How to complete an English essay. How to write an essay in English (methodology)

1. Many people think... but others do not agree.
Many people think (that) ..., but others disagree.
2. Let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages of… are.
Let's look at what the advantages and disadvantages are... .
3. Let’s consider some pros and cons of it.
Let's look at some of the pros and cons (of this).

4. Let us start by considering pros and cons of it.
Let's start by looking at the pros and cons (of it).

The following phrases can be used when you want to consider the pros and cons. Don't forget to use linking words.
1. To begin with, … .
Let's begin with that... .
2. Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... .
Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... .
3. One argument in support of ... .
One of the arguments in support... .
4. The first thing that needs to be said is ... .
The first thing to say is that... . (First of all, it should be said that ....)
5. It is true that ... / clear that ... / noticeable that ... .
It is true that... / It is clear that... / It is noteworthy that...
6. Another good thing about… is that….
Another positive point...is (that)....
7. The second reason for... .
The second reason... .
8. It is undeniable that...
It cannot be denied that... .
9. For the great majority of people... .
For the vast majority of people... .
10. A number of key issues arise from the statement. For instance, ... .
This statement raises a number of key issues. For example, ... .
11. One of the most striking features of this problem is... .
One of the most striking aspects of this problem... .
12. First of all, let us try to understand... .
First of all, let's try to understand... .
13. The public in general tends to believe that ... .
The public as a whole tends to believe that... .
14. What is more, … . Moreover, ... .
15. Besides, … because it is … .
Besides... because... .
16. Doubtless, ... .
Undoubtedly...
17. One cannot deny that... .
It cannot be denied that... .
18. It is (very) clear from these observations that ... .
From these observations it is (absolutely) clear that... .
19. On the other hand, we can observe that ... .
On the other hand, we can observe that... .
20. The other side of the coin is, however, that ... .
However, on the other hand...
21. Another way of looking at this question is to ... .
To look at this problem from the other side, you need... .
22. One should, nevertheless, consider the problem from another angle.
However, we should look at this problem from a different perspective.
24. One should, however, not forget that ... .
However, we should not forget that...
25. If on the one hand it can be said that ... the same is not true for ... .
And if, on the one hand, we can say that..., the same cannot be said about....
26. On the other hand, … .
On the other side, ... .
27. Although….Although….
28. Besides...
Besides, ... .
29. Moreover, … Moreover, … .
30. Furthermore, one should not forget that ... .
In addition, we should not forget that... .
31. In addition to... .
Except (that) ... .
32. Nevertheless, one should accept that ... .
However, it must be recognized that... .
33.However, we also agree that... .
However, we also agree that... .

You can support your idea with the opinion of (some abstract) experts:
1. Experts... Experts...
2...believe that...
think that … .
3.... say that … ....
they say that … .
4....suggest that... ...
assume that...
5.... are convinced that … . ...
are convinced that...
6....pointed out that…. ...
note that...
7....emphasize that…. ...
emphasize that...
8.According to some experts...
According to some experts,...
9. Perhaps we should also point out the fact that ... .
Perhaps we should also note the fact that... .
10. It would be unfair not to mention that fact that ....
It would be unfair not to mention the fact that... .
11. One must admit that... .
We must admit that... .
12. We cannot ignore the fact that ... .
We cannot ignore the fact that... .
13. One cannot possibly accept the fact that ... .
It's hard to come to terms with the fact that... .
14. From these facts, one may conclude that ... .
From these facts, we can conclude that... .
15. Which seems to confirm the idea that ... .
Which seems to confirm the idea that...
16. Thus, ... / Therefore,...
Thus... / Therefore... .
17. The most common argument against this is that ... .
The most common argument against this is that

At the end of the essay you conclude:
1. In conclusion, I can say that although … , … .
In conclusion, I can say that although... , ... .
2. To draw the conclusion, one can say that….
To sum it up, we can say that... .
3. So it’s up to everyone to decide whether … or not.
So everyone must decide for themselves...whether...or not.
4. The arguments we have presented ... suggest that ... / prove that ... / would indicate that ... .
The arguments we have presented... presuppose that... / prove that... / indicate that... .
5. From these arguments one must ... / could... / might ... conclude that ...
Based on these arguments, it is necessary... / it is possible... / it would be possible... to come to the conclusion that... .

