First point Address the first given prompt + 1–2 supporting details
¶3
Second point Second prompt or your own idea + supporting details
¶4
Conclusion Summary + your clear opinion (required!)
Useful language — introductions & main points
Phrases to introduce and develop arguments
Introducing the topic
Some people claim that…
It is often said that…
In recent years, …
Nowadays, many believe…
Introducing a point
Firstly, it is clear that…
There is a strong argument for…
To begin with, …
One major reason is that…
Adding / clarifying
Furthermore, …
In addition, …
Moreover, …
To clarify the point, …
Useful language — opinion & conclusion
Phrases to end your essay with impact
Your opinion
From my point of view, …
In my opinion, …
It seems clear to me that…
Personally, I believe…
Contrasting
However, on balance, …
On the other hand, …
Nevertheless, …
Despite this, …
Concluding
To sum up, …
In conclusion, …
All things considered, …
Finally, it is important to remember that…
Model essay — annotated
Prompt: "Should schools teach students more practical life skills?"
¶1 INTRODUCTIONNowadays, many educators argue that traditional school subjects like maths and history are no longer enough. Should schools also teach practical life skills such as cooking or managing money?
¶2 FIRST POINTFirstly, there is a strong argument for including these skills in the curriculum. Many students leave school unable to prepare a simple meal or understand a bank statement, which creates real difficulties in adult life.
¶3 CONTRASTHowever, on balance, academic subjects remain the foundation of a good education. They develop critical thinking and open doors to higher education, which life skills alone cannot achieve.
¶4 OPINIONIn my opinion, schools should find a balance. Including one practical module each year would prepare students for real life without replacing essential subjects. This seems to me the most sensible approach.
Tips — DO and DON'T
Common mistakes and best practice
✓ DO
Paraphrase the topic — don't copy word-for-word
Use rhetorical questions to engage the reader
Support every point with an example
Use linkers: Firstly, However, In conclusion…
Use semi-formal style throughout
State your opinion clearly in the conclusion
✗ DON'T
Use contractions (don't, can't, won't)
Use slang or very informal words
Write fewer than 140 or more than 190 words
Add points without supporting them
Forget to give YOUR opinion
Copy the prompt directly
Your turn
Choose one of these essay prompts and write 140–190 words.
Option 1
Libraries are no longer needed, as people can learn all they need online. Do you agree?
Write about: college & public libraries · services libraries can offer · your own idea
Option 2
Do people depend too much on technology nowadays?
Write about: communication · education · your own idea
Option 3
Nowadays there is a great deal of advertising everywhere. Do you think it should be restricted?
Write about: health · information · your own idea
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