Immerse Essay Writing Workbook For Students

Essay Writing
Workbook
WRITE AN OUTSTANDING ESSAY
This book belongs to:
Immerse Education
The Essay Writing Process
This workbook is designed to teach you how to build an outstanding
essay. Each task relates to the 5 key steps in the essay writing process,
outlined below.
STEP 1: UNDERSTANDING THE QUESTION

Before you begin writing your essay, it's important that you
understand exactly what the essay question or topic is asking of you.
Don't start until you're confident that you understand the essay
question or topic.
STEP 2: UNDERSTANDING THE TASK

Understanding the "task" means understanding WHAT you are
being asked to do, WHY you are being asked to do it, and HOW
you will be marked/graded. Prior to writing, you will need to
spend some time figuring out the task so you know exactly what
you need to do in order to get the grade/mark you want.
STEP 3: IDENTIFYING WHAT YOU KNOW

Before you write, it's important to identify what you already know
about the topic, as well as any gaps in your current knowledge.
After you've determined what else you need to learn, you'll have a
strong idea of the reading and research you'll need to do before
you can write your essay.
STEP 4: CONDUCTING RESEARCH

Knowing where to find information and how to conduct self-
directed research effectively is an important part of essay writing.
The tasks laid out in this workbook will help you to know how to
conduct research independently and build your knowledge so
that you can write a great essay.
STEP 5: WRITING AND RE-WRITING

Writing more than one draft of your essay is essential. With
each draft you write, you'll have more of an understanding of
your topic, answer and how to structure your essay in a clear
and logical way.
www.immerse.education Page 1
STEP ONE
Understanding The Question

Understanding the essay question is the most important first step in writing
a good essay. The tasks outlined in this section are designed to help you
understand the question better. Complete the tasks outlined below:
In the space below, write down your essay question:
Now, write down any words or phrases that you don't fully understand.
Use Google or a dictionary to find the definition of the words you don't fully
understand and write them down in the section underneath. Try searching with the
term "Definition of...".
STEP ONE
Understanding The Question
Now, re-write the essay question in a way that you can easily understand it. Try
to replace complex words or phrases with words that you understand.
In the space below, write down an explanation of the question in your own words.
Start your explanation with the sentence starter "In this essay, I will write about..."
Top Tip
Look back at the explanation you have made above as you are writing your
essay. This will help you to stay on track and answer the question.
STEP TWO
Understanding The Task

The following tasks are designed to help you gain a thorough understanding
of the task you have been assigned so that you can complete it effectively.
A rubric or a grading criterion is what markers use to give you a grade on your
work. Take some time to look at the grading criteria for your essay and identify
which grade you hope to realistically achieve. Write down your goal grade in the
space below.
I hope to achieve a mark of...
Now, look at the requirements for achieving that mark. What do you need to do in
your essay to make sure you get the grade you want? Create a list in the space
below.
Top Tip
Look back at this list when you have finished writing your essay.
Have you hit all of the marks to get the grade you want?
STEP THREE
Identifying What You Know

Before you begin writing, it's important to identify what you already know
about the topic and find out where more research might be needed. This
stage of the essay writing process is also important because it helps you to
really connect with your topic and find your interest in it.
Write your topic in the middle of the mindmap and surround it with all of the
ideas that come to mind. Try to fill up the page with as many ideas, thoughts and
opinions as you can. Add any questions you have in a different coloured pen.
What I already know about...
STEP THREE
Identifying What You Know
Now that you have explored what you know, let's take a look at what you don't
know. In the box below, write down all the questions you have about the topic.
These questions will form the basis of your research.
Top Tip
As you conduct your research, try to answer the questions you've
listed here.
STEP FOUR
Conducting Research
The questions you created in the previous task will now form the basis of
your research. Follow the steps outlined in this section to start building
further knowledge and a strong answer to your essay question.
Top FIVE tips for conducting independent research:
ONE: START WITH YOUR BIGGEST QUESTIONS

The goal of your essay is to showcase your knowledge and
understanding of the topic. The more knowledge you have, the
easier it will be to answer the essay question. Use the questions
you have about the topic to begin your knowledge building.
TWO: FIND THE RIGHT KEYWORDS

As you search for information on the web, remember that the
words and phrases you search determine the information you see.
If you can't seem to find what you're looking for, try rephrasing
your search term until you find your answers.
THREE: TAKE NOTES AS YOU FIND INFORMATION

