How to Write an Essay

Introduction: (3 sentences)

Tell me what the essay is about. This is a good opportunity to produce a passive structure.

Tell me your ideas. Don’t explain anything; just tell me what I will read about in the following paragraphs.

Answer the question. Start with, “Therefore, …” or “As such, …”. Make sure you are answering the question that is
asked. It is a good opportunity to show your adverb usage (how much you agree etc. )

For:

100% = completely/ totally, (both reasons must agree with each other)

95% = almost completely etc. (You must provide 1 reason for and one against)

80% = mostly / strongly. (You must provide 1 reason for and one against)

50% = partly/partially. (You must provide 1 reason for and one against)

1st Body paragraph (3-4 sentences)

Tell me your 1st idea or reason. (You should start this with a cohesive device like, “One reason is, …” )

Explain why it is important

Give an example. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate a conditional structure

2nd Body paragraph (3-4 sentences)

Tell me your 2nd idea or reason. (You should start this with a cohesive device like, “Another reason is,…” or if it is an
opposite view to your first paragraph, “However, …”)

Explain why it is important

Give an example. This is another good opportunity to demonstrate a conditional structure

Conclusion (2 sentences)

Start with, “In conclusion, …”

Remind me of your reasons/ideas (you don’t need to explain them again)

Remind me of your answer. Start with, “Therefore, …” or “As such, …”

Check your work! Look for spelling and grammatical errors (word forms, plurals, determiners etc.)

Count your words (Have you kept to the target?)

 How to Plan an Essay

What is the topic?

- What are the main words in the topic?

- What are some synonyms?

What is the question?

- Is the question asking: for your opinion? For you to compare? Something else?
- What is your answer? Can you add some more advanced vocabulary or appropriate word forms like
adverbs?

What are your main points?

- Are your main points relevant? Are they clear?

- Do your main points agree with each other, or are they describing different positions?