Essay- Writing Guide, Tips and Sample Questions and Answers

Essay: Writing Guide

Introduction

In the introduction, state the topic clearly and give a brief outline of the issue, saying why it is important or why people have different opinions about it. Do not express your opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop your essay in such a way that it guides the reader to the conclusion you draw).

Example: 

Hockey has been a part of life in Canada for over 120 years. It has evolved into an extremely popular sport watched and played by millions of Canadians. The game has gone through several changes since hockey was first played in Canada.

1st – 3rd body paragraph 

Supporting paragraphs make up the main body of your essay. Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in a topic sentence.

How do I write them?

1. List the points that develop the main idea of your essay.
2. Place each supporting point in its own paragraph.
3. Develop each supporting point with facts, details, and examples

To connect your supporting paragraphs, you should use special transition words. Transition words link your paragraphs together and make your essay easier to read. Use them at the beginning and end of your paragraphs.

Conclusion

The summary paragraph comes at the end of your essay after you have finished developing your ideas. The summary paragraph is often called a “conclusion.” 

It summarizes or restates the main idea of the essay. You want to leave the reader with a sense that your essay is complete.

Example:

Overall, the changes that occurred in hockey have helped to improve the game. Hockey is faster and more exciting as a result of changes in the past 120 years. For these reasons, modern hockey is a better game than hockey in the 1890s.

Useful Phrases

Introduction

The trend nowadays is towards ….
Over the past ten years or so the media have frequently carried reports of ….
Recent research indicates that ….
Hardly a week goes by without another report of ……….. appearing in the media.
This raises the issue of whether ……
Although most people would generally agree that ………… few would deny that ….

Stating your opinion

As I see it,
It seems to me that ………… I would also say that ….
I am convinced that ……………
I am inclined to believe that ………………
There is no doubt in my mind that ………………
One of the drawbacks of ……. is ……….
However, one of the benefits is that …………
Changing topic
As regards the causes for this, …………..
Concerning the causes for this, ………
As for the causes, ………..

Presenting arguments

One justification is often given for ……….. is that……………..
Advocates/Proponents would claim that ………………
Those who object to …………….. often argue that ……………….
Another objection is that ……
However, it should not be forgotten that …………..
……….. are opposed to ……………. on the grounds that ……………..
From the point of view of ……………..
According to ………………..

Describing causes

One factor which has led to ………… is …………..
One of the factors which has brought this about is ………
The problem often stems from ………………..
The situation has been exacerbated by …………….
………….. has only made the situation worse.
One consequence of ……………. is …………….

Proposing steps and measures

As regards the most appropriate response to this situation, one suggestion would be to ………
The first step to be taken would be to ……..
To alleviate the situation people should ………..
In addition they ought to ……………
To begin to tackle this situation society/individuals/the government need/s to This can only be dealt with if …………
To overcome this problem, …………..
Were the government to ……………, the situation would doubtless improve.
Individuals can do a great deal to …………
The burden of responsiblity lies in the hands of ……..
It is vitally important that ………
Legislation should be introduced to control ……………..
It would be a grave error if we ……………..

Concluding

All in all it seems to me that ………..
The obvious conclusion to be drawn is that …………………..
All things considered, ………….
On balance, I tend to believe that …………
The world would surely be a better place to live in if …………..
If people stopped ….ing, we would have/ we could look forward to a ……………
The prospects for the future will be bleak/grim unless ……………….

Essay: Tips

• ANSWER THE QUESTION
• PLAN your essay
• REVISE your essay to correct mistakes.
• Use a variety of discussive words and phrases
• Give examples where possible
• Use formal language
• Don’t use contractions (we’re, I’ve etc.)
• Sum up your argument in the final paragraph
• The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearly.

Essay: Sample Questions and Answers

Sample Question 1

In some countries, learning English is compulsory at school. Do you agree with this?

Sample Answer 1

Student’s FCE Essay Answer:

Whether we like it or not, English has invaded most schools across the globe. If these courses should be compulsory or not is an important question to consider.

To begin with, learning a second language is vital for students because it opens their world to new cultures. They not only learn a new language, but also learn about other cultures apart from their own. In a world that is rapidly becoming more and more international, an extended worldview can help the students thrive in such a cosmopolitan environment.

Lastly, learning English as a second language should be compulsory, because otherwise only the most motivated will learn it. Most students need the structured atmosphere of a classroom in order to focus and apply themselves. Without this gentle push, the students can lose their drive and motivation.

In conclusion, I think that English should be compulsory in schools. The students will not only have a better chance to be successful in their professional careers, but they will also be more enriched culturally. As well, because everyone is different , the courses should be compulsory so as to nurture those who need structure and guidance.