
Main focus: overall coherence (content repetition?) and language (mechanics,
linking words, vocabulary)
4. Choose a title

DOs and DON'Ts

DOs DON’Ts
 Write short, precise sentences  Write long and over-complicated
sentences.
 Use formal language  Use slang

 Display evidence of sophistication and  Provide clichés

deep thoughts
 Avoid the use of personal pronouns (I,
 Use impersonal language we, you); unless you are writing about a
personal experience

 Avoid direct questions

 Display a variety of linking words and
idiomatic expressions

How to prepare?

It may seem odd to prepare an essay without knowing the topic. Nevertheless, there are a
variety of aspects you can prepare. Use the burger template on the next page and the
coloured hand-out with key signalling/linking words to prepare chunks of language.

addition moreover, in addition, apart from this, furthermore

cause and effect as a result, because of this, for this reason, therefore,
consequently
comparison/similar ideas in the same way, similarly, likewise

contrast/opposite ideas in contrast, however, on the other hand,

example for example, for instance

explanation in other words, to be more precise

generalisation as a rule, generally, normally, on the whole, in most

case, usually
summary/conclusion finally, in brief, in short, overall, therefore, in conclusion

time/order at first, initially, eventually, finally, lastly, next, first(ly),

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Gymnasium English
Bäumlihof 3rd year

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Gymnasium English
Bäumlihof 3rd year

Most essays feature a 5-paragraph structure

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