Dear Guest! Writing an essay on the English language is not so difficult if you understand what is checked in this type of work, except for grammatical and spelling errors. But let's start in order. There are two types of essays: essays with arguments "for" and "against" and essays with elements of reasoning. Recently, the essay of the first type has been removed from the written part of the Unified State Examination and therefore in this article we will talk about argumentative essay or“opinion-composition” (essay expressing personal opinion). The maximum score for the essay is 14 points.

From this article you will learn:

The first thing that is important is essay structure. A good essay is divided into 4 paragraphs. If you carefully read the task BELOW, you will see what paragraphs these are:

note that in the plan for the task there are 5 points, and there are four paragraphs. Typically, paragraph 5 doesn't contain much information, since you've already made your point in paragraph 2, so it's short. It is better to combine the fourth and fifth points of the plan into one paragraph.

Structure of an English essay

1) Introduction 2) Your informed opinion (2-3 arguments in defense of your point of view, one needs to be disclosed more fully) 3) Reasoned opinions of other people on the problem raised in the essay (1-2 arguments) and another counter-argument of yours (why do you disagree with them) 4) Conclusion

THIS IS IMPORTANT Because The essay should ideally be 250 words (minimum 180), then the volume of paragraphs is approximately as follows:

introduction – 50 words body (second paragraph) – 80 words body (third paragraph) – 70 words conclusion – 50 words

However, it does not follow from this that words must be counted. In no case! This will take time, but on the Unified State Exam every minute counts. You just have to understand that the introduction and conclusion are approximately the same in length, and the second paragraph of an ideal essay is equal to the third. But this is ideal, in reality, of course, everything goes as it goes...

So, yours the essay consists of 4 paragraphs, and you are about to begin the first one, which is the introduction. First, read the assignment carefully and try to understand the essence of the problem. To be honest, it was easier to write an essay before, since the task itself already spoke about the dual nature of the problem, and for the introduction you just had to rephrase the task in other words. Now you have to do it yourself. Let's return to the task (taken from the Unified State Exam task bank from the FIPI website):
The task is extremely brief and there is nothing special to paraphrase. So, then let’s put writing the introduction aside for now and start THINKING!

So, how to write an essay in English?

STEP 1. The first thing to do is is to decide on your point of view. And try to be categorical. That is, in this particular example, you would say: Yes, I believe that extreme sports help develop character (+). OR No, I don’t think that extreme sports help develop character (-)

Then you take a draft and write your arguments.

Yes, I believe that extreme sports help develop character, because 1) 2) 3) You can write arguments in a draft in both Russian and English. This will be the outline of your second paragraph. EXAMPLE - STEP 2. Similarly, you write down on a draft the arguments of people who think differently. 1) 2) 3) this item may not exist This will be the outline of your third paragraph. EXAMPLE So, you have written arguments for your draft, and the most important thing is YOU THINK about this topic. Now do you already know what to write in the introduction? STEP 3. Now we write the introduction to the draft. Here are the phrases to use.

Phrases for essays (introduction)

In an introduction, it is good to start with a general introduction to the topic and use the following phrases. Also, already in the introduction, it is desirable to indicate the dual nature of the problem (that is, two opposing points of view “+” and “-”), using conjunctions: though-Although, yet- still, etc.

An example of an introduction to an English essay on the topic “Extreme Sports” (three options):

In today's world of fierce competition, it is important for young people to get well-prepared for the challenges of the future. Thus sports and extreme sports in particular build character though it is not also without its problems. There is no doubt that living in today’s world of fierce competition takes much effort to be successful in life. People have always believed that sport is a good way to help a young person build character. As for extreme sports, they can be regarded as too dangerous and often are criticized. There is no doubt that doing sports is useful both for body and character. Almost all people have agreed on this matter. Yet the question of extreme sports is rather controversial and has always been widely discussed in our society.

STEP 4. You wrote an introduction to the draft and revised it. Now write an introduction to the final copy. STEP 5. Then you write the entire essay as a final copy. Use , linking your arguments into long sentences. In this case, it is desirable to reveal various aspects of the problem, namely social, economic, moral. STEP 6. Finally, let's move on to the last paragraph - the conclusion. This is the conclusion, in which you summarize all of the above. The conclusion is approximately equal in length to the introduction (about 40-50 words). In conclusion, once again emphasize the contradictory nature of the problem and express your hope for finding a compromise or your opinion.

