Writing an essay

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Writing an essay

English Digital

IndEX

conclusion

What is it?

examples

Structure

Introduction

useful expressions

Body

an essay

It is a piece of writing in which you express an opinion on a topic. Your opinion can be for or against the issue, it doesn't really matter. What does matter are the arguments you present, which lead to a well-expressed conclusion. As it is a formal writing, it is important to use well-structured complete sentences with connectors and a varied and rich vocabulary. We will have to use a formal language, taking care of the punctuation and of course the spelling, and not using contractions. Informal and colloquial vocabulary should be avoided. An essay is where you have to show that you know how to structure an opinion using a more complicated and formal record.

How to structure an essay?

Organized your essay in paragraphs. The essay basically has three parts: - an introduction: , - a body where you present your arguments - and a conclusion.

Introduction

This should relate closely to the topic of the essay. In this section we introduce general statements and information, we make a general comment on the subject in question and normally we clearly express our opinion on it. Keep this paragraph simple and to the point. Avoid giving too much details. Thesis statement- lists the main ideas in the essay. Give the reader an overview of your essay, outlining the points you are going to make in order of importance. Set the tone of work by describing the subject, issue, or problem.

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THE BODY: THE ARGUMENTS

Present your thoughts and evidences. The arguments are organized in two or three paragraphs that support the main idea of the thesis statement. An idea per paragraph is presented and developed with the arguments for or against the idea to be discussed. Present your points in the same order as in the introduction. It is important to give examples and use evidence to back up your arguments. Begin with topic sentences. Make sure that each paragraph links to the previousone through the use of connectives (linking words) for example, so, secondly, however. .

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THE conclusion

After presenting the arguments, it is time to reach a conclusion that is expressed at the end of the essay. A short paragraph where the main points that we have developed in the body are concisely exposed (a brief summary) and we reaffirm our opinion on the statement made. Bring the essay to a logical and satisfying end.

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Before starting our article it is important to think well what we want to say and structure it in an orderly and clear way. We must argue our opinions trying not to repeat ourselves in our reasoning. Here we can find some examples, the graphic organizer and tips for the writing process:

Example

Example

Example

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Phrases that can be useful to write an opinion ESSAY:

To express opinion.

In my opinion/To my mind Personally speaking,... I think... is great for many reasons. In my view/From my point of view.. My own/personal view on the matter is.. As far as I'm concerned I completely agree/disagree with My favourite...is... ....is the best.... I (strongly) believe that... It is believed that... .... is just wonderful. It is generally agreed that…. It seems to me that….

Some/many people feel/said/believe/claim that… It is sometimes/often claimed / said that…. Sometimes it is said / affirmed that…. According to…. In this day and age.../Nowadays../These days... We live in an age when many of us are....... .... is a hotly debated topic that often divides opinion. .... is often discussed yet rarely understood. It goes without saying that... is one of the most important issues facing us today. The following essay takes a look at both sides of the argument

Phrases that can be useful to write an opinion ESSAY:

TO EXPRESS REASONS AND RESULT

The main reason for Because of/Due to/ On account of As/since/Consequently/ ThereforeOne reason/Another reason is... .............. is great because..... I enjoy ..... because... .. is my favourite..because... I like/dislike .... because Also/ In addition,.../ Furthermore.../What is more.../ On top of that... One reason behind this... As a result (of)... ...has led to.../ ...has resulted in...

Phrases that can be useful to write an opinion ESSAY:

Introduce ideas

To express facts.

Firstly, let us take a look at.../First of all, it is worth considering...To begin with/ To start with Secondly/ Thirdly Lastly/ Finally Last but not least... When it comes to +Noun/Gerund In terms of + Noun/Gerund With respect to + noun/ Gerund Not only...but also... Another point worth noting is.../ Another factor to consider is...

It is widely known that Research has shown/found that It is clear that According to experts,... There are those who argued that...

Phrases that can be useful to write an opinion ESSAY:

give examples

Conclusion

CONTRASTING

To sum up/Summing up On balance To conclude../ In conclusion.. Now you know why...is the... As you can see.... is the... If you.....you will..... All things considered... Taking everything into consideration... Weighing up both sides of the argument,... The advantages of ....outweigh the disadvantages

However,…. Although/Even though+ Suj+Verb Even if/Even so …. Nevertheless,…. Whereas…. While …. Despite/In spite of+Noun/Gerund Despite the fact that+ Suj+Verb On one hand/On the other hand

For example,...For instance,... Such as...

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Thank you!