The essay
Argue your position with evidence
Layout
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Write in a formal style throughout
- Make your opinion clear from the introduction
- Start each paragraph with a topic sentence
- Argue mainly with general and hypothetical examples. A short personal example is fine, but not as your main evidence.
- Use formal linking words: However, Nevertheless, Moreover, Furthermore
- Vary sentence length – mix short and long
- Use complex grammar: passive voice, conditionals, relative clauses
- You may mention a counter-argument, but then show why it is weaker
Don’t
- No contractions (don't, can't, it's)
- No colloquial or slang expressions
- No overly emotional language
- No personal story as your main evidence ("When I was 12…")
- No over-generalisation ("All politicians are liars.")
- No question as your title: it sounds like a magazine article. Name the topic as a statement instead.
- No text that uses only simple linking words (and, but, because)
- No very short sentences one after another
- No statistics without context
Weaker
“Social media has many advantages and disadvantages for young people today.”
Stronger
“For teenagers, the real cost of social media is a slowly shrinking attention span.”
Why it matters: A strong essay opens each paragraph with one clear point that you can argue for. The weak version mentions advantages and disadvantages but takes no position, so the examiner cannot follow your line of argument.
Practise this text type
Pick a task, write it, then let the self-check look at your draft. The task bank has 6 essay tasks.
Your class has discussed how tourism is changing European cities.
"Tourism is eating its own children: the more successful a destination becomes, the less liveable it is for the people who call it home."
Write an essay (around 400 words) discussing this statement. Give your essay a title.
- describe the economic benefits tourism brings to local communities
- analyse the damage overtourism causes
- suggest possible solutions and regulations
A youth organisation has invited students to submit essays for its annual publication.
"Social media has given teenagers a thousand new friends and taken away their peace of mind."
Write an essay (around 400 words) discussing this statement. Give your essay a title.
- describe positive aspects of social media use
- analyse negative effects on self-image and wellbeing
- evaluate the responsibilities of platforms and parents
Your school is considering introducing a uniform and has asked students for written opinions.
"School uniforms do not create equality; they only hide inequality until the school bell rings."
Write an essay (around 400 words) arguing for or against mandatory school uniforms. Give your essay a title.
- present arguments in favour of uniforms (equality, focus)
- present arguments against them (expression, cost)
- state and justify your own position