Phrases for essays (conclusion)

An example of a conclusion to an English essay on the topic “Extreme sports” (three options):

All and all, extreme sports may arouse mixed feelings but still thousands of young people continue doing them in spite of some risk. One can only hope that they will do them wisely, minimizing the danger and taking full advantage of sport in general.

To sum up I strongly believe that sports and extreme sports in particular can be regarded as a good way to build character though it is not also without its risks. One can only hope that young people will do them wisely to take full advantage of sport in general.

In conclusion, I can say that every question always has its positive and negative sides and the point is that doing extreme sports young people should be aware of the risk involved. One can only hope that they will do it wisely to minimize the danger and unnecessary risk.

So you've learned write an introduction and conclusion and realized how to write an essay in English (in theory). Now it's a matter of practice! Practice and write an introduction and conclusion for all essays posted on the FIPI website in the open task bank -> http://www.fipi.ru/content/otkrytyy-bank-zadaniy-ege. Use the proposed methodology to think through topics and work out arguments in advance. That's all for now! , we will look at in the next article. Good luck everyone!

With respect to all my readers, Tatyana Nabeeva

Introductory phrases for essays.

Beginning of the essay(actually - essays on a given topic) - statement of the problem. In the first paragraph, you need to rephrase the topic, supplement it, showing that you have comprehended it.
Many people think... but others do not agree.	Many people think (that) ..., but others disagree.
Let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages of… are.	Let's look at what the advantages and disadvantages are... .
Let's consider some pros and cons of it.	Let's look at some of the pros and cons (of this).
Let us start by considering the facts.	Let's start by looking at the facts.
Let us start by considering pros and cons of it.	Let's start by looking at the pros and cons (of it).
It is generally agreed today that…	Today it is generally accepted that...

Sample essay with arguments for and against


1. Introduction: start with a general presentation of the topic (In today’s world... it is important) and a sentence expressing its dual nature (It can be regarded as... but not without its problems).	1. Introduction: The problem / issue / phenomenon of… is / has always been…, People always say / have always thought / agreed / said / believed…, It is a controversial / burning / hot question…, There is no agreement…
2. MainPart: present the arguments for (In its favor) and then the arguments against (However, critics are quick to point out). As shown in the sample, you can present the pros and cons in separate paragraphs. Try to present them symmetrically (for example, social, educational and psychological aspects of the problem). Remember that this type of essay requires a balanced argument.	2. Main part: Typical unions and union phrases: on the one hand… on the other hand; Firstly, To begin with, Secondly, Finally; In addition, Besides, Moreover, What is more, Furthermore; However, Despite this, In spite of this; In fact, As a matter of fact; As a result, Consequence Otherexpressions: One major advantage is…, As advocates of…claim / argue, As critics point out / claim…, There are a number of disadvantages / weaknesses / drawbacks / downsides
3. Conclusion: clearly summarize what was said (All in all) and again write a sentence reflecting the contradictory nature of the topic, but at the same time expressing the hope of finding a compromise (One can hope... minimizing the danger and talking full advantage of benefits).	3. Conclusion: All in all, To sum up, In conclusion, In summary, In general; it seems important to add/point out/remind that…, the issue / debate is far from...

EXERCISE:

In western countriesafter secondary school , students very often do not continue immediately with their studies, but they take a one year break, called a ‘gap year’, when they travel or do voluntary work.Write an argumentative essay presenting arguments for and against the gap year.

(Introduction to the topic) In today’s world of fierce competition, it is important for young people to get well-prepared for the challenges of the future. Thus the institution of gap year can be regarded as a step in the right direction though it is also not without its problems.

(Arguments for) In its favor, the gap year seems to be useful psychologically as it helps young people understand their needs and interest better before they actually commit themselves to any particular career path. Besides the gap year has educational advantages because it offers a lot of opportunities to learn about the world and one’s own place in it. For all these reasons, the gap year can be regarded as a positive social institution.

(Arguments against) However, as critics are quick to point out, the gap year can in fact t be harmful as it interrupts with the rhythm of learning and often makes it difficult for students to return to their studies. Apart from that, unfortunately not every young person can afford to travel around the world and many of them end up sitting around at home, which can be very demotivating.

(Summing up) All in all, the gap year may arouse mixed feelings, but still thousands of people every year take a year off. One can only hope they will use it fruitfully, minimizing the dangers and taking full advantage of its benefits.