Take notes in a clear and organized way as you do your research
e.g. categorize or colour code them based on the subtopic.
Having easy-to-read notes will come in handy when you write
your essay later.
FOUR: CHECK YOUR SOURCES

Use the rule of five when conducting research e.g. If five
websites are showing the same data/facts/information, the
information is likely to be more trustworthy than a random
website saying something completely different.
FIVE: USE REPUTABLE WEBSITES

Make sure your information is coming from well-known
websites that are already trusted sources of information
e.g. .org websites. Wikipedia should not be used as a
reference source.
STEP FOUR
Conducting Research
Use the next few pages to compile your notes. Remember, the more organized
your notes are, the easier they will be to refer back to when writing.
Research question:
Website:
Author and publication date:
STEP FOUR
Conducting Research
Research question:
Website:
STEP FOUR
Conducting Research
Research question:
Website:
STEP FOUR
Conducting Research
Research question:
Website:
STEP FOUR
Conducting Research
Research question:
Website:
STEP FIVE
Writing and Re-Writing

Now that you have built further knowledge on your topic, it's time to start
answering the question. You are now going to begin writing a series of
drafts that are revised, edited and improved before you finalize your work.
DRAFT ONE: THE RUBBISH FIRST DRAFT

Unfortunately, the first draft you will write is unlikely going to be a publishable work
of high quality. In fact, this first attempt at writing your essay will probably be quite
rubbish - and that's entirely okay! Even the best writers in the world write first
drafts only worthy of a recycle bin. The first draft is to simply get all of your ideas
out onto the page and see what you're left with.
First drafts are usually: The goal is to:

Full of spelling, punctuation and grammar errors Get all of your ideas in one place
Not well structured Gain more of an understanding of
Full of great ideas your answer to the essay question
Your first attempt at answering the question See what else you need to research
Top tips for writing your first draft:
STEP ONE: SET A TIMER TO WRITE

Find a quiet spot and begin writing your first draft against a timer. Set yourself
30-60 minutes to write as much as you can.
STEP TWO: KEEP WRITING!

Write as much as you can in the allotted time given and don't stop
until the timer pings!
STEP THREE: DON'T WORRY ABOUT SPAG OR STRUCTURE

Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar or structure. You can clean this
up in your next draft. For now, focus on getting the ideas onto the page!
STEP FIVE
You can use the next few pages to write your first draft.
Essay Question:
STEP FIVE
STEP FIVE
STEP FIVE
Draft Two
Once you have written draft number one, you should have a better understanding
of what is going to be included in your essay. You might also have identified further
gaps in your knowledge, so before getting started on draft two, make sure you do
some further research where needed to make sure you can answer the essay
question as effectively as possible.
In draft number two, you should:

Follow a clear structure to answer the question
Use quotes to support your answers
Focus on explaining your answer in detail answering both "how?" and "why" questions
Focus on answering the question
Before writing draft number two, read back draft number one and write some
notes about the key areas for improvement to focus on in draft two.
STEP FIVE
Introduction
The introduction should include a brief outline of what you will be talking about in your essay. The
following questions should be answered.
Who is your topic about or related to?

What question or questions will you aim to answer?
When did a particular event or study happen that relates to the importance of your topic?
Where is your topic relevant? E.g. in a particular town, city, country or worldwide?
Why is your topic important?
How do you plan to answer this question?
Example Introduction
In 2021 it was reported that 80% of students in year 12 claimed that they didn't know how to write
an essay. Likewise, in a recent university study, students in their first year at university stated that their
biggest challenge was learning how to write academically. In this essay, I will explore the topic of
whether or not teaching essay writing in school is essential by exploring the impact of this particular
skill in higher education, work and social development. For the purpose of this essay, I will explore Bil
Yates' book on 'The Importance of Literacy in Teens" as well as case studies from both students and
teachers.
Answer the questions below to build your introduction.
Who is your topic about or related to?
What question or questions will you aim to answer?
When did a particular event or study happen that relates to the importance of your topic?
Where is your topic relevant? E.g. in a particular town, city, country or worldwide?
Why is your topic important?
How do you plan to answer this question?
STEP FIVE
Main Body
Your main body is the most important part of your essay - it's where you will answer the essay question. The
following diagram shows you how to visually think about the structure of your essay. Take a look at the
diagram and see how the information connects. You will create one of these on the next page before
beginning draft two.
Essay Question
How does human behaviour impact the environment?
My main answer
Our behaviour causes pollution that kills and alters
ecosystems as well as harming our own health.
Point 1 Point 2 Point 3

