We communicate by speaking different
languages making language learning and writing
an important process in communication development.
English is used widely everywhere being the most
spoken language in the whole world. A person’s
skill is assessed based on how well they can speak
and write English. There is not just one type
of English essay, in fact there are many forms
of English essays, but to name just a few there
are history essays, biology essays, linguistic
essays, science essays and literature essays
This must be about the topic – do not start
writing about names and dates and miscellaneous
facts – this is padding, and immediately
causes the reader to assume that you don’t
know very much about the topic.
- If the topic is one based in fact, mention
the basic facts in the introduction, then you
can expand them, one at a time, in subsequent
- If the topic requires your opinion, state
the premises on which you intend to base your
argument. If you are not yet sure what you think,
don’t offer an " I think" opinion
– this immediately detracts from the forcefulness
of any argument you may put forward in the rest
of the essay.
By the time you have finished the essay it should
be obvious to you, and you can state it confidently
in your conclusion.
BODY OF THE ESSAY
Your introduction points should now be developed,
one per paragraph, referring specifically to the
book or books about which you are writing –
do not deviate from the requirements of the question,
as it wastes time and effort and succeeds only
in distracting the reader’s attention from
the main thread of your essay.
Do not introduce points which do not support your
argument, unless the question specifically asks
you to consider them – remember, you are
trying to convince, not sow seeds of doubt!
- If your essay has been based in fact, merely
sum up, and round off with a confident-sounding
- If the essay was developing in an opinion,
read it through to discover what opinion you
have in fact expressed, and then state it confidently,
as if it were indisputable fact – don’t
apologise for it.
If your essay has been well organised, the reader
will be convinced; if not, s/he will not be
persuaded by a weak, apologetic ending!
1. Novel essay
Theme, plot, setting, characters, style; fair
divisions for any essay. Order and emphasis will
depend on bias of question.
eg. If the question is about theme, talk about
it in the introduction, then discuss, one per
paragraph, how the other aspects contribute to
it, and conclude by talking about the success
or otherwise of the author in communicating his/her
2- Drama essay
Theme, plot, setting, characters, technique.
eg. If the question is about technique, talk about
how it affects the others-one per paragraph.
3- Poetry essay
Theme, style, technique (include such aspects
as alliteration, assonance, versification, rhyme,
rhythm, where appropriate).