Essay Structures

1.

Task 2 Essay
Structures
Jack Fitzgerald
[email protected]

2.

Opinion Essays
• Some people think that success is the
best measure for intelligence, while
others think that intelligence can be
measured in different ways.
What is your opinion?
Do you agree or disagree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

3.

• Choose one side of the argument.
• State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
Key Tips
• Keep the same opinion throughout the essay.
• Give reasons why you hold this view.

4.

Structure
1) Introduction
3) Main body paragraph 2
• Paraphrase the question
• Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting
this view
• Give your opinion
• State two supporting reasons
• Explanation – explain this idea
• Example – give an example
2) Main body paragraph 1
• So why do I feel this way?
• Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting
this view
• Explanation – explain this idea
• Example – give an example
4) Conclusion
• Summarise opinion and key reasons

5.

Discussion Essays
• Many people believe that all zoos should
be closed, while others claim that zoos
have a positive impact.
• Discuss both views and give your
opinion

6.

Essay Structure
• 1) Introduction
• Paraphrase the question
• Give your opinion
• 3) Main body paragraph 2 – Positive Viewpoint
• Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with
• State two supporting reasons
• Explanation – explain why this view is held by some
people
• Example – give an example
2) Main body paragraph 1 – Negative Viewpoint
• So why do I feel this way?
• Topic sentence – outline the view you don’t agree
with
• Explanation – explain why this view is held by some
people
• Example – give an example
4) Conclusion
• Summarise the key points and state your opinion

7.

Problem essays
Overpopulation in many urban areas around
the world is a major problem
What are the causes of this and how can this
problem be solved?
What are the possible solutions?
Why is the case? What solutions can you
suggest?

8.

Essay Structure
1) Introduction
3) Main body paragraph 2 – Solution
• Paraphrase the question
• Topic sentence – state the solution
• State 1 key problem/cause and related solution
• Explanation – give detail explaining the solution
• Example – give an example
2) Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause
4) Conclusion
• So what is the main problem?
• Summarise the key points and state your opinion
• Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
• Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or
cause
• Example – give an example

9.

Advantage & Disadvantage essays
Some experts believe that it is
better for children to begin
learning a foreign language at
primary school rather than at
secondary school.
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of this?
Do the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages?
Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages and give your
opinion.

10.

Essay Structure
1) Introduction
3) Main body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage
• Paraphrase the question
• Topic sentence – state 2 or 3 ad
• Outline the view or views stated the statement
• Explanation – give detail explaining each
disadvantage
2) Main body paragraph 1 – Advantage
• So what are the main advantages?
• (Outweigh) So why do I feel this way?
• Topic sentence – state 2 or 3 advantages
• Explanation – give detail explaining each advantage
4) Conclusion
• Summarise the key points
• State your opinion if required

11.

Double question
Essay
In education and employment
some people work harder than
others.
Why do some people work
harder? Is it always good to work
hard?

12.

Essay Structure
1) Introduction
3) Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2
• Paraphrase the question
• Topic sentence – state your answer
• Outline sentence – state your answer to both
questions
• Explanation – explain why you think this
2) Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1
• So why do I feel this way?
• Topic sentence – state your answer
• Explanation – explain why you think this
• Example – give an example
• Example – give an example
4) Conclusion
• Summarise both questions and answer