Introductory phrases for writing essays in English.

The beginning of an essay (in fact, an essay on a given topic) is a statement of the problem. In the first paragraph (introduction), you need to tell the reader the topic of your essay, paraphrasing it, using synonyms of keywords (showing that you have understood it). Then you should hint to the reader what position you will take. Use impersonal or vaguely personal sentences to emphasize your objectivity.

Many people think... but others do not agree. Many people think (that) ..., but others disagree.
Let us consider what the advantages and disadvantages of… are. Let's look at what the advantages and disadvantages are... .
Let's consider some pros and cons of it. Let's look at some of the pros and cons (of this).
Let us start by considering the facts. Let's start by looking at the facts.
Let us start by considering pros and cons of it. Let's start by looking at the pros and cons (of it).
It is generally agreed today that... Today it is generally agreed that...

The following phrases can be used when you want to consider the pros and cons. Don't forget to use linking words.

To begin with, … . Let's begin with that... .
You can…. You can (You can) ... .
Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... . Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Finally, ... .
One argument in support of ... . One of the arguments in support... .
The first thing that needs to be said is... . The first thing to say is that... . (First of all, it should be said that ....)
First and foremost…. First of all … .

It is true that ... / clear that ... / noticeable that ... . It is true that... / It is clear that... / It is noteworthy that...
One should note here that... . It should be noted here that... .

Another good thing about… is that…. Another positive point...is (that)....
The second reason for... . The second reason... .
It is often said that... . It is often said that...
It is undeniable that... It cannot be denied that... .
It is a well-known fact that... It is well known that... .
For the great majority of people... . For the vast majority of people... .
We live in a world in which... . We live in a world in which... .
A number of key issues arise from the statement. For instance, ... . This statement raises a number of key issues. For example, ... .
One of the most striking features of this problem is... . One of the most striking aspects of this problem... .
First of all, let us try to understand... . First of all, let's try to understand... .
The public in general tend to believe that ... . The public as a whole tends to believe that... .

What is more,… . Moreover, ... .
Besides, … because it is … . Besides... because... .
Doubtless, ... . Undoubtedly...
One cannot deny that... . It cannot be denied that... .
It is (very) clear from these observations that ... . From these observations it is (absolutely) clear that... .

On the other hand, we can observe that... . On the other hand, we can observe that... .
The other side of the coin is, however, that ... . However, on the other hand...
Another way of looking at this question is to ... . To look at this problem from the other side, you need... .
One should, nevertheless, consider the problem from another angle. However, we should look at this problem from a different perspective.
One should, however, not forget that ... . However, we should not forget that...
If on the one hand it can be said that ... the same is not true for ... . And if, on the one hand, we can say that..., the same cannot be said about....
On the other hand, … . On the other side, ... .
Although…. Although... .
Besides... Besides, ... .
Moreover,…. Moreover, … .
Furthermore, one should not forget that ... . In addition, we should not forget that... .
In addition to... . Except (that) ... .
Nevertheless, one should accept that... . However, it must be recognized that... .
However, we also agree that... . However, we also agree that... .

You can support your idea with the opinion of (some abstract) experts.

Experts... Experts...

Believe that…. ... think that … .

Say that... ... they say that … .

Suggest that... ... assume that ... .

Are convinced that…. ... are convinced that ... .

Point out that…. ... note that ... .

Emphasize that…. ...emphasize that...

According to some experts... According to some experts, ... .
Perhaps we should also point out the fact that ... . Perhaps we should also note the fact that... .
It would be unfair not to mention that fact that ... . It would be unfair not to mention the fact that... .
One must admit that... . We must admit that... .
We cannot ignore the fact that... . We cannot ignore the fact that... .
One cannot possibly accept the fact that ... . It's hard to come to terms with the fact that... .
From these facts, one may conclude that... . From these facts, we can conclude that... .
Which seems to confirm the idea that ... . Which seems to confirm the idea that...
Thus, ... / Therefore,... Thus, ... / Therefore... .
The most common argument against this is that ... . The most common argument against this is that... .

At the end of the essay, you draw a conclusion.

