Essays
Essays are not distinguished by any particularly
strong features of physical layout or format, but rather by a distinctive organisation of
ideas. Use a lot of CONNECTIVES
Basic
Format
-stated sense
of purpose / aim :
an
effective and clear introduction to the issue or question
-introduction +
conclusion :
these should show
clearly the 'sense
of purpose'
-clear organisation :
both in terms of the individual steps of the argument, and in terms of the
overall pattern of the argument.
-clear and
appropriate paragraphing :
emphasising the
logical steps of the argument + good use of a range of connectives
Approach
Øregister - consistent
and formal
Ørange
of
aspects considered -
There should be a sense that different arguments are explored – if only to
refute some of them. Actual balance between, say Pro & Con, will depend on
the task specified.
Ørhetoric -
Touches of rhetoric expected, but not as much as in a speech
Introductory phrases
•Nowadays/ Recently, there is widespread concern about …
•Not
only
do I
think
(one
idea) but
I also think (a
different idea)
•Throughout history, there has been …
•History has been littered with examples of …
•In the past there has been many examples of …
•In the (near)
future, maybe there will be
•Despite (+noun OR + gerund)
e.g. Despite the protests …
Despite hating protests …
•It is a
vital/
critical/ crucial/ fundamental/ essential/ key problem or issue in society
•The relevance
of/the awareness of
this issue is crucial because
•Clearly,
it is inevitable/unavoidable/inescapable to be concerned about this issue
•As an
engaged/ informed/ educated/ thoughtful/ critical citizen,
it is …
Connectives
1) To add: and, furthermore, in addition, what is more, to add, moreover
2) To contrast:
but, although, though, despite, in spite of, however, nevertheless, yet, whereas, while
3) To give reason:
because, since, due to,
as, owing to, because of
4) To give a result:
therefore, consequently, so,
as a result
5)To show sequence:
firstly, secondly, finally, lastly, last but not least
6) To summarise/
conclude:
to
sum up, in conclusion, in brief, in summary, in
short, to conclude
Powerful verbs
•To
impact upon/ to affect
•To
give rise to …
•To
raise awareness of …
•To
give weight to …
•To
urge/to encourage
•To
retaliate
•To
initiate
•To
trigger/to spark (something)
•To
cost lives
•To
take steps towards
•To
reach an agreement
•To be
declared independent
•To
seek/strive for independence
•To
solve/ resolve
•To
take into account
Linking phrases
•…
culminated in… (ended in …)
•…resulted
in…
•… led
to ….
•… was
caused by …
•…was
said to be …
•…is
still thought to be…
Summarising
- Taking all this into account, it is clear that ...
- All in all, ...
- To sum, this crucial issue needs to be dealt with by implementing ...
- In conclusion, the facts suggest that ...
ESSAY PRACTICE: (180 - 250 words)
•Is gender inequality a stereotype within muslim communities?
•Are quotas the best way to create true
equality and multiculturalism?
