Focus: An effective essay structure for exams like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and high school essays
Aim: Fulfil essay requirements and answer the question
Understanding Essay Types and Question Prompts
Key Point: Answer the question directly without deviating
Example Prompt: Comparison essay on the advantages and disadvantages of renting vs. buying a home
The Essay Structure
Components:
Introduction
Body Paragraphs (2-3 or more)
Conclusion
Flow: Introduction connects to body paragraphs, and conclusion mirrors the introduction and body paragraphs
Paragraph Purposes
Introduction: Tell the reader what you will discuss
Body Paragraphs: Discuss the main points
Conclusion: Summarize what was discussed
Planning the Essay
Tip: Always plan before writing
Plan Example: Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of renting a home
Advantage: Flexibility to move
Disadvantage: Financial disadvantage
Writing the Introduction
Three Parts:
Broad background statement
Paraphrase the essay prompt
Thesis statement
Example:
Broad Statement: "For some people, the dream of owning a home is not possible or is unfavourable."
Paraphrased Prompt: "In some countries, many people decide that renting their home is preferable to buying it."
Thesis Statement: "In this essay, I will discuss why renting can allow for a more flexible lifestyle, but why it can eventually be financially disadvantageous."
Writing the Body Paragraphs
Structure:
Topic Sentence
Reason or Example 1
Reason or Example 2
Summary Sentence
Example:
Topic Sentence: "The main benefit of renting a house rather than buying one is the ability to move at any time."
Example: Job changes, crime issues
Summary: "Clearly, being able to move is a key advantage of renting."
Writing the Conclusion
Two Parts:
Summary of main ideas
Personal opinion
Example:
Summary: "In this essay, I argued that renting provides greater flexibility while owning results in greater financial reward."
Opinion: "Personally, I prefer to rent so that I can live a more flexible lifestyle."
Recap and Final Tips
Key Concepts:
Introduction: Tell the reader what you will tell them
Body Paragraphs: Tell them
Conclusion: Tell them what you told them
Introduction Revamp: Starts broad, paraphrase the prompt, thesis statement
Body Paragraphs: Topic sentence, reasons/examples, wrap-up
Conclusion: Mirror introduction and provide personal opinion
Final Note
Practice: Practice the structure to become proficient
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