English Writing
How to Write an Essay
There are many ways to write an essay.
However, the standard essay form follows the same basic
patterns as discussed in this "how to".
Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: 30 minutes
Here's How:
- Select the topic of your essay.
- Choose the central idea, or thesis, of your essay.
For example: Information technology has revolutionized
the way we work.
- Outline your essay into introductory, body and summary
paragraphs.
- The introductory paragraph begins with an interesting
sentence. For example: Home workers have grown from
150,000 to over 12 million in the past 5 years thanks
to the wonders of the computer.
- After this first sentence, add your thesis statement
from above.
- Use one sentence to introduce every body paragraph
to follow. For example: The Internet has made this
possible by extending the office into the home.
- Finish the introductory paragraph with a short summary
or goal statement. For example: Technological innovation
has thus made the traditional workplace obsolete.
- In each of the body paragraphs (usually two or three)
the ideas first presented in the introductory paragraph
are developed.
- Develop your body paragraphs by giving detailed
information and examples. For example: When the Internet
was first introduced it was used primarily by scientists,
now it is common in every classroom.
- Body paragraphs should develop the central idea
and finish with a summary of that idea. There should
be at least two examples or facts in each body paragraph
to support the central idea.
- The summary paragraph summarizes your essay and
is often a reverse of the introductory paragrah.
- Begin the summary paragrah by quickly restating
the principal ideas of your body paragraphs. For example:
The Internet in the home, benefits and ease of use
of modern computer systems...
- The penultimate sentence should restate your basic
thesis of the essay. For example: We have now passed
from the industrial revolution to the information
revolution.
- Your final statement can be a future prediction
based on what you have shown in the essay. For example:
The next step: The complete disappearance of the workplace.
Tips:
Use strong verbs and avoid modals to state your opinion.
It is better to write: The workplace has evolved than
THe workplace seems to have evolved
Do not apologize for what you are saying. An essay
is about your opinion.
Do not translate from your mother tongue, it will quickly
get you into trouble!
Info about studying in English countries:
- Guide to Study in the USA: Find universities and colleges in the United States. If offers also pratical information for students that are planning to study in the United States.
- Guide to Study in the United Kingdom: Find universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. If offers also pratical information for students that are planning to study in the United Kingdom.
- Guide to Study in Ireland: Find universities and colleges in Ireland. If offers also pratical information for students that are planning to study in Ireland.
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