ESSAY WRITING

ST RENGT HS A ND WEAKNESSES
 STRUCTURE AND REGISTER

The essay should have 4-5 paragraphs:

1. introduction
2. main body – arguments for
3. main body - arguments against
4. conclusion
Ideas need to be expressed in
a clear and logical way, and should be well
organised and coherent.
Use a relatively formal register.
 INTRODUCTION

This is where you explain your topic or your

thesis.

useful language:
Many people feel that…..
People often disagree about …….
It is often said that ……..
Nowadays, it seems that…/ In recent times…
 MAIN BODY

This paragraph provides more detailed

explanation with specific examples or ideas for a
statement made in the first paragraph.

useful expressions:
first, firstly, first of all, to start with, to begin with,
moreover, furthermore, in addition, what is more,
apart from that, also, on the one hand……for
example, for instance, such as, like, according to.
 MAIN BODY-CONTRAST

This paragraph provides also detailed

explanation in the opposed manner with specific
examples or ideas for a statement made in the first
and second paragraph.

useful expressions:
secondly, finally, lastly, not only …… but also, on
the other hand, however, but, although, even
though, in spite of, despite, nevertheless.
 CONCLUSION

The 4th paragraph summarizes what has already

been said, it refers to the position or the topic that
was addressed in the first paragraph without
obviously saying exactly the same things that were
already mentioned.
useful expressions:
to conclude, in conclusion, to sum up, in summary,
for this reason, thus, as a result, because of this, in
my opinion, to my mind, I believe.
 DOS AND DON’TS

• don’t start by saying I agree with this

• avoid copying phrases from the input. Use your
own words.
• no contractions in formal writing
• no phrasal verbs
• colloquial expressions or a ‘chatty’ style
• more use of the passive voice and conditionals
• Use difficult grammar and more complex
sentences
• Give your opinion at the end, NOT at the beginning
appreciate your attention