How to write an excellent English essay: 11 rules

In this article, we're going to take apart the types of correct essay structure and tell you how to do writing in English competently.

An essay in English is a short essay with a specific structure in which you express your point of view on a given topic.

Structure of an essay in English

How many words should be in an English essay? Each exam has a minimum and maximum amount of written work. Usually the assignment involves writing an essay between 180 and 320 words long. If you are planning to take an English test, we recommend that you check in advance the required length of the written work and practice writing a text of the appropriate length.

The structure of the English essay is universal for all exams. The written work consists of the following parts:

• Title - the title of the essay, reflecting the theme of the narrative.
• Introduction - 2-4 short sentences revealing the topic of the essay.
• Main part - 2-3 paragraphs describing the essence of the essay. Each of the paragraphs in the main body of the essay begins with an introductory sentence (topic sentence). Subsequent sentences develop and confirm the thought expressed in the topic sentence.
• The conclusion is two to four sentences that summarize what you have written. In this part, you make a general conclusion about the topic of the essay.

Types of essays in English and their peculiarities

The type of English essay you need to write depends on the topic given. Virginia Evans, the author of Successful Writing, distinguishes three types of essays.

1. For and against essays (essay with arguments for and against)

The title speaks for itself: you give arguments for and against some phenomenon. In this type of essay, stick to the following plan:

• Introduction. In it, you introduce the reader to the topic of the discussion.
• Main part. You present arguments for and against an action or phenomenon, without having to state your point of view.
• Conclusion. Here you express your attitude to the topic and make a conclusion.

2. Opinion Essays

In opinion essays, you should not only express your point of view, but also look at the proposed topic from different angles. Consider all aspects of the issue, write your opinion and be sure to back it up with arguments.

English opinion essay outline:

• Introduction. You specify the topic of the reasoning.
• Main part. You state your opinion and argue it. Here it is desirable to consider and opinion opposite to yours, and explain why you do not share this point of view.
• Conclusion. You summarize by finally formulating your point of view on the proposed topic.

3.Suggesting solutions to problem essays

In this type of writing, you will be asked to consider a global problem. Your task is to suggest ways to solve it.

The outline for this type of essay is as follows:

• Introduction. You state the problem and its cause or effect.
• Main part. You suggest ways to solve the problem and the possible consequences of such actions. Clearly argue why certain actions should be taken and what it will entail.
• Conclusion. Summarize your reasoning.

Rules for writing an excellent English essay

Before you write an English essay, read some rules. These simple guidelines will help you to cope successfully with your writing.

1. Prepare for any topics

The English essay shows not only your level of language knowledge, but also your erudition. So read texts on different topics before you prepare for the exam. This will help you broaden your horizons and memorize new words and phrases that you can use in your written work for the exam.

2. Use the draft judiciously

Since the time for writing an essay in English is short, you should use the draft wisely. If you are short of time, it is advisable to sketch out your thoughts and arguments in the form of short theses as soon as you receive the assignment and get acquainted with the topic. This will allow you to write a clear essay on the blank.

3. Determine an appropriate style

The style of writing an essay in English should be semiformal or formal. Do not use slang and abbreviations of words, for example, instead of can't write can, instead of wanna - want to, etc.

4. Adhere to the structure

Once you have received the assignment, determine the type of essay and the outline by which you will write it. Follow the points: title - introduction - several paragraphs of the main body - conclusion. Stick to this structure, otherwise your work will not be appreciated.

5. Argue your arguments

Each thought should not sound unsubstantiated. Support it with arguments, a vivid example, or statistical data. Your writing should show the examiner that you know what you are writing about.

6. Be concise

An English essay is a short written work. Some students write huge opuses, following the principle "the more, the better". Alas, the examiners will not raise, but will lower your grade because you do not meet the required volume.

7. Use conjunction words

Introductory words for essays are important links that link sentences together, forming a logical chain of thought. They help to unite paragraphs, show contrast or denote a sequence.

8. Use a variety of vocabulary and grammar

Avoid repetition of words, use synonyms and complex grammatical constructions - show the examiner that you speak English at a high level. For example, use the words remarkable, gorgeous, and fascinating instead of the well-known good, depending on the context. Use complex constructions and different tenses to express your thoughts. Text in which all sentences are written in Present Simple will receive a low score.

9. Express your thoughts correctly

In the essay, it is recommended not to touch politics, religion, and other provocative topics. If such a topic cannot be avoided, state your point of view politely and tolerantly.

10. Write softly

Although you must express your thoughts, try not to use the following constructions often: "I'm sure that...", "I know that...", etc. Write more softly, for example, "I think...", "In my opinion...". - it will sound correct in relation to other people's opinions.

11. leave time to check

Allocate your time so that at the end of the exam you have at least 5 minutes to check the essay. As a rule, neat corrections do not lower your grade.

Now you know how to write an excellent English essay. To ensure that your theoretical knowledge will bring you practical benefit in the form of a high grade on the exam, practice writing essays on different topics.