In conclusion, I can say that although … , … . In conclusion, I can say that although... , ... .
To draw the conclusion, one can say that…. To sum it up, we can say that... .
So it’s up to everyone to decide whether … or not. So everyone must decide for themselves...whether...or not.
The arguments we have presented ... suggest that ... / prove that ... / would indicate that ... . The arguments we have presented... presuppose that... / prove that... / indicate that... .
From these arguments one must ... / could... / might ... conclude that ... . Based on these arguments, it is necessary... / it is possible... / it would be possible... to come to the conclusion that... .

From this article you will learn what ( linking words) are used in written English work, such as essays. This type of work belongs to the official style and has been included in the Unified State Examination in English since 2014. You can familiarize yourself with the rules for writing an essay here - At the end of the article you will also find USEFUL TIPS,

Linking words in written English work

In any written work in English, it is not grammar that is controlled, but logic, therefore, your essay should be as logical as possible. The more logically you write, the more understandable your essay will be to the evaluator and the more points he will give you. Therefore, in your essay you should use different introductory words and complex subordinating conjunctions, in simple terms, linking words.

Let's share everything linking words into groups to make it clearer what they serve:

I. Opinion Words

First group the words are called " opinion words" You definitely use them, since you write “opinion-composition”: To my mind, ... - In my opinion, ... From my point of view, ... - From my point of view, ... In my opinion, ... - In my opinion, ...

II. Introducing Words

Second group words is called « introducing words» . These are the words with which you introduce the first and most important argument in defense of your point of view: To begin with, ... - To begin with, ... To start with, ... - To begin with, ... The first thing to be considered is ... - First, that I would like to consider...

III. Listing Words

Third group words is called « listing words» (list - in English “list”). These are the words with which you consistently argue your opinion: First of all, ... - Firstly, ... Second (ly), ... - Secondly, ... In the second place I would like to mention ... - In second place, ... Third (ly), ... - Thirdly, ... Finally, ... - In the end, ...

IV. Adding Words

Fourth group words is called "adding words". These are words with which you can add arguments in defense of your point of view: Moreover, ... - Moreover, What is more, ... - Moreover, More than that, ... - Moreover, Besides, ... - In addition, ... - In adding Furthermore, ... - Moreover Next ... - Next Also ... - Also Plus ... - In addition

Words Another thing & too- cannot be used in an essay, since they belong to an informal style, characteristic, for example, of a personal letter.

The third and fourth groups are interchangeable!

V. Contrasting Words

Fifth group words are "contrasting words". Please note that this is the word you begin the third paragraph of the essay with. However, ... - However ... Nevertheless, ... - Nevertheless ... In contrast, ... - In contrast, ... On the other hand, ... - On the other hand, ...

Word But- cannot be used in an essay, since it belongs to an informal style, characteristic, for example, of a personal letter.

VI. Giving Examples

Also in the essay you can give examples and refer to the opinions of various authoritative sources, so remember the words from the next group. This group of words is called « giving examples » . for example, - for example, ... such as - such as like - like, like according to smb - according to the words “someone”

VII. Concluding Words

In the last paragraph you do conclusion, so start it with one word from the following group to choose from. This group of words is called « including words » To sum up, ... - In conclusion, ... To conclude, ... - In conclusion, ... In conclusion, ... - In conclusion, ... All in all, ... - In general, ... All things considered, ... - Taking into account all of the above, ...

VIII. Cause and Effect Words

And finally very important group of words, which contains cause-and-effect conjunctions: as a result - as a result as - since because - because so - therefore that is why - therefore thus - in this way

Be sure to use cause-and-effect conjunctions in your English essay, as they will help you express your thoughts logically, and this is very, very IMPORTANT.

Explore this below essay template to understand how to correctly use all of the above linking words in an English essay.

* * *

But that is not all! The most difficult thing is that you will have to write an essay in English in a limited time - 40 minutes. How to do this as efficiently as possible?

HOW TO WRITE AN ENGLISH ESSAY IN 40 MINUTES 1) read the assignment and identify the main problem; 2) decide on your point of view (are you for or against); 3) write arguments (2-3) and their rationale on a draft; 4) reflect various aspects of the problem (social, economic, moral); 5) reveal one of the aspects in more detail; 6) and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, You should write an essay without a draft, keeping in mind the essay template (below)

IMPORTANT: The essay belongs to the official style, therefore abbreviations like: isn't, don't, that's why phrasal verbs and other colloquial expressions such as those characteristic of informal style ( of course, etc.) do not use parentheses and exclamation marks for the same reason, do not start a sentence with the words But or And. Use any word from group 4 instead.