Introduce your essay by restating the question in your own words.
If the essay asks you to what extent do you agree?, make your opinion clear throughout. You can either agree, partially agree or disagree with the statement, explaining and justifying your opinion.
The structure should be:
Introduction
The first reason why you agree/disagree
The second reason why you agree/disagree
The third reason why you agree/disagree (if you have one)
Conclusion
Use phrases to organise and link your ideas, e.g. Owing to … , One justification for … , The first thing to consider is … , A further reason … , In conclusion ... .
If you do not have solid evidence for your ideas, use modal verbs such as might, may or could (e.g. they could develop more empathy and care) or other tentative phrases (e.g. it does not appear to be an effective punishment).
Conclude by restating your opinion and summarising your two or three main arguments.
Read the question carefully. If the question asks you to discuss the reasons for a problem and suggest solutions, make sure you do both.
In your introduction, restate the question in your own words and say what your essay will do. This essay will outline the reasons for … and offer solutions to the problem.
Plan the paragraphs of your essay before you write. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that summarises the main idea of the paragraph.
Develop your position fully by extending your ideas and using examples to support your arguments. Use linking expressions like Coupled with, Furthermore, In fact and Given these points to show what is coming next.
Try to use a wide range of vocabulary. Use natural-sounding collocations like equal opportunities and role model. Avoid repetition by using synonyms or words with similar meanings: girls, young women, females; children, youngsters. You can also use the former and the latter to refer to things you have just mentioned.
Build the conclusion from the ideas in the essay rather than introducing new ones.
