First write an outline: Go through your research and make a plan of how the essay is going to look. It is easier to do your thinking before you start writing the essay. Make an outline of the points you want to make and the order they will be made in.
Writing the essay:
- Introduction: Grab the reader’s attention with the first sentence. Explain what the essay is about. State your argument.
- Main body: Develop your argument. Each paragraph should discuss only one main point. State the point in the first sentence and discuss the evidence for it in the rest of the paragraph.
- Conclusion: Keep it short. Restate your argument from the introduction, but don’t just copy it. Summarize the main answer your essay has found. Give your opinion. Try and end with something thought-provoking.
In most essays you should explain, give examples, discuss and compare.
You can say what you think but it’s also good to write about what other people think or other perspectives.
Linking words
Use linking words to get a good fluency in your essay, especially when you link paragraphs together. Here are some of the most useful:
Use the formal linking words when writing essays.
| Informal | Formal |
| Anyways | Nevertheless |
| Plus/Also | Moreover/ Furthermore |
| But | However |
| So | Therefore/Thus |
| Also | In addition, Additionally |
| I think | In my opinion, |
| In the end, | Finally |
| To sum up | In conclusion, |
| In a nutshell/Basically | To summarize, |
Checklist
before you hand in your assignment/essay
- Have you followed the instructions?
- Check your translations and spelling in a dictionary or a spelling program if your use a word processor
- Have you divided your text into paragraphs and included linking words?
- Are you consistent in your use of tense?
- Have you conjugated your verbs correctly? Practise irregular verbs regularly.
- Are you using the appropriate formal or informal language?
- Do you have an interesting introduction and a strong conclusion?
- Do you use a varied, precise and advanced vocabulary?
- Don’t forget to put your name, class, date and teacher at the top of the paper
- Check your word order so that you get a good sentence structure.
Checklist in Swedish
- Har du följt instruktionerna?
- Kontrollera stavning och ord – undvik svengelska ord!
- Har du gjort styckeindelning?
- Använder du rätt tempus?
- Har du böjt dina verb på rätt sätt? Träna på oregelbundna verb!
- Använder du rätt tilltal – formellt eller informellt?
- Har du en intressant inledning eller en stark avslutning?
- Har du ett varierat, precist och avancerat ordförråd?
- Kontrollera din meningsbyggnad – undvik svengelsk meningsbyggnad.
Go to this link to look at examples of student essays – Go to “Exempel på elevtexter” furthest down.
Learning rubric for writing an essay in English 5
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Content and instructions | I show an understanding of the topic and show at least two aspects of the topic. | I show a good understanding of the topic and show at least three aspects of the topic. | I show a very good understanding of the topic and show at least three aspects of the topic. |
| Fluency | I divide my essay into paragraphs. | I have links between my paragraphs. | I have good links between my paragraphs. |
| Fluency | Students can express themselves clearly and with some fluency. | Students can express themselves clearly with fluency. | Students can also express themselves with fluency. |
| Vocabulary | I have a basic vocabulary. | I use some advanced words. | I have an advanced vocabulary. |
| Structure | My essay includes:
My introduction informs the reader about the topic in a general way. I have a clear conclusion that ends the essay. |
My introduction informs the reader about the topic and is interesting.
My conclusion includes either a summary, a reflection or an advice. |
|
| Structure | Students can express themselves in relatively varied ways, relatively clearly and relatively coherently. | Students can express themselves in a way that is relatively varied, clear, coherent and relatively structured. | Students can express themselves in ways that are varied, clear, coherent and structured. |
| Grammar | I show knowledge of basic grammar such as is/are, has/have, pronouns and some irregular verbs. | I show knowledge of grammar. | I show a good knowledge of grammar. |
| Punctuation | My text has a good punctuation most of the time. | My text has a good punctuation. |
Check your grammar before you send in your essay and especially look at these aspects.
Verbs is or are was or were
have, has or had do, does or did?
the –ing form or not (sat or was/were sitting?)
will or shall would or should
Nouns The plural: NB! man-men, woman-women, tooth-teeth, foot-feet
An apostrophe or not: ‘s (s’) or s?
Pronouns it or there? some or any?
who, which or that?
Adjectives The comparison: -er/-est or more/most?
Irregular adjectives: bad – worse – the worst, little – less – the least
Prepositions about, at, by, during, for, from, in, into, of, off, on, to, with
Word order In English the subject is almost always before the verb (unlike in Swedish). E.g. “Suddenly the car stopped”. “In London I went by bus.”
Example essay: Dating in the age of dating apps
In today’s world, dating is different because of dating apps. This essay talks about how dating apps affect relationships. Some people like them because they make it easy to meet new people, but others worry they might not lead to real love.
One good thing about dating apps is that they help you meet lots of people. You don’t have to rely on chance meetings like you used to. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid give you many options. They help you find people with different backgrounds and interests. Many people think they have a better chance of finding someone special through dating apps.
Dating apps make things quicker. You can quickly search for people who match your preferences. This saves time compared to traditional dating. You can connect with people who share your values and interests, which might lead to better relationships.
However, there’s a downside. Some people say dating apps encourage fake connections. Users often choose the best pictures and words to present themselves. This might lead to shallow conversations and disappointment later on.
Another problem is too many choices. Dating apps offer countless options. This can make it hard to decide. Research has shown that having too many choices can make people less satisfied and less committed in relationships.
To sum it up, dating apps have changed how people date today. They offer advantages like meeting more people and saving time. But they also raise concerns about fake connections and too many choices. While dating apps can help you connect with others, remember that real, lasting relationships require effort and commitment from both sides. Striking a balance between technology’s convenience and authentic human connection will be crucial in finding meaningful love in the digital age.
Mr Smedjeback's English Class 