Learning English Grammar

Essay - Writing Essays

ESSAY
- is a short, nonfictional composition that presents the writer's opinion or analysis of a particular subject

Expository Essay

- the main function is to explain, or to acquaint your reader with something, it can be used to describe, explain or present some information.

- In order to write an expository essay, preparation and background research will be required

Persuasive Essay 

- if you have to persuade your reader about  something, your essay becomes a persuasive one. With this type of writing you will need not only to prove your point, but will also have to persuade your opposition that your view-point is logical and well founded, and thus-better.

Informal Essay

- is a type of essay written mainly for enjoyment. This is not only to say that it cannot be informative or persuasive

- it is less formal statement with a relaxed expression of opinion, observation or humor

The Review

-  the review may be either formal or informal, depending on the context. Its goal is to evaluate a specific piece, perhaps a novel or movie. An analysis of the text is then important. This becomes an important step in conducting a review.

Research Essay

- leads you into the works of others and asks you to compare their thoughts with your own. Writing a research paper involves going to source material and synthesizing what you learned from it with your own idea

Literary Essay

- you are exploring the meaning and construction of  a piece of literature. This task is more complicated than reviewing , though  the two are similarly evaluative

Argumentative Essay

- is not an essay skill to acquire. Many people might think if one simply has an opinion, one can argue it effectively and these folks are always surprised when others don't agree with them because their logic seems so correct.

Cause-Effect Essay

- includes some elements of writing that might be considered more professional than a descriptive or narrative essay might include. It is very important for instance, that your tone be reasonable and that your presentation be factual and believable

Comparison & Contrast Essay

- to find similarities and dissimilarities between two or more objects or things

~ WRITING AN ESSAY ~

Opening:

It is often said that ... / Many people claim that ...

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.

Introducing Points:

Firstly, let us take a look at ... / To start with, ...

First of all, it is worth considering ...

Secondly, ... Thirdly, ...

Furthermore, ... / In addition, ... / What is more, ... / On top of that, ...

Another point worth noticing is ... / Another factor to consider is ...

Lastly ... / Finally, ... / Last but not least, ...

Presenting Ideas and Giving Examples

When it come to (noun/gerund), ...

In terms of (noun/gerund), ...

With respect to  (noun/gerund), ...

Not only ... but also ...

According to experts, ...

Research has found that ...

There are those who argue that ...

For instance ... / For example ... / such as ...

Expressing Result and Reason : Contrasting

As a result, ... / As a result of

... has led to ... / has resulted in ...

Consequently, ... / Therefore, ...

On account of ... / Due to ...

One reason behind this is ...

Although / Even though (subject + verb ) ...

Despite / In spite of ( noun / gerund ), ...

Despite the fact that ( subject + verb ), ...

On the one hand ... On the other hand ...

However ... / Nevertheless, ... / Even so ...

Concluding :

To sum up, ... / In conclusion

All things considered, ...

Taking everything into consideration, ...

Weighing up both sides of the argument, ...

The advantages of ... outweigh the disadvantages.

Opinion :

As far as I'm concerned, ...

From my point of view, ...

In my opinion, ...

Personally speaking, ...

My own view on the matter is ...

Top Tips for Writing

1. Start by saying what the current situation is or introducing the debate.

2. In the second paragraph talk about the advantages or reasons in favour. Use expressions like One advantage of X is ... and Another advantage of X is ...

3. In the third paragraph give the disadvantages or reasons against. You can start this contrasting paragraph with On the other hand, ...

4. Finally, sum up the main arguments using To sum up, ... or To conclude, ... Give your opinion too, using expressions like Personally, ... or In my opinion, ...