This template is for ESL students who
would like a really basic guide to writing an essay.
It would probably
be useful for practicing essay writing for IELTS and other English tests.
NB: Examiners do not always agree on what makes a good essay so check with
your teacher or lecturer first. Also, an academic essay is written differently
to a normal essay and should not contain 'Firstly', 'Secondly' etc.
There are plenty of books on essay writing and
there are hundreds of different essay writing styles to choose from. The
best thing to do with this template is to practice writing an essay using
it, then read some essays by famous writers. By familiarising yourself
with the techniques that great writers use, you'll find writing an essay
to be an easier process.
While this essay plan is restricted to 3 paragraphs
and 2 ideas per body paragraph, you certainly do not have to follow this
plan.
Also, fact 1 and fact 2 could be a positive or
negative comment. Further, if you use 2 or more facts per paragraph, you
may wish to sum them up or make a small conclusion in the last paragraph
line.
You should also try and make sure that each paragraph
is linked in some way, either by the flow of ideas or a definite lead in.
And remember, don't introduce any new ideas in
the conclusion. Have fun!
INTRODUCTION
Rephrase the essay question using your opinion. Include 3
ideas that you will cover in your essay. The final sentence should contain
your thesis statement – a sentence that describes the focus of your ENTIRE
essay subject. If you write a good introduction, the rest of the essay
is easy!
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
‘In the first place’ or ‘To begin with’ or ‘Firstly’ state
your main idea/subject/topic in the first sentence of your first body paragraph.
Fact 1
Comment/further information about fact 1.
Fact 2
Comment/further information about fact 2.
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
‘In the second place’ or ‘Secondly’ state your second main
idea/subject/topic in the first sentence.
Fact 1
Comment/further information about fact 1.
Fact 2
Comment/further information about fact 2.
BODY PARAGRAPH 3
‘Finally’ or ‘Lastly’ state your third main idea/subject/topic
in the first sentence.
Fact 1
Comment/further information about fact 1.
Fact 2
Comment/further information about fact 2.
CONCLUSION
‘In conclusion’ or ‘Therefore’ or ‘As a result’ conclude
your essay by rephrasing the introduction to be a ‘proof’. The introduction
should introduce the ideas presented in the body. The conclusion should
summarise the ideas presented in the body. So they should be very similar.
