ESSAY 6V

HOW TO…
STEP 1: BRAINSTORM

• Come up with arguments for & against

• Explain the arguments -> use supporting points
• For example: tobacco should be banned from supermarkets ->
• One argument for: Children go to supermarkets as well.
• Supporting points: seen as normal/part of everyday shopping – they might start early – they
know where to get it

• Refute arguments
STEP 2: OUTLINE

• Now you have your arguments -> what order are you going to put them in?
• Start with the strongest; weakest second.
• End with counterargument + refutation.
• Make sure it is logical!

• Which ‘side’ are you going to take? -> this is your thesis statement
STEP 3: WRITE BODY PARAGRAPHS

• Use your outline to write the body paragraphs of your essay

• Make sure you use appropriate linking words

• Make use of the useful expressions
• Use formal style:
• do not use short forms (don’t = do not / they’re = they are, etc.)
• use passives rather than actives: It is known that the earth ….. / The earth was believed to be … / The Nobel prize
was awarded for…..
• avoid phrasal verbs: I got up = I awoke / It put me down = I was disappointed.
• replace popular language: kids = children / way more = much more / I was like = In my opinion / Well, ... = In
actual fact, …. / Yeah…. = Admittedly, …
STEP 4: WRITE YOUR INTRODUCTION &
CONCLUSION

• Introduction:
• Start with an attention grabber (anecdote, startling information/facts, dialogue,
summary)
• End with thesis statement.
• Conclusion:
• Review the main points, describe your feelings, or end with an anecdote.
• Make sure to not repeat exactly all the things you have already said
• Do not introduce new arguments.
STEP 5: ADD A TITLE
STEP 6: CHECK

• Logical order?
• Cohesion & coherence (linking words!)?
• Formal style (no short forms, passive instead of active, use of ‘way’,
‘gonna’, etc)?
• Have you answered the question/assignment?
• Any mistakes in English (grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary)?