GENERAL ENGLISH
ESSAY WRITING
A patterned plan of Essay Writing
Read the topic carefully.
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Underline words indicating the specific things to be answered in the essay.
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Prepare an outline or other organizational form.
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Write an introductory paragraph.
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Write the paragraphs for the body, trying to use one paragraph for each separate sub-topic.
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Write a good conclusion.
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Proofread carefully, checking especially for errors in grammar and spelling.
Essay writing
AN ESSAY – a piece of formal writing (300-350 words) on a particular subject/topic in which a writer gives his/her thoughts.
Aims
To measure skills in writing based on the knowledge and experience a student has gained on a particular subject/topic.
An essay tests
An ability to write clearly (i.e. to express ideas coherently and logically), using correct grammar and spelling
An ability to use appropriate vocabulary (i.e. appropriate style and a good range of words)
An ability to organize and present ideas/thoughts quickly (i.e. to respond to an essay under time constraints)
Basic requirements:
Appropriate Vocabulary
Use formal style (you should not use colloquial expressions, short forms and abbreviations)
Avoid emotive vocabulary and strong personal expressions (e.g. “Everybody hates…” or “I absolutely detest people who…”)
Use linking words and phrases (expressions) to show connection between paragraphs as well as to link sentences
Organization and Content
Start a new paragraph for each new point
Give examples and reasons to justify each point presented
Stick to the topic not to lose direction or flow (every sentence must be related to the subject/i.e. topic of your essay
Timing
60 minutes: spend 10-15 minutes, preparing an essay, 30 minutes writing and 15 minutes checking it.
Preparing an essay
Step 1 Purpose
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IDEA
KEY WORDS
MAIN POINTS SUPPORTING POINTS
PLAN |
Step 2 Brainstorm
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Step 3 Classification
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Step 4 Planning and Organization
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Writing an essay Step 1
Every good essay has a strong opening paragraph, in order to grad the readers’ attention and make them want to continue reading. This is usually a three- or four-sentence paragraph in which:
The first sentence introduces the general topic
The second sentence narrows the general topic down to a particular aspect (i.e. focuses more on a specific question)
The last one or two sentences survey the details you will present further (i.e. restates the specific question and gives the controlling idea of the essay)
You may refer to the following techniques:
Make general statements about the topic
Express an opinion, e. g. “I believe that…”
Address the reader directly, e. g. “Has it ever occurred to you that…”
Start with a quotation or thought-provoking statement, e.g. “you have to have some order in a disordered world!”
Start with a rhetorical question (question to which no answer is expected), e.g. “What does the future hold for us?”
Refer to an unusual idea, e.g. “ A watch style monitor will soon allow everyone to keep in touch with…”
Step 2
The body of an essay should consist of two/three paragraphs that develop the general topic (i.e. discuss the problem).
Each developmental paragraph should have a topic sentence.
The topic sentence should support the controlling idea mentioned in the introduction.
All the ideas in each paragraph must be related to the topic sentence.
Step 3
Concluding paragraph should restate but not simply repeat the topic sentences. It should also include your own opinion, or preference, make a prediction or give a solution.
You may use the following techniques:
Conclude with the statement that sums up your essay, e.g. “To sum up…”
Give the reader something to consider, e.g. “Life would be more convenient, if…”
State a personal opinion, e.g. “ In my view…”
Finish with a question (for example, ask a rhetorical question)
Step 4
Reading and checking over the essay
Make any minor corrections in spelling and grammar that will make your essay clearer.