ESSAY WRITINGEssays, like sandwiches or burgers, are divided into different parts. These parts are the:◾Introduction◾Body◾Conclusion

The Introduction

The introduction opens the essay. It is a short paragraph – usually about THREE sentences. In an argument essay, it usually describes or summarizes both sides of the present situation and says what you are going to do in your essay.

One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences:two about the topicone thesis sentence

Write two sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. The third sentence – the Thesis sentence – will describe what you are going do in your essay.

Sentence 1: One side of the present situationSentence 2: The other side of the present situationSentence 3: Thesis: What you are going to do in your essay

Who should take care of our old people?

Opinion IntroductionsIn this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third sentence says what you are going to do.

Sentence For Many people are excited about space exploration.

Sentence Against However, others feel it is a massive waste of money

Sentence 3 (Thesis)This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space exploration.

Does space exploration benefit mankind?

Intro

Money makes the world go round, and nowhere is this more true than in the workplace. Employers know that money is one of the best motivators. However, are bonuses or cash awards always the best way to reward employees? In this essay, I will look at some of the arguments for cash as a reward.

The Thesis SentenceA thesis statement is a sentence (or two) that states what you are going to do in your essay. It is a kind of a signpost – something that tells you where to go- or a map that shows the reader what direction your essay will take. It usually comes at the end of the Introduction.

In this essay, I will outline the arguments for and against sex education in schools.

In this essay, I will examine some reasons for the growth of the tourism industry.

You can also leave out “I.”

This essay looks at ideas in favour of and against early marriage.

This essay will discuss the benefits of having universal free health care.

Thesis sentence vocabulary

analyze, look at, examine, discuss, outline, consider, describe, focus on, decide

Examples:

This essay will examine the reasons for the high divorce rate in our society.

I will outline some of my objections to arranged marriages.

In this essay I will focus on three problems caused by corruption.

I will discuss whether large families are better than smaller ones.

This essay will consider the benefits of space exploration for the economy, for scientific development, and for the future of humanity.

THE BODYWhat makes a body look good? Paragraphs, that’s the answer! If your paragraph is in good shape, your body will look good and feel good.

Here’s what you need to have in a body paragraph.

Topic SentenceArgument or Reason 1Example, Explanation, or supporting detailArgument or Reason 2Example, Explanation, or supporting detailArgument or Reason 3 (Three is a magic number. Always aim to have 3 ideas.)Example, Explanation, or supporting detailParagraph summary (optional)

Topic Sentence People have several arguments against the need for degrees.

Argument or Reason 1 They say that having so many graduates devalues a degree.

Example, Explanation, or supporting detail People lose respect for the degree holder.

Argument or Reason 2 It is also claimed that education has become a rat race,…

Example, Explanation, or supporting detail

…since graduates have to compete for jobs even after years of studying.

Argument or Reason 3 Another point is that studying for such a long time leads to learners becoming inflexible.

Example, Explanation, or supporting detail

By that I mean that they know a lot about one narrow subject, but are unable to apply their skills.

Even more supporting details…

Employers, on the other hand, prefer more flexible and adaptable workers.

Is Education Being Devalued?

Developing your ideas

The Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their websites.

The Internet is quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be published and reach the bookstore. The information is often out of date.

For me, the Internet is easier to use, because you can find information more quickly and easily than in a big library or in a big set of encyclopaedias. You just use a search engine and the results come instantly.

Add a topic sentence.Add a topic sentence so that the reader knows what is in your paragraph

Many people think that the Internet will replace books and newspapers because it is cheaper, quicker and easier to use. The Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their websites. The Internet is quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be published and reach the bookstore. The information is often out of date. For me, the Internet is easier to use, because you can find information more quickly and easily than in a big library or in a big set of encyclopaedias. You just use a search engine and

the results come instantly.

Finally, lets add some transition words and markers like “First”, “Another point is that..,” “Furthermore,..” etc. Let’s also not repeat “The Internet” every time.

Many people think that the Internet will replace books and newspapers because it is cheaper, quicker and easier to use. First of all, the Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their websites. Secondly, it is also much quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be published and reach the bookstore. The information is often out of date. Another important point is that the Internet is easier to use, because you can find information more quickly and easily than in a big library or in a big set of encyclopaedias. You just use a search engine and the results come instantly

The Conclusion

The conclusion is the end of the essay. It is the last part of the essay and it is the part that the reader may remember most. It should be clear and avoid confusing the reader.

The reader expects the conclusion to do some or all of the following

- rephrase the question

- summarize the main ideas

- give your opinion, if you haven’t given it alreadylook to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)

The reader DOES NOT expect new information in the conclusion. Never add a new idea just because you have thought of it at the end!

You must do all of this in just three or four sentences!

• Vocabulary is Important

• The conclusion is very similar to the introduction. However, you should avoid repeating the same words. This is why a few minutes spent at the start of the exam writing down synonyms (words with the same meaning) and related words is very helpful.

• After all, if you only have a 250-word essay but use the same word 10 times, this will not show the examiner what you know.

EXAMPLES OF CONCLUSIONS

Should we test products on animals?

I agree that we need to make sure that animals who are used for testing new products have the minimum of suffering. However, I am convinced that animal testing is necessary, and that it will continue to benefit humans in new and wonderful ways.

Should we beat children?

In conclusion, physical punishment can be a useful method of discipline. However it should be the last choice for parents. If we want to build a world with less violence we must begin at home, and we must teach our children to be responsible.

Who are the better parents – men or women?

I think this is not an either/or question. Both men and women have strengths and skills that are important for children’s psychological growth. We need to ensure that both parents play an important role in the family in order to give children a good start in life.