The transportation we use causes Our agricultural and fishing The plastic we use everyday
pollution and alters our eco- practices cause pollution that alters doesn't disintergate and is harming
systems. our eco-systems. our gentetics as well as animals.
Evidence Evidence Evidence

Ecosytems and air quality study The environmental impact of Research on the influence of
done by the UK government. Link farming and fishing on our microplastics. Link here.
here. environment. Link here.
Explanation Explanation Explanation
Humans cause pollutants in our Waste from fish-feed and faeces Plastics have been produced and
environment such as sulfur which can pollute the water and seabed used by humans in large quantities
can lead to excess levels of acid in around intensive fish farms leading since they were invented, and the
lakes and streams, and damage to poor water and sediment resulting environmental pollution
trees and forest soils; atmospheric quality. Sensitive natural habitats problems have become more and
nitrogen can reduce the are sometimes converted into fish more serious. In recent years,
biodiversity of plant communities, farms and this can have dramatic researchers have found that many
harming fish and other aquatic life. environmental implications. For plastic products are not
Ozone damages and the impact on example, historically, significant completely decomposed after
trees negatively affects natural damage to delicate coastal habitats being discarded, a lot of plastics
areas and mercury and other heavy such as mangrove forests was well form microplastics in the ocean,
metal compounds from fuel documented when establishing which poses a threat to the
combustion can accumulate in tropical prawn farms. This damage survival of marine life. This paper
plants and animals, some of which resulted in loss of beneficial analyzes the source, types and
are consumed by people. ecosystem functions including distribution of marine
natural coastal flood-defences, microplastics, and explores the
nursery habitats for young fish and influence of microplastics on
water filtration. marine life.
STEP FIVE
Main Body
Use the space below to build out the skeleton of your main body. Aim to be clear and straight to the point.
You can add further information when you begin writing draft two.
Essay Question
My main answer
Point 1 Point 2 Point 3
Evidence Evidence Evidence
Explanation Explanation Explanation
STEP FIVE
Conclusion
Every essay needs a conclusion, however, you probably don't need to spend as much time writing it as
you may think. Your conclusion should:
Emphasize the three main points you have explained throughout your essay
Emphasize the importance of your topic
It should not:
Start any new points
Begin talking about a different topic
Example Conclusion
As explored in this essay, human behaviour continues to harm living things and ecosystems, a detriment to an
otherwise harmonious environment that impacts not only animals and their ecosystems but also our own health
and livelihoods. If we continue to ignore the climate disaster unfolding, the health of humans and living things
will continue to be altered in a negative way that will lead to disastrous consequences.
Use the space below to write your conclusion:
STEP FIVE
WRITING DRAFT NUMBER TWO
Title/Essay Question:
Written by:
Introduction
Point one:
Evidence:
Explanation:
Point two:
Evidence:
Explanation:
STEP FIVE
WRITING DRAFT TWO - CONTINUED
Point three:
Evidence:
Explanation:
Conclusion:
STEP FIVE
Writing Draft Three

Now that you have written a solid second draft, it's time to write draft number
three. Open a new document on your device or in your notebook. Use the list
below to get started.
Start with what you have already from draft two and add it to the blank page.
Remove any points or ideas that weren't clear or aren't relevant to the question.
Add further quotes from books/research/people that support your points.
Explain your points in great detail, and always refer back to the questions:
Why do I think that?
How do I know?
What does the evidence show?
Use the checklist on the next page once you have written your draft and clean
up any errors before the final submission.
STEP FIVE
Essay Writing Check-List

My essay title is relevant to the topic of my essay and uses capital letters
correctly
I have put together a plan which ensures that I am answering the question
My essay is double spaced and uses a clear font such as Times New Roman,
size 12
My essay contains a clear introduction that explains WHAT I will be writing
about, WHY the topic is important and HOW I aim to answer the question (e.g.
the books/people I will refer to)
My main body is split into THREE MAIN PARTS
My points are clear and directly answer the essay question
I have used relevant evidence that supports my claims
I have used speech marks when using somebody else's words and added the
source of the information and date in brackets after the quote e.g. In 2019, a
government study announced that "1 in 3 people suffer from mental health
issues" (ukgov.org, 2022).
I have explained what the evidence shows
I have used appropriate vocabulary e.g. no slang, formal speech.
My essay is free from spelling, punctuation and grammar errors
The wordcount of my essay is included at the bottom of it

