LESSON 6

COSTACHE RELI-CĂTĂLINA
SPEAKING
HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY
PLAN:
You must always write a plan to make sure you include all of the things in the
task. Read the instructions carefully and ensure that your answer completes the
following:
Is it easy to read and follow?
Have you checked and corrected for any mistakes/typos?
Did you answer the question?
Have you included complex grammar structures?
Have you used attention grabbing vocabulary?
Is all of the information relevant to the task?
Is the text in the correct format? (letter, email, essay, review, report, proposal)
Structure of an essay:
Title
You can use the one from the question or also make up your own to set the tone
for the essay
Introduction
Introduce the topic and say what you are going to talk about and capture the
interest of the reader
1st paragraph
The first  and most important point from the notes (you can mix points if they are
related)
2nd paragraph
The 2nd point from the notes, you need to link it to the first point
Conclusion
A summary of what you have said in the main paragraphs and make your main
point. It must be an interesting ending, what do you want to demonstrate?
INTRODUCTI
ON
MAIN
BODY
CONCLUSION
OPINION ESSAY
STEP 1
Pay attention to the format of an opinion essay:
• In the introduction you present the topic and your opinion on the
matter;
• The main body
- Several paragraphs to develop your opinion from different angles;
- No matter what your opinion is, the last paragraph of the main body
should deal with a different perspective than yours and the reasons
why you consider it unconvincing
• The conclusion should reinforce your opinion, but using different
words;
• Formal register

Step 2
Identify the keywords and what you are expected to write:
- Success = vocabulary related to fame, being successful, winning,
positive evaluation
- Taking risks / chances = going for something you are not very sure of,
but which seems like a good opportunity.
Step 3
- Use connectors to link both sentences and paragraphs
in a coherent way, such as: in my opinion, from my
point of view, firstly, secondly, in addition, moreover,
after all, however, either way, not to mention, to
conclude;
- Every paragraph should deal with no idea, that is to be
presented in a topic sentence at the beginning of the
paragraph;
- “Dress up” your topic sentences with relevant
explanations and examples!
Check!
- The tense most often used in an opinion essay is the Present Simple
- BUT – if a particular thing is undergoing a transformation you should
use the Present Continuous
- -If you want to give an example from your personal experience, you
should use the Past Simple and mention the time when the events
took place;
- Use varied grammatical structures for a better impression;
- Use vocabulary related to success, risks, explaining, evaluating.