What is an Essay?
An essay is a formal piece of writing where you present an argument or express
your opinion on a topic. It requires logic, clear structure, and evidence to support
your ideas.
Essay Structure
1. Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic
State your opinion clearly (especially for argumentative essays)
Outline the main points you'll discuss
2. Body Paragraphs (Usually 2–3 paragraphs)
Each paragraph should:
Start with a topic sentence
Include supporting evidence or examples
Use connectives to link ideas (e.g., "Furthermore", "In contrast")
3. Conclusion
Summarize your main points
Restate your opinion (without repeating it word-for-word)
End with a strong final thought or recommendation
Essay Writing Tips
Keep your tone formal and objective
Use complex sentences and varied vocabulary
Avoid slang or contractions (e.g., write “do not” instead of “don’t”)
Use connectives: Firstly, Moreover, However, On the other hand, Therefore
What is an Article?
An article is usually written for a magazine, blog, or school newsletter. It is
informative and engaging. It should capture the reader's interest while also
giving clear information or opinion.
Article Structure
1. Title
Catchy and relevant
E.g., "Why Reading Could Change Your Life!"
2. Introduction (Hook)
Start with a rhetorical question, a surprising fact, or a brief personal
story.
Briefly explain what the article is about
3. Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should:
Present a main point or idea
Include examples, facts, or experiences
Use engaging language
4. Conclusion
Wrap up the article
May include a call to action (e.g., “So why not pick up a book today?”)
Leave the reader with something to think about
Article Writing Tips
Use a semi-formal (depending on the audience)
Engage the reader — use direct address (“Have you ever...?”)
Use rhetorical questions, humour, personal examples
Use short paragraphs for readability
An essay is a specific type of article that presents an argument or point of view
about a topic.
An essay can present both sides of the argument (benefits and drawbacks) or one
side (opinion) depending on the instruction given in the task.
Types of essay: narrative, persuasive, descriptive, argumentative, compare and
contrast, informative.
The basic structure of an essay consists of an introduction, a body and a
conclusion.
Introduction:
Opening sentence - This introduces the topic, it should contain some general
comments about the subject and the thesis statement.
Thesis statement means what the topic is about, your opinion and how it will be
broken down.
Example question:
In your essay discuss the impact of technology on air travel and how it benefits
students.
The invention of air travel has had a massive impact on modern day travel. Prior to
this invention transportation relied on trains, cars and ships which limited the
distance and speed of travel. In this essay, I will explore the impact of technology,
and how it can benefit students.
Body:
It consists of paragraphs that describes the paper's main point. Develop your
argument and discuss your ideas in details, back up each paragraph with facts,
evidence and examples or descriptive justification.
Note: Transit smoothly between paragraphs.
Conclusion:
This should contain a summarizing statement that restates the main points of the
paper. Do not introduce new thoughts into the concluding paragraph. Restate the
thesis in different words and end with your final thought that applies to the topic.