On the final page of my document I have include a Bibliography that includes a
full list of all of the books/research/people I have referenced throughout my
essay
I have written a clear conclusion that doesn't start any new points
I have clearly answered the question in my own words and used evidence to
support my claims
VOCABULARY BANK
Improve Your Writing
VOCABULARY BANK FOR ESSAYS
Spruce up your writing with this vocabulary bank.
To use in agreement
moreover comparatively in the light of

as well as correspondingly not to mention
together with similarly to say nothing of
of course furthermore equally important
likewise additionally by the same token
To use in disagreement
although albeit in contrast

instead besides on the other hand
whereas as much as on the contrary
despite even though at the same time
conversely in reality in spite of
To use when discussing cause / condition / purpose
in the event that with this intention in case

granted (that) with this in mind provided that
as / so long as in the hope that given that
on (the) condition (that) to the end that only / even if
for the purpose of for fear that so that
VOCABULARY BANK
Improve Your Writing
VOCABULARY BANK FOR ESSAYS
Spruce up your writing with this vocabulary bank.
To use in examples / support / emphasis
in other words for this reason notably

to put it differently to put it another way including
for one thing that is to say like
as an illustration with attention to to be sure
in this case by all means namely
To use in effect / consequence / result
as a result for consequently

under those circumstances thus therefore
in that case because the thereupon
for this reason then forthwith
in effect hence accordingly
To use in conclusions
as can be seen in the long run after all

generally speaking given these points in fact
in the final analysis as has been noted in summary
all things considered in a word in conclusion
as shown above for the most part in short
To enter the Immerse Education Essay
Competition or for more essay writing
resources go to:
www.immerse.education/essay-competition

Immerse Essay Writing Workbook For Students

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Essay Writing

This book belongs to:

STEP 1: UNDERSTANDING THE QUESTION

STEP 2: UNDERSTANDING THE TASK

STEP 3: IDENTIFYING WHAT YOU KNOW

STEP 4: CONDUCTING RESEARCH

STEP 5: WRITING AND RE-WRITING

Understanding The Question

In the space below, write down your essay question:

Understanding The Question

Understanding The Task

I hope to achieve a mark of...

Identifying What You Know

What I already know about...

Identifying What You Know

Top FIVE tips for conducting independent research:

ONE: START WITH YOUR BIGGEST QUESTIONS

TWO: FIND THE RIGHT KEYWORDS

THREE: TAKE NOTES AS YOU FIND INFORMATION

FOUR: CHECK YOUR SOURCES

FIVE: USE REPUTABLE WEBSITES

Author and publication date:

Author and publication date:

Author and publication date:

Author and publication date:

Author and publication date:

Writing and Re-Writing

DRAFT ONE: THE RUBBISH FIRST DRAFT

First drafts are usually: The goal is to:

Top tips for writing your first draft:

STEP ONE: SET A TIMER TO WRITE

STEP TWO: KEEP WRITING!

STEP THREE: DON'T WORRY ABOUT SPAG OR STRUCTURE

Writing and Re-Writing

Writing and Re-Writing

Writing and Re-Writing

Writing and Re-Writing

In draft number two, you should:

Writing and Re-Writing

Who is your topic about or related to?

Why is your topic important?

How do you plan to answer this question?

Answer the questions below to build your introduction.

Who is your topic about or related to?

What question or questions will you aim to answer?

Why is your topic important?

How do you plan to answer this question?

Writing and Re-Writing

Point 1 Point 2 Point 3

Evidence Evidence Evidence

Explanation Explanation Explanation

Writing and Re-Writing

Point 1 Point 2 Point 3

Evidence Evidence Evidence

Explanation Explanation Explanation

Writing and Re-Writing

Start any new points

Begin talking about a different topic

Use the space below to write your conclusion:

Writing and Re-Writing

WRITING DRAFT NUMBER TWO

Writing and Re-Writing

WRITING DRAFT TWO - CONTINUED