Study tips - How to write an essay

            How to do an essay

-         An essay is a piece of writing which is for a teacher, this means it has to have formal language.

-         An essay consists on defending or arguing against a point of view.

-         In the introduction it must appear a signpost sentence and the general statement about the writing, normally a question or even better, a set phrase.

-         Arguments must be taken into consideration, at least two arguments, one per paragraph.

-         The arguments can be positive and negative. In the positive give PROS and in the negative CONS.

-         To end and essay perfectly you must have a good conclusion, summarising the main ideas and giving a final thought.

-         If you are trainig for the first certificate exam the amount of words must be between 150 and 180.

-         In the arguments we must use a topic sentence to introduce the paragraph and to say what is going to be talked about.

-         In each paragraph  TWO IDEAS, the ideas have to be talked about and there must be an example.

-         You don't introduce new ideas in the CONCLUSION.

-         There are some set phrases that are very helpful for an essay for example: The issue whether.......has been hotly debated in our local community.

-         Always remember to put a wide range of vocabulary. For example: godsend, boost, phrasal verbs and also linkers

-         Here, there’s an example of a good article:

Recently, the issue of whether areas in our city have made a positive contribution to society has been hotly debated in our local community. Although I can see both points of view, I must admit that I think that green areas are a godsend. [a1] 

First of all, [a2] spending money on development helps a city to boost  [a3]     tourism and it also helps provide jobs for people who live in the city. Tourists come to cities that are well developed but this  can sometimes be a waste of money, since[a4] , this income [a5] could be used to save animals and to develop green areas[a6] .

Secondly[a7] , some people think that having a nice environment means that you look after animals. In addition, [a8] you will save money due to energy savings,[a9]  as well  as[a10]  living in a quieter area. Despite [a11] the positive facts, some citizens could think that it would be expensive to maintain it or that they take up[a12]  a lot of space, which could be used in  a lucrative way[a13] .

To sum up[a14] , there is a big debate of how we should spend our money, because there are different opinions, and some individuals[a15]  don’t agree, as[a16]  they think that the government is spending their money in an incorrect way.

- GOOD LUCK!

---

 [a1] Structure o fan introfuction of an essay

 [a2] Linker, to start with something

 [a3]The same as increase

 [a4]Linker. Fo contrast

 [a5]The same as money

 [a6]The same as a natural park

 [a7]Linker. To contrast

 [a8]Linker. To add information

 [a9]Vocabulary. In spanish means “ahorro de energía.

 [a10]Linker.  To contrast

 [a11]Linker. That means contrast

 [a12]Phrasal verb. Occupate

 [a13]Way that provides money

 [a14]Linker. It means the same as in conclusión.

 [a15]Good vocabulary: People.

 [a16]Linker. Means the same as because.

Tips from Alvaro and Javier
Essay from